The Oldest Restaurant In Milwaukee Has A Truly Incredible History
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E Jamar
Author
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. Check out the story behind it.
Mader's German Restaurant and Knight's Bar have been in operation since 1902, and are still serving up authentic German cuisine today.
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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.
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She spent her time perfecting rustic and authentic German dishes from their homeland to keep the place alive. 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.
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Though the famous Charles Mader passed in 1938, the family took over and the restaurant has been flourishing.
Whether you're looking for a traditional German dinner, or just a stein and a pretzel, Mader's has it all.
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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 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 find them!
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.
If you're in Milwaukee, this is one place not to be missed!
There it is, Milwaukee’s oldest restaurant! Have you been to Mader’s? What’s your favorite thing about it? Let us know in the comments!
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