For the 10th straight year, October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee, presented by the restaurants of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, dining guides, delectable features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food, as well as voting for your "Best of Dining 2016."
It looks like Kopp's is still king when it comes to Milwaukee food institutions. And that's probably because it's nearly impossible to resist their deliciously creamy custard and oversized burgers. It helps that – no matter where you are in Milwaukee – there's a Kopp's relatively nearby, thanks to three locations in Brookfield, Greenfield and Glendale.
Whether you choose to indulge in the custard flavor of the day along or opt for the always-available chocolate or vanilla, Kopp's is a sure bet to fulfill your sweet tooth. But if you need something savory, they have that for you as well. Order up one of their famous burgers and fries, and your stomach will be nothing less than happy.
Runners up: Lori Fredrich's pick: Karl Ratzsch This year we also asked a variety of prominent Milwaukeeans to weigh in on their pick for specific categories. For this category, we consulted Jon Adler, morning show host on FM 102.1.
Kopp's Custard
2. Leon's Custard
3. Five O'Clock Steakhouse
4. Miss Katie's Diner
5. The Packing House
Despite being of the oldest restaurants in the city, Karl Ratzsch has become new again thanks to a refresh from new owner Chef Thomas Hauck. With a new tastefully renewed dining room and a menu that pays true homage to the fare (and beer) of Germany, the restaurant has re-taken its thrown as an institution of which Milwaukeeans can be proud. If you haven’t been there since the refresh, you owe yourself a visit to meet the shiny new Karl.
Adler's pick (s):
Kick it off with sourdough bread and a relish tray brought to you by a server who you feel you're related to, jump into the prime rib, then after dinner drinks out on the side deck! Yes, I mean the one and only Five O'Clock Steakhouse. (Owner) Stelio (Kalkounos) is everywhere, glad-handing folks and reassuring you that you came to the right place – and that you will be back. You will. Need to be reminded me how great roasted Brussels sprouts with olive oil and pepper can be when done right? Miss Katie's Diner is the ticket. Combine this with a chocolate shake, and it balances out a diet beautifully!
