Everyone In Milwaukee Absolutely Loves These 11 Foods And Drinks

Here in Milwaukee, food and drink are not merely avenues in which you replenish the body — they're our way of life. Many traditions are tied to food and drink, and we take it very seriously. Here are 11 staples in any Milwaukeeans diet, and you better believe we do them best!

1. Cheese Curds

It’s inevitable that anyone living in Wisconsin will have an affinity for really good cheese, but Milwaukeeans have it down. There’s not many bars or restaurants that don’t offer the cheesy goodness, and it makes us completely spoiled.

2. Beer Cheese Soup

What better of a food than the combination of two of our favorites? Add the cold weather, and this meal is everything a Milwaukeean needs.

3. Frozen Custard

Forget ice cream, frozen custard is our favorite dessert here in Milwaukee.

4. Bratwurst

No cookout is complete without a brat, and if you pronounce it wrong, you will be shunned for the rest of the night.

5. Butterburgers

This one might further the stereotype of Midwesterners eating unhealthily, but we don’t even care. What’s better than a greasy cheeseburger? One that’s cooked with loads of butter.

6. Fried Fish

Fried fish isn’t just a meal here, it’s a community event every Friday. Milwaukeeans have a tradition of eating fish together and dancing to polka music. It can’t be beat.

7. Hot Ham and Rolls

Another tradition is waking up on Sunday mornings to snag the hot ham and roll special at your local bakery. This simple sandwich makes a Milwaukeean’s Sunday complete.

8. Corned Beef

Milwaukee is obsessed with corned beef sandwiches, and we will always fight you if you disagree that we have the best! Hop on over to Jake’s Deli or McBob’s and you’ll be in corned beef heaven.

9. Old Fashioneds

The Old Fashioned is a drink loved by many, but we do it differently here in Wisconsin. Made with Brandy, always, and made sweet! We’re obsessed.

10 Bloody Marys

Here in Milwaukee, a Bloody Mary isn’t just a drink, it’s often a whole meal. With garnishes like bacon, peppers, cheese, and perhaps an entire cheeseburger or fried chicken, you’ll never go hungry. Don’t forget your beer chaser!

11. Beer!

Yup, we’re Brew City. We incorporate beer wherever we can, and we take brewing seriously. The staples like Pabst and Schlitz are tried and true, but there are so many craft brewers trying new ways of brewing, and it’s truly an art in itself.

There you have it, 11 of the foods and drinks Milwaukeeans could never do without. Is there anything you would add to the list? We'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments!