TomKen’s Bar & Grill has anchored the daily dining routine at 8001 West Greenfield Avenue since 1991, occupying an unpretentious corner tap originally born out of a simple business partnership between two local friends named Tom and Ken.
In an inspiring twist of hometown legacy, the entire operation is now owned by its former long-time bartender, Brian “Champ” Francis, who purchased the property and dedicated his life to preserving the tavern’s classic blue-collar soul.
By refining their high-pressure broasting mechanics into an absolute chicken masterpiece, this gritty neighborhood institution keeps authentic Midwestern tavern cooking alive for the surrounding Greenfield and Wauwatosa communities.
Quick Bite – TomKen’s Bar & Grill, West Allis, WI 🤯
Fast facts and local trivia you shouldn’miss.
The kitchen crew behind this neighborhood institution first fired up their heavy-duty commercial pressure fryers along the Greenfield Avenue transit lanes back in 1991, long before the surrounding commercial corridors evolved into a dense modern hub of urban breweries and residential developments.
Operating as a completely unique independent outpost under the hands-on guidance of longtime bartender-turned-owner Brian “Champ” Francis, the enterprise achieved a massive milestone by transforming a low-key neighborhood watering hole into a nationally recognized destination for poultry fanatics.
The tavern holds an iconic reputation across southeastern Wisconsin for its unwavering dedication to the art of “broasting”—a specialized cooking method that combines pressure cooking and deep frying to lock in maximum moisture while producing a shatteringly crisp exterior skin.
Regulars line the classic wooden bar rail daily, enjoying heavily demanded game-day recipes beneath a sea of sports monitors flashing live Green Bay Packers updates, capturing the raw, welcoming energy of a true multi-generational Wisconsin mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall.
Signature Bites – TomKen’s Bar & Grill, West Allis, WI 😋
The must-try dishes locals keep coming back for.
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Famous Broasted Chicken: The absolute defining house masterpiece, featuring fresh poultry marinated in custom spices and pressure-fried to order, yielding an ultra-juicy center wrapped in a light, crackling golden-brown crust.
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Jumbo Chicken Wings: Towering, heavy-duty wings tossed flat on the line in your choice of over twenty scratch-made sauces, ranging from classic tangy buffalo to sweet and fiery garlic glazes.
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Beer-Battered Wisconsin Cheese Curds: A definitive regional staple showcasing fresh, squeaky local white cheddar curds dipped in a crisp, airy real-ale batter and fried until gooey and molten inside.
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The Champ Burger: A massive, half-pound griddled beef cutlet packed tightly on a toasted bun, loaded to the brim with crispy bacon strips, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions.
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Traditional Friday Fish Fry: A legendary weekly Wisconsin ritual crafted fresh to order, pairing flaky, beer-battered cod fillets with crisp rye bread, creamy house coleslaw, and your choice of potato pancakes.
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Loaded Tater Tots: A nostalgic shared skillet layering a mountain of golden, deeply browned potato puffs under a heavy blanket of warm cheddar cheese sauce, crisp bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
Local Insider FAQ – TomKen’s Bar & Grill, West Allis, WI 🤫
Tips, tricks, and things to know before you go.
What is the smartest way to manage your timing if you want to score a table during a major game day?
The dining room and bar stalls clog up rapidly whenever the Packers, Bucks, or Brewers are playing live, so smart locals recommend arriving at least an hour before kickoff to claim a spot near the screens.
Can I easily place a bulk takeout order for a backyard family gathering?
Absolutely, the kitchen specializes in massive bucket-style orders of their famous broasted chicken, though regular patrons suggest calling your order into the shop a day in advance for smooth weekend pickups.
How should out-of-town motorists handle the parking grid around this busy corner intersection?
While finding open parking spaces directly on Greenfield Avenue can be tight during the peak dinner rush, drivers can utilize the unmetered neighborhood side-street parking along 80th Street for easy building access.
Is there a specific day of the week to drop in for maximum savings on their signature menu item?
Yes, if you want a major break on full menu prices, look no further than their highly popular weekday wing specials, which draw a massive crowd of budget-conscious foodies looking to sample multiple house sauces.
Takeaway Bite – TomKen’s Bar & Grill, West Allis, WI 😎
TomKen’s Bar & Grill delivers a beautifully authentic destination for classic American comfort food and unmatched Wisconsin tavern charm.
Their long-standing model perfectly demonstrates the power of neighborhood hospitality, proving that matching an iconic, historic structure with friendly service is the ultimate formula for remaining a treasured mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall year after year.
📍: 8001 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
📞: (414) 258-9110
🕒: Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM