Leon's Frozen Custard

Dessert shop · Southgate

Leon's Frozen Custard

Dessert shop · Southgate

1

3131 S 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215

Photos

Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null
Leon's Frozen Custard by null

Highlights

Housemade frozen custard, shakes & fast food. Old school vibes.  

Placeholder
Placeholder

3131 S 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215 Get directions

leonsfrozencustardmke.com
@leonscustard

$ · Menu

Information

Static Map

3131 S 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215 Get directions

+1 414 383 1784
leonsfrozencustardmke.com
@leonscustard

$ · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay

Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@afar

6 Essential Foods to Try in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - AFAR

"A classic late-night frozen custard stand in continuous operation since 1942, radiating retro cool with 1950s-era neon and inspiring locals to line up even in extreme cold for its rich, egg-yolk–forward treats." - Elaine Glusac

https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-best-foods-in-milwaukee
View Postcard for Leon's Frozen Custard

Sheri Mazariegos

Google
I really waffled between 4 and 5 stars… this is exactly what we were expecting, delicious frozen custard adding in a bit of nostalgia for the “old days”! Walk up service only, nowhere to sit, so expect to pick up and eat in your car or take to a park nearby. The shakes were great - especially the strawberry shake. There were real chunks of strawberries! We also got grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs - at under $3 you can’t go wrong! Parking lot was packed, line was long, but moved really quickly. Definitely a place you’ve got to try!

Burton Fleisher

Google
The best frozen custard I know of! Lesser known is the fact that they have these delicious Spanish hamburgers which are similar to a loose meat /made-rite (but with flavor!) always a fast moving line well worth the short wait! Prices are great too!!

Jordan Forston

Google
Visiting from Delaware (used to live here 30 years ago) and Leon’s brought back so many memories. Once you see the neon you realize they have kept so much the same. Got to share true custard with my kids for the first time. Cups were empty!

Beth Graf

Google
9/21/85 this was our first stop after our wedding and before we went to our reception😘DaBest!!🫶🏻🍨you can’t go wrong and 40 years later we will be there again🥳 with about 1 thousand stops between😂😛

Rose

Google
It has been awhile since we came here and it did not disappoint. My husband got the Butter Pecan and I got the Chocolate. So creamy and delicious.

Jet

Google
I just LOVE their custard. Best I’ve ever had. Try the cinnamon!! Definitely a vibe on summer nights!

De La Cruz

Google
Leon’s is a classic roadside custard stand—just a simple shack where you order outside, no dining area, and all charm. The custard was incredibly fresh and flavorful—so fresh it started melting the second we walked away! Next time, we’re getting a cup with our cone. Totally worth the stop.

sajael fairbairn

Google
Needed custard to compare to my ultimate favorite KOPPS….got a hot fudge sundae… It was good but it wasn’t KOPPS :/
google avatar

Ben W.

Yelp
There is nothing better than pulling up to a brightly lit oldies custard shop on one of the busiest streets on the south side of Milwaukee and waiting in line only to be amazed by the grilled cheese and any ice cream combo you want from sundaes to their famous butter pecan ice cream. I can't forget that the raspberry sundae with vanilla ice cream just hits every time with the fresh raspberry just melting with the cold ice cream mix creating one of the best combos. It's a classic in Milwaukee and a must go if you got a sweet tooth any night of the week!
google avatar

C J.

Yelp
I was here over 2 years ago, and the custard is still the same great tasting quality. Prices have definitely gone up but part of that is the economy we live in. Parking is still a nightmare when it is crowded.
google avatar

Sho R.

Yelp
I was in Milwaukee and made a quick stop to try the legendary frozen custard. I went for a super sundae and added strawberry sause to it. As expected, custard was very smooth and creamy. I also loved the strawberry sauce.
google avatar

Albert T.

Yelp
Another super busy Frozen Custard stop in Milwaukee. We got there at 4PM on an afternoon that wasn't particularly hot, but the lines on both sides of Leon's were long and winding. It took us about 15 minutes before we were able to amble our way to the front. Luckily, the custard comes out fast after you place an order. Double Dip, Butter Pecan, in a Cup ($3.34) - Again, another rich and silky custard, coming in a 10oz cup, filled almost to the top. The texture is spot on, being thick, creamy, and dense. The butter pecan flavor here is amazing with a perfect sweetness level. The focus is the sweet butterscotchy flavor and the dairy flavor is quite muted in comparison. There aren't too many pecan pieces mixed in, but the pieces that are inside add a soft crunch to the mixture. It looks like they pipe the butterscotch custard into a pail, and when you order, the worker shakes some nuts on top of the pail to be scooped up with the custard. The custard starts melting as soon as you get it. The only thing that slightly irked me was that the cup was very sticky when we received it and they don't have sinks to wash up after you eat. This means you're driving with sticky hands as you leave. (5/5) I'm kind of jealous of people living in Milwaukee, having amazing custard all over the place. Leon's is a definite re-visit if I'm in Milwaukee again. Bathrooms: None
google avatar

Jose C.

Yelp
We came here after a Bulls game for some frozen custard. I was surprised how many people were here on a late cold night. Their customer service was great, very friendly, and most importantly their frozen custard was delicious. My son got their butter pecan, and I ordered their Blue Moon. They were really creamy, and very flavorful. They also serve chili dogs, sundaes, and shakes, which I will definitely take advantage of the next time I'm up here. And I'll definitely be returning.
google avatar

Paul F H.

Yelp
A Milwaukee classic for decades! Nothing beats an ice cold custard treat on a hot summer day. The extra ingredient (egg yolks) and soft texture puts custard in a class of its own--and Leon's does it as well as the other custard stands in town. I won't say, "better," because, one: I like the others too, and two: there's no point in debating such a subjective assessment when all that matters is that custard is good to eat anytime you have a hankering for a sweet, frozen treat.
google avatar

Alex W.

Yelp
Perfect place to end a Milwaukee day trip - love that everything is small portion size but also super cheap - can get as much or as little as you want. Spanish hamburger ($2.48) was bussin', grilled cheese ($2.98) tasted like a grilled cheese, and ofc the custard was a banger (I think they salt their custard to bring out extra flavor?).
google avatar

Genesis M.

Yelp
I love love this place so much! No other custard compares to this. On a summer day you can expect long long lines as if you were waiting to ride a roller coaster in six flags. This place has been here for such a long time that it truly is a staple. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I decided to get a butter Kevan sundae with strawberries and it was delicious! I also ended up taking a pint of cinnamon to go and keep it in my freezer. Whenever I visit I make it a mush to come here.
google avatar

Richard C.

Yelp
Great tasting Custard. Different options. Open all year round. Family owned. They accept card payments and Apple Pay. One of the best Custards around.

Peter F.

Yelp
Best custard I've had in Milwaukee so far! Better than anywhere else. Other places add mix ins that take away from the custard
google avatar

Judith C.

Yelp
Super efficient customer service. We got vanilla custard in a cup. It absolutely lived up to the hype. Custard is creamy and smooth. Just wish I got 3 scoops. We will be back
google avatar

Rachel K.

Yelp
My friends kept talking about Leon's and how it's the best custard they've ever had. Of course we had to stop here on the first night of our trip. We stopped about an hour before close and they were still super busy. The neon signs welcomed us and the staff were working hard while staying friendly and efficient. I opted for a double dip in a cup with chocolate and butter pecan and it came to $3.54 with tax. They had it ready quickly and it was delicious! The spot is so cute and it was cool to see families, high schoolers, adults and couples all stopping by for a treat. Next time I want to try one of their malts and I saw they have food like burgers and grilled cheese on the menu that I'd be interested in trying too.
google avatar

Lisa M.

Yelp
My mom and I were so excited to try Leon's frozen custard and it exceeded our expectations. We both got a turtle sundae and it was so delicious! The frozen custard is so smooth and creamy. They put a generous amount of fudge, pecans and cherries. It was the perfect salty and sweet treat. This is honestly the best turtle sundae I have had. 10/10! I can see why this local frozen custard establishment has been around since 1942. They serve the best frozen custard. I also love the nostalgia and keeping true to their roots. I cannot wait to come back to Leon's again soon!!
google avatar

Jamie L.

Yelp
This is my first time in Milwaukee and I was told it was mandatory to try Frozen Custard. I heard the top two were Leon's and Kopps. After a lot of research, it seemed like Leon's was the more traditional choice and to try that. And I have very glad with my decision! Let me start by saying it was freezing outside. And there is no inside seating so you are standing outside to eat this Frozen Custard. Only bad part about using the bus! lol The line was quick. They have a few standard flavors and a special flavor that occasionally changes. I chose Vanilla and the special flavor Blue Moon. I think it was raspberry lemon? Whatever it was, I loved both the flavors and was so happy. My friend ordered the Chocolate and Butter Pecan as it's their number one flavor and I can see why. Absolutely delicious! Every Frozen Custard flavor was amazing and I wish I was local to eat this more often!!
google avatar

Helen H.

Yelp
Frozen custard is a must when in Milwaukee. Leon's was established in 1942. It's a cool building- old school drive in with a big neon sign. I ordered the butter pecan and enjoyed the smooth custard. There is no seating available.
google avatar

Katie F.

Yelp
Although I failed to check in, we ventured here for some sweet and savory treats before heading to the airport home. Let's just say Leon's is a staple in MKE and a must try! Here's why: PRO's: ++ Killer location and plenty of parking with bright welcoming lights! ++ Quick, fresh, delicious eats! ++ THE BEST custard. Seriously! ++ 1,000 toppings to choose from - all delicious! ++ The best of eats!! (We noshed on various kinds of custard, sundaes, grilled cheese, burgers and more!) ++ Friendly folks from start to finish! ++ CHEAP prices!! CON's: -- I won't hold their popularity against them, but the line tends to get long making for longer weight times - just an FYI! When in MKE, I'll be back!
google avatar

Maty H.

Yelp
Try Leon's while the custard itself was tasty and satisfying, I found the overall service to be underwhelming. The staff seemed somewhat indifferent, and there wasn't that extra touch of attentiveness or friendliness that would have elevated the experience. While it wasn't a bad visit by any means, it also didn't leave me with that 'wow' feeling. Overall, it was a decent experience, but it fell short of being truly memorable.
google avatar

Christina L.

Yelp
Leon's frozen custard is definitely a place to check out if you are in the Milwaukee area. It looks like an old diner, yes you have to get out of your car, and order at the window. Very old school vibes. We got the butter pecan custard and the kids got a scoop of the cinnamon custard. The butter pecan custard was so rich and it tasted like roasted pecans that you buy from a market. It was very tasty, creamy, and sweet. The service was super fast, there was little to no wait. We got our ice cream and due to the 40 degree weather, we went back to the car to enjoy the ice cream. Recommend trying the butter pecan custard m.
google avatar

Elise N.

Yelp
Fast and inexpensive. Highly recommend checking out Leon's if you're in the mood for some smooth custard. There are multiple ordering windows which made all the lines moves quickly. There isn't any seating outside so most people go sit in their car or trunk to enjoy their treats. We got the banana split and oreo shake. The oreo shake was the perfect drinkable consistency without being watery and it had large pieces of oreo at the bottom which were a nice surprise. The banana split was vanilla custard, marshmallow creme, strawberries, and nuts. It was good but not the best Ive had, the marshmallow made it very sweet and the nuts took over much of the flavor of each bite. They have grilled cheeses for under $3 which is a bargain.
google avatar

Adrienne N.

Yelp
Tried a double dip of vanilla and butter pecan and it was so good. Service and staff were fast and friendly. It's super cute with the classic retro style exterior and everyone wearing the little white paper hats. This is one of my favorite custards!

David Z.

Yelp
I remember going to Leon's as far back as the late 60's up until I joined the Army and left Milwaukee in 1980. I recently had the chance to return to Milwaukee and one of our stops was to Leon's. We have had Frozen Custard before but I always boated on Leon's, now my family knows why. The temperature was in the 20's, but it made no difference, my family LOVED it! They seemed to have not changed a thing over the years, making it a true Milwaukee gem. A must visit for anyone visiting Milwaukee.
google avatar

Ron D.

Yelp
One of the best frozen custard ice cream. Nothing fancy here especially on the flavors they offered. They have vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan , blue moon . I was hoping to try the '"blue moon" but they ran out so I went to try the Butter Pecan. Oh boy , it was so good. Sweet with nuttiness but the texture is smooth. 2 scoops is all I need to fill me up. Cravings was satisfied. Leon's also offers Malts, Shakes, Sundaes and Hot sandwiches. I'll try them Next time. When in Milwaukee it's a must try for you can't find Leon's anywhere in the country. This is a MKE original and beloved by locals.
google avatar

Aleena V.

Yelp
I got a chocolate shake here with hot fudge! It was good but i definitely want to try to the shakes next! The line was kinda long since it was a nice day out but moved pretty fast. I will say it's kinda overhyped though
google avatar

Heather B.

Yelp
Best custard in town. Double dip (two scoops) of chocolate and raspberry tastes like a cherry cordial. Chocolate malt (extra thick) rivals Golden Gyros. Their turtle sundae is my spouse's fave. They have hot buttered pecans for a buck more. The line can get long in the summer, but moves fast. Make sure to keep an eye on the window, sometimes they're so fast they'll bring your order up as soon as you start to walk away. Lots of parking in the neighborhood and alley. Leon's is for custard--anyone holding up the line for hot food is missing the point.
google avatar

Clarissa C.

Yelp
A vintage Milwaukee classic for frozen custard! They have a good amount of parking with an extended gated parking lot off to the side if the front lot is full! There are no seats as you order outdoors from the hut! They usually have four flavors a day, with three that are standard and one that rotates daily. I love how smooth and creamy the frozen custard is!
google avatar

Molly D.

Yelp
Some of the best custard in Milwaukee (sorry Kopp's)!! While we waited in line to order, the woman behind me told me that Leon's never closes, even in the winter, since 1950! That's some dedication right there considering there is only a window and no indoor seating. Nonetheless, my ice cream cravings were completely satisfied after hitting up Leon's! The workers were so nice too. They worked hard to get everyone's food and custard out quick and with a smile:) I got the chocolate custard and my boyfriend had vanilla. Both were to die for! Super thick and creamy and unpopular opinion, I love a cake cone. We chowed down in about 3 seconds. Will definitely be back in the summer! A cold custard cone would hit the spot on a warm summer night.
google avatar

Almasia H.

Yelp
I went with a friend, off the bat it was busy! But I continued to wait I was desperate to satisfy my craving a blue moon ice cream. The line actually moved down at a surprising speed. The worker was polite and quick!
google avatar

Soojin B.

Yelp
My sister recently brought us frozen custard with dry ice to San Jose. OMG!!!! Leon's is the best frozen custard and still remains as one of the best things I have ever tasted. Our family favorites are the chocolate & butter pecan. We also loved the strawberry and raspberry. We literally devoured the 2 quarts and 4 pints in two weeks. I can't wait to go and have some frozen custard again but in Milwaukee.
google avatar

Gabby N.

Yelp
Visited Leon's for the first time this summer and it was pretty good! Low prices, high quality custard.
google avatar

Lorraine S.

Yelp
From a girl coming from out of state, this custard is seriously amazing! I personally got a vanilla sundae w/ peanuts and omg I finished it so fast haha! The only thing is that it's more of a to-go place so there's no seating available but it does give a good retro vibe!
google avatar

Dan M.

Yelp
This was a classic drive-in and walk up to the counter ice cream parlor. They served frozen custard, milkshakes, and other classics such as hot dogs and a grilled cheese sandwich. The prices were extremely reasonable for what was being offered as well. The service was friendly and helpful when ordering. I went with a strawberry milkshake ($4). It was creamy and had the perfect consistency where it was not too thick or thin. It was not overly sweet and had just the perfect amount of a strawberry flavor. I also tried a vanilla and chocolate sundae with hot fudge and cherries. It was also very good and refreshing. Will I go back? Easily.
google avatar

Ken G.

Yelp
This is an amazing spot for authentic frozen custard. I went to a handful of frozen custard spots during my Milwaukee visit and this was one of my favorites. I had the Super Sundae Special, which was custard topped with hot fudge and pecans. The chocolate custard was chocolatey without being too sweet and very thick and rich. It was simple and delicious. Besides the awesome custard, the place itself is retro and nostalgic making for a one-of-a-kind experience. It's very popular and therefore very busy during peak times on Friday nights and Saturday nights...try going off peak if you hate to wait. Definitely visit this place!
google avatar

Zachary R.

Yelp
Good Custard. Quick service. Sat in the car and ate it. While watching vehicles go by. Kids had a good time just talking. Parking was not hard to find.
google avatar

Faith S.

Yelp
Classic Milwaukee experience. Yummy frozen custard. Don't call it ice cream!!! Bring a friend. Enjoy!
google avatar

Victor H.

Yelp
(From September 2021) Only custard place I got to try in MKE but I'm glad I made the pitstop here to check out the frozen custard which is the more polished, richer, better dressed version of ice cream. Went with the butter pecan double cone in the cup which was so sweet and creamy; best way to satisfy a sweet tooth for sure. Paired it with a grilled cheese for texture contrast. Grilled cheese was surprisingly delicious given how simple it was. Price is favorable and less than I expected, a huge plus given our economy now with inflation and rising costs. You HAVE to visit this place to satisfy your cold sugar cravings. Thank me later!
google avatar

Tommy L.

Yelp
Very good ice cream seems like an old-school place. Super super fast and fresh another must try if you're in the area.
google avatar

Marc S.

Yelp
Yes - yes - and YES. Everything about this old school classic is a winner. Trashy good drive-in styled burgers and dogs, custard like all get out and a location and lot to enjoy the world as it passes by!
google avatar

Kayla Y.

Yelp
How is it possible that I have lived 26 years without trying custard? I didn't even realize there was a difference between soft serve and custard. I'm not a big fan of soft serve ice cream-- though I'll eat it-- but *now* I understand why the Teletubbies freaked out when their custard spilled all over the floor. I get it Pinky Winky, I'd flip if this delicacy went to waste too. None of this specifically describes Leon's because you simply need to try it for yourself. It's not just a custard joint- it's an experience. Consider taking the whole fam for a cheap dinner. They have burgers and other fried food too!
google avatar

Jessica M.

Yelp
Leon is the best place to get frozen custard in Milwaukee. You can't go wrong with the scoops or a sundae. They also have some great food options.
google avatar

Patrick R.

Yelp
I had to go here just to be able to say I did. I expected long lines, but there was not. I wanted the raspberry and strawberry cone, but they didn't have that. It was on the signs, but not today. Bummer. So I went for chocolate and vanilla, still a good combo. It was hot so I had to speed lick it in order to avoid it turning into a stream of custard flowing rapidly over and down my hand. I had an okay experience, and so can say now I went to Leon's.

Jessica H.

Yelp
Best place on the planet. My daughter is completely lactose intolerant, but with Leon's fermentation process in making the custard, she can eat Leon's 2x per day without a response. We travel to WI each summer to visit family and we go to Leon's every single day we are in Milwaukee! I'm not kidding. Thank you for making the best custard on the planet.
google avatar

Sarah A.

Yelp
Amazing local spot for ice cream and more. Prices are reasonable and staff is friendly and well organized. Expect a wait but it will be worth it.
google avatar

Bruce M.

Yelp
We traveled over here after visiting Milwaukee for a baseball game. It looks like this place had been around forever. It has a drive-in vibe, but they do not deliver to your car. There was a fairly long line and it did not move very fast, but in the end, the custard was very tasty. My son got the root beer shake, it was a creamy version of a root beer float and very delicious. I had the marshmallow shake, it was good but it was more vanilla-flavored than marshmallow. In all, I would definitely look to return if I was in the area.
google avatar

Megan L.

Yelp
This place was amazing the custard is so so good we got the sundae and the banana split chocolate vanilla and butter pecan and the butter pecan was our favorite. Would definitely come again the next time we're in town.
google avatar

Angie W.

Yelp
We stopped by here about 10 years ago on a siblings cross country road trip. We have an uncle here so we swing by to check out the Milwaukee. It was during August so our uncle took us here with the promise of it being the best frozen custard we'll ever try. True to his words it was the perfect treat on a hot summer day. Cut to 2021 and we're back for another siblings trip to see our uncle and the Packers up in Green Bay. This time we arrived in late November with snow already on the ground. Even with the cold weather, we didn't want to leave Milwaukee without a stop at Leon's. Still as delicious as it was 10 years ago! Definitely worth a stop. Maybe we'll see ya'll again in another 10 years:)
google avatar

Angelica A.

Yelp
Wouldn't hurt the owner of this establishment to invest in putting a roof over his patrons heads while waiting on super long lines. I feel bad for the employees that work for him too. He can care less about how cold it gets in there and hot in the summer. Invest in your super successful business already stop showing how greedy you are, ungrateful and ambitious to everyone in Milwaukee.
google avatar

Linda N.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I were visit from out of town, and we were told to try Milwaukee's custard before we left. So we definitely had to try it out! When we drove up to the shop, the line was pretty long (but you know a place is good if the line is long)! Luckily, there was a huge menu on the side of the building that we could look at while we waited. However, I noticed that the menu on the side of the building was worded differently than the menu at the cashier window, which made it difficult to order. I had to ask the cashier some questions to clarify the menu, and she didn't seem to have the patience to answer my questions. I had gotten the strawberry custard with pecans and hot fudge, which was about $4. I loved how the custard was so smooth and creamy. It wasn't too sweet either, so I didn't feel bad for eating the entire cup myself haha. The pecans added a nice crunch to the custard too, which created a nice balance. If you're in Milwaukee/Wisconsin and you don't try custard at least once, you're missing out big time.
google avatar

Angelina I.

Yelp
Service was great and line moves quick. I had a banana shake with chocolate custard and it was amazing! I will be back if I visit Milwaukee again.
google avatar

Felecia G.

Yelp
Butter pecan! Need I say more? This is the best custard place in town. Smooth, rich, creamy, nutty and sweet. This describes the best flavor of butter pecan. The prices are reasonable and the custard is bomb! It's so good. Plenty of parking available. Ordering is done at the walk up window.