Best Food Wisconsin Is Known For & Where To Find It
I haven’t had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in Wisconsin. So, when resident expert Mary Rowland (of Wandering Michigan Wisconsin) offered to share her insights into the unique types of food Wisconsin is known for, I jumped at the chance to have her share her state’s most famous culinary offerings with us. Here is Mary’s story.
Welcome to Wisconsin, often called America’s Dairyland, a nickname that whispers of lush green pastures and a history deeply rooted in dairy production. But hey, there's more to this great place than just dairy!
Wisconsin’s motto, “Forward,” reflects the state’s progressive spirit, and its culinary scene shares that drive, constantly moving forward and innovating. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep one fork firmly planted in delicious tradition.
I live in Wisconsin and am always looking for my next big bite! From squeaky cheese curds to hearty bratwursts, each dish tells a story of local cultural heritage and definitely leaves me wanting more.
I’ve listed the best Wisconsin foods below. They’re so good, you’ll want to lick your plate clean! So, grab a fork (or a pint, because, hey, we love our brews here too), and let’s dive into some of the must-try foods from Wisconsin. You’re about to discover why this state’s food scene is something to write home about!
The Best Food Wisconsin Is Known for
1. Cheese
What food is Wisconsin most famous for? Wisconsin cheese!
When you think of Wisconsin, Dairyland delights are probably the first thing that comes to mind, right? Well, there’s a good reason for that. Wisconsin takes its cheese seriously, producing over 25% of all the cheese made in America. My personal favorite is cheddar, but there are lots of different varieties produced in the state.
Cheese-making in Wisconsin dates back to the 19th century when European immigrants brought their dairy farming skills to America. The cool climate and rich pastures were perfect for dairy cows.
As cheesemaking techniques and technologies improved, cheese production grew and quality reached new heights. By the 1920s, Wisconsin cheese had developed a nationwide reputation for excellence and became one of the most famous Wisconsin foods.
Today, domestically produced cheese is an official food of Wisconsin, the official state dairy product.
A number of well-known cheeses originated in Wisconsin. The most famous is probably Colby, and it derives its name from where it was invented: Colby, Wisconsin.
A version of this mild, creamy, and sweet cheese made by Wisconsin’s Hook’s Cheese Company won the best cheese in the world title in 1982. Colby Jack, a blend of Colby and Monterrey Jack was also developed in Wisconsin and it too enjoys great popularity.
One of Italy’s most famous cheeses, and America’s most consumed, mozzarella is widely produced in Wisconsin—with over 1 billion pounds made annually!
Best Places To Try Some Wisconsin Cheese
Although you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed Wisconsin cheese while biting into a pizza in your home state, you’ll find that many restaurants in the Badger State offer a great mix of different cheeses on a Wisconsin-focused cheese plate.
And if you’re interested in that world’s best Colby, Hook’s Cheese Company sells their cheese at their facility in Mineral Point and at the Dane’s County Farmers’ Market in Madison.
2. Cheese Curds
Cheese curds, one of the must-try famous foods of Wisconsin
Now, if there's one cheesy delight you can't leave the state of Wisconsin without trying, it’s cheese curds. Fresh, salty, and delightfully squeaky when they’re straight from the vat, fresh cheese curds are a treat unlike any other.
Cheese curds are young, basically baby cheddar, that has not been aged at all. They are best fresh, and they have a distinctive squeak when bitten into that is a telltale sign of peak freshness.
These cheddar cheese curds can also be breaded and deep-fried until crispy and golden on the outside and soft, warm, and chewy on the inside. These are a Wisconsin staple that I find an irresistible treat. They may not be the most famous food of Wisconsin, but they sure are fabulous!
Best Spot To Try Cheese Curds
Head over to Union Star Cheese Factory in Fremont, where you can not only buy some of the freshest curds but also witness them being made. I love the hands-on experience: It always makes me feel that the cheese I buy there is extra special!
You’ll also find these pearls of Dairyland cuisine when you’re roaming through the towns of Wisconsin. Just keep your eyes peeled for signs advertising fresh curds! They are a taste of local flavor you truly can’t find anywhere else, and they’re genuinely delicious snacks!
Fried cheese curds are ubiquitous in Wisconsin. Bars, gastropubs, diners, and many other restaurants will have them, and they make a great appetizer—or a side that kicks french fries to the curb.
When you make your way to Wisconsin, you’ll have no trouble checking cheese curds off of your U.S. Food Bucket List!
3. Bratwursts
Brats on a bun, one of the yummy Wisconsin famous foods
There's nothing quite like a sizzling bratwurst fresh off the grill to get your taste buds tingling! Bratwursts, or "brats" as we call them, are more than just sausages in Wisconsin—they're a cultural icon, deeply embedded in our German heritage.
Brought to Wisconsin by German immigrants in the 1800s, bratwursts quickly became a local favorite. These delicious sausages are typically made from pork, veal, or beef and are seasoned with a secret blend of spices that vary from one maker to another.
What truly makes a Wisconsin bratwurst special is how it's cooked. Simmered in beer before being pan-fried or grilled to perfection, beer brats are usually served in a hard roll with sauerkraut and mustard, creating one of my favorite mixes of flavors.
Best Places To Savor Brats
During any local festival or a typical weekend cookout, you’ll find brats aplenty. But for a truly unique experience, check out the Brat Fest in Madison, held each spring. Here, you’ll find a variety of brats, each with a one-of-a-kind twist on the classic recipe.
If you don’t happen to be in Wisconsin during Brat Fest over Memorial Day weekend, make sure to try the famous sausages at the Brat House Grill in Lake Delton, an hour outside of Madison. The brats are incredible, and with the restaurant being housed in a former church, the atmosphere is pretty interesting too.
4. Butter Burgers
The Butter Burger, a popular food among Wisconsin locals
When it comes to comfort food, the butter burger is my favorite. My mom used to make this for us when I was young. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a juicy beef patty topped with a generous slather of butter, which melts into the burger, adding a rich, creamy flavor that’s hard to beat. Just so good!
The burger was invented at Solly’s Grille way back in 1936 when owner Solly Salman decided to top a freshly grilled sirloin burger with a dollop of Wisconsin butter. The incredibly juicy, flavorful burger became an instant hit and catapulted from a famous Milwaukee food to an iconic Wisconsin food to a Midwestern legend.
Best Places To Try Butter Burgers
It’s tough to think of a better spot at which to sink your teeth into this classic than its birthplace, Solly’s Grille in Milwaukee. Still family owned, Solly’s serves up the original butter burger and some new takes on it too, along with old-school malts, homemade fruit pies, and Sprecher Root Beer—Wisconsin’s favorite, made in a brewery located just down the block.
But I also have a nostalgic personal favorite of my own: Mihm’s Charcoal Grill in Menasha. This old-school burger joint has been serving up butter burgers since 1958. I remember going there as a teenager!
Their burgers are cooked over a charcoal grill, giving them a smoky flavor that goes perfectly with the melting butter. It’s a must-visit if you want the real deal and happen to be in the Lake Winnebago area.
5. Fish Fries
Fish fries are a typical Wisconsin dinner on Friday nights.
The fish fry is a Wisconsin tradition, especially on Friday nights. Pubs, restaurants, and community halls across the state serve up platters of fried fresh fish along with tartar sauce, coleslaw, and a slice of rye bread—the same ingredients that made up a meal my mom used to make for us frequently.
Traditional Wisconsin recipes for Friday night fish fries typically feature perch, walleye, or cod, all battered and deep-fried to golden perfection.
The genesis of our fish fries dates back to the Prohibition era when the fries started as a way for taverns to attract customers on Fridays, a day when many people didn’t eat meat for religious reasons.
Nowadays, the Friday fish fry has become a weekly celebration that brings communities together, regardless of the season. For Wisconsin residents, it may be a fun, regular part of the weekend kick-off routine, but if you’re a first-time visitor to the state, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy an authentically unique dining experience local-style.
Best Spots To Enjoy a Fish Fry
Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee is a hotspot if you’re looking for a quintessential Wisconsin fish fry. It features a lively atmosphere and views of the Milwaukee River, making it a perfect backdrop for enjoying crispy fried fish and live polka music. So much fun!
Another great venue is The Old Fashioned in Madison. I love both the ambiance and the food! Here, the focus is on local flavors, with beer-battered fish right out of Wisconsin waters and traditional sides that everybody loves.
6. Fish Boils
Fish boils trace back to the Scandinavian settlers of Wisconsin.
This is the quintessential Wisconsin dining experience! The food is actually really simple: locally caught whitefish boiled in a large kettle with potatoes and onions, seasoned only with salt: nothing fancy!
Originating with the Scandinavian settlers in the region, fish boils were initially a great way to feed large groups of people quickly and economically. Since then, fish boils have become a popular culinary event, with each boil culminating in a dramatic "boil over."
This is where kerosene is thrown onto the fire under the pot, the water boils over, and the fish oils spill all over. What a crazy way to amp up the atmosphere and improve the flavor of the fish!
Best Places To Experience a Fish Boil
Pelletier's Restaurant & Fish Boil in Fish Creek is famous for its fish boil, which includes a demonstration by the "Boil Master," who explains the process and history of the Wisconsin fish boil as the meal cooks. Pelletier’s offers a complete experience, from the spectacle of the boil over to the traditional sides of boiled baby red potatoes and coleslaw, and cherry pie for dessert.
White Gull Inn is also in Fish Creek, and it offers a slightly different fish boil experience set in a historic bed and breakfast. This venue oozes rustic charm and emphasizes the commWhite Gull Innunal aspect of the fish boil, serving the meal in a picturesque setting that complements the simplicity and flavors of the food.
7. Booyah Stew
Booyah Stew, a traditional Wisconsin food from the Great Lakes region
Booyah stew is a beloved culinary tradition in the Great Lakes region of northeastern Wisconsin, particularly around Green Bay and Door County. Booyah likely came with the Belgian immigrants who settled in northeast Wisconsin in the 1800s.
The name "booyah" is most likely a phonetic approximation of "bouillon," a word used by the Walloon-speaking Belgian immigrants for soup stock or bouillon. This stew is traditionally made with a mix of chicken, beef, and sometimes pork, along with vegetables like carrots, peas, onions, and potatoes.
What sets booyah apart is its preparation in large kettles, which can cook up to 50 gallons at a time, making it a social event as much as a culinary one.
The preparation of booyah is a labor of love, often requiring up to two days of cooking to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully. This is pretty much the polar opposite of fast food.
It’s common for the stew to be cooked outdoors over an open flame. We used to do this at family gatherings, and all of us would share in both the cooking and the eating.
Where To Eat Booyah
Although one of the most cherished traditional Door County foods, incredible booyah can also be found in next-door Brown County, especially in Green Bay. The perfect choice to try authentic booyah there is The Booyah Shed, where they've mastered the art of this traditional stew.
Not only does The Shed offer booyah, but their menu also boasts other homemade favorites, making it one of my go-to places when out-of-towners come to visit.
8. Beer Cheese Soup
Beer Cheese Soup, a combination of two of the foods Wisconsin is known for
No visit to Wisconsin would be complete without dipping your spoon into a hearty bowl of beer cheese soup. This creamy bowl of deliciousness is loved across the state. And, although it might not be one of the most famous foods Wisconsin is known for, it combines two of Wisconsin’s most famous things: rich, flavorful cheese and robust local beers.
Beer cheese soup also captures the spirit of Wisconsin's diverse culinary traditions. It typically combines aged cheddar or sharp American cheese with a good pour of local beer, resulting in a smooth, velvety soup with a slightly tangy and utterly comforting flavor. Sometimes you’ll get add-ins like bacon, onions, carrots—even popcorn—to round out the dish.
Best Place To Indulge in Beer Cheese Soup
You’ll find beer cheese soup on the menu of many pubs and restaurants throughout Wisconsin, but if you want the real deal, head to a spot that prides itself on using local ingredients. The Old Fashioned Tavern in Madison is renowned for its traditional Wisconsin fare, and their beer cheese soup is a menu highlight, perfect for warming up during those chilly Midwest winters.
9. Mac and Cheese Pizza
When in America’s Dairyland, Mac and Cheese Pizza is a must!
Attention all indulgent food lovers: In Wisconsin, even the pizza gets a cheesy upgrade! Enter Mac and Cheese Pizza, a genius blend of two comfort food giants. It's exactly what it sounds like—creamy, cheesy macaroni baked onto a pizza crust, and it’s as delicious as you'd imagine.
Mac and Cheese Pizza made its debut at The Glass Nickel Pizza Co. in Madison, where they decided to take the state’s cheese obsession to the next level. This dish combines a gooey macaroni and cheese layer with a traditional pizza base, sometimes topped with extra cheese or bacon bits to add a little crunch.
Where To Grab a Slice of Mac & Cheese Pizza
While you can find variations of Mac and Cheese Pizza at several spots across the state, the Glass Nickel Pizza Co. in Madison is the birthplace of this quirky dish and probably the best place to try it. Their version is known for its perfect cheese-to-pasta ratio and just the right amount of crispiness.
Don’t miss out on this unique dish—it’s one of the funnest foods Wisconsin is known for!
10. Cranberries
Whether in cranberry wine, jam, or ice cream, try Wisconsin’s state fruit.
Did you know that Wisconsin is the top cranberry producer in the United States? That’s right, when fall rolls around, it's cranberry season in the Badger State. Brilliantly red, fresh fruits are ripe for picking, and there’s a whole lot of tangy goodness going on.
Most of Wisconsin’s cranberry bogs are found in the central part of the state, an area known as Cranberry Country. Here, the sandy soil and abundant fresh water make it the perfect place for growing a major portion of the nation’s supply of cranberries.
So, if you’re visiting in the fall, you’re in for a real treat. During harvest, the bogs are flooded to help dislodge the cranberries from their vines, turning the landscape into a sea of brilliant red berries. It’s pretty spectacular!
Best Places To Try Wisconsin Cranberries
A cool way to experience cranberry culture is to check out a cranberry festival. Warrens Cranberry Festival takes place annually at the end of September and is the largest celebration of cranberries in the world. You can take tours of the bogs, taste all sorts of cranberry products, and even watch the berries being harvested.
It’s no surprise that as Wisconsin’s official state fruit, cranberries are not just important for their economic value to the state, they're a big part of local culinary traditions too. From cranberry wine and cranberry-infused cheese to sweets like cranberry ice cream, this tart fruit pops up in some surprisingly delightful places.
If you make it to the Three Lakes area of Wisconsin, try a cranberry wine tasting at Three Lakes Winery. The cranberry wine really is excellent, and it’s one of those unique things from Wisconsin that makes both a great souvenir and a wonderful gift for friends and family back home!
11. Ginseng
Wisconsin leads the nation in ginseng production.
Wisconsin is also a powerhouse in ginseng production! This valuable root thrives in the state’s unique climate and sandy soil, particularly in Marathon County. Wisconsin accounts for over 95% of the ginseng produced in the United States.
Ginseng from Wisconsin also stands out globally, especially in Asia, thanks to meticulous standards maintained by the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin since 1986 to make sure every batch is top-notch.
Growing ginseng is a serious commitment. It takes about three to four years for ginseng to mature, and once a field has been harvested, it can never be used to grow ginseng again. This makes each harvest quite special.
Where To Try Wisconsin’s Ginseng
Available in various forms—such as fresh roots, powders, and capsules—Wisconsin ginseng is a must-try for its health benefits and unique flavor. Whether you’re into wellness or just curious about local specialties, you’ll find all different forms of ginseng at one of these local retailers.
12. Frozen Custard
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the "Frozen Custard Capital of the World."
Frozen custard is to Milwaukee what deep-dish pizza is to Chicago: a must-try local delicacy that’s rich in history and flavor. It’s just plain dreamier than regular ice cream, thanks to a recipe that adds egg yolks to cream and sugar to make a thicker, creamier treat that amazingly has less fat and sugar than regular ice cream.
The Kohr Brothers created frozen custard in New York in 1919, and it spread along the East Coast shortly thereafter. In fact, Kohr Brothers frozen custard is still one of the most famous foods of Ocean City, MD.
However, with more frozen custard stands per capita than anywhere else on the planet, Milwaukee rightfully claims the title of "Frozen Custard Capital of the World." The city’s love affair with frozen custard began soon after it was a featured novelty at the 1933 World’s Fair in nearby Chicago. Things haven’t cooled off since.
This dessert is especially popular during Wisconsin summers when frozen custard’s extra-rich texture and refreshing chill make it perfect for cooling off, even on the hottest days.
Best Spot To Chill With Some Frozen Custard
No custard crawl in Milwaukee would be complete without a stop at Leon’s Frozen Custard. Open since 1942, Leon’s is a Milwaukee institution where the custard is made fresh hourly, and the retro vibe takes you back in time. Their butter pecan is legendary, but you really can’t go wrong with any flavor here.
If your visit to Wisconsin is part of a larger Midwestern adventure that includes St. Louis, be sure to try the frozen custard concrete at Ted Drewes. It’ll be fun to compare the frozen pride of Wisconsin to one of the most famous foods of St. Louis.
13. Kringle
Kringles offer a taste of Danish heritage in every bite of this Wisconsin treasure.
Ever tried a kringle? This delectable pastry is a slice of Wisconsin's Danish heritage, right from the heart of Racine. It’s not just any pastry—it’s officially Wisconsin’s state pastry, thanks to its rich history and scrumptious layers.
This traditional Scandinavian pastry was introduced locally by Danish immigrants, and the Danish kringles are a testament to Wisconsin's multicultural culinary richness.
This oval-shaped, flaky pastry boasts 32 layers of dough, usually generously filled with fruits or nuts and sweetly iced on top. Crafting a kringle is an art, and the process can take up to three days!
Best Spots To Dig Into Some Kringles
Head over to Racine to get the real deal. Specifically, Bendtsen’s Bakery and O&H Danish Bakery are legends around here. Each spot rolls out its own version of this beloved treat. I love the traditional almond, but you can certainly be a little more daring and try such flavors as pumpkin or cranberry.
14. Cream Puffs
Every year, Wisconsinites go crazy for cream puffs at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Cream puffs achieved local cult status during the 1940s when they were among the offerings at the Wisconsin Bakers Association concession at the Wisconsin State Fair. It’s not just because the golden pastries featured perfectly pillowy dough dusted with dulcet doses of powdered sugar; they were also stuffed with a generous helping of a wartime rarity: whipped cream.
Although whipped cream is no longer scarce, the demand for cream puffs at the Wisconsin State Fair remains enormous. These delicious treats still draw legendary crowds at the 11-day festival where nearly 400,000 cream puffs are eaten every year. It makes you wonder what kind of damage Wisconsinites could do while exploring the best desserts of Paris.
The state fair was also where the Wisconsin Bakers Association created the world’s largest-ever cream puff in 2011. It weighed in at over 125 pounds!
Where To Pick Up Some Puffs
Without a doubt, the Wisconsin State Fair would be the perfect choice for where to enjoy some amazing cream puffs. The fair is held every summer—and has been since 1851. If you can’t make it to the fair, be sure to order some cream puffs from a local bakery or off a local restaurant dessert menu.
15. New Glarus Beer
New Glarus Beer is among Wisconsin's finest local brews.
In Wisconsin, beer isn’t just a drink. Wisconsin beer is an intrinsic part of the local culture, and if there's one name that stands out, it's New Glarus. Founded back in 1993 in the pretty town of New Glarus, this brewery quickly became a household name for the best craft beer. It uses traditional brewing techniques that produce distinctive flavors that we, the locals, love.
My favorite is the famous New Glarus Belgian Red, often described as cherry pie in a bottle. Brewed with whole Montmorency cherries sourced from Door County, it’s a great blend of tartness and sweetness that will make you ask for another even if beer isn’t your thing.
We have one of the lowest alcohol tax rates in the country, so enjoying a beer in Milwaukee is even sweeter, since it’s cheaper in Brew City than in most other places. The fact that New Glarus brewery sells exclusively in Wisconsin is another reason it’s a part of the Wisconsinite identity.
Best Place To Have a Cold One
The ultimate spot to enjoy a cold New Glarus is, without a doubt, at the New Glarus Brewery itself. Located in New Glarus—a town replete with traditional Swiss architecture and old-world charm—the brewery offers tours that give you a sneak peek into the masterful crafting of their famous beer. After the tour, try the tasting room or, my favorite, the scenic beer garden out back.
If you can't make it to the brewery, no worries—New Glarus beers are sold at most local pubs and bars throughout Wisconsin.
16. Brandy Old Fashioned Cocktail
No matter where you go in Wisconsin, the Brandy Old Fashioned is the toast of the town.
When it comes to cocktails, Wisconsin locals have a unique favorite that stands out at bars: the Brandy Old Fashioned. This twist on the classic Old Fashioned is deeply ingrained in Wisconsin’s drinking culture. It might even be why I don’t care for whiskey!
The origins of this Wisconsin favorite traces back to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, when Korbel brandy was introduced to the region. Its popularity soon began to soar, and brandy has been the go-to liquor choice for this iconic dinner party cocktail ever since.
A true Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned is a flavorful blend of brandy, sugar, bitters, and a splash of soda, garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. It can be served sweet, sour, or “press” (which features a mix of soda water and Sprite).
Best Place To Toast to Brandy Old Fashioneds
For an authentic taste of a Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned, the Ishnala Supper Club in Lake Delton is the best choice. Right by Mirror Lake, this gem among age-old supper clubs offers a scenic backdrop where I love to have what I think is the best Brandy Old Fashioned around.
Ishnala is only open during the summer, and enjoying a drink on their outdoor deck is the perfect way to toast the season.
Another great spot to enjoy this beloved Badger State cocktail is The Old Fashioned Tavern in Madison. They serve up simple yet perfect Brandy Old Fashioneds and have a view of the Wisconsin State Capitol—what a terrific twofer!
17. Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary in Wisconsin can sometimes be a meal on its own.
Wisconsin takes the Bloody Mary to the next level by turning it into a feast! Imagine sipping your cocktail while snacking on a skewer loaded with shrimp, bacon, cheese, and even a slider. In some of the places I’ve been, enjoying a Bloody Mary is like having a brunch on a stick!
Here in Wisconsin, the Bloody Mary is pretty much a staple at tailgates and Sunday brunches. We love it because you can throw pretty much anything you want into it. It's not just a drink; it’s a whole vibe, making it a hit with both the cocktail crowd and foodies looking to jazz up their meal with some interesting garnishes.
Best Place To Try a Wisconsin Bloody Mary
Parker John’s in Sheboygan has become famous for their take on the Bloody Mary. Their version isn’t just a drink; it’s practically a barbecue hanging off the edge of your glass! It comes with a slider, a half rack of ribs, a brat, and more. You’ve got to see it to believe it!
I love Parker John’s because it’s an excellent example of the Wisconsin spirit of going big and bold, not just in flavor but in presentation as well.
The Best Food Wisconsin Is Known For: The Wrap-Up
So, I hope it feels good to now have 17 answers to choose from when somebody asks you, What is Wisconsin known for? And I also hope you’ve enjoyed this whirlwind tour of Wisconsin state food, from the legendary cheese curds and hearty bratwursts to the unique Mac and Cheese Pizza, soups, stews, and desserts. Each dish offers a taste of the state's rich culinary culture and a heaping helping of Badger State pride.
I would love for you to come see us soon. And now that you know what to eat in Wisconsin, remember to pack your appetite and get ready to indulge in some of the best dishes America’s Dairyland has to offer. Your taste buds will thank you!
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