Beef Rouladen: Milwaukee Guide to Restaurants and Meat Markets

Milwaukee's German heritage makes it one of the best regions in America for finding authentic beef rouladen—whether you want it prepared in a restaurant with all the trimmings or rolled and ready to cook at home.

Rouladen (or Rinderroulade, singular: roulade) is a German meat roulade usually consisting of bacon, onions, mustard and pickles wrapped in thinly sliced beef which is then cooked.

Beef or veal is used as meat though some food scholars tend to believe that the original version was probably venison or pork, and pork is still popular in some areas. The beef rouladen as we know them today have become popular over the last century. The cut is usually topside beef or silverside since this is the cheaper cut. The more expensive version would be the round steak, also known as rump steak. The meat is cut into large, thin slices.

The filling is a mixture of smoked and cooked pork belly, chopped onions and chopped pickles (gurken) which is at times varied by adding minced meat, sausage meat, pine nuts and mustard. The mixture varies from region to region. Rouladen are traditionally served for dinner.

Five restaurants currently serve rouladen on their regular menus, ranging from $17.95 to $35, while several specialty butchers can provide the proper cuts or even pre-made rouladen for home preparation.

This guide covers Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties, organized geographically. All businesses have been verified as operating as of early 2026 unless otherwise noted.

Milwaukee County

Milwaukee's Old World Third Street remains the epicenter of German cuisine in Wisconsin, anchored by establishments that have served traditional fare for over a century.

Mader's Restaurant — Downtown Milwaukee

• Address: 1041 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee, WI 53203

• Phone: (414) 271-3377

• Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9pm; Fri–Sat 11:30am–10pm; Sun 11:30am–8pm

• Rouladen Price: ~$35

Mader's is Wisconsin's flagship German restaurant, operating continuously since 1902. Their rouladen features choice beef tenderloin pounded thin, filled with smoked Mader's bacon, caramelized onions, Düsseldorf mustard, and pickle, finished with demi-glace and served alongside sautéed spinach and spätzle. The dish is gluten-free.

The restaurant houses a $4 million art collection including medieval suits of armor, oil paintings, and hand-carved wood pieces. Staff wear traditional dirndls and lederhosen. Free valet parking and private dining rooms are available. Reservations via Resy are recommended.

Family-friendly features: High chairs available, children's menu, educational décor that fascinates kids

Kegel's Inn — West Allis

Kegel’s Inn celebrates Valentine’s Day by pounding heart shaped beef to make heart shaped rouladen

• Address: 5901 W. National Ave., West Allis, WI 53214

• Phone: (414) 257-9999

• Hours: Tue–Thu 4pm–8pm; Fri 11am–9pm; Sat 4pm–9pm; Closed Sun–Mon

• Rouladen Price: Market price (mid-range)

Celebrating 100 years in 2024, this family-owned and women-owned establishment began as a Prohibition-era speakeasy disguised as a soda parlor. The traditional beef rouladen comes with gravy and mashed potatoes. Reviewers consistently praise the meat as "flavorful" with excellent gravy. They also offer a creative "Rouladen Brat"—a 9-inch chicken brat topped with rouladen filling, pickled relish, and onions.

The interior features original hand-painted Bavarian murals, leaded glass windows, and heavy wooden beams. The year-round beer garden "Bootleggers Alley" includes heated dining yurts in winter. Friday fish fry is legendary, and live music plays weekly.

Family-friendly features: Casual atmosphere, historic setting that tells a story, outdoor beer garden

Bavarian Bierhaus — Glendale

• Address: 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale, WI 53217

• Phone: (414) 236-7000

• Hours: Tue–Thu 4pm–9pm; Fri–Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–7pm; Closed Mon

• Rouladen Price: $26–27

The Bavarian Bierhaus serves rouladen filled with onion, carrot, pickle, and bacon, accompanied by red cabbage, sauerkraut, and spätzle. Their Brewmaster Platter combines rouladen with smoked pork chop and knackwurst for those wanting a sampler.

An on-site 15-barrel craft brewery produces German-style beers. The 350-seat beer hall features communal tables and live polka music Friday and Saturday evenings from 6–9pm. The 3.4-acre Old Heidelberg Park biergarten hosts Milwaukee's Original Oktoberfest. Executive Chef Dennis Stukel was named 2023 Chef of the Year by ACF Milwaukee.

Family-friendly features: Senior Sunday offers half-price Bavarian specialties for ages 55+, spacious beer garden, casual communal dining

Waukesha County: Lakeside Dining and German Heritage

Weissgerber's Golden Mast Inn — Okauchee

• Address: W349 N5293 Lacy's Lane, Okauchee, WI 53069

• Phone: (262) 567-7047

• Hours: Tue–Thu & Sat 5pm–9pm; Fri 4:30pm–10pm; Sun Brunch 10:30am–2pm, Dinner 2:30pm–8pm; Closed Mon

• Distance: ~30 miles west of Milwaukee

Family-run for over 50 years, Golden Mast serves lean beef rouladen with house filling, slow-roasted until tender, served with spätzle. Their German Combo Platter features duck, beef rouladen, and wiener schnitzel with red cabbage and spätzle.

The stunning lakeside setting on Okauchee Lake provides European-style fine dining with gorgeous water views. Live entertainment plays Friday nights in the lounge, and their Sunday brunch buffet is regionally famous. Private event rooms accommodate 25–260 guests, and outdoor patio dining is available seasonally.

Family-friendly features: Sunday brunch appeals to all ages, scenic lake views, multiple dining room options

Eric's Porter Haus — Waukesha ⚠️ STATUS UNCERTAIN

• Address: 229 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186

• Phone: (262) 542-1300

Note: Yelp indicated this establishment may have closed in late 2025. Call before visiting to confirm current status.

When operating, their beef rouladen featured round steak rolled with onion, pickle, and carrots, braised in wine gravy, served with red cabbage and spätzle. The restaurant occupied a building dating to 1848, designated a National Historic Site in 1974. Other German dishes included Mader-style pork hock and multiple schnitzel preparations.

Washington County: German Roots Run Deep

Washington County's town of Germantown was named for its German settlers, and several establishments honor that heritage.

Von Rothenburg Bier Stube — Germantown

• Address: N116W15863 Main St., Germantown, WI 53022

• Phone: (262) 415-7043

• Hours: Kitchen: Mon–Tue 4pm–8pm; Wed–Thu 4pm–9pm; Fri–Sat 12pm–9pm; Sun 12pm–7pm

Ranked #1 restaurant in Germantown on TripAdvisor, Von Rothenburg makes visitors feel "like we were in Germany in the middle of Oktoberfest." While rouladen availability should be confirmed by calling ahead (menus rotate), their traditional German menu features schnitzels described as "big as your plate" alongside spätzle, cucumber onion salad, and apple strudel. Imported German beers include Weihenstephaner on tap.

Family-friendly features: Festive atmosphere, biergarten, accessible German comfort food

Old Germantown — Germantown

• Address: W148N12696 Pleasant View Dr., Germantown, WI

• Phone: (262) 345-5961

A farm-to-table restaurant on 120 acres celebrating Wisconsin's German culinary heritage. Founded in 2020 by Brian and Sarah Sommer, it features an on-site brewery, wood fire grill, smokehouse, and brick oven. They make traditional sausages using farm-fresh ingredients. Cooking classes and farm tours are available.

Family-friendly features: Educational farm tours, open farm setting, casual atmosphere

Beyond the Four Counties: Worth the Drive

House of Gerhard — Kenosha (40 miles south)

• Address: 3927 75th St. (Hwy 50), Kenosha, WI 53142

• Phone: (262) 694-5212

• Hours: Mon–Fri 11am–2:30pm & 4pm–close; Sat 4pm–close; Closed Sun

• Rouladen Price: $17.95

Family-owned since 1964 and named 2009 Wisconsin Restaurateur of the Year, House of Gerhard offers the most affordable restaurant rouladen in the region at just $17.95. The beef is stuffed with onion, bacon, and pickle and served with traditional sides.

All dinners include German hard rolls and muffins, liver pâté with garlic toasts, German three-bean salad, homemade soup, and choice of potato, spätzle, noodles, or rice. The smoke-free restaurant also serves an excellent prime rib ($29.95).

Family-friendly features: Children's menu, reasonable prices, comprehensive meal service

Butchers and Meat Markets Selling Rouladen

Whether you want pre-made stuffed rouladen or the proper beef cuts for your family recipe, these specialty shops serve the Greater Milwaukee area.

Milwaukee County

Bunzel's Meat Market — Milwaukee

• Address: 8415 W. Burleigh St., Milwaukee, WI 53222

• Phone: (414) 873-7960

• Hours: Closes 5:30pm most days; 1:30pm Tuesday; 5pm Saturday; Closed Sunday

Four generations strong with over 30 years in business, Bunzel's explicitly notes that "a round steak when sliced thin makes excellent rouladen." Their nine butchers on staff can custom-cut beef to proper rouladen thickness. All-natural beef with no artificial ingredients. Also offers homemade specialty sausages, award-winning beef jerky, and wild game processing.

Ray's Butcher Shoppe — Greenfield

• Phone: See website: raysbutchershoppe.com

• Hours: Mon–Thu 7:30am–7pm; Fri 7:30am–7:30pm; Sat 7:30am–5:30pm; Sun 7:30am–4pm

A community favorite since 1977 and the most highly recommended shop specifically for rouladen cuts. One customer testimonial reads: "I have been looking for the right cut of beef to make German rouladen. Not only did the staff know what I was talking about but recommended the correct cut of beef. My family from Germany remarked that they wished they would have such nice pieces of meat."

Usinger's Famous Sausage — Milwaukee

• Address: 1030 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53203

• Phone: (414) 276-9100

• Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–4pm

While Usinger's doesn't sell rouladen directly, this 145-year-old Milwaukee landmark (founded 1880) is essential for German sausages and smoked meats to accompany your rouladen meal. Over 70 varieties of old-world sausage made by the fourth generation of the Usinger family. Member of the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame.

Waukesha County

Karl's Country Market — Menomonee Falls

• Address: W156N5645 Pilgrim Rd., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

• Phone: (262) 252-3090

• Hours: Daily 8am–7pm; Meat Dept 8am–6pm

Founded in 1965 by German immigrant Karl Koslowski, this is one of the region's premier sources for German-style meats. Over 100 varieties of European-style sausage have won championships at state, national, and international competitions including International Gold medals competing against 150 countries. Karl is in the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame. The shop became employee-owned in 2023 and offers custom wild game processing.

Roberts' Specialty Meats — Waukesha

• Address: 135 E. Sunset Dr., Waukesha, WI 53189

• Phone: (262) 549-6328

Named Neighborhood Favorite 2021–2024, Roberts' specializes in custom-cut meats and can prepare beef for rouladen upon request. Known for Polish sausage, cherrywood-smoked beef jerky, and deli meats from around the world.

Washington County

House of Homemade Sausage — Germantown

• Address: N112W14934 Mequon Rd., Germantown, WI 53022

• Phone: (262) 251-9954

• Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri 10am–5pm; Sat 8am–1pm; Closed Sun, Mon, Wed

• Health Score: 100/100

A fourth-generation family butcher since 1939 (86 years), now run by siblings Nikki, Sam, and Vinny. The original Milwaukee location operated from 1939–1951 before moving to Germantown. Authentic hickory and maple smokehouse produces 10+ varieties of brats, famous Hungarian sausage, summer sausage, and Black Angus steaks. Everything is fresh, never frozen.

Gehring's Meat Market — Hartford

• Address: 5618 County Rd. K, Hartford, WI 53027

• Phone: (262) 644-6272

Family-owned country meat market with 42 years in business, located just off Highway 41. Full-service butcher with custom processing available—can prepare thin-sliced beef round for homemade rouladen upon request.

Ozaukee County

Blau's Saukville Meats — Saukville

• Address: 501 E. Green Bay Ave., Saukville, WI 53080

• Phone: (262) 284-0898

• Hours: Tue–Sat (varies); Closed Sun–Mon

Family-owned since 1971, this old-fashioned butcher has a tradition of excellence. Legendary sausages and premium meats with custom cutting services. Professional deer processing draws customers from a two-hour radius who call it "the best place in the Midwest for game processing." Can cut beef round thin specifically for homemade rouladen.

Best Option for Pre-Made Rouladen: Bavaria Sausage (Madison)

• Address: 6317 Nesbitt Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53719

• Phone: (800) 733-6695

• Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm; Sat 9am–1pm

• Distance: ~80 miles from Milwaukee

The only source in Wisconsin found selling fully prepared rouladen, Bavaria Sausage is worth the drive or shipping order. Products include:

• Rouladen Sliced Meat (4 pieces): $15.99

• Stuffed Rouladen For Baking: $27.99

• Stuffed Rouladen Meal: $35.99

Family-owned for 62+ years with recipes from Schweinfurt, Germany. Winner of 30+ Gold Medals at AAMP/DFV IFFA 2025. No artificial colors, flavors, gluten, fillers, or MSG. They ship nationwide and stock over 1,000 German food products including imported mustards, sauerkraut, and Munich brotchen.

Closed Establishments: A Note on Milwaukee's Changing German Dining Scene

Several beloved German restaurants have closed in recent years, representing an important piece of local history:

• Karl Ratzsch's (Milwaukee, 1904–2017) — Once served rouladen with gingersnap gravy

• Schwefel's (Oconomowoc, 1988–2023) — Owners retired after 35 years

• Gasthaus (Waukesha, closed 2016) — Operated for over 30 years

These closures make supporting the remaining establishments even more important for preserving Milwaukee's German culinary heritage.

Practical Tips for Rouladen Seekers

For restaurant dining: Mader's offers the most upscale experience (~$35), while House of Gerhard in Kenosha provides the best value at $17.95. Bavarian Bierhaus strikes a middle ground at $26–27 with the bonus of on-site craft beer.

For home cooking: Ray's Butcher Shoppe in Greenfield specifically comes recommended by customers making rouladen—staff know exactly what cut to provide. Call ahead to request thin-sliced beef round.

For convenience: Bavaria Sausage in Madison is the only source for pre-made stuffed rouladen. They ship nationwide if the 80-mile drive isn't practical.

Seasonal note: Many restaurants expand their German menus during Oktoberfest (September–October). Some establishments rotate rouladen as a special rather than offering it year-round—always call ahead to confirm availability.

Family tip: Kegel's Inn and Bavarian Bierhaus both offer casual, family-friendly atmospheres with outdoor spaces, making them ideal for introducing children to German cuisine without the formality of fine dining.