Vanguard – American
Vanguard pulses with a high-energy, modern spirit where the humble sausage is elevated to a culinary art form amidst an atmosphere of industrial-chic charm. The air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling bratwursts and spicy jalapeño-cheddar links, each boasting a satisfying snap and layered with bold, inventive toppings. From the decadent richness of a Duck BLT to vibrant vegan chorizos, every plate celebrates a boundary-pushing fusion of traditional smokehouse techniques and contemporary flair.
2659 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53207 https://vanguardbar.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, renal, tlc, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb
Currently open
Hours
- Sunday - Thursday
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Friday - Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its cozy atmosphere and accommodating service, Vanguard offers a welcoming environment where guests feel well-attended to by the friendly staff. Standout dishes include the tender chicken, which diners rave about for its quality and preparation. This inviting space is frequently praised for its warm ambiance, making it a top choice for families seeking a relaxed and enjoyable meal.
Menu
Sausage Classics
Served on a warm, freshly baked roll, including your choice of: onion, kraut, vanguard hot kraut, hot giardinera, relish, or sport pepper.
- Bratwurst - $8: pork, nutmeg, coriander, beer Dietary tags: Low-Fat Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Dog - $6: all beef, smoked paprika, mustard Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cheddarwurst - $8: pork, beef, smoke, Hook’s 2 yr. cheddar Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jalapeno Cheddar Brat - $8: pork, sharp cheddar, pickled jalapeno Available at: dinner, lunch
- Italian - $8: pork, fennel, sarvecchio, garlic Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Whole30, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Brat - $10: house made Seitan, nutmeg, ginger, garlic, mustard seed Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Chorizo - $10: seitan, smoked paprika, red wine vinegar, chili, oregano Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Italian - $10: seitan, fennel, roasted peppers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
Styled Sausages
Served with chef's choice of toppings on a warm, freshly baked roll (unless noted).
- Duck BLT - $14: Duck, bacon, sundried tomato, shredded lettuce, hollandaise aioli, bacon Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bunkhouse - $14: Bacon wrapped cheddarwurst, fried jalapeno, cheddar cheese, bbq, guac Available at: dinner, lunch
- Thai Breaker - $14: Pork, lemongrass, ginger, cilantro, peanut sauce, carrot, lettuce, crunchy bits Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smokey the Boar - $15: Boar, bacon, bourbon, maple syrup, red pepper flake, apple sauce, french fries, sour cream, double smoked bacon Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jamaican Lamb Currywurst - $15: Lamb, cayenne, coriander, all spice, jamaican curry, carmelized onions, scotch bonnet jam, served over fries (no bun) Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Steakhouse - $14: Beef, rosemary, thyme, roasted mushrooms, steak sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, crispy onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Szechuan Chicken - $14: Chicken, cayenne, paprika, szechuan oil, kewpie mayo, cilantro lime coleslaw, spicy pickles Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Swede - $14: Pork, beef, nutmeg, allspice, parmesan, creamy dill gravy, lingonberry sauce, pickled cucumber Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, South-Beach, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Sausage by the City (Add-ons)
Upgrade our classics or burger by adding regional fixings.
- Milwaukee Style - $3: cheese curds, cheddar cheese, cheez whiz Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Seattle Style - $2: cream cheese, cheddar, onion Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, Carnivore
- Chicago Style - $1: tomato, pickle, celery salt, relish, sport peppers Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Alkaline
- Pittsburgh Style - $1: vinegar slaw, fries, ranch dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Kenosha Style - $2: marinara, vinegar peppers, hot giardianera, parmesan, basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Seoul Style - $2: korean bbq, spicy pickles, carrots, scallions Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- L.A. Style - $3: pork chili, cheese sauce, onion, jalapeno
Frequently Asked Questions about Vanguard
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Menu options include 20% vegan (Vegan Brat, Chicago Style), 20% keto (Italian, Jalapeno Cheddar Brat), and 40% gluten-free or low-carb dishes.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Vanguard features a high-energy, industrial-chic atmosphere with a cozy, welcoming ambiance that is frequently praised for being family-friendly.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Vanguard has an average rating of 4.0/5, with customers frequently praising the cozy atmosphere and high-quality chicken dishes.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Enjoy a relaxed family meal in a cozy, industrial-chic atmosphere featuring high-energy service and standout dishes like tender chicken.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- The provided review summary contains no negative feedback, instead highlighting praise for the cozy atmosphere, accommodating service, and tender chicken.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- First-time visitors can expect a budget-friendly, industrial-chic atmosphere featuring elevated sausages, tender chicken, and diverse options for vegan and keto diets.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Vanguard offers a casual dining experience with a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, industrial-chic charm, and budget-friendly pricing.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Vanguard specializes in American cuisine, focusing on elevated sausages like bratwursts, spicy links, and inventive fusion dishes like Duck BLT.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features diverse sausage varieties including bratwurst, duck BLT, and lamb currywurst, alongside extensive vegan, keto, and gluten-free options.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers love the cozy atmosphere, accommodating service, and the quality of the tender chicken, which is frequently praised by diners.
Restaurants near Vanguard
- Puddler's Hall — American
- The Mothership — American
- Crafty Cow — American
- Burnhearts — American
- Palomino Bar — American
- Heirloom MKE — American
- Cactus Club — American
- Club Garibaldi — American
- Honeypie — American
- Gather Bakehouse — American
- Babe's Ice Cream — American
- The Soup Market — American
