Best Burgers in Milwaukee (2025)

Since 1936, this family-run counter has defined the Wisconsin butter burger: fresh sirloin on a flat-top, crowned with Wisconsin butter and stewed onions. Named an America’s Classics winner by the James Beard Foundation, it’s repeatedly praised by local food critics and national TV. Expect a living slice of Milwaukee diner culture, tight quarters, and friendly regulars. Go early; the grill hums from breakfast through dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Cashless? No—bring plastic or cash, and a hearty appetite.

Housed in a historic Schlitz-built tavern, the original Sobelman’s serves thick, juicy patties on glossy rolls with a Milwaukee tavern vibe to match. The spot has long been a local benchmark and even entered Travel Channel’s Food Wars lore. It’s still an essential stop for a classic bar burger and a lively crowd, with hours that fit lunch through dinner daily. Community ties run deep, and it remains a rite of passage for burger chasers.

West Side locals swear by Oscar’s half-pound patties, hand-cut fries, and over-the-top builds like the Big O with chorizo, jalapeños, bacon, and smoked gouda. It’s an archetypal Milwaukee bar burger—fast, friendly, and loud in the best way. Frequently recommended by Milwaukee food writers, Oscar’s delivers consistent sear, oozy cheese, and generous sides that keep it high on best-of lists.

Walker’s Point’s burger temple turns house-ground beef, a plush house-baked milk bun, and tangy “Social Sauce” into one of the city’s most talked-about stacks. Critics highlight its balance—crackly edges, just-melted cheese, and briny pickles. The vibe is lively and neighborhood-friendly, with a bar program to match. It’s the polished counterpoint to the city’s old-school stands.

Operating since 1948 near the airport, this cash-only, seasonal drive-in serves griddled burgers with a daily allotment of fresh beef—when they sell out, they close. Annually celebrated by local magazines, Nite Owl reopened for the 2025 season and still draws lines for its elemental double cheeseburger. Check hours, go early, and bring cash.

This Walker’s Point bar nails a thick, juicy griddled patty with molten American cheese and soft grilled onions, served in an unfussy, craft-beer-forward room. Local critics consistently call it one of the city’s best bar burgers—simple, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Weeknight specials and a solid tap list make it a repeat stop.

James Beard Award winner Dane Baldwin serves a craveable double cheeseburger known as the Diplomac—his refined, Big Mac–adjacent tribute with house sauce, pickles, and precision. Praised by local reviewers for near-perfect execution, it’s a fine-dining chef’s take that still feels fun. Come early evening; the restaurant runs dinner service only.

Downtown’s stylish standby—founded by the family behind Kopp’s—has long poured cocktails alongside half‑pound burgers. In 2025 it restored many beloved classics, and local media took note. From Bigger Mac riffs to peppercorn au poivre, burgers arrive seared, juicy, and generously topped, with lively energy from lunch into late night.

On Brady Street, this lively, independent spot turns out a dialed-in double smash with American cheese, griddled onions, pickles, and house sauce. It’s been singled out by Milwaukee Magazine and noted by local critics for balance and value. Late hours and a playful menu make it an easy burger-and-drinks stop.

A vintage downtown saloon with serious kitchen chops, Swingin’ Door griddles hefty half‑pounders on Sciortino’s seeded rolls. The Big KC, piled with cheddar, onions, shaved roast beef, bacon, and pepper jack, has been featured by local reviewers. It’s old Milwaukee hospitality with a burger to match.

Riverwest’s retro diner attached to Art Bar turns out a straightforward Dream Burger—two patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and seasoned butter on a toasted bun. Covered by local editors, it’s a neighborhood hang where artists, families, and night owls cross paths. Brunch hours plus nightly dinner keep it flexible.