Where to find Wisconsin’s best burgers
There’s nothing like sitting down for a made-to-order burger after a day of exploration and adventure in Wisconsin. Here’s where to go to find a few of the state’s best burgers—be sure to bring your appetite.
The Thirsty Whale, Minocqua
The Thirsty Whale is an institution in Minocqua, serving up tasty bar food on the shores of Lake Minocqua. A local favorite is the Wisconsin Burger, which is covered in loads of bacon and cheddar cheese.
Cross Country Bar & Grill, Rhinelander
The Cross Country Bar & Grill is located in Oneida County between Rhinelander and Eagle River and offers easy access to the Northwoods’ snowmobile trails and ATV/UTV trails. The bar has 14 TVs inside, so it’s a great place to watch a game, and the outdoor patio is a great place to grab a bite to eat in the warmer months. Try one of their specialty burgers like the Spicy Burger (with pepperjack cheese and jalapenos), the Olive Burger (topped with a cream cheese/green olive/Greek seasoning mixture), or the French Onion Burger.
The Courthouse Pub, Manitowoc
Enjoy a delicious burger at The Courthouse Pub, which sits just blocks from the shores of Lake Michigan in the city of Manitowoc. The Courthouse has been welcoming diners since 2001 and serves up tasty 7-ounce brisket burgers like the Jail Bird (Cooper Sharpe cheese, braised bacon cabbage, and spicy ketchup on a pretzel bun) and the Blue Burger (bourbon BBQ, spring mix, blueberry cheese, and haystack onions on a preztel bun). Grab a seat outside when it’s patio season.
Nutz Deep II, Marshfield
Voted Marshfield’s best burger for more than a decade running, Nutz Deep II is a popular bar & grill in the heart of downtown. Try a specialty burger like the Nutz Deep Burger (with caramelized onions and garlic, Swiss and American cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and the restaurant’s signature sauce) or the Hub City Burger (with cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, applewood smoked bacon, haystack onions, and chipotle cream sauce).
Trempealeau Hotel, Trempealeau
If you’re looking for a great burger with a side of scenery, head to Wisconsin’s western border to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Mississippi River and the unforgettable Walnut Burger at the Trempealeau Hotel.
Bacon Burger Company, Green Bay
You know what you’re getting at Bacon Burger Company in Green Bay—the restaurant grinds choice chuck roast with fresh bacon every day to make its burgers, which are a hit among locals and visitors alike. Try a regular burger or cheeseburger or get adventurous by adding a homemade bacon brat patty to your order.
Jackson Point Sports Grill, Seymour
No burger tour of Wisconsin is complete without a visit to Seymour, which claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. (Local restaurateur Charlie Nagreen—nicknamed “Hamburger Charlie”—invented the delicacy back in 1885, and the city holds a Burger Fest every summer.) If you’re looking for a burger any other time, head to Jackson Point Sports Grill, where you’ll find classics as well as unique items like the Bacon Mac Burger, which is topped with smoked bacon and homemade macaroni and cheese.
