234 E Vine St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
With all the delicious brunch dishes Uncle Wolfies has to offer, it might be hard to imagine ordering something as simple as the burger when you finally take the time to visit (read: usually long waits). But take our word for it: this is a burger that you want to try. In general, we are partial to a smash burger, with those crispy edges and thin flavorful patties that allow for a better meat-to-cheese ratio. The Big McAllister offers this to near perfection, complete with special sauce and delicious house cut fries.
6807 W Becher St, West Allis, WI 53219
The Wild Roots Duck Fat burger is not your traditional burger, but it certainly has made a name for itself in the Milwaukee community. Fresh ground brisket is cooked in duck fat for a rich, satisfying flavor. The burger is then served on a buttered fluffy bun with American cheese, caramelized onions, and house made thousand island sauce. The burger can be ordered with a choice of fries or salad, but make sure you order the fries with their fresh made garlic aioli for dipping.
830 E Layton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
In Milwaukee it is tradition to take out the sports car and make a stop at your favorite drive-in. For many, that would be Nite Owl Drive-In, known for their never frozen beef and high quality burgers. Nite Owl is only open seasonally (March to November), and at odd hours (11-3 pm, when most night owls are still asleep). The reason for the odd hours is simple though, and it's that they store as much fresh meat as their tiny shop can handle, and when they sell out, they close. Tip: Order the single, no need to order the double. And add bacon!
2491 S Superior St, Milwaukee, WI 53207
There isn't anything necessarily fancy or out of the ordinary about Palomino's burger, but simply put it is just a great burger. I mean, just look at that thing. The brisket burger is served atop a brioche bun with the perfect topping ratios of American cheese, onions, pickles, and a delicious Palomino secret sauce.
2457 S Wentworth Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Goodkind only offers their burger on Tuesday nights, which makes it all the more special. And it's never the same: each Tuesday morning they'll announce what crazy concoction they've come up with for you this week. And after 4+ Tuesday tastings, we can confidently confirm that their burger is simply always delicious. Some notable versions we've tried are a black truffle & artichoke tapenade with foie-llandaise burger and a spicy ranch pimento cheese, bacon and whipped avocado burger topped with alfalfa sprouts. And it always comes served on a beautiful (very photogenic) golden sesame bun.
240 E Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Reading the description of The Merriment Burger, you may not think it sounds like anything out of the ordinary. But once you have a bite, you suddenly realize you've eaten the whole thing, and damn that thing was good. The Merriment burger comes on a milk bun with American cheese, applewood bacon, house pickles, and a social sauce. You can also add colonel gravy for dippin' or a fried egg.
Various Locations
The butter burger was invented in Wisconsin when someone in Seymour decided to literally grill their beef patty in butter, and was later popularized in Milwaukee. Fitting for the land of dairy and cows, am I right? Kopp's is a Milwaukee institution, and while they are largely known for their heavenly custard, they offer a very solid butter burger, and at a very decent price. Similar to Nite Owl, a single hamburger is plenty and the double does become overwhelming.
S73W16770 W Janesville Rd, Muskego, WI 53150
While Milk Can is a bit outside of the Milwaukee area, these burgers are definitely worth the drive to Muskego. The Milk Can Melt is one of the gooiest, most satisfying patty melts you'll find, and also the only patty melt on our list since we just haven't found another that compares. And the regular Milk Can cheeseburgers are just as good. With supper club roots and deep ties to the Midwest, these burgers are about as Wisconsin as you can get outside of a butter burger.
5100 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Story Hill BKC (which stands for Bottle-Kitchen-Cup) excels at every dish they serve, whether it be brunch or dinner. And while everything on the menu sounds amazing, the Mushroom Raclette burger should not be ignored. Probably the most elevated and exquisite burger on our list, this burger is made with a half pound Niman ranch beef patty, steak sauce mushrooms, Saxony cheese, truffle mayo and a BSB seeded bun. While Story Hill offers a burger on their brunch and lunch menus, the Mushroom Raclette burger can only be found on the dinner menu.
6922 W Becher St, Milwaukee, WI 53219
Archie's Flat Top is the newest contender on our list, opening just this past Summer in West Allis. Archie's keeps it classic, and simple- you can order burgers, fries and onion rings. And that's it. But keeping it simple allows them to perfect their smashburger, The Archie, which comes with two house patties, American cheese, PBR onions, shredded lettuce, tomato and special sauce on a potato roll. Archie's is owned by those behind community favorite West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe, which can be found next door to Archie's and at their second location in the Public Market.
3592 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Like Story Hill, a little bit of truffle takes the burger at Crave Cafe in another delicious direction. Located in an unassuming quick service spot on the East Side, the Crave Burger is definitely deserving of its name. It comes on a perfect golden bun and is topped with a satisfying combination of swiss cheese, caramelized onions, arugula and a truffle aioli.
2378 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
It is probably not a stretch to say that Heirloom MKE is one of Milwaukee's most popular and sought after food trucks, simply because everything they produce is crafted with care (if this was a chicken sandwich list, you'd also find them here). Heirloom is known for making from-scratch eats and using local, farm fresh ingredients. The Heirloom burger is also made with Niman Ranch beef, and topped with Carr Valley Cheddar, LTO, and a house sauce on top of a brioche bun. Hot tip: Do not pass up on the cheese curds as your side.
815 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
The Diplomat has a menu that changes often, but one thing that never leaves is their burger offering, known affectionately as "The Diplomac". The reason behind the name is simple: this is a premium version of a well-known burger offered at that one place with the golden arches. And of course, it is much, much better.
1234 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Pete's Pub may look like your average, no-frills sports bar, but the food is anything but. The buttery brioche bun perfectly compliments the smashed patty that has a slight crust and blends perfectly with extra sharp, gooey American cheese. It is also one of the closest to a true smashburger that we have found in the city.
1712 W Pierce St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Oscar's Pub and Grill is a burger institution for many in Milwaukee. This might not be for the burger itself, but for the mass amount of topping options you have to choose from at Oscar's. Specialty burgers such as "The Big O" are definite crowd pleasers, and if you're looking to have it your way, Oscar's is the spot. The Build-Your-Own Burger menu offers over 30 different topping options, including Boursin cheese. And we have to ask- why don't more burgers come with boursin cheese?