The best Belgian waffles in greater Milwaukee

If you're craving authentic Belgian waffles with incredible toppings, Milwaukee delivers far beyond what most families realize. From caramelized Liège-style waffles made with imported Belgian pearl sugar to creative American-style creations piled high with everything from smoked pecans to bourbon-soaked cherries, the greater Milwaukee area offers something for every waffle lover. This guide covers every corner of the region—from downtown's Historic Third Ward to Cedarburg's charming main street—so your family can plan the perfect waffle adventure.

Whether you want an authentic European café experience, a classic pancake house with your kids, or the thrill of tracking down a vintage waffle trailer at a farmers market, we've got you covered with everything you need to know: addresses, hours, pricing, and exactly which waffles are worth ordering.

The Belgian waffle landscape

Before diving into specific spots, here's what families should know about Belgian waffle styles. Liège waffles are the authentic Belgian street food—made from rich brioche dough (not batter) with chunks of Belgian pearl sugar that caramelize during cooking, creating a dense, chewy interior with a crispy, slightly caramelized exterior. Brussels waffles are lighter and fluffier with deeper pockets, closer to what Americans typically call "Belgian waffles." Most Milwaukee restaurants serve American-style Belgian waffles, but several standout spots offer the real Liège experience.

The Lowlands Group (Café Hollander, Café Benelux) brought authentic Liège waffles to Milwaukee and remains the gold standard. Press. Waffles, Milwaukee's beloved food truck, uses a traditional 1700s Belgian recipe with brioche dough made entirely by hand. These are the experiences that will genuinely transport your taste buds to Belgium.

The best authentic Liège waffles in Milwaukee

Café Benelux — the Third Ward's Belgian gem

346 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 501-2500 | cafebenelux.com

Hours: Mon–Thu 8am–10pm, Fri–Sat 8am–11pm, Sun 8am–10pm

This Historic Third Ward destination serves what many consider Milwaukee's definitive Belgian waffle experience. Their Liège waffles feature imported Belgian pearl sugar that creates a bitter-sweet caramelized contrast with the dense, chewy interior—exactly like you'd find at a street stall in Wallonia.

The Blueberry Buttermilk Waffle ($14.95) comes loaded with blueberry sauce, sweet ricotta, and toasted almond streusel. For something heartier, the Fried Chicken & Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuit Waffle combines fried chicken with spiced honey brown sugar glaze and green chile crema. The rooftop patio offers city views that make weekend brunch feel like an event. Families appreciate the multiple seating areas, welcoming atmosphere, and a Belgian beer selection that keeps parents happy while kids devour their waffles.

Café Hollander — authentic Liège with multiple locations

The Lowlands Group operates Café Hollander locations throughout the metro area, each serving the same authentic Belgian-style waffles and famous "Wafflebrowns"—hash browns cooked crisp in a waffle iron with shallots and white cheddar inside.

Downer Avenue (East Side): 2608 N Downer Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211 | (414) 963-6366 Wauwatosa: 7677 W State Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 | (414) 475-6771 Mequon: 5900 W Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092 Brookfield (The Corners): 20150 Union Street, Brookfield, WI 53045 | (262) 785-4490

Hours: Mon–Thu 8am–10pm, Fri–Sat 8am–11pm, Sun 8am–10pm | Brunch: Mon–Fri 8am–11am, Sat–Sun 8am–2pm

The Belgian Waffle ($11.95) arrives with powdered sugar and whipped butter—simple, authentic, and delicious. The dedicated Kids' Brunch Menu includes waffle wedges ($7.95) served with fruit, making this an exceptionally family-friendly choice. Each location features Winter Globes or Domes for cold-weather outdoor dining, extensive Belgian beer selections (30+ on tap, 200+ bottles), and those famous award-winning Bloody Marys for the adults. The Wauwatosa location sits along the Menomonee River with a beautiful summertime patio, while Mequon is right next to the Interurban Trail—perfect for combining brunch with a family bike ride.

Milwaukee's creative waffle destinations

Sweet Diner — Instagram-worthy waffles in the Third Ward

239 E Chicago St #103, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 488-9600 | sweetdiner.com

Hours: Mon–Wed 7:30am–3pm, Thu Closed, Fri–Sun 7:30am–4pm

This modern spot with exposed Cream City brick serves classic Belgian waffles alongside creative innovations. The Cinnamon Apple Pie Glaze Waffle features sautéed apples in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon with caramel swirl whipped cream—basically apple pie in waffle form. Their Chicken & Waffles takes a Memphis direction with a homemade cornbread waffle, three fried chicken tenders, maple syrup, and Memphis hot sauce.

Sweet Diner uses all GMO-free ingredients, organic eggs, and free-range meat. They offer gluten-free and vegan waffle options, making this an excellent choice for families with dietary restrictions. First-come, first-served seating keeps things casual.

Mad Rooster Cafe — globally-inspired waffle creations

4401 W Greenfield Ave, West Milwaukee, WI 53214 | (414) 763-6366 | madroostercafe.com

Hours: Daily 7am–3pm

This farm-themed café with a #1 TripAdvisor ranking makes everything from scratch, including their homemade Belgian waffles. The Nashville Hot Chicken & Waffle ($17) brings serious heat with hand-breaded spicy chicken atop a housemade waffle with powdered sugar. The Belgian Waffle & Chicken ($16) goes a different direction with southern-style fried chicken and unique homemade chicken chorizo gravy. The Bacon Waffle ($11) bakes cherrywood smoked bacon right into the batter.

Families love the eclectic atmosphere, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and house-made Greek yogurt from a family recipe. The health score sits at 97/100, and vegan options are available. This spot delivers generous portions at reasonable prices.

Tupelo Honey — Southern chicken and waffles done right

215 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 207-4604 | tupelohoneycafe.com

Hours: Daily 11am–9pm (Brunch weekends)

For families who came specifically for chicken and waffles, Tupelo Honey in the Third Ward is the destination. The Classic Chicken & Waffles ($18.39) pairs honey-dusted fried chicken with buttermilk waffles, powdered sugar, and whipped butter. The Sweet & Spicy version ($19.59) adds sriracha honey and cilantro. The creative Life's a Peach Chicken & Waffles ($17) tops everything with peach compote, spiced pecans, and whipped cream.

They even offer Mac-N-Cheese Waffles with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken for adventurous eaters. Full kids menu available, reservations accepted, and those famous buttermilk biscuits (proceeds benefit employee relief funds) shouldn't be missed.

North Shore and northern suburbs

Maxfield's Pancake House — a Fox Point family tradition

333 W Brown Deer Road, Fox Point, WI 53217 | (414) 247-4994 | maxfieldspancakehouse.com

Hours: Daily 6am–3pm

This classic breakfast spot has served Fox Point families for years, and the waffle variety here is exceptional. The signature Fresh Strawberry Waffle loads a Belgian-style waffle with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The Mini Waffles plate offers four small waffles each topped with a different fruit—pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries—perfect for kids who can't decide. The over-the-top Banana Split Waffle adds vanilla ice cream, three fruits, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.

"You won't see a single can in our kitchen" is their promise, and it shows. The Bacon Waffle grills crushed bacon bits directly into the batter. Maxfield's accommodates large groups (6+ with reservations), offers gluten-free options, and serves fresh-squeezed orange juice. The prices stay inexpensive despite generous portions—making this a go-to for families with multiple hungry kids.

Flipside Cafe & Grill — Grafton's creative waffle wonderland

2074 Washington Street, Grafton, WI 53024 | (262) 474-0140 | flipsidecafeandgrill.com

Hours: Mon–Thu 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–7:30pm, Sat 7am–7pm, Sun 8am–2pm (Brunch)

This hidden gem consistently ranks among Grafton's top restaurants, and their Belgian waffle menu explains why. The Raspberry Cheesecake Waffle sandwiches sweet cream cheese filling between waffle halves with raspberry sauce, chocolate syrup, and whipped topping. The Peanut Butter Banana Waffle stuffs the waffle with cream filling, then drizzles peanut butter and crowns it with fresh bananas. The Oreo Cookie Waffle embeds crushed Oreos inside and out.

One reviewer described the caramel apple waffle as "better than a birthday cake." Breakfast is served all day except Friday nights (fish fry tradition), dogs are allowed, and the staff is consistently praised as "the best in Ozaukee County." The Waffle Breakfast Combo offers a complete meal with eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes.

Brunch Cedarburg — trendy downtown destination

W62N535 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012 | (262) 304-0720 | brunchitup.com/brunch-cedarburg

Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–3pm, Sat–Sun 8am–3pm

Located in charming downtown Cedarburg, this locally-owned spot (owner Katrina Wendtland grew up in Mequon) serves creative buttermilk waffles in a modern, colorful space. The Chicken and Waffles features house crispy chicken on a fluffy buttermilk waffle with pickles and pickled onions. The Hungry Man stacks two buttermilk waffles with sausage patties, grilled ham, American cheese, two eggs, and savory maple chili sauce.

The rooftop and patio seating in warm weather makes this feel like an event. Pair your visit with a walk through Cedarburg's antique shops and covered bridge for a complete family outing.

Western and southern suburbs

Mimosa — voted Wisconsin's best brunch spot

Mimosa Breakfast & Brunch

Franklin: 9405 S 27th Street, Franklin, WI 53132 | (414) 574-5132 Brookfield: Location available | mimosabreakfast.com

Hours: Daily 7:30am–2:30pm

The Daily Meal named Mimosa the Best Brunch Spot in Wisconsin, and their waffle game is a major reason why. The signature Smoked Pecan Waffle fills the batter with housemade smoked pecans—described by multiple reviewers as "the best waffles ever tasted." The Chicken and Waffles uses cornflake-coated chicken breast with a unique fresh rosemary soy sauce-infused maple syrup that sets it apart from every other version in the city.

Everything here supports local: Wisconsin cage-free brown eggs delivered from farms, 100% pure Wisconsin maple syrup, local raw honey, organic Fair Trade Colectivo coffee, and fresh-squeezed orange juice made in-house daily. The extensive gluten-free options (including bread and pancakes) make this a standout for families with dietary needs. Kids menu available.

The Original Pancake House — classic breakfast perfection

16460 W Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI 53005 | (262) 797-0800 | ophbrookfield.com

Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–2pm, Sat–Sun 7am–3pm

This national chain (since 1953) maintains extremely high standards—all batters made from scratch, fresh-squeezed juice daily, sourdough starter made in-house, and only grade AA eggs with pure 36% whipping cream. The Belgian waffle selection includes:

• Strawberry Belgian Waffle — "A Gourmet's Nightmare!" with powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream

• Coconut Belgian Waffle — filled and topped with toasted coconut, tropical syrup

• Apple Belgian Waffle — fresh Granny Smith apples with pure Sinkiang cinnamon sugar

• Bacon Belgian Waffle — real bacon bits baked in

Add-on toppings ($2.95–$3.45) include bananas, walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, Reese's peanut butter chips, and fresh berries. Gluten-friendly waffles available (+$1.00). The Dutch Baby pancake soufflé is the house specialty if someone at your table isn't in a waffle mood. Ask for "Bacon Bob."

Sunny Side Up Cafe — unique Scandinavian-style waffles

15744 W National Avenue, New Berlin, WI 53151 | (262) 505-5121 | sunnysideupcafenb.com

Hours: Daily 7am–2pm

This small family-owned café serves something you won't find anywhere else: "Old World" Danish/Scandinavian-style waffles. The Danish Waffle, Eggs & Fine Meat ($15.98) delivers a "tall, delicate, buttery sweet waffle with hints of imported Madagascar vanilla and buttermilk" alongside eggs and your choice of fine meats.

The Little Richard at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles ($14.98) promises "the best waffle you have ever had" topped with two plump chicken tenderloins and scrambled eggs. Every table receives a complimentary fruit plate and cold filtered glass-bottled water. The cozy space seats about 40 and reviewers consistently praise the "treat you like family" service.

Blue's Egg + Bakery — Milwaukee's best brunch

317 N 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53213 | (414) 299-3180 | bluesegg.com

Hours: Daily 7am–2pm

Voted Best Breakfast and Brunch by Shepherd Express 2024, Blue's Egg is located at the Wauwatosa border and serves a must-order Chicken & Waffle featuring Southern fried Bell & Evans chicken breast with sweet waffle. Chef Joe Muench's menu blends Old World European ingredients with American immigrant cooking traditions.

The famous house-made Monkey Bread with Crunk Sauce and signature "Browns" (stuffed hash browns) draw crowds. Everything from English muffins to pies comes from the on-site bakery. Reservations accepted for parties up to 6—strongly recommended for weekends. The Bloody Marys are legendary.

The food truck experience

Press. Waffles

Press Waffle Co.

South Shore Farmers Market (Bay View): Saturdays, June 7–October 25, 8am–12pm Location: Inside the park near Superior and Trowbridge intersection Contact: (262) 498-1891 | presswafflesaumarche.com | @presswaffles on Instagram

Named "Best Food Truck in Wisconsin," Press. Waffles has served authentic Liège waffles since 2015. Co-founder Aaron Rosko discovered Liège waffles while studying abroad in Belgium and "practically lived on them." The waffles are made from a traditional 1700s recipe using rich brioche dough with imported Belgian pearl sugar—completely different from American-style waffles.

Pricing and toppings:

• Plain or Powdered Sugar — $5.50

• Nutella or Speculoos Cookie Spread — $6.50

• Whipped Cream + Sprinkles — $6.50 (kid favorite)

• Strawberry or Banana + Whipped Cream + Nutella — $8.00

• Lemon Curd + Whipped Cream + Blueberry Compote — $9.00

• Peanut Butter Cream + Candied Bacon + Banana — $10.00

• Honey Goat Cheese + Candied Bacon — $10.00

Their vintage 1962 Shasta Airflyte mint-green trailer "Jane" is available for events. Seasonal toppings rotate—past favorites include bourbon-soaked cherries with vanilla-bean mascarpone.

Can't make it to the farmers market? Press. Waffles sells frozen toaster-ready Liège waffles at:

• Sendik's: Whitefish Bay, Mequon, Grafton, Franklin, Greenfield, New Berlin, Tosa North Ave, and more

• Outpost: All four locations

• Woodman's: Oak Creek, Waukesha, Kenosha

• Metcalfe's: Wauwatosa

All Belgium Waffles — authentic Belgian catering

Contact: (312) 285-2252 | allbelgiumwaffles.com | @allbelgiumwaffles on Instagram

This traveling food truck, founded by Belgian native Toon De Schepper, specifically lists Milwaukee among their service cities. They've worked with the Milwaukee Brewers and bring authentic Liège waffles made with equipment imported directly from Belgium.

Signature combinations include Crunch Time (Nutella, strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce), Chunky Monkey (peanut butter, bananas, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce), and Grandma's Delight (apple pie filling, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon). The truck operates primarily for private events—weddings, corporate gatherings, birthday parties—so contact them directly for Milwaukee-area appearances or to book them for your family celebration.

Planning your waffle adventure

For authentic Liège waffles: Head to Café Benelux, Café Hollander, or track down Press. Waffles at the South Shore Farmers Market. These spots serve the real deal with imported Belgian pearl sugar.

For creative American-style Belgian waffles: Flipside Cafe in Grafton, Mimosa in Franklin, and The Original Pancake House in Brookfield offer the most inventive topping combinations.

For chicken and waffles: Tupelo Honey, Blue's Egg, and Mimosa each bring their own distinctive take—Southern style, chef-driven, or locally-sourced.

Best for large families: Maxfield's Pancake House (Fox Point), Café Hollander (any location), and Mad Rooster Cafe offer generous portions, kids menus, and group-friendly atmospheres.

Best for dietary restrictions: Sweet Diner offers gluten-free and vegan waffles. Mimosa has extensive gluten-free options. The Original Pancake House has gluten-friendly waffles. Blue's Egg and Mad Rooster offer vegan options.

Weekend brunch reservations: Book ahead at Blue's Egg, Café Benelux, and Tupelo Honey. Café Hollander locations and First Watch accept walk-ins but expect waits during peak hours.

Pricing expectations: Most waffle dishes range $11–$18. Press. Waffles offers the most affordable authentic Liège experience at $5.50–$10. Kids' options at Café Hollander run $7.95.

The Milwaukee area's Belgian waffle scene has matured into something genuinely impressive. Whether your family prefers the authentic European experience of a Liège waffle with caramelized pearl sugar, the comfort of a classic strawberry-topped American Belgian waffle, or the indulgence of chicken and waffles with creative syrups, you'll find exactly what you're craving somewhere in the greater Milwaukee area. Happy eating!