Honest Reviews: Milwaukee's Brews and Food

Milwaukee's dynamic cultural landscape is deeply influenced by its rich history, vibrant present, and promising future, particularly showcased in its diverse food and beer offerings. The city has a strong brewing legacy, highlighted by iconic figures like Captain Pabst and Frederic Miller, who helped establish Milwaukee's renowned beer culture. The culinary scene also reflects a mix of traditions. You can indulge in a selection of Belgian beers at the charming Benelux Grand Cafe in the Historic Third Ward, enjoy the local favorite cheese curds at Stack'd Burger Bar, and raise a hearty mug of German pilsner at the Bavarian Bierhaus, among many other delightful options. Join me as we delve into the delicious world of Milwaukee's food and brews.

Stack’d Burger Bar

Just below the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, there's a cozy little bar that buzzes with energy, offering a delightful menu that includes not only burgers but also a variety of cocktails, shakes, and delicious cheese curds! I struck up a pleasant conversation with the bartender, who inquired about my hometown. Sporting my Packers hat, we shared a few words about the team, making for a friendly and engaging exchange.

Cheese curds: I went for the white cheddar version (since I can’t really get this at home) and it was quite good. If you’ve ever had popcorn chicken or chicken nuggets, it’s similar, but it’s filled with cheese. It has a fried coating on them and you can dip in this delicious sauce. Terrific mix of flavors for something so simple.

The cocktail was a “big old fashioned”. If you’ve ever had an Old Fashioned, it’s an iconic beverage, which typically combines whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus. In this case, it was a very refreshing version as the fruit was chopped and mixed in the drink. Though, it was a bit difficult to drink with the chopped bits of cherry but it was very refreshing and sweetened in a way that wasn't too overpowering.

Wisconsin claims to have invented the Old Fashioned, and that's not exactly true. The origins of the Old Fashioned can be traced back to the early 19th century, when it was known simply as a "whiskey cocktail." As the years progressed, the drink evolved, with bartenders experimenting with various ingredients and techniques. In Wisconsin, the Old Fashioned took on a distinctive character, often featuring brandy instead of whiskey, a choice that reflects the state’s German and Polish immigrant influences. This regional variation has contributed to the drink's unique identity, making it a beloved staple in bars and homes alike.

As I only had the appetizer and cocktail, and the bartender was incredibly friendly, I would recommend if you’re in town. I did get to see some of the burgers coming out of the kitchen and they looked incredible. Grade A-

3rd Street Market Hall

This is an excellent illustration of a well-executed food hall. Food halls serve as an ideal choice for various travelers, as they typically feature a wider array of dining options along with entertainment and retail offerings. This particular venue boasts 19 vendors, primarily focused on food but also providing merchandise. Guests can enjoy a bourbon bar, a self-serve area for beer and wine taps, as well as spaces dedicated to arcade and video games, darts, and board games. The culinary selections are impressively diverse, ranging from seafood and sushi to tacos, Vietnamese cuisine, hot dogs, burgers, milkshakes, baked treats, and much more..

I stopped here for lunch and settled on a patty melt with fries from Dairyland:

• Patty Melt: The burger tasted very good. It’s a seasoned patty with carmelized onions and cheese on rye bread with melted American cheese. It’s usually toasted and pressed and this was no exception. This is a staple at many diners for a good reason and this one doesn’t disappoint. It absolutely hit the spot.
• Fries: Their fries were irresistible. The seasoning was much more than salt and pepper. I definitely tasted some sugar or some type of sweet seasoning on them as well. The ketchup tubs were never opened because you just didn’t need them. These were almost like really good salt and pepper potato chips. Quite good.
• Overall grade for the food, very impressive take on a diner classic: Grade A.

In this self-serve taproom, you have the freedom to choose between small or large pours, and you can even mix and match different beers to create your perfect tasting experience. Many of these establishments also offer a selection of wine and cider, catering to a variety of preferences. During my visit in October, the menu was heavily influenced by Oktoberfest beers, which were the stars of the show at City Fountain. I decided to try a combination of a classic Oktoberfest and a remarkable barrel-aged version, and it turned out to be an exceptional choice for my lunch. While I enjoyed my meal, I walked around the city, and I highly recommend this approach if you plan to savor the delightful beers available on the wall!

Benelux Grand Café

I am a huge fan of Belgian beers. In fact, it’s the only type of beer that keeps me interested in beers these days. Belgian brewers are known for their use of a wide array of malts, which create rich and complex flavors that can include notes of caramel, toffee, chocolate, and roasted elements. The distinctive Belgian yeast strains play a crucial role as well, producing a range of fruity and spicy esters and phenols during fermentation, which contribute to the unique aromas and flavors associated with these beers. Common flavor profiles feature hints of banana, clove, and even pepper or bubblegum, varying significantly across different styles. I also find the atmosphere of Belgian breweries in America to be appealing, characterized by a dark yet inviting ambiance. So, while I was walking through Milwaukee Public Market, I stumbled upon a beer bar that doubles as a restaurant, serving fantastic Belgian brews. Although there’s a rooftop area, I chose to enjoy my experience inside. I opted for a Tasting Kourier, sampling four draft beers, with plans to select my favorite for a full pour afterward.

• Theresa Tripel Blonde (Van Steenberg): The menu referred to this as a “foodie beer” but all I’ll say about it was that it was quite drinkable and definitely had some banana flavor to it.
• Kwak Blonde (Bosteels): Nice blend of coriander and banana in this one
• Delirium Tremens (Huygue): This is a big, big favorite of mine. There’s definite Apple and honey flavors mixed in and it’s delicious
• Tripel Van De Garre (Van Steenberg): Known for its three times the malt, but not much more to this. The weakest of the bunch, but still not bad. 

Ok, so three out of the four are hits...

Which one am I going with for a full pour….

And the winner is…

None of them!

I decided to go with the St Bernardus ABT 12, and yes, it was delicious.

Awesome and attentive staff, and a terrific Belgian beer list and accompanying atmosphere. Grade: A

Smoke Shack:

I opted for the half-pound brisket accompanied by coleslaw and broccoli slaw as sides, and my experience was somewhat mixed. While I didn't find it unpleasant, it also didn't leave a lasting impression. The brisket had a pleasantly tender, buttery texture, particularly in the fatty sections, yet it lacked depth of flavor beyond the outer crust and the fat itself. On the positive side, the brisket was juicy enough to enjoy without any sauces, although the addition of sauces certainly elevated the overall taste. The coleslaw and broccoli slaw were delightful, offering a balanced flavor profile that was neither overwhelming nor bland. To complement my meal, I chose a "Smokey Old Fashioned," which featured a subtle smokiness and was otherwise a well-crafted cocktail. The attentive and friendly service from the staff, including the young bartender, added a positive touch to the evening.

Grade: B-

Zocalo Food Truck Park

Sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that catch you by surprise, and this was definitely one of those moments for me. Located in the historic Walkers Point district, this delightful food truck park boasts around seven diverse food trucks, along with a full-service bar and inviting picnic tables that are perfect for enjoying a meal. This venue truly captures the spirit of a food truck park, making it an ideal destination for all types of visitors, particularly those on a budget. The food offerings are impressively diverse, featuring everything from delicious burgers and fresh bagels to tempting Venezuelan and Puerto Rican dishes, as well as a truck specializing in ramen and sushi. I chose tacos (because who doesn't like tacos) and they were delicious! It was light but incredibly tasty!

Grade: A-

Take a Tour at Great Lakes Distillery

I arrived about 30 minutes early, so I decided to kick things off with a bourbon old fashioned while I waited for the tour to begin. Our bartender and tour guide, Kaylan (I hope I spelled that correctly), was full of energy and had a vibrant personality, along with a colorful vocabulary that could make a sailor blush. Her storytelling about their small batch process was incredibly entertaining. The tour definitely had an R-rated vibe when it came to language, but honestly, I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every moment.

After learning about their spirit-making process, we headed to the back of the distillery for some tastings. I ended up with a blended whiskey and a cool t-shirt to take home, and she even included a complimentary drink and some discounts on merchandise, which was a nice touch. You can really tell when a distillery is doing things right. She also mentioned they’re working on a scotch that should be released soon, which I was excited to hear. Overall, it was an amazing tour—not exactly kid-friendly, but hey, it’s vacation, right?

Grade: A-

Bavarian Bierhaus

I have a strong appreciation for genuine German beer halls, and this place certainly lived up to my expectations. On a relatively quiet Friday night, I found myself seated at the bar, soaking in the warm, inviting atmosphere that is characteristic of these great German beer halls, enjoying a generous liter of the house Hefeweizen, a personal favorite of mine known for its cloudy appearance and refreshing taste. As I was enjoying the refreshing beer, I chose a hearty dinner featuring two types of sausage—Nürnberger and Oktoberfest—paired with red cabbage and spätzle, which I specifically requested as my sides. Growing up in a household that blended Italian and German culinary traditions, my father greatly influenced my love for spätzle and German cuisine in general, and this venue provided a delightful experience. However, as the evening went on and the crowd grew, the service did decline a bit, which was a minor drawback to an otherwise enjoyable night.

Grade: B+

Closing Thoughts

Milwaukee's food and booze scene serves as a continuous homage to the city's rich heritage, deeply intertwined with its geographical features. The network of bridges that spans the area has historically facilitated the growth of various industries which attracted waves of immigrants, each contributing their unique cultural influences, which have become integral to the very fabric of Milwaukee's identity. German immigrants, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping the local beer culture, establishing iconic breweries that still stand today. In addition to the breweries, Milwaukee's culinary landscape has evolved to include a wide array of restaurants, food markets, and artisanal producers that reflect the city's multicultural heritage. Farm-to-table establishments highlight the region's agricultural bounty, while food festivals celebrate the diverse flavors that have emerged from the city's immigrant roots. This is evident in the cheese curds, craft breweries, distilleries, and even the food trucks and the wonderful German beer halls. This wonderful gateway to the upper Midwest serves as a great microcosm of the melting pot that is America.