1. Birch, The Diplomat, Erv’s Mug and Oscar’s
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER
I should start by saying that I love burgers. A good burger can restore my feeling that life is worth living. And my most reliable favorite is the double Shack Burger at Shake Shack. They have nailed the grease factor (just enough!) and the crispy edges of the burger elevate it to level of perfection that is hard to beat. I have not found anything that exceeds the happiness I’ve found with this burger.
Ok, so what’s number two? Constructed in a similar vein, the burgers at Birch and The Diplomat are both excellent. These are all thin-patty burgers, gooey with melted cheese. But when I want a thicker, single-patty burger, I head for Oscar’s Pub and Grill or Erv’s Mug. Both deliver very satisfying versions of the classic burger, have a good bun-to-meat ratio, and rank well on the juiciness meter. They don’t elevate me to nirvana, but they do make me happy enough so that I can live to die another day.
2. Nite Owl
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
About a year ago, executive editor Chris Drosner and I had some top secret Milwaukee Magazine business to take care of at the airport. Chris suggested stopping at Nite Owl on the way back, the old-fashioned drive-in nearby that won our magazine’s burger bracket. It was a boiling day, I mean absurdly hot, and I was miserably uncomfortable in my long-sleeve shirt, drenched in sweat, and longing for the relief of air conditioning – and yet I acquiesced to stand in the Nite Owl parking lot in the baking sun while we waited for some double cheeseburgers. And I’m glad I did. Those things were fantastic. I’m a sucker for a good burger, and Nite Owl delivers with simple, fresh delicious ones. I would 100% burn my pale skin and sweat through my shirt for them anytime.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Local Press
ABBY YEMM, MEDIA EXECUTIVE
The Truffle Boom Burger from Local Press in Sheboygan is delish. House ground daily, black angus smash burger and truffle fries? Yes, please.
4. Kopp’s
MELISA MACKEVICIUS, MEDIA EXECUTIVE
I love a good burger too. I think I have a “kind” of burger I like – thin patties, oozing with juiciness and flavor. My local favorite is Kopp’s hamburger (you don’t need cheese with an amazing burger, but it doesn’t hurt either unless you are counting calories). I take all my burgers with mayo, ketchup, mustard, raw onions (not grilled), pickle and tomatoes. My kiddo loves their burgers too – and of course the custard!
And, if you want a really good burger at home – I highly suggest Sendik’s premade pattys in the butcher section. These aren’t thin, but the flavor is better than other stores I’ve found. They make different blends, but the plain black angus is amazing – and of course the tailgate burger for a Packer game.
5. Oscar’s and Gilles
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Man, there are so many here but I’ll single out two very different ones: The Big O at Oscar’s Pub & Grill (1712 W. Pierce St.) is a delicious spicy-smoky garbage pile of a burger – a thick patty festooned in chipotle Jack and smoked gouda, bacon, chorizo, fried onions and jalapeños on a bun that somehow holds up to the goopy onslaught – mostly. On the simpler side, Kopp’s is rightly well known for its burgers but another custard spot – Gilles in Wauwatosa (7515 W. Bluemound Rd.) – makes a really excellent burger, too. Grilled onions and pickle slices should be mandatory.
