Best Burgers in Milwaukee| BestDishMKE

1

Birch

We'd been hearing about the Birch burger for years, and we would have already had it if not for the fact that it is available in the bar only. Finally, we had our seats at the bar and went back and forth on whether to get two or one burger to split. Ultimately we decided this was too special of an occasion and we had to get our own. We were happy we did, because she is a beauty- not quite a smashburger, but a double patty of fresh ground brisket with the right amount of grease and cheese melt, complimented with a smoked onion aioli and homemade dill pickles. It may not look like it, but this burger has some serious heft, so splitting one isn't as crazy as we thought. The Birch burger does not come with fries, but you have the option of adding on a potato salad, or can order from the full menu at the bar.

2

Riley’s Bar + Burger

100 E Montana St, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Owner John Ludwig of Riley’s Social House has always had a passion: finding the best burgers in town. In particular, he had a love of the Smashburger, which has hit the Milwaukee scene in recent years, but maybe not in a way that true lovers of the thin, crispy edged burger patty may have hoped. So he set off on his mission to open a spot that serves truly delicious, well-crafted Wagyu Smashburgers. That dream became a reality when they opened their Bay View spot in June of 2025. The burger bar was an instant success, with diners raving over the burger, many agreeing that it may be the best Smash in town. We were also impressed and agree with John’s take on the Smash- no lettuce and tomato to be found here. The Riley, their signature burger, is complete with a ground wagyu beef patty, American cheese, grilled onion, bread & butter pickle, jalapeno and Riley sauce, all on a potato bun- a perfect combo, even for us who are not typically fans of the bread & butter pickle. Riley’s also serves a specialty burger of the week and is always open to ideas on what to serve next.

3

Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern

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.

4

Wild Roots

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.

5

Nite Owl Drive In

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!

6

Draft & Co.

441 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203

We've watched in awe as the people who started Draft & Vessel, a bar focused on a serious and well thought out beer and draft cocktail menu, grew their locations. Starting in Shorewood, they've since expanded to Draft & Vessel Tosa, Pomeroy and The Giving Tree patio in Walker's Point, and now Draft & Co, located right across from the Fiserv and Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee. All have a similar aesthetic that gives off a refined lodge, rustic feel but with an eclectic cool vibe. Draft & Co is the first of all of their locations to offer a food menu, and the focus of that menu is their delicious smash burger. And when a menu focuses on something, that something is often done right. Go with their namesake burger, The Draft Smash, with American Cheese, caramelized onions and Draft sauce, and make it a double.

7

Goodkind

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.

8

Fox Den

616 W Virginia St, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Fox Den wants you to know: they are not the kind of burger joint that serves regular ketchup, so don’t even ask. Instead, they have an extensive list of house-made sauces that can be used either as burger toppings or with a side of fries (which are worth the $3). Located in the back of Great Lakes Distillery, you might not even know it was there, but we promise: it’s worth seeking out. We’re especially fans of the Umami Bomb: two beef patties topped with drunken mushrooms with bacon, caramelized onion, ‘shroom ketchup, swiss and a giant parmesan crisp that expertly elevates the burger in both sharp, rich flavors and crispy texture. Fox Den proves they’re serious about their burger craft, serving inventive options using smash patties that are sourced from local purveyors and always fresh ground.

9

Merriment Social

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.

10

Kopp’s

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.

11

Milk Can Hamburgers & Frozen Custard

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.

12

Palmino double cheeseburger with pickles and secret sauce

Palomino

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.

13

Archie’s Flat Top

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.

14

Crave Cafe

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.

15

Heirloom

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.

16

The Diplomat

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.

17

Pete’s Pub

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.

18

Oscar's burger with boursin cheese and bacon

Oscar’s Pub and Grill

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?