There’s nothing quite like biting into the perfect patty. Here are just a few of our favorites to try around Milwaukee – pass the napkins and dig in!
Nite Owl
This place has been around for 78 years! When it opened, cellphones, personal computers and the internet hadn’t even been invented. The reason it’s been around so long is simple: the burgers are fantastic! Be sure to try one this summer – Nite Owl is closed most of the fall and all winter. 830 E. Layton Ave.
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Milwaukee Burger Company
Is a plain burger not enough? Then go all out with this place’s Cheese Curd Burger, which is exactly what it sounds like – a burger piled high with a bunch of deep fried cheese curds. 6421 S. 27th St., Franklin
Archie’s Flat Top
This place is new but it feels like it came from the last century. Archie’s is designed like an old-fashioned diner, with a long counter where you can pull up a stool. The place specializes in burgers, and Scratch Ice Cream shares the same building, so save room for a cone! 6922 W. Becher St., West Allis
Gilles
Like Nite Owl, this place has been around a looooong time – it’s the oldest frozen custard stand in the whole state. You can have a regular hamburger or cheeseburger or try the “Gillieburger” – a sloppy joe mix. 7515 W. Bluemound Rd.
Oscar’s Pub and Grill
Most of the burgers here have “Big” in their name, and that is completely accurate – these suckers are humongous. Oscar’s famous one is “The Big O,” which has jalapeños on it. If you’re not into spice, worry not. They also let you build your own burger. 1712 W. Pierce St.
SafeHouse
The burgers here are solid … but honestly, you don’t go to SafeHouse for the food. You go for the experience. This restaurant requires a password to get in, and once you’re inside, you’ll see that everything is spy-themed, even the burgers, like the “Mission Impossible” and the “Double Agent.” You want to know what the password is? Well, we simply can’t reveal that top secret information. (You’ll find hints when you stop by.) 779 N. Front St.
Crave Cafe
Crave is simple – no curd-packed burgers, no passwords to get in the door – but a lot of people say the “Crave Burger” is the best in the whole city. With dozens of burger places around, that’s a pretty big claim to fame. Give it a try to see what you think. 3592 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
Crafty Cow
Some of these burgers are a giant mess (in a good way!). Crafty Cow makes big patties heaped with cheese and sauce and tons of toppings. 2675 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.; 6519 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa; 153 E. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc
