The Best Burgers in Wisconsin: Butter Burgers and Beyond (2026)

The best burgers in Wisconsin start with the butter burger, and Solly's Grille in Glendale, which has served one since 1936, is the place to try it first. After that, work through Milwaukee favorites like The Diplomat, Wild Roots, Uncle Wolfie's and Kopp's. Then head north for Kroll's West near Lambeau Field and Al's Hamburger Shop in Green Bay.

Below are our picks, grouped by style and region. Each one appeared in a recent local roundup when we wrote this. Hours change, especially at seasonal and family-run spots, so check before you go.

What is a Wisconsin butter burger?

A butter burger is a griddled beef patty finished with butter, sometimes on the patty, sometimes on the bun, and often both. The result is rich, salty and messy in the best way. Classic versions keep the toppings simple so the butter and beef stand out.

• Steamed or griddled: some places cook the patty in butter, while others add a pat on top as it finishes.
• Soft or hard rolls: buns vary, but the bread should soak up the butter without falling apart.
• Fried onions are common: they're a natural partner for the butter.

For the full story, read our Wisconsin butter burger guide.

The butter burger icons

• Solly's Grille, Glendale: open since 1936 and one of the best-known butter burger spots in the state. Its sirloin patty is finished with Wisconsin butter. Fans call it essential, though not every local critic agrees, so go and decide for yourself.
• Kroll's West, Ashwaubenon: a butter burger stop near Lambeau Field, with butter added as the patty cooks. It's a natural pre- or post-game meal.

Milwaukee's best

• The Diplomat, Brady Street: the Diplomac, a double-decker with a house-made bun, pickles and sauce. It's one of the most talked-about burgers in the city.
• Wild Roots, West Allis: the Duck Fat Burger, a brisket patty seared in duck fat with American cheese and Thousand Island.
• Uncle Wolfie's: the Big McAllister, two lacy-edged smash patties with American cheese and a tangy "fancy" sauce. There are two Milwaukee locations.
• Nite Owl, Layton Avenue: house-ground beef and a generous layer of American cheese.
• Oscar's Pub & Grill: big, loaded bar burgers, such as the Big Gringo with American and white cheddar and bacon.
• Fox Den: double smash burgers from a walk-up inside Great Lakes Distillery.
• Kopp's Frozen Custard, Glendale, Greenfield and Brookfield: jumbo burgers you can order "the works," with fried onions, plus frozen custard for dessert.
• Sobelman's Pub & Grill, Menomonee Valley: loaded burgers with Wisconsin-style toppings like bratwurst, multiple cheeses and jalapeños.

Other Milwaukee picks from recent local roundups include Merriment Social's double wagyu Bestseller, the double wagyu burger at The Bridgewater Modern Grill, and halal beef burgers at Fatty Patty in Milwaukee and West Allis. Newer names worth tracking include Saint Bibiana on Brady Street and Riley's Bar + Burger, which opened in 2025 with a wagyu smash burger. See the full list with maps in our Milwaukee burger guide.

Green Bay and beyond

• Al's Hamburger Shop, Green Bay: small, slider-style patties cooked on a flat griddle, with soft buns and no frills.
• Wedl's Hamburger Stand, Jefferson: small, steamed patties with onions as a key flavor.
• Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, Madison: a short, focused menu of well-seasoned burgers.
• Settle Down Tavern, Madison: smash burgers with crispy edges and juicy centers.

A bit of hamburger history

The town of Seymour, near Green Bay, says Charlie Nagreen served hamburgers at a fair there in 1885, one of several competing claims in hamburger history. Read more in who invented the hamburger? Culver's, the chain famous for its ButterBurgers, was founded in Wisconsin in 1984.

How to plan a Wisconsin burger trip

1. Base yourself in Milwaukee. It has the most options, and Glendale, West Allis and the custard stands are all a short drive away.
2. Pair burgers with custard. Frozen custard is part of the experience at stands like Kopp's.
3. Plan around game days in Green Bay. Spots near Lambeau Field get busy when the Packers are at home.
4. Order the classic first. At butter burger spots, try the house burger before you start customizing.

Make a butter burger at home

Try our Wisconsin butter burger recipe in a cast iron skillet. Use thin patties, a hot pan and a pat of salted butter right at the end. Our guide to the best buns for burgers can help you pick a roll that holds up. Cook ground beef to 160°F for USDA-recommended doneness.

Know a Wisconsin burger we're missing? Suggest a spot.

FAQ

What is Wisconsin's famous burger?

The butter burger, a beef patty finished with butter. Solly's Grille in Glendale and the Culver's chain helped make it famous.

Where is the best butter burger in Wisconsin?

Solly's Grille is the classic first stop. Kroll's West near Lambeau Field is another favorite.

Do frozen custard stands really serve good burgers?

In Wisconsin, yes. Kopp's is known for jumbo burgers as well as custard, and it's a local favorite for both.

Are butter burgers cooked in butter?

It depends on the restaurant. Some cook or steam the patty in butter, others add a pat of butter on top or butter the bun. All of them aim for the same rich, salty finish.

What's the best burger in Milwaukee?

The Diplomat's Diplomac, the Wild Roots Duck Fat Burger and Uncle Wolfie's Big McAllister are three of the most praised. Our Milwaukee guide has the full list.