There’s a long and storied history of German immigrants settling in Wisconsin to start their new lives. We’re a state that takes pride in our love of bratwurst and beer and these 11 restaurants are some of the best places across the state to enjoy the food of our ancestors.
In no particular order, head to these establishments to get your fill of schnitzel and strudel.
1. Karl Ratzsch's - Milwaukee
Recently purchased by James Beard nominated chef Thomas Hauck of c. 1880 in Milwaukee, Ratzsch's has received an update to both it's interior and it's menu.
A Milwaukee institution since it open in 1904, Hauck has used his restaurant and kitchen skills to both update the menu and take it back to it's German roots.
Karl Ratzsch's is located at 320 E Mason St, Milwaukee, WI 53233.
2. Dorf Haus - Sauk City
It still looks like it did when it was opened in the 1960's with paintings of German scenes and wood everywhere. Oompa music, an Oktoberfest and so much more add to the German experience.
They serve every German specialty you can think of and have a Monday smorgasbord special and a Friday Fish fry.
Dorf Haus is located at 8931 County Hwy Y, Sauk City, WI 53583.
3. Feil's Supper Club - Randolph
Opened by the son of German immigrants who's father ran a nearby bakery for years, Feil's is part German heritage and part Wisconsin supper club.
They feature a German Fest buffet on the last Sunday of every month.
Feil's is located at N8743 WI-73, Randolph, WI 53956.
4. Garmish USA - Cable
Knackwurst and bratwurst, schnitzel and kassler ripchen - you'll find all the old-world favorites served up on the shores of Lake Namakagon.
The restaurant is actually part of a Bavarian-style resort in the Chequamegon National Forest.
Garmisch USA is located at 23040 Garmisch Rd, Cable, WI 54821.
5. Stein Haus - LaCrosse
All their vegetables are purchased from the local co-op. They have a stein club. They have a pork shank the size of your head.
There are 22 different kinds of bratwurst on the menu.
Stein Haus is located at 324 Jay St, La Crosse, WI 54601.
6. Lorelei Inn - Green Bay
With its casual atmosphere, amazing German food and neighborhood pub feel, Lorelei Inn is a must stop in Green Bay.
Sauerbraten, liver and onions, schnitzel and a minimum of six German import beers on tap are reason enough to head to Lorelei.
Lorelei Inn is located at 1412 Webster Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54301.
7. Mader's - Milwaukee
Since 1902, Mader's has been a stalwart of the Milwaukee dining scene. They served Milwaukee's first beer after Prohibition and are also the World's Largest Hummel Store.
Voted the most famous German restaurant in America, Mader's houses medieval armor and an extensive (and expensive) art collection.
Mader's is located at 1041 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
8. OB's Brau Haus - Appleton
With four types of schnitzel, spaetzle and currywurst, you'll be able to fill up on all kinds of German specialties at OB 's.
Maybe the most unique place on the list, OB's is part pub, part nightclub.
OB's is located at 523 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911.
9. Winzer Stube - Hudson
This eatery has multiple mentions on the Best German Restaurant in America list.
In the warm months, enjoy spectacular views of the St. Croix River.
Winzer Stube is located at 516 2nd St, Hudson, WI 54016.
10. Essen Haus - Madison
With 16 rotating German bier taps, a staff in lederhosen and dirndls, a stein club, bier halle-style seating and oompah music, there's no denying Essen Haus provides the full experience.
Their family-style German dinner comes with four entrees and four sides, plus a boot of bier.
Essen Haus is located at 514 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703.
11. Bernard's Country Inn - Stevens Point
Chef and owner Bernard started in the restaurant business as an apprentice in Berlin. In business since 1973, Bernard's is a Stevens Point institution.
Great fine dining in LaCrosse, Bernard's had German favorites as well as other continental treats.
Bernard's is located at 701 2nd St N, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
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