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: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, 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, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Vanguard
Dairy-Free at Vanguard
Vanguard in Milwaukee has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegan Chorizo, Vegan Brat and Seoul Style. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Vanguard
Vanguard in Milwaukee has 3 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Italian, Hot Szechuan Chicken and Chicago Style. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Vanguard
Vanguard in Milwaukee has 8 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegan Brat, Milwaukee Style and Seoul Style. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Vanguard
Vanguard in Milwaukee has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including The Steakhouse, Italian and Vegan Italian. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Vanguard
Vanguard in Milwaukee has 3 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Italian, Cheddarwurst and Seattle Style. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Vanguard
Vanguard in Milwaukee has 4 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including The Steakhouse, Italian and Cheddarwurst. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Vanguard
Vanguard in Milwaukee has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Italian. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Vanguard
Vanguard in Milwaukee has 5 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegan Chorizo, Vegan Brat and Seoul Style. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Vanguard
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddarwurst | 47.2 g | 93.5 g |
| The Swede | 11.9 g | 89.4 g |
| Duck BLT | 59.1 g | 82.4 g |
| Smokey the Boar | 110.8 g | 49.9 g |
| Vegan Brat | 3.3 g | 47.5 g |
| Thai Breaker | 118.9 g | 47.1 g |
| The Steakhouse | 19.1 g | 40.2 g |
| Bunkhouse | 11.4 g | 35.9 g |
| Vegan Italian | 0.4 g | 33.8 g |
| Italian | 6.5 g | 23.1 g |
| Chicago Style | 80 g | 19.5 g |
| Seattle Style | 8.1 g | 16.8 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
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 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC 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, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Brat - $10: house made Seitan, nutmeg, ginger, garlic, mustard seed Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Chorizo - $10: seitan, smoked paprika, red wine vinegar, chili, oregano Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Italian - $10: seitan, fennel, roasted peppers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC 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: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Swede - $14: Pork, beef, nutmeg, allspice, parmesan, creamy dill gravy, lingonberry sauce, pickled cucumber 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, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Seattle Style - $2: cream cheese, cheddar, onion Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, South-Beach
- Chicago Style - $1: tomato, pickle, celery salt, relish, sport peppers Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Alkaline, Soy Free
- Pittsburgh Style - $1: vinegar slaw, fries, ranch dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Kenosha Style - $2: marinara, vinegar peppers, hot giardianera, parmesan, basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Seoul Style - $2: korean bbq, spicy pickles, carrots, scallions Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- 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.
- Is Vanguard dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Vanguard has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegan Chorizo, Vegan Brat and Seoul Style.
- What can I eat at Vanguard on a dairy-free diet?
- Vegan Chorizo, Vegan Brat and Seoul Style carry the dairy-free tag, out of 7 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Vanguard have vegan options?
- Yes. 5 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Vegan Chorizo and Vegan Brat.
- Is Vanguard gluten-free?
- 3 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Vanguard?
- Cheddarwurst, at roughly 93.5g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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