Milwaukee, Wisconsin, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, isn’t just about breweries and beautiful architecture. It’s a city with a vibrant food scene waiting to be explored. If you’re wondering What Food Is Milwaukee Known For, prepare for a mouthwatering journey through local delicacies, from cheesy delights to hearty sausages and sweet treats.
1. Cheese Curds: Wisconsin’s Squeaky Delight
No trip to Wisconsin (or Milwaukee!) is complete without indulging in fresh cheese curds. Often called “squeaky cheese,” these are the young cheddar before it’s aged. You can find them fresh, often served warm, or deep-fried for a crispy, gooey experience. This quintessential Wisconsin treat is a must-try, representing the state’s rich dairy heritage which dates back to the 19th century with European cheese-making traditions.
2. Friday Fish Fry: A Milwaukee Tradition
The Friday Fish Fry is more than just a meal in Milwaukee; it’s a cultural experience. Rooted in the city’s German and Polish immigrant history and Catholic traditions, this weekly ritual involves enjoying freshly caught fish, often beer-battered and deep-fried, served with sides like potato pancakes, coleslaw, and rye bread. Numerous establishments throughout the city participate, from upscale restaurants to neighborhood pubs.
3. Butter Burgers: A Wisconsin Staple
Prepare for a juicy explosion of flavor with a butter burger. This Wisconsin invention involves adding a generous pat of butter to the burger patty, allowing it to melt into the meat and bun. The result? An incredibly rich and flavorful burger that is a true Wisconsin indulgence. Solly’s Grille in Milwaukee is credited with popularizing this decadent treat, starting in the 1930s.
4. Bratwurst: A German Legacy
Honoring Milwaukee’s strong German heritage, bratwurst is a beloved food staple. These sausages are typically grilled or boiled and served on a bun with toppings like onions, mustard, and sauerkraut. The city’s German immigrants brought their love of bratwurst with them, and it has since become a symbol of Milwaukee’s culinary landscape. Usinger’s, a local sausage maker, even gifted President Dwight Eisenhower “Milwaukee brats” in 1953, elevating their reputation nationwide.
5. Cream Puffs: A Wisconsin State Fair Favorite
While not originally from Milwaukee, cream puffs have become a state-wide obsession thanks to the Wisconsin State Fair. These airy pastries filled with a generous amount of sweet cream custard are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The Wisconsin Bakers Association has been operating the cream puff pavilion at the fair since 1941, producing hundreds of thousands of these treats each year.
6. Frozen Custard: Milwaukee’s Creamy Obsession
Milwaukee is often called the “unofficial frozen custard capital of the world,” and for good reason. This creamy dessert, similar to ice cream but with a denser texture due to the addition of egg yolks, is a local favorite. Legendary spots like Leon’s and Kopp’s have been serving up delicious frozen custard for decades. Frozen custard was first introduced at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. Leon Schneider opened Leon’s Frozen Custard in 1942 in Milwaukee, popularizing the treat in the region.
7. Bloody Mary: A Meal in a Glass
Milwaukee takes the Bloody Mary to a whole new level. These aren’t your average cocktails; they’re often loaded with extravagant garnishes that turn them into a full meal. Expect to see everything from cheese and sausage to shrimp, bacon, and even mini cheeseburgers perched atop your drink. Sobelman’s Pub & Grill is particularly famous for its “Bloody Beast,” topped with a whole fried chicken.
8. Pretzels: A Warm German Snack
Another tribute to Milwaukee’s German heritage, soft, warm pretzels are a popular snack. These are often served with tangy mustard or gooey beer cheese sauce, making them the perfect accompaniment to a local brew.
9. Sausages: A Milwaukee Meat Feast
Beyond bratwurst, Milwaukee boasts a wide array of sausages, from Polish to Italian. These are often enjoyed at tailgate parties, especially during Brewers games. Sausage popularity in Milwaukee is credited to the city’s strong German roots.
10. Smelt: A Great Lakes Delicacy
Smelt, small fried fish found in the Great Lakes, are a classic Milwaukee staple, particularly during Lent. These are often served with tartar sauce. Smelt fries became popular in the mid-20th century after the fish were introduced to the Great Lakes.
11. Pączki: A Polish Doughnut Delight
These Polish doughnuts, pronounced “POHNCH-kee,” are a pre-Lenten treat. Filled with fruit or cream, they’re a delicacy you shouldn’t miss, especially on Pączki Day (Fat Tuesday). With Milwaukee’s substantial Polish population, the tradition of making and eating pączki was brought to Milwaukee by Polish immigrants.
12. Milwaukee-Style Pizza: A Thin-Crust Tradition
Complete your Milwaukee foodie adventure with a local pizza. Characterized by its ultra-thin, cracker-like crust, rounded sausage pieces, diced onions, and generous helping of Wisconsin cheese, this pizza style offers a unique taste of Milwaukee. Wisconsin’s pizza story starts with Italian immigrants who brought their culinary traditions with them. Over time, Wisconsin pizza evolved to include local influences.
Milwaukee: A Food Lover’s Paradise
From savory to sweet, Milwaukee’s culinary scene offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences. So, the next time you’re wondering what food is Milwaukee known for, remember this list and prepare for a delicious adventure in Wisconsin’s Brew City!
