Best Burger in Milwaukee | Top 21 Spots

20 restaurants in Best Burger in Milwaukee | Top 21 Spots

• The Slow Buffalo — American · rated 5/5: This neighborhood haunt hums with a relaxed energy, inviting guests to settle in amidst the savory aroma of crisp, saucy wings and charred, juice-dripping burgers. The kitchen masterfully balances casual comfort with bold flair, serving up everything from zestily dressed tacos to the golden-battered ritual of a traditional Friday fish fry.
• Club Garibaldi — American · rated 5/5: Stepping into this storied neighborhood haunt feels like a warm embrace from a bygone era, where the soft glow of neon signs illuminates a space buzzing with the spirited camaraderie of locals. The air carries the irresistible aroma of crispy, sauce-tossed wings and sizzling burgers, perfectly paired with a nostalgic lineup of ice-cold domestic cans or a rotating selection of local craft pours. It is a quintessential cornerstone of the community that invites you to linger over a classic cocktail and soak in the unpretentious, soulful energy of a true Milwaukee original.
• Up and Under Pub — American · rated 4/5: This spirited neighborhood haunt invites guests into a warm, wood-accented space where the convivial hum of conversation mingles with the rhythmic clinking of glasses. Crispy, golden-battered fish and chips and succulent signature burgers anchor a menu of elevated comfort, perfectly paired with a curated rotation of rare local brews and exclusive wine selections. Whether tucked into a booth for a vibrant seasonal salad or exploring a hidden gem from the cellar, diners find a refined yet relaxed sanctuary that celebrates the very best of the pub tradition.
• Uncle Bucks on Third — American · rated 4/5: Uncle Bucks on Third pulses with a vibrant energy, where the enticing scent of sizzling burgers and bubbling flatbreads draws diners into a space that feels both rugged and refined. The kitchen reimagines classic comfort food through a wild-game lens, serving up adventurous plates like bacon-wrapped venison meatballs and crispy duck nachos alongside elegant seared scallops over creamy polenta. Whether you’re diving into a stack of sriracha-glazed tenders or savoring a gourmet mushroom and swiss burger, every bite captures a spirit of bold, rustic indulgence.
• Lost Whale — American · rated 4/5: Lost Whale beckons with a whimsical, maritime-inspired charm, where the amber glow of a classic Old Fashioned and the vibrant, fruit-forward swirl of an Odyssea Sangria set the stage for a spirited evening. Guests settle into an atmosphere of effortless cool to savor the savory, flame-kissed depth of a Pallino Burger, perfectly complemented by a crisp tap beer or a curated glass of wine.
• McGillycuddy's Bar & Grill — American · rated 4/5: McGillycuddy's Bar & Grill pulses with the high-energy spirit of a classic neighborhood haunt, where the clinking of glasses and the constant sizzle of the grill create a vibrant backdrop for lively social gatherings. Golden-fried cheese curds and savory brat skewers offer a playful nod to local tradition, while a lineup of indulgent, juice-dripping smash burgers—like the bold Bun Jovi—serves as the centerpiece of a menu built for hearty appetites. Whether you are tucking into crispy Reuben rolls or sharing a mountain of loaded nachos, every bite captures the soulful, satisfying essence of elevated pub fare in a space that feels like the heart of the party.
• Trinity Three — American · rated 4/5: Trinity Three hums with the convivial energy of a modern public house, where the golden crunch of Reuben rolls and the savory aroma of flame-grilled burgers set the stage for a spirited gathering. Guests linger over abundant grazing trays and salt-dusted chips, savoring the heartiness of a Chicken Dubliner or a perfectly paired burger and beer in a space that feels both timelessly welcoming and refreshingly current.
• Palomino Bar — American · rated 4/5: Bathed in the convivial hum of a neighborhood haunt, Palomino Bar invites guests to indulge in a masterclass of elevated comfort where the sizzle of hot fried chicken and the savory depth of double brisket burgers define the evening. Golden baskets of pimento cheese fries and salt-dusted pretzels anchor a menu of soulful, crunchy delights, creating a vibrant sanctuary where every bite celebrates the art of the perfectly crafted casual meal.
• The Avenue Bar & Grill — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant neighborhood hub hums with the energy of shared plates and spirited conversation, where the aroma of sizzling burgers and golden-fried cheese curds sets the stage for a relaxed evening. Guests gather around tables piled high with loaded steel pan nachos and bubbling flatbreads, finding comfort in hearty bowls of corn chowder and the timeless appeal of a perfectly charred classic burger.
• Crafty Cow — American · rated 4/5: Crafty Cow pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern tavern, where the irresistible aroma of sizzling butter and golden-fried comfort draws guests into a space designed for pure indulgence. Plates arrive piled high with molten, beer-battered cheese curds and decadent butter burgers, offering a symphony of crunch and savory richness in every bite. From the spicy kick of elote-topped nachos to the succulent, crispy layers of chicken-fried pork belly, the experience is a bold celebration of elevated American comfort food.
• Layman Brewing — American · rated 3/5: This spirited neighborhood taproom invites guests to settle in amidst the hum of lively conversation and the rhythmic pour of inventive, small-batch brews. From the crisp, citrusy punch of a single-hop IPA to the smoky, unexpected warmth of a tequila-infused pumpkin blonde, every pint finds its perfect companion in the savory, juice-dripping satisfaction of a signature griddle-pressed burger. It is a space where craft curiosity meets unpretentious comfort, offering a soulful retreat for those who appreciate a bold pour and a classic, well-executed bite.
• The Harp — American · rated 3/5: The Harp welcomes guests into a spirited neighborhood atmosphere where the golden glow of the bar and the irresistible aroma of sizzling smash burgers create an instant sense of belonging. The kitchen elevates classic comfort through a symphony of textures, from the zesty snap of Bang Bang shrimp to the savory, melted layers of a perfectly toasted Reuben. It is a vibrant gathering spot where every basket of crispy, hand-breaded favorites is served with a side of warmth and conviviality.
• Uppa Yard — Caribbean: Uppa Yard pulses with the vibrant energy of the islands, where the smoky, spice-laden aroma of authentic jerk chicken mingles with the comforting warmth of slow-simmered brown stews. This lively spot pushes boundaries by pairing traditional Caribbean heat with playful indulgence, serving up inventive pancake burgers and velvety milkshakes that offer a cool, sweet counterpoint to the bold seasonings. It is a soulful destination where time-honored island classics and creative comfort food collide in a celebration of bold, sun-drenched flavors.
• Fryerz — American: Sizzling griddles and the intoxicating scent of caramelized onions define this high-energy haunt, where the art of the cheesesteak is elevated through gooey layers of melted cheese and perfectly seared proteins. The kitchen balances the savory heat of the grill with the golden, seasoned crunch of classic fried chicken, offering a soulful experience that ranges from the iconic Gym Shoe sandwich to decadent, stacked burgers. It is a vibrant destination for unpretentious, flavor-packed comfort, where every toasted roll and crispy piece of chicken promises a satisfying, heart-warming escape.
• Café Lulu — French: Sunlight streams into Café Lulu, a vibrant neighborhood haunt where the savory aroma of sizzling Sicilian omelets mingles with the zesty brightness of lemon-kissed shrimp. Diners tuck into towering Haystack burgers—easily tailored with plant-based patties for the modern palate—within a space that feels both effortlessly chic and warmly familiar. This inviting bistro serves as a culinary crossroads where hearty, rustic comforts meet fresh, coastal inspiration, perfect for a lingering brunch or a spirited midday escape.
• Pizza Shuttle — Italian: Pizza Shuttle pulses with the vibrant energy of a beloved neighborhood staple, where the comforting aroma of bubbling mozzarella and golden, stone-baked crusts fills the air. Friends and families gather over the massive, shareable spectacle of the 28-inch "Beast" pizza or explore a playful menu of crispy wonton mozzarella sticks and wings glazed in zesty hot garlic sauce. From the sizzle of juice-dripping smash burgers to the satisfying crunch of golden broasted chicken, every dish offers a hearty, unpretentious celebration of classic American comfort.
• Heirloom MKE — American: Heirloom MKE captures the soulful essence of Milwaukee, inviting guests into a space where local heritage meets modern culinary artistry. The kitchen transforms regional staples into elevated experiences, from the golden, salty crunch of artisanal cheese curds to the velvety indulgence of fresh burrata and their signature, juice-dripping burgers. As the week draws to a close, the air fills with the nostalgic aroma of a quintessential Friday fish fry, grounding this vibrant eatery in the timeless traditions of the community.
• Don's Grocery & Liquor — American: This neighborhood gem reimagines the classic corner store as a sanctuary for soulful comfort food, where the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle and the golden aroma of the deep fryer create an instantly welcoming atmosphere. Guests tuck into indulgent butter burgers and fiery hot chicken sandwiches, each bite paired with the satisfying crunch of tater tots or the molten, squeaky joy of perfectly fried cheese curds. It is a vibrant local hangout that celebrates the art of the humble meal deal, serving up nostalgia and bold flavors in every paper-lined basket.
• Pizza Shuttle Slice Shop — Italian: Pizza Shuttle Slice Shop captures the high-energy spirit of a classic neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the savory scent of bubbling cheese and garlic-rubbed wings. Golden-brown pizza pinwheels and crispy wonton-wrapped mozzarella share the stage with towering smash burgers and saucy rib dinners, offering a sprawling landscape of comfort that satisfies every midday craving or late-night whim. Whether you’re grabbing a quick pair of oversized slices or tucking into a loaded Philly cheesesteak, every bite delivers a nostalgic, soul-warming indulgence served straight from the heart of the kitchen.
• Fred's Frozen Custard & Grill — American: This nostalgic gem hums with the savory sizzle of jumbo smash patties hitting the griddle, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of seared beef and toasted buns. Golden, crispy fries find a spicy spark with a dusting of house Cajun seasoning, providing the perfect salty companion to a velvety swirl of vanilla-chocolate twist custard or a rich, thick-spun chocolate malt. It is a place where the simple pleasures of a perfectly charred burger and a cold, creamy treat come together to create a quintessential, sun-drenched dining experience.