A classic burger isn’t hard to find in Milwaukee. When dining out in the city, you’ll likely find some version of a burger on most menus, yet there are a few local burgers that really stand out for their quality and creativity. If you haven’t tried these local burgers -- it’s time you do. Here are ten of the best burgers in the Milwaukee area.
Sobelman Burger
Sobleman’s (1900 W. St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee; 332 Williams St., Waukesha), sobelmanspubandgrill.com
A discussion of Milwaukee burgers cannot leave out Sobleman’s, perhaps one of the most iconic burger joints in the area. Its list of burger offerings runs 17 deep, from the traditional cheeseburger to a seasoned pork burger with Habanero cheese.
Most popular among patrons is The Sobelman: a traditional hamburger covered with American, swiss and cheddar cheeses and topped with bacon, caramelized onions and jalapeño peppers. If you’re really hungry, you can add a patty to make it a double, or add another to make it a triple (also known as The Big Sob).
APV Burger II
Elsa’s On the Park (833 N. Jefferson St.), elsas.com
Well-known for its burgers, Elsa’s on the Park is a Milwaukee classic located in downtown’s Cathedral Square. Though you can’t go wrong with any burger on the menu, the APV burger’s exquisite flavor best matches the restaurant’s classy character. A half-pound APV burger begins with the Burger Au Poivre covered in peppercorns and sautéed in a burgundy sauce and is finished with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and Nueske’s bacon. It’s served on a toasted Italian roll and served with classic fries.
Canadian Tuxedo Burger
Crafty Cow (6519 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa; 2675 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee; 153 E. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc), craftycowwi.com
This poutine-style burger comes nestled in a pool of savory demi-glace. Two smash patties host melty white cheese curds, a tater tot patty, pickles, caramelized onions and a parmesan and herb aioli. It’s accompanied by tater tots, house chips, sweet potato fries or a cup of roasted corn and poblano chowder. This one can be enjoyed by vegetarians, too, by substituting a beyond meat patty.
Cheeseburger
Kopp’s Frozen Custard (7631 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield; 18880 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield; 5373 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale), kopps.com
For a traditional local option, Kopp’s checks all the boxes. A classic, oversized cheeseburger is topped with the traditional fixings: lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese and dotted with pickle slices. Kopp’s burgers are best enjoyed with a side of fries or onion rings and a chocolate malt from the fountain. Or keep your eye on the flavor preview and take home a pint of specialty custard like tiramisu or red velvet Oreo.
The Hangover Stack
Stack’d Burger Bar (170 S. 1st St.), stackdburgerbar.com
Possibilities are endless at this local burger bar with eight protein options, 11 cheeses, six bun choices, 15 toppings and 15 sauces, but The Hangover Stack continues to be the most popular of the specialties. A grass-fed beef patty is smothered with fried onions, bacon, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, lettuce and tomato. For even more variety, Stack’d also offers a collection of sides: fries, tots, onion rings, mac & cheese, beans, chili, fruit, soup or salad. To wash it all down, you can choose from the wide selection of craft beer and cocktail offerings on the menu, including flavored shakes and floats.
Tuesday Burger Night
Goodkind (2457 S. Wentworth Ave.), goodkindbayview.com
You could likely visit every Tuesday and never have the same burger twice. Goodkind has written more than 400 varieties of Tuesday night burgers, all with the same CDK beef that has been dry-aged for 21 days and pattied only hours before serving. Each creative burger rendition includes fresh seasonal toppings that often cater to special themes, holidays and local events. Burgers can be enjoyed with any of Goodkind’s small plates or sides — including beer-battered French fries with sesame spinach dip. If you’re one that likes to plan ahead, you can often catch a preview of the burger on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
The Big Boy Tribute
AJ Bombers (1247 N. Water St.), ajbombers.com
Corporate executive chef of Benson’s Restaurant Group Alex Sazama recommends this rendition of the classic Big Boy burger — his personal favorite among their burger offerings. “It includes every flavor and texture you hope for on a burger,” he says, which includes two quarter-pound smash-style patties, melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, a double-decker sesame seed bun and AJ Bombers’ secret sauce. Make sure to leave room for some classic salty peanuts (delivered by tracks on the ceiling) and a boozy custard shake.
Valley Burger
Taylor’s People’s Park (337 W. Main St., Waukesha), peoplesparkwaukesha.com
You won’t leave hungry after enjoying a half-pound Valley Burger with a generous serving of seasoned fries (sea-salted, sweet potato, sour cream and chive or Cajun). A cooked-to-order certified Angus beef patty is topped with romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and a light lime cilantro aioli. Try the burger for lunch or dinner, or a late night snack — People’s Park serves its full menu until 11:00 p.m. The menu has a wide selection of options, so if your party includes non-burger-lovers, they’ll be taken care of, too.
Cajun Cheese Curd Burger
Hale House (10539 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners), hale-house.com
It’s hard to narrow a customer favorite among Hale House’s seven creative burger offerings. But above the Whiskey Burger and the classic Butter Burger reigns the Cajun Cheese Curd Burger: a hearty half-pound Cajun-seasoned sirloin patty with a generous fried cheese curd slice, lettuce, tomato and chipotle ranch dressing. A pint of local craft beer is the best match for this flavorful burger.
Merriment Burger
Merriment Social (240 E. Pittsburgh Ave.), merrimentsocial.com
The Merriment Burger is a fan favorite among a range of comfort food classics in this Walker’s Point restaurant. It’s topped with American cheese, applewood bacon and house pickles, but perhaps its most memorable quality is the social sauce. Vegetarians won’t miss out either; impossible burgers are available for substitution. Add fries or baked clock shadow spicy ranch cheese curds; for a more eclectic route, try the monte cristo egg rolls or fried Brussel sprouts. MKE