Milwaukee is known for its rich history, and nowhere throughout the city will you find more history than our restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a giant pretzel, German sausage, or a boot of beer, this restaurant has it all — and it also happens to be the oldest restaurant in Milwaukee and one of the oldest places in the whole city! The story behind this historic establishment will have you appreciating all that Milwaukee has gone through, and that it’s still here today.
Welcome to Mader’s Restaurant, Milwaukee’s oldest restaurant.
Mader’s Restaurant/Facebook Mader’s German Restaurant and Knight’s Bar have been in operation since 1902, and are still serving up authentic German cuisine today.
Charles Mader founded Mader’s in 1902, and its history is still going.
Mader’s Restaurant/Facebook When it was founded, Mader’s was a bar and restaurant where you could get a porterhouse steak for 20 cents — or six for a dollar! The majority of Milwaukeeans at the time were German immigrants, and beer was their drink of choice. When Prohibition began in 1920, Mader’s took a hard hit.
Charles Mader’s wife, Cecilia, had to keep the restaurant afloat even during Prohibition times.
Mader’s Restaurant/Facebook She spent her time perfecting rustic and authentic German dishes from their homeland to keep the place alive despite the ban on brews. The wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and crispy pork shank had to hold up without the pairing of a stein. In 1933, when Prohibition ended, Mader’s was there to serve the first legal brew and announce the break of the ban on Milwaukee’s public radio.
Though the famous Charles Mader passed in 1938, the family took over and the restaurant and bar have been flourishing.
Mader’s Restaurant/Facebook Whether you’re looking for a traditional German dinner, or just a stein and a pretzel, Mader’s has it all, and this place has become a staple for all true Milwaukeeans.
Mader’s is now famous for their food, their boots of beer, and their giant pretzels!
Mader’s Restaurant/Facebook Mader’s has grown exponentially since Prohibition times. They’ve remodeled quite a bit since 1902, and have added dining spaces such as the “Jaeger Stube,” featuring this famously huge chair. Whether you’re there for their famous Sunday Viennese Brunch, a traditional dinner for the whole family, or simply enjoying a beer while looking around at all the antiques, Mader’s will make you feel right at home. Mader’s also takes over the City of Festivals in the summer, and you’re sure to see them at German Fest. Grab their famous bratwurst wherever you can find them, but make sure to stop back into the building that’s filled with history.
If you stop in their bathroom, you can see all of the famous guests who have dined here and fell in love with the restaurant throughout the years.
Mader’s Restaurant/Facebook From the Kennedy family and Frank Sinatra to Chris Farley and Brittany Spears —Mader’s is a gem that has been experienced by many of the greats.
Mader’s Restaurant might be the oldest, but it’s still the best, and it’s absolutely bursting with history.
Mader’s Restaurant/Facebook Come on down for a feast, or to drink a stein and be surrounded by true Milwaukee history.
Mader’s Restaurant is located at 1041 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee.
Did you know that Mader’s is home to some of the city’s richest history? Have you been yet? Let us know your experience in the comments!
Mader’s Restaurant/Facebook
Mader’s German Restaurant and Knight’s Bar have been in operation since 1902, and are still serving up authentic German cuisine today.
When it was founded, Mader’s was a bar and restaurant where you could get a porterhouse steak for 20 cents — or six for a dollar! The majority of Milwaukeeans at the time were German immigrants, and beer was their drink of choice. When Prohibition began in 1920, Mader’s took a hard hit.
She spent her time perfecting rustic and authentic German dishes from their homeland to keep the place alive despite the ban on brews. The wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and crispy pork shank had to hold up without the pairing of a stein. In 1933, when Prohibition ended, Mader’s was there to serve the first legal brew and announce the break of the ban on Milwaukee’s public radio.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional German dinner, or just a stein and a pretzel, Mader’s has it all, and this place has become a staple for all true Milwaukeeans.
Mader’s has grown exponentially since Prohibition times. They’ve remodeled quite a bit since 1902, and have added dining spaces such as the “Jaeger Stube,” featuring this famously huge chair. Whether you’re there for their famous Sunday Viennese Brunch, a traditional dinner for the whole family, or simply enjoying a beer while looking around at all the antiques, Mader’s will make you feel right at home. Mader’s also takes over the City of Festivals in the summer, and you’re sure to see them at German Fest. Grab their famous bratwurst wherever you can find them, but make sure to stop back into the building that’s filled with history.
From the Kennedy family and Frank Sinatra to Chris Farley and Brittany Spears —Mader’s is a gem that has been experienced by many of the greats.
Come on down for a feast, or to drink a stein and be surrounded by true Milwaukee history.
Mader’s Restaurant is located at 1041 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee.
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