Top 10 Best Burgers in Milwaukee | 2024 Local Foodie Guide

Two pieces of bread and some meat, right? Well, since you found this article on the interwebs, I will assume that you think a good burger is more than that, and we agree. We are Milwaukee natives and have personally done the “research” to bring you the best burgers in Milwaukee!

In this list, you will find classic Milwaukee burger spots that are near and dear to our hearts (and bellies) alongside some of the new trendy spots in the city. Let’s get on with the list because this post makes me hungry.

Here are our favorite burger joints in our hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

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1. Elsa’s on the Park

This upscale, trendy restaurant serves mouth-watering burgers alongside strong, hand-crafted martinis. On weekends, they transform into a cocktail bar, whipping up one-of-a-kind libations that all alcohol lovers will enjoy.

However, their extensive burger menu is a reason to visit on its own. You’ll find interesting flavors like the Burger Au Poivre, covered in peppercorns and cooked in a burgundy sauce. Or, opt for the Burger Alfredo, topped with a creamy parmesan sauce.

• Address: 833 N Jefferson St, Milwaukee
• Average Burger Price: $11-$14

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2. Crave Cafe

Covid Update: Take out only with very good contactless options. Call in your order at 414-204-8778.

Don’t judge this place by the exterior or our horrible picture. Just order “The Crave Burger” and thank us later. However, I would take this truffle aioli-covered burger to go and enjoy it in the nearby Hubbard Park.

Ideal for take-out lunches or dinners, the Crave Cafe whips up big, juicy burgers that make a satisfying and filling meal for the whole family. This small, hole-in-the-wall cafe has a very limited menu, but what it lacks in choice, it makes up for in flavor.

The cheeseburger and hamburger are 1/3lb of all-natural Angus beef. You can also try their unique Japanese Katsu Burger, a crispy pork loin topped with garlic aioli and katsu sauce. The Carve burger is worth trying, and the caramelized onions and white truffle aioli are to die for.

Complete your order with a side of BBQ or Ranch fries, and you have yourself a mouth-watering dinner!

• Address: 3592 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood
• Average Burger Price: $5-$7

Related Article: 3 Days in Milwaukee Guide

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3. Sobelman’s

With five locations in Wisconsin, Sobelman’s is a household name in the burger industry. Although the inside of their restaurant may look like your typical burger bar, its wide range of burger options makes this place truly shine.

There are over 20 different burger choices on the menu. You’ll find traditional favorites like cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, and mushroom and Swiss, but their namesake burger is the star of the show. The Sobelman comes with three types of cheese, bacon, and diced jalapenos. You can upgrade the Sobelman to a double or triple burger if you’re extra hungry.

Don’t forget to wash it down with one of their famous, decadent Bloody Marys. The Masterpiece is topped with a cheeseburger slider, and the Baconado comes with a skewer of bacon-wrapped cheeseballs. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the Bloody Beast – a Bloody Mary with a whole fried chicken in it!

• Address: 1900 W St Paul Ave Milwaukee
• Average Burger Price: $9-$10

Related: Best Brunch Spots in Milwaukee

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4. Kopp’s

This is Milwaukee comfort food. Some foodie snobs won’t like this burger being at the top of the list, but if you grew up in Milwaukee – you’d get it. And if you didn’t grow up here, you desperately need one of these burgers (and some frozen custard) in your life. It’s more than just the burgers. It’s a uniquely Milwaukee experience.

Specializing in frozen custard sundaes and “jumbo” hamburgers, Kopp’s is one of those places that you can’t miss during your visit to Milwaukee. Founded in 1950, Kopp’s has remained one of the oldest places in the city where you can grab a fresh, made-to-order burger.

Unlike fancy gastropubs or modern joints, Kopp’s sticks with a fairly straightforward menu. They have cheeseburgers, hamburgers, grilled chicken burgers, and even fish burgers. Don’t expect any flashy toppings besides the traditional ketchup, lettuce, bacon, or pickle.

For dessert, you should try one of their ice cream concoctions. They have different flavors offered each day, like Snickers Chunky Cheesecake, Midnight Chocolate, and Cashew Caramel. You can even set an alert on their website to notify you when your favorite flavor is being sold! Click here to check out Kopp’s flavor forecast.

• Locations:
  • Greenfield: 7631 W. Layton Ave. Greenfield,
  • Brookfield: 18880 W. Bluemound Rd. Brookfield
  • Glendale: 5373 N. Port Washington Rd. Glendale
• Average Burger Price: $5-$7

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5. Crafty Cow

This family-run establishment serves some of the best Milwaukee burgers in town. They’re known for their Jucy Lucy-style burgers, where the cheese is inside the patty rather than on top. They also serve up some of the best cheese curds in Milwaukee, which is the perfect appetizer.

All burgers on the menu are antibiotic, hormone-free, USDA-grade beef, so you can feel better about what you eat with every bite. Their signature burger may just be a plain patty stuffed with American cheese, but there’s nothing plain about its flavor.

You can also order one of their specialty burgers, like the Peanut Butter Paradise. You should also try the Cheesehead, which is stuffed with five different kinds of cheese before being topped with cheese curds and smothered in a creamy cheese sauce.

They also have an amazing weekend brunch, with dishes like chicken and waffles, brisket breakfast bowls, and breakfast biscuits.

• Address: 2675 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee

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6. Stack’d

All locals have heard of Stack’d. This classic burger bar lets you choose from one of their delicious gourmet burgers or gives you the option to build your own burger.

Go for the traditional beef burger, or try something different, like the pizza burger, Bahn mi burger, or chickpea walnut burger. You can even help the environment with the Willburger, where a certain percentage of sales go directly to the Humane Society of Wisconsin.

If you have a bit of creativity, with over a dozen types of cheese and 20 different sauces, you can create your own unique delicacy!

They also have a weekly happy hour and daily drink specials if you need more incentive to go. With over 100 varieties of beer for sale, you’re guaranteed to find something to help wash down that juicy, meaty goodness.

• Address: 170 S 1st St, Milwaukee
• Average Burger Price: $12-$14

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7. Merriment Social

Sometimes, there’s nothing more comforting than sitting down with a nice, juicy, gourmet burger. This gastropub only serves dishes made from high-quality ingredients, with an extensive beer and cocktail menu to match.

Menus change seasonally, and burgers are just one of the many options you have to choose from. The Merriment Burger will do just nicely if you’re looking for a satisfying burger. It’s topped with American cheese, bacon, pickles, and egg.

Try one of their other specialties, like chicken tinga tostadas or crispy duck potstickers. You really can’t go wrong with anything you order at Merriment Social!

• Address: 240 E Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee
• Average Burger Price: $12

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8. Camino

If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned American gastropub, then look no further than Camino. You’ll surely find something on the menu that sparks your interest by serving up dishes like chicken wings and house-made sausages.

Burger-wise, they have only one option – the Burger. Made with half a pound of Wisconsin beef and topped with melted cheese and sizzled onions, it’s guaranteed to change the way you think of traditional cheeseburgers.

Camino has daily specials, like Mega Dog Tuesday and Beer and Mac Thursdays, so you can always expect a great deal when dining here.

• Address: 434 S 2nd St, Milwaukee
• Average Burger Price: $10

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9. Nite Owl

Head over to the Nite Owl Drive-In, a staple that has been serving Milwaukee for the last 70 years. They open at 11 and stay open until they run out of meat! However, if you are looking for a late-night after-dinner snack, you aren’t going to find it here. They run out of burgers before dinner time most days.

Honestly, this is one of our favorite places for a burger. However, it’s next to impossible lately to get a burger – except for lunchtime. So, if you are the owners of this place and happen to be reading this, stay open longer, and Nite Owl will move up on this list – and newsflash, you’ll make more sales.

Options are limited compared to other pubs and restaurants in the area, but they are all solid options, like mushroom & swiss and bacon cheeseburgers. They also have other offerings, such as steak sandwiches, hot dogs, and turkey clubs.

A restaurant that’s been in the business this long is obviously doing something right!

• Address: 830 E Layton Ave, Milwaukee
• Average Burger Price: $3-$4

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10. AJ Bombers

Half burger joint and half kitschy dive bar, AJ Bombers, is one of the most memorable stops on this Milwaukee burger list. The beer is cold, the burgers are massive, and the atmosphere is in a league of its own. Guests are actually encouraged to grab a marker and write it all over the walls!

On the menu, you’ll enjoy specialty burgers like “Cheese on Cheese on Cheese” or the spicy “Medusa” burger. Vegetarians can also find something to enjoy, like the Beyond Burger, which is made from 100% plant-based proteins.

For starters, you can indulge in various crispy snacks, like fried pickles, buffalo chicken eggrolls, and, of course, good old Wisconsin cheese curds.

This is a restaurant that not only we love, but our kids do too. If you are looking for family friendly restaurants in Milwaukee to bring the kids, head to AJ Bombers.

Don’t forget to stop by for their weekday happy hour from 2 pm-7 pm. Enjoy discounted drinks and $4 single burgers and cheese curds.

• Flagship location Address: 1247 N Water Street, Milwaukee
• Average Burger Price: $8-$10

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11. Mason Street Grill

Meat lovers rejoice! The Mason Street Grill is here to satisfy every carnivorous craving you may have. This American restaurant has it all – baby back ribs, steak and fries, short ribs, and burgers! It is also on our best restaurants in Milwaukee article because they have great food!

Made from 10oz of Black Angus chuck sirloin, the Mason Street Grill burger is incredible. It’s topped with honey-glazed onions, muenster cheese, and house-made relish. For those who want to cut back on the meat, you can also opt for the burger to be made with 100% plant-based proteins instead.

Besides the daily happy hour, you can also enjoy live music six days a week. Listen to the finest jazz and soul musicians in Wisconsin while you indulge in some of the most mouth-watering dishes available. Besides burgers, Mason Street Grill is also one of the best steakhouses in Milwaukee.

• Address: 425 E Mason St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
• Average Burger Price: $12

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12. Oscar’s Pub & Grill

This no-frills establishment serves up the best bar burger in Milwaukee. The owner used to work at Sobelman’s (#3 on this list) and, in 2011, decided to open up his own Milwaukee burger joint with his wife.

For under $8, you’ll get one of the best burgers in Milwaukee and hand-cut fries! There is no other place in the city where you can get a tasty burger with an amazing local beer selection. They offer five specialty burgers. Our favorites are the Gringo and the Big “O.” They have a full menu with appetizers, salads, other sandwiches, a Friday fish fry, etc.

Oscar’s has become so popular they’ve opened up a second location called Oscar’s Winner Circle (3800 W Breman St. Milwaukee), and they have a food truck called Oscar’s on a Roll.

• Address: 1712 W Pierce St Milwaukee, WI, and 3800 W Burnham St
• Average Burger Price: $3-5

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13. Shake Shack

As one of the most successful chains in the US, Shake Shack is a popular choice for a quick Milwaukee burger. Although it’s a fast-food chain, the food is fresher and more gourmet than your typical drive-thru joint. This is a tasty, quick option if you are looking for lunch in Milwaukee and are downtown.

One bite into their succulent burgers, and you’ll see why they’ve become one of the biggest burger restaurants in the country!

Get the classic ShackBurger, Shack Stack, or Smoke Shack. There are also mushroom and chicken burgers on the menu if you’re looking for more choices. Don’t forget to complete your meal with crinkle fries and a milkshake.

• Address: 220 E Buffalo St #110, Milwaukee
• Average Burger Price: $5-$7

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14. Milwaukee Burger Company

The burgers at the Milwaukee Burger Company constantly outshine the competition and for a good reason! The meat is grilled to your liking and made from 100% midwestern beef. All you have to do is add your favorite toppings and have one unforgettable meal.

Some of their burgers, like the Blueberry Hangover, can be a little outrageous. Made with a blueberry bun and a blueberry-infused patty, it’s nothing like anything you’ve had before!

If you’re up for the challenge, you must take the Big Milwaukee Challenge. It consists of an astonishing eight beef patties with eight slices of American cheese. This massive burger is piled with onions, mushrooms, jalapenos, and even fried cheese curds before being smothered in a rich burger sauce. If you can eat this monster burger in under 30 minutes, you’ll get a t-shirt and shoutout on their social media accounts!

• Address: Seven different locations in Wisconsin
• Average Burger Price: $10-$13

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