The Oldest Restaurant In Wisconsin’s Little Germany Is A Culinary Masterpiece

In the heart of Milwaukee, Old World Third Street is a hub of Milwaukee nightlife. It’s next to top entertainment and sports venues and are plenty of bars and restaurants in the neighborhood. What makes this little Milwaukee district unique though, is its rich German heritage. It was once the heart of the city’s German community and today, it still retains many delicious signs of the past. An iconic dining spot called Mader’s Restaurant anchors this German district and it's not only the oldest restaurant on the street – it’s the oldest in Milwaukee! Here’s why you need to make a reservation at one of the best German restaurants in Wisconsin.

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The restaurant was founded back in 1902, before the first airplane took flight or the first Model T took to the roads. In those days, stepping into Milwaukee was a little like stepping into a city in Germany. The city was filled with German immigrants and they had a strong affinity for beer.

Mader’s had just what they wanted – wonderful beer and wonderful food. In fact, if you ordered two steins of beer, your lunch was free!

The two beers and a lunch special isn’t on the menu anymore, but not much else has changed about this wonderful eatery. When you arrive at the restaurant you might think you have somehow been transported overseas.

You can enjoy the same traditional German food that Mader’s was serving generations ago: sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, and pork shank. It's served in an upscale and traditional setting.

The restaurant is still family owned and operated and its received numerous accolades and been featured on many national television shows.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a restaurant with a richer history. Past diners include Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra and nearly 100 other celebrities. Enjoy a meal here yourself and see why so many others have been drawn to Mader’s!

Learn more about Mader’s, see a menu, and make reservations on the restaurant’s website. If you have any appetite for German restaurants in Wisconsin after polishing off a Maders pork shank, head to this awesome sausage shop that has some great deals on not-so-perfect sausages!