From cheese-draped classics to sizzling patties kissed by smoky grills, the Badger State serves up a burger experience as rich as its dairy heritage.
Newcomers, take note: every bite here tells a story of passion, local ingredients, and that irresistible Midwestern charm. Ready to taste greatness? Your ultimate guide awaits.
🍔 Oscar’s Pub & Grill
Where Wisconsin’s juiciest, messiest, most glorious burgers come to party!
Craving a burger that’s bigger, bolder, and cheesier than your wildest dreams? Oscar’s Pub & Grill in Milwaukee delivers carnivorous joy with every bite.
Famous for its Black Angus beef patties and creative toppings, this spot is a magnet for burger enthusiasts.
Pair your meal with crispy Parmesan-dusted fries, local brews, or a spicy Bloody Mary garnished with bacon. Let’s dive in!
Food Highlights
- 🔥 The Big O Burger: A half-pound Angus beast piled with chorizo, bacon, smoked gouda, fried onions, and jalapeños. Topped with house guacamole, it’s a flavor explosion that’s almost too epic to handle.
- 🧀 The Big Gringo: Double cheese (Wisconsin white cheddar + American), hickory-smoked bacon, and a juicy patty. Simple? No. Legendary? Absolutely.
- 🍍 The Big Aloha: Sweet meets savory with ham, melted havarti, and a caramelized pineapple slice. Tropical vibes on a bun!
- 🧀 The Big Foot: Blue cheese crumbles + creamy Boursin = a funky, fancy duo that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- 🐟 Friday Fish Fry: Golden beer-battered cod with tangy slaw and rye bread—a Wisconsin classic for non-burger nights.
Atmosphere
Step into a buzzing, retro-chic space with exposed brick, a sunlit patio, and live mariachi bands on weekends.
The vibe? Think friendly dive bar meets gourmet burger lab. Servers are quick with a smile (and a side of extra napkins).
Why It’s One of the Best in Wisconsin
Oscar’s nails the trifecta: massive portions, premium ingredients, and prices that won’t murder your wallet.
Their burgers are griddled to juicy perfection, and the crispy onion rings could rival a state fair winner.
Add a craft beer list longer than a Packers touchdown, and you’ve got pure Wisconsin magic.
Pro tip: Come hungry. Leave gloriously stained with burger juice. 🍟🔥
Address: 1712 W. Pierce St., Milwaukee, WI
Phone: (414) 810-1820
🍔 Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry
For over 40 years, Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry has been Madison’s go-to spot for burger brilliance, earning titles like “Best Burgers in Wisconsin” and “Cheeseburger Heaven.” 🏆
This family-owned joint mixes quirky charm with patty perfection, slinging creative burgers that turn first-timers into regulars.
Think melty cheese, smoky bacon, and sauces so good they’ll make you wanna write home.
Food Highlights
- 🔥 Melting Pot Burger: Their #1 seller stacks cheddar, Swiss, provolone, bacon, and garlic sauce—a cheesy, smoky masterpiece that’s pure Wisconsin magic.
- 🥓 Pub Burger: Muenster cheese, peppercorn aioli, and savory onion jam create a flavor explosion that’s earned cult status.
- 🌶️ Bayou Burger: A crispy onion ring, pepper Jack cheese, and Cajun mayo bring the heat—perfect for spice lovers.
- 🍄 Toadstool Burger: Baby Swiss + sautéed mushrooms + garlic sauce = a umami-packed dream.
- 💘 Heart Throb Burger: Pepper Jack, bacon, and tangy Heart Throb Sauce make this a spicy-sweet knockout.
Atmosphere
Step into a retro wonderland 🎶: vintage motorcycle decor, Badger basketball memorabilia, and cozy booths set the vibe.
Local craft beers flow from 24 taps, while Motown tunes keep the energy high. It’s equal parts nostalgia and fun—like hanging at your coolest friend’s basement (but with better fries).
Why It’s One of the Best in Wisconsin
Dotty’s doesn’t just make burgers—they craft legends. 🏅 With locally sourced beef, wild ingredient combos, and sauces made in-house, every bite screams “Wisconsin pride.”
Add crispy cheese curds, Friday walleye fries, and malts so thick your spoon stands upright? Game over.
Address: 317 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 259-0000
🍔 Pickles Bar & Grill
Craving a burger that’ll make your taste buds sing? 🎉 Look no further than Pickles Bar & Grill in Hazelhurst, Wisconsin—home of the 2024 Best Burger in Wisconsin award!
This cozy Northwoods hotspot has earned a cult following for its juicy, flavor-packed creations.
With a menu that’s equal parts creative and classic, it’s a must-visit for anyone road-tripping through the Cheese State.
Food Highlights
- All American Burger: 🥇 Wisconsin Beef Council’s top pick! A half-pound masterpiece blending brisket, short rib, and chuck, topped with smoked garlic mayo, lettuce, tomato, and raw onion. Juicy, thick, and cooked to perfection.
- Cowboy from Hell: 🌶️ For spice lovers! A fiery burger loaded with toppings (think jalapeños and pepper jack) paired with crispy homemade chips. Reviewers rave: “Hot enough for you?”
- Jalapeno Popper Burger: 🧀 Sweet, spicy, and creamy! Features cream cheese, bacon, and fresh jalapeños for a smoky kick. Voted “flavor explosion” by regulars.
- Homemade Fries & Cheese Curds: 🍟 Golden, crispy, and perfectly salted. Paired with burgers, they’re “the best fries ever” according to Yelpers.
Atmosphere
Step into a quintessential Northwoods tavern with wood-paneled walls, quirky decor (hello, “bucks” and “does” bathroom signs!), and a vibe as warm as the burgers are juicy. 🪑
It’s small but mighty—arrive early to snag a seat, or bond with fellow burger enthusiasts at the bar. Staff? Think small-town charm meets expert service.
Why It’s One of the Best in Wisconsin
Pickles doesn’t just serve burgers—it crafts edible art.
Their meat blend, house seasoning, and smoked garlic mayo are game-changers. Add rave reviews, award-winning status, and a cozy, unpretentious vibe, and you’ve got a destination worth the drive.
Address: 5507 Cr Y, Hazelhurst, WI 54531