Milwaukeeans are an interesting group of people… in fact, we’re the best kind of people. A big part of our uniqueness is the incredible food and drink we consume. No Milwaukeean diet is complete without these ten staples, and if you haven’t tried them yet, what are you doing?!

  1. Cheese Curds

Jen / Flickr Whether they’re fried and gooey or in their all natural squeaky state, there’s nothing better than Wisconsin cheese curds. It’s likely that you’ll see Milwaukeeans snacking on this at any bar or restaurant—we’re absolutely spoiled with good cheese curds.

  1. Butterburgers

Solly’s Grille / Facebook Though Culver’s, the popular local chain, has made butterburgers more mainstream, this burger has been a Milwaukee staple for decades. Though it might not be the healthiest choice, these burgers fried in butter are mouthwatering.

  1. Frozen Custard

Best Food Milwaukee / Facebook Everyone knows that frozen custard is a Milwaukee staple. It’s simply ten thousand times better than ice cream, and we can’t explain why. Why not take a trip and try all of the best frozen custard in the city and find out for yourself?

  1. Bloody Marys

Sobelmans Pub and Grill / Facebook Bloody Marys are a common drink to pair with brunch, but the Milwaukee way is much different. It’s basically a whole meal… and we’re addicted.

  1. Sprecher Root Beer

Jack Amick / Flickr All the cool kids drank root beer growing up, and in Milwaukee, we drink only the finest. Sprecher Root Beer is the New York Times’ pick for the best-of-the-best root beer and it’s even sweetened with honey from our state. We can’t get enough of the stuff.

  1. Beermosa

Beerline Cafe / Facebook It’s not a surprise that Brew City incorporates beer into everything, but mixing orange juice with beer is the perfect way to stay classy and still get your daily dose of brews.

  1. Cream Puffs

vxla / Flickr Whether you find them at State Fair, your local bakery, or make them yourself, cream puffs are the best (and messiest) dessert in Milwaukee.

  1. Brats

tyle_r / Flickr Brats > hot dogs. Always.

  1. Fish Frys

County Clare Irish Pub / Facebook Fried fish can be found all over, but there’s nothing like a Milwaukee fish fry. It’s not even just the food (though, we do it right), it’s a Friday night ritual. It brings the community together, and there will likely be polka music involved. Fridays just aren’t the same without it!

  1. Hot Ham and Rolls

Jen’s Sweet Treats / Facebook Nothing says the Midwest like hot ham and rolls! No Milwaukee Sunday is complete without stopping into your local deli for the best hot ham and rolls specials. This staple is the epitome of Midwest comfort food.

Are these staples a part of your diet? What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

Jen / Flickr

Whether they’re fried and gooey or in their all natural squeaky state, there’s nothing better than Wisconsin cheese curds. It’s likely that you’ll see Milwaukeeans snacking on this at any bar or restaurant—we’re absolutely spoiled with good cheese curds.

Solly’s Grille / Facebook

Though Culver’s, the popular local chain, has made butterburgers more mainstream, this burger has been a Milwaukee staple for decades. Though it might not be the healthiest choice, these burgers fried in butter are mouthwatering.

Best Food Milwaukee / Facebook

Everyone knows that frozen custard is a Milwaukee staple. It’s simply ten thousand times better than ice cream, and we can’t explain why. Why not take a trip and try all of the best frozen custard in the city and find out for yourself?

Sobelmans Pub and Grill / Facebook

Bloody Marys are a common drink to pair with brunch, but the Milwaukee way is much different. It’s basically a whole meal… and we’re addicted.

Jack Amick / Flickr

All the cool kids drank root beer growing up, and in Milwaukee, we drink only the finest. Sprecher Root Beer is the New York Times’ pick for the best-of-the-best root beer and it’s even sweetened with honey from our state. We can’t get enough of the stuff.

Beerline Cafe / Facebook

It’s not a surprise that Brew City incorporates beer into everything, but mixing orange juice with beer is the perfect way to stay classy and still get your daily dose of brews.

vxla / Flickr

Whether you find them at State Fair, your local bakery, or make them yourself, cream puffs are the best (and messiest) dessert in Milwaukee.

tyle_r / Flickr

Brats > hot dogs. Always.

County Clare Irish Pub / Facebook

Fried fish can be found all over, but there’s nothing like a Milwaukee fish fry. It’s not even just the food (though, we do it right), it’s a Friday night ritual. It brings the community together, and there will likely be polka music involved. Fridays just aren’t the same without it!

Jen’s Sweet Treats / Facebook

Nothing says the Midwest like hot ham and rolls! No Milwaukee Sunday is complete without stopping into your local deli for the best hot ham and rolls specials. This staple is the epitome of Midwest comfort food.

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