The food in Milwaukee is very diverse. You can find everything from the traditional Wisconsin style pizza to the famous cream puffs. And you can also get your fill of beer and cheese.
Beer
If you’re looking for a great food and beer experience, Milwaukee is a great choice. Its rich history in brewing is celebrated with a variety of delicious local beers and foods.
While Milwaukee may be known for brats and frozen custard, you can also find plenty of other great eats. For instance, there are bratwursts and root beer at many of the area’s popular breweries.
Fish fries are another tradition in Milwaukee. This snack was a favorite among German and Scandinavian families during the holidays. A fish fry consisted of a potato or rye bread, cabbage, and a lot of food.
Another food that is a staple in Milwaukee is the cannibal sandwich. It is made with raw beef, onion, and salt.
Cheese
You might be surprised to learn that cheese is Milwaukee food. After all, Wisconsin is home to many great cheesemakers, and is one of the top producers in the country. This means that Milwaukee restaurants can take advantage of the local dairy product by offering some creative dishes.
For a more traditional approach to cheese, you can try out the local favorites at the Milwaukee Brat House. Their fried cheese curds are a must. They’re served with a chipotle ranch dipping sauce. The restaurant also serves beer cheese soup and brats.
A broader look at the state’s cheese production might reveal that 40 percent of Wisconsin cheeses come from European countries, such as France and Switzerland. One of the best places to sample these cheeses is at the Milwaukee Public Market.
Cream puffs
Cream puffs are a sweet eggy treat that can be eaten in several different ways. One way is to fill them with cream and top them with confectioner’s sugar. Another is to drop them on a greased baking sheet, then brush the top with egg yolk.
The cream puff has been a staple of the Wisconsin State Fair since its inception in 1924. Hundreds of thousands of fairgoers enjoy this signature dish each year.
It’s easy to find these little treats on the grounds of the state fair. In fact, you can get one for free during the Cream Puff-a-Palooza, a fun contest sponsored by FOX6 News.
Wisconsin-style pizza
Among the food choices of a Midwestern city, pizza is no exception. There are several options, including traditional Italian pies and frozen pizza. However, Milwaukee has its own version of the traditional. It is also home to a number of New York style pizzerias, one of which specializes in deep dish.
The best Wisconsin-style pizza has a cracker thin crust, plenty of toppings, and a rich red sauce. Most pizzerias use a wood-fired oven for their pizza. But there are some older establishments that still serve sheet-pan pizza.
In general, Wisconsin style pizza isn’t heavy on the cheese. The classic pie is often served with a small amount of sausage and mushrooms. Despite the absence of a plethora of cheese, the pizza is a satisfying meal.
Wisconsin-style bratwursts
Wisconsin brats are a traditional favorite in the Badger State. They can be served in a crusty roll with mustard and sauerkraut, or on a hot dog bun. Brats are also a popular tailgate food, especially during football season.
The brat is a German sausage, traditionally made from pork. It is cooked on a grill or in a skillet. If you want to prepare a traditional Wisconsin brat at home, you’ll need a brat pan.
The meat is cooked on a medium-heat grill. You’ll want to grill the brats for about 10 minutes. Turn them several times. Grilling brats over a charcoal grill gives them a deep, rich color. Alternatively, you can simmer them in a beer bath.
Restaurants
There are a variety of restaurants in Milwaukee, from fine dining to budget-friendly options. The city is bursting with options, and the restaurant scene is ever-growing. From a food truck park to a brewhouse to the best of the Midwest, the city offers a variety of cuisines.
A great Milwaukee restaurant for a date is French Bistro Cafe in Lake Park. This spot boasts a gorgeous view of the lake and a swanky bar. The menu is a mix of old school and new. Some of the dishes include butter poached lobster, pan seared duck foie gras, and roasted aged duck breast.
Another restaurant with a lot to brag about is Odd Duck. Located on Milwaukee’s East Side, the menu has a variety of choices. They even offer a muddled orange cocktail.
