Grilling out is a lifestyle here in Milwaukee. Milwaukee has been making cookout staples like hot dogs, brats, and beer for over a century. Rich German and Polish heritages loan tradition and recipes to Milwaukee cuisine. Therefore, it’s no surprise that we embrace the grill. So, next time you’re at the store or in the neighborhood, pick up some of these locally made Milwaukee specialties.
The Spice House: 1031 North Old World Third Street, Downtown Milwaukee
Walk into the Spice House and take a deep breath. The aroma of a hundred exotic top-shelf spices fills the air and can only be experienced, not described. This makes the Spice House a perfect place to begin searching for a perfect dry rub. I am continually impressed by their assortment and their affordable prices. (Tip: save the glass jars, spices are cheaper when bought by the bag). Here are my top picks for grilling out:
– Spicy West Indies Barbeque Seasoning is less sweet than typical southern barbeques but has a smooth peppery flavor that lingers on your tongue. Unusual ingredients like Jamaican Allspice, Tellicherry Pepper, Sweet Cinammon and Thyme give it a mild smoked pepper taste. I just bought this and plan to use it for a dry rub on chicken wings
– Mitchell Street Steak Seasoning is one of their best-sellers. I keep coming back to this mixture for chicken, pork, steak, and ribs. Its flavor pulls from some well-known Polish spices like Marjoram, Cardamon, Hungarian Paprika, and garlic.
Klement’s Sausage Co. Outlet: 2650 South Chase Avenue, Near Southside Milwaukee
You can buy Klement’s sausage at almost any area grocery store, but you can also go to their factory store and buy sausage made that day. And boy, if you like summer sausage, this is the place to go. The store stocks most of their products at prices lower than the grocery store. They also sell in bulk, with a discount which is definitely convenient if you’re having everyone over for a backyard shindig. The store is located at their main factory and is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-6:30pm.
The Metro Market: 1123 North Van Buren Street, Lower Eastside Milwaukee
Eventhough I’ve tried a lot of different bratwurst, I keep coming back to the Metro Market. Their brats are always freshly made (essential whn buying brats) and they come in a wide-range of varities. The stock rotates occassionally but expect to see Beer Brats, Cheddar Brats, Turkey Italian Brats, Chicken Feta and Spinach, Cheese Steak Brats, and Chorizo.
A&J Polish Deli: 1215 West Lincoln Avenue, Near Southside Milwaukee
If you’re searching for a good Polish sausage, you should really venture over to this place. The storefront is easy to miss and may look a little questionable, but the Polish sausage made here are the real deal.
For the condiments, you can find Milwaukee’s Dill Pickles at most area grocery stores. Although Milwaukee doesn’t have a hometown mustard, Uncle Phil’s Mustard and Koops’ Mustard are Wisconsin-made not too far away. Lastly, any good Milwaukee grill out must have a bottle of Secret Stadium Sauce. The concoction was born at the concession stands of the Brewer’s old County Stadium when they accidentally ran out of ketchup. It’s a mixture of barbeque sauce, mustard, and smoke syrup and is definitely unique to this city.
Happy Grilling!
