Milwaukee’s Best Smash Burgers: Your Complete Guide

Bottom line: Greater Milwaukee has emerged as a smash burger hotbed, with 45+ exceptional spots across Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties. The Diplomat on Brady Street holds the crown as Milwaukee Magazine's #1 burger, while Brazen Head Pub in West Bend won Wisconsin's Best Burger 2025. For families, standouts include Kopp's Frozen Custard (three locations), Wayne's Drive-In in Cedarburg, and Georgie Porgie's Treefort in Racine—all delivering kid-friendly atmospheres alongside excellent burgers.

There's something magical about a perfectly executed smash burger—that thin, crispy-edged patty with deep caramelization, melted American cheese oozing down the sides, nestled in a soft, squishy bun. And lucky for Milwaukee-area families, our region has become a genuine smash burger destination.

From the James Beard Award-winning butter burgers of Solly's Grille to the Wagyu smash patties at the brand-new Riley's Bar + Burger, the greater Milwaukee area offers an incredible diversity of burger experiences. Whether you're looking for a quick custard-and-burger pit stop with the kids, a nostalgic drive-in experience, or an award-winning creation that rivals anything you'd find in a major foodie city, this guide has you covered.

We've scoured local food publications including Milwaukee Magazine, OnMilwaukee's famous "Burger Trail" series, the Wisconsin Beef Council competitions, and countless Yelp reviews to bring you the definitive family-friendly guide to smash burgers across six counties. Grab the kids, pack some napkins, and let's eat.

Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County offers the densest concentration of acclaimed smash burger spots, from Brady Street institutions to Bay View newcomers.

The Diplomat ⭐ MILWAUKEE MAGAZINE'S #1 BURGER

815 E. Brady Street, Milwaukee | (414) 800-5816

Hours: Monday-Saturday 4pm-9pm; Closed Sunday

Price: The Diplomac burger $18

The Diplomat earned the top spot in Milwaukee Magazine's 2025 Best Burgers guide for The Diplomac—a loving tribute to McDonald's Big Mac that elevates every component. Chef Dane Baldwin (a 2022 James Beard Award winner) makes everything in-house: the bun, the pickle, the sauce, even grinding the beef daily. Two smash patties with American cheese create what critic Ann Christenson calls "low-brow and high-brow at the same time."

Family note: This intimate small-plates restaurant is better suited for date nights or older kids who appreciate upscale dining. The bar room accepts walk-ins.

Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern ⭐ BEST BRUNCH BURGER

234 E. Vine Street, Milwaukee (Brewers Hill) | (414) 763-3021
600 N. Broadway, Milwaukee (Downtown) | (414) 935-2076

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-2pm; Saturday-Sunday 8am-3pm; Dinner Friday-Saturday 5pm-9pm

Price: Big McAllister $20

The Big McAllister features two pressed, lacy-edged smash patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, pickle, onion, and tangy "fancy" sauce on a house-made sesame seed bun. Milwaukee Magazine says it "could stop traffic." The woman-owned establishment serves their famous burger during brunch hours, making it perfect for weekend family outings.

Family-friendly: Very welcoming breakfast tavern atmosphere with kid-friendly portions and famous Bloody Marys for parents.

Riley's Bar + Burger ⭐ NEWEST SMASH SENSATION

100 E. Montana Street, Milwaukee (Bay View) | (414) 455-3022

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4pm-10pm; Friday-Sunday 11am-10pm; Kitchen closes 9pm

Price: $12-$16 for burgers

Opened in June 2025, Riley's immediately became a "strong contender among Milwaukee's smashburger elite" according to OnMilwaukee. Their Wagyu smash patties feature "textbook technique: ultra-thin, deeply caramelized, with crispy, lace-edged borders." The Riley's Burger comes with fried onions, pickled jalapeños, bread and butter pickles, and house sauce.

Family-friendly: Fast-casual ordering with kiosks, spacious 80-seat dog-friendly patio, outdoor bar, dart boards. Kids menu includes chicken tenders and crispy cauliflower bites.

Archie's Flat Top ⭐ BEST VALUE SMASH BURGER

6922 W. Becher Street, West Allis | (414) 249-3207

Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm; Friday-Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm; Sunday 12pm-7pm; Closed Monday-Tuesday

Price: $8-$12 for burgers (excellent value!)

This 1950s-style diner serves textbook smash burgers using fresh, custom-blended beef ground daily at neighboring Becher Meats. The signature Archie ($12) features two smash patties, PBR beer-caramelized onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and house special sauce on a toasted potato roll.

Family-friendly: Shares space with Scratch Ice Cream for post-burger treats. Pinball machines, checked floors, and vintage decor create a fun atmosphere kids love.

Saint Bibiana ⭐ BEST LATE-NIGHT BURGER

1327 E. Brady Street, Milwaukee | (414) 988-4629

Hours: Sunday-Tuesday 11am-12am; Wednesday-Saturday 11am-2am

Price: Bibiana Burger $14

Named after the patron saint of hangovers, Saint Bibiana serves one of the city's most talked-about smash burgers: two 3-ounce patties with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and tangy special sauce on a chewy sesame seed bun. Milwaukee Magazine calls it "a stack of hot, juicy meat" dripping with umami.

Family-friendly: Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner with a trendy but welcoming atmosphere. The late-night hours are better suited for parent date nights.

Fox Den @ Great Lakes Distillery ⭐ MOST CREATIVE MENU

616 W. Virginia Street, Milwaukee (Walker's Point) | Instagram: @foxden_mke

Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-8:30pm; Friday 12pm-11:30pm; Saturday 11am-11:30pm; Sunday 11am-6:30pm

Price: $14-$18 for burgers

This walk-up window inside the award-winning Great Lakes Distillery serves wildly creative smash burgers with 8 house-made sauces. Try The Bang! Burger with two quarter-pound smash patties, minced onions, pickles, and signature Bang! sauce, or go adventurous with the Chimi Hendrix Experience featuring chorizo and chimichurri.

Family-friendly: Counter service format, gluten-free buns available (no upcharge) with dedicated GF fryer, validated parking. Note: "No ketchup allowed" policy—this spot celebrates bold flavors.

Oscar's Pub & Grill ⭐ BEST AFFORDABLE THICK BURGER

1712 W. Pierce Street, Milwaukee | (414) 810-1820
3800 W. Burnham Street, Milwaukee

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday 11am-10pm

Price: $5-$15 (exceptional value!)

While not technically a smash burger, Oscar's Big O ($7.25) is a Milwaukee rite of passage: a half-pound Black Angus patty with chipotle jack, smoked gouda, bacon, chorizo, fried onions, jalapeños, and guacamole. Fresh beef is griddled (not grilled) on custom Wild Flour Bakery buns.

Family-friendly: TripAdvisor confirms "very family-friendly environment." Outdoor patio, parking lot, shuttle service to Brewers games. Prices feel like 2019.

Kopp's Frozen Custard ⭐ BEST FAMILY DESTINATION

5373 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale | (414) 961-2006
7631 W. Layton Avenue, Greenfield | (414) 282-4312
18880 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield | (262) 789-9490

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:30am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 10:30am-11pm

Price: Jumbo Cheeseburger $4.45-$6.35 (outstanding value)

A Milwaukee institution since 1950, Kopp's pairs classic jumbo burgers with legendary frozen custard featuring a rotating "Flavor of the Day." The Glendale location inspired Arnold's Drive-In from Happy Days. Former Vice Presidents Cheney and Biden have both visited.

Family-friendly: This is THE family burger destination—outdoor seating with fun sculptures, counter service, ice cream rewards for kids, and an unbeatable nostalgic atmosphere.

Nite Owl Drive-In ⭐

830 E. Layton Avenue, Milwaukee

Hours: Seasonal (March-November); closes when they run out

Price: Double Cheeseburger $8

Winner of Milwaukee Magazine's Burger Bracket competition (beating Oscar's by just 1.5%), Nite Owl has been serving house-ground burgers for over 72 years. Three to four slices of cheese is standard. Milwaukee Magazine describes it as "sent down from heaven by the gods of American cheese and fluffy buns."

Family-friendly: Classic seasonal drive-in experience. Cash preferred. Arrive early—they close when the beef runs out.

Additional Milwaukee County Spots Worth Trying

Restaurant Address Style Price Best For Merriment Social 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave. Wagyu smash $19 Upscale casual Birch 459 E. Pleasant St. Wood-fired $19 Bar-only walk-ins Crafty Cow 2675 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. (Bay View) Oklahoma onion smash $14-18 Families (kids menu) Layman Brewing 6001 W. Madison St. (West Allis) Classic smash $13 No-frills perfection Wonderland 732 E. Burleigh St. (Riverwest) Nostalgic smash ~$12 Simple done right Natty Oaks 11505 W. National Ave. SmashCan Burger ~$12 West Allis pub vibes Swingin' Door Exchange 219 E. Michigan St. Char-grilled $15 Downtown location The Bridgewater 2011 S. First St. Wagyu double $20 Upscale dining

North Shore

The North Shore offers several excellent options perfect for family outings, from historic diners to neighborhood pubs.

Solly's Grille ⭐ JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER

4629 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale | (414) 332-8808

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30am-7pm; Friday-Saturday 7am-7pm (breakfast available!); Closed Sunday-Monday

Price: Original Butter Burger $8; Double $12

Solly's has been serving the original Wisconsin butter burger since 1936—100% sirloin steamed in butter, then crowned with 2-3 tablespoons of real Wisconsin creamery butter and stewed onions. The restaurant won a 2022 James Beard America's Classic Award, one of the most prestigious honors in American dining. The building was literally moved by truck to preserve its 1930s charm.

Family-friendly: Classic diner with counter seating, homemade malts served in cold steel cans, Door County cherry pie, Brewers memorabilia. Owner Glenn Fieber sometimes mans the grill.

Crave Cafe ⭐

3592 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood

Hours: Quick-service cafe hours (typically 11am-8pm; verify directly)

Price: $7.50-$11 (excellent value!)

This unassuming strip-mall spot earned Milwaukee Magazine's #3 best burger ranking. The Crave Burger ($11) features a thick, juicy patty with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, and white truffle aioli on a buttered brioche bun. The Korean BBQ Burger ($7.50) offers incredible value.

Family-friendly: Casual counter service, kid-friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, famous Cajun fries.

Milwaukee Brat House - Shorewood

4022 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood | (414) 539-5826

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-2am; Friday 11am-2:30am; Saturday 10am-2:30am; Sunday 10am-2am

Price: $14.95-$17.95 (includes one side)

Their Classic Smash Burger ($15.95) comes with pickles, onions, American cheese, and house special sauce. The Wisconsin Burger ($16.95) adds sautéed peppers, cheddar, chipotle ranch, and cheese curds. The Combination Basket ($17.95) with curds, chicken tenders, onion rings, and fries is perfect for sharing.

Family-friendly: Featured in USA Today for their beer cheese soup. Warm tavern atmosphere, walkable Shorewood village setting, patio available.

Harry's Bar & Grill

3549 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood

Price: Big Kahuna $14

A neighborhood favorite combining "neighborhood charm with big city sophistication." The Big Kahuna features cheddar, caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon, and sour cream on a rich brioche bun.

Family-friendly: Accessible neighborhood spot, diverse menu, open 7 days a week.

The Brick Pub & Grill ⭐ BEST FOR PARK COMBO

6343 N. Green Bay Avenue, Glendale | (414) 797-0710

Located directly across from Kletzsch Park, making it perfect for combining a burger run with a family park visit. Pet-friendly patio, 14 TVs, live music nights.

Family-friendly: Described as "perfect for groups and families," outdoor seating, vegetarian options available.

Ozaukee County

Skippy's Burger Bar ⭐ WISCONSIN BEEF COUNCIL FINALIST

113 Green Bay Road, Thiensville | (262) 512-1240

Hours: Tuesday 5pm-12am; Wednesday-Saturday 11:30am-12am (Fri/Sat until 2am); Sunday 11:30am-8pm; Closed Monday

Price: $10-15 (budget-friendly)

The oldest bar in Ozaukee County (building dates to 1855) earned an Elite Eight finish in the 2024 Wisconsin's Best Burger Contest. The Skippy Burger features their secret sauce with 17 burger variations available.

Family-friendly: Casual neighborhood atmosphere, homemade chips included, patio seating with river views.

Wayne's Drive-In ⭐ BEST NOSTALGIC FAMILY EXPERIENCE

1331 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg | (262) 375-9999

Hours: SEASONAL (Early April through mid-November) Tuesday-Sunday 11am-8pm; Closed Monday

Price: Family of 4 can eat for under $40

This iconic white circular building with the red "W" serves award-winning smash-style burgers in a 1950s retro diner atmosphere complete with checkered floors, red vinyl stools, and chrome-trimmed counters. Cedar Crest ice cream (a local Cedarburg brand), Vienna beef hot dogs, and classic car nights in summer.

Family-friendly: Dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, milkshakes, outdoor picnic seating, dog-friendly patio, classic car shows. This is exactly the family experience you're looking for.

Inventors Brewpub ⭐ BEST LAKE VIEWS

305 E. Washington Street, Port Washington | (262) 431-2337

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday 11am-9pm

Price: $15-19 for burgers

Housed in an 1847 historic brewery building, Inventors pairs gourmet burgers with house-brewed craft beers and stunning Lake Michigan/harbor views. Their Wisconsin Brat Poutine is legendary. First brewery in Port Washington in 16 years.

Family-friendly: Explicitly family-friendly brewpub with homemade root beer for kids, high chairs and boosters, beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the marina.

Water Street Brewery - Grafton

1251 Gateway Drive, Grafton | (262) 375-2222

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday 10am-10pm (brunch starts 10am)

Price: $16.50-$18.95 for burgers

The Double Smash Burger features 2 lightly blackened smashed beef patties, bleu cheese, bacon, Oktoberfest caramelized onions on a brioche bun. All burgers use Sciortino's bakery buns and come with brewery chips or fries.

Family-friendly: Full kids' menu with drink and fries/fruit included, high chairs, spacious seating, outdoor terrace, weekend brunch. Easy I-43 access.

Lime Cantina ⭐ UNIQUE MEXICAN-FUSION SMASH

W62N550 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg | (262) 618-3386

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4pm-10pm; Friday 4pm-11pm; Saturday 11am-11pm; Closed Sunday

Price: $10-25

The Cantina Smash Burger offers a unique Mexican-fusion take on the classic smash with Mexican seasonings. Award-winning scratch-made salsa and famous margarita flights for parents.

Family-friendly: Varied menu options, heated outdoor tent, dog-friendly patio.

Additional Ozaukee County Options

Restaurant Location Specialty Best For Crave Bar and Food Mequon WISCO Burger Award-winning, upscale casual Schooner Pub Port Washington WTF Burger Harbor views since 1977 The Stillery Grafton Stillery Burger 400+ whiskey selections

Waukesha County

Crafty Cow - Oconomowoc ⭐ OKLAHOMA ONION SMASH SPECIALIST

153 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc | (262) 354-8070

Hours: Monday 11am-8pm; Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm; Friday 11am-9:30pm; Saturday 10am-9:30pm; Sunday 10am-8pm

Price: $14-18 for burgers

Known for their Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger and Juicy Lucy-style stuffed burgers using antibiotic and hormone-free Midwest beef. Wednesday $6 Sandwich Night features single patty Oklahoma smash burgers (dine-in only, starting 5pm).

Family-friendly: Dedicated kids menu (grilled cheese, hamburger sliders, chicken tenders), Upside Down Kids Night on Wednesdays (dessert served first!), quieter back area for families.

Sobelman's Pub & Grill - Waukesha

332 Williams Street, Waukesha | (414) 931-1919

Hours: Monday-Tuesday 11am-8pm; Wednesday-Sunday 11am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday brunch starts 10am

Price: $11-15.25 for burgers

Fresh Black Angus beef patties (never frozen) on custom Wild Flour Bakery buns. The Sobelman Burger ($12.75) piles on American, Swiss, and cheddar cheese with bacon, caramelized onions, and jalapeños. World-famous over-the-top Bloody Marys. Health Department score: 100/100.

Family-friendly: Family-friendly environment, outdoor seating, voted "Best Burger" three consecutive years by A-List Milwaukee.

Mainstream Bar & Grill ⭐

404 W. Main Street, Waukesha | (262) 544-6222

Hours: Tuesday 4pm-12am; Wednesday-Thursday 11am-2am; Friday-Saturday 11am-2:30am; Sunday 11am-1am; Closed Monday

Price: Build-your-own burgers with NO EXTRA CHARGES for toppings!

Featured on OnMilwaukee's "Burger Trail" with a score of 40/50, described as "big, bold and well worth the drive to Waukesha." Unique pricing lets you pile on unlimited toppings at no extra cost. Rock and roll themed decor with album covers and guitars.

Family-friendly: Good for kids, outdoor seating, wheelchair accessible, covered deck/patio with 34+ seats.

Murf's Frozen Custard & Jumbo Burgers

12505 Burleigh Road, Brookfield | (262) 814-6873

A local Wisconsin favorite since 1993 using only the freshest local ingredients. Jumbo burgers on soft bakery buns paired with frozen custard made fresh daily with rotating "Flavor of the Day." Known as the "epitome of fine Wisconsin cuisine."

Family-friendly: Quick-service, kid-friendly menu options, casual environment.

Culver's ⭐ CONFIRMED SMASH-STYLE COOKING

Multiple Waukesha County Locations (Waukesha, Pewaukee, Brookfield, and more)

Hours: Daily 10am-10pm

Price: $4-8 (excellent value)

The Wisconsin-born chain (founded 1984 in Sauk City) uses confirmed smash-style cooking—fresh, never-frozen beef "griddled smash-style" and pressed-and-seared fresh for each order. Butter from Wisconsin's Alcam Creamery applied to buns. Nearly 1,000 locations nationally, but this is where it started.

Family-friendly: Highly family-friendly with kids meals, clean dining areas, table service, high chairs, drive-thru available.

Additional Waukesha County Spots

Restaurant Location Specialty Price Badger Burger Company Oconomowoc 1/2 lb char-broiled Black Angus $$ Mr Brews Taphouse Menomonee Falls Gourmet burgers + 60 craft beers $$ Kraverz Frozen Custard Menomonee Falls Build-your-own + custard $ Milwaukee Burger Company Franklin Wisconsin Smashed Burger $$

Washington County: Hidden Gem Territory

Brazen Head Pub ⭐ WISCONSIN'S BEST BURGER 2025 WINNER

147 N. Main Street, West Bend

Hours: Kitchen open daily from 11am

Price: ~$12-15 for half-pound burgers

Winner of the 2025 Wisconsin Beef Council "Wisconsin's Best Burger Contest"—voted by the public from across the state. The Brazen Beer Cheese Burger features a half-pound Angus beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings, and signature Harp Lager beer cheese sauce on a pretzel roll. Kitchen Manager Tyler Lloyd created the beer cheese using cheese scraps and Harp Lager. After winning, they sold 200 burgers in one day.

Family-friendly: Comfortable atmosphere, casual dining. The oldest independently owned bar in West Bend (22+ years in operation).

Jumbo's Frozen Custard

1014 S. Main Street, West Bend | (262) 334-5400

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:30am-10pm; Friday-Saturday 10:30am-10:30pm

Price: $5-10 (affordable)

Fresh custard made daily with rotating "Flavor of the Day." The BBQ Bacon Burger features pepper jack cheese, Sweet Baby Ray's sauce, and famous onion rings. Compared favorably to Kopp's quality by reviewers.

Family-friendly: Kids menu, outdoor seating, drive-through available, wheelchair accessible, active in community youth sports.

Racine County: Historic Burger Institutions

Kewpee Lunch ⭐ HISTORIC LANDMARK (SINCE 1926)

520 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine | (262) 634-9601

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-2pm; Closed Sunday

Price: Double cheeseburger $3.55; Single $1.95 (incredibly affordable!)

One of only 5 remaining Kewpee locations in the country, operating since 1926. Hand-formed patties grilled with butter until crusty brown, served with homemade root beer, thick malts, and milkshakes. Classic 1950s diner with Formica tables, semi-circular communal counters, and extensive Kewpie doll collection. CASH ONLY.

Family-friendly: Historic diner experience, incredibly affordable prices perfect for families. Ranked #5 of 166 restaurants in Racine on TripAdvisor.

Georgie Porgie's Treefort ⭐ KIDS' FAVORITE

5502 Washington Avenue, Racine | (262) 635-5030

Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:30am-9pm; Friday-Saturday 10:30am-10pm; Closed Sunday

Price: $10-14 for specialty burgers

Named one of Wisconsin's "most amazing dining spots," the tree house themed restaurant is a hit with kids. Made-to-order burgers, hand-rolled mozzarella sticks, and fresh Wisconsin custard with "Flavor Forecast" calendar. Summer car shows and annual pancake breakfast.

Family-friendly: Tree house theme extremely popular with children, family atmosphere, fundraising opportunities for local groups.

Fred's Burgers ⭐ TONY ROMO'S HOMETOWN FAVORITE

596 N. Pine Street, Burlington | (262) 763-0313

Price: $8-14 for burgers

Claims "World's Best Burger" since 1980. NFL quarterback Tony Romo grew up in Burlington and frequently ate here. Fresh beef ground daily, locally sourced. Famous homemade potato chips (reviewers say they're better than fries). Handcrafted wooden interior made by founder Fred Mabson.

Family-friendly: Kids menu includes fries/chips/applesauce + drink, casual family atmosphere, homemade cookies. Strong supporter of Burlington schools.

Kenosha County: The Southern Frontier

The Garage Sports & Burger Bar ⭐ BEST STUFFED SMASH BURGERS

3001 60th Street, Kenosha | (262) 528-3001

Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-10pm; Friday-Saturday until 11pm

Price: $8-15 ($4 lunch special Mon-Fri 11am-3pm!)

Build-your-own stuffed smash burgers with up to 2 stuffings plus unlimited toppings. Uses a unique blend of brisket, short rib, and ground chuck. The Bronco Burger comes stuffed with American cheese, topped with bacon, fried egg, tetris tots, and maple syrup. Weekly specials on Facebook.

Family-friendly: Games, bingo every Wednesday 7pm, cards and dice, outdoor patio. Consistently called "best burgers in Kenosha County."

Phatman's Smashburger ⭐ DEDICATED SMASH SPECIALIST

Various Kenosha locations (food truck/pop-up) | (262) 748-3906 | phatmans.com

Hours: Varies by event (typically 5pm-9pm)

Price: ~$13 for O.G. burger with fries

A true smash burger specialist—patties smashed flat creating crispy, caramelized, incredibly flavorful edges. "The O.G." features American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and secret sauce. Follow on Facebook for weekly location schedule.

Family-friendly: Casual outdoor festival/event dining experience.

Bristol 45 Diner

Bristol area, Kenosha County

Price: $-$$

1950s diner theme (opened 2008 with retro design) serving the Bristol 45 Bomb Burger—a 10 oz charbroiled patty with BBQ sauce, cheddar, and haystack onions. Classic cars often spotted outside.

Family-friendly: Nostalgic 1950s atmosphere appeals to all ages, classic milkshakes.

Quick Reference: Best Spots by Category

Best for Families with Young Children

• Kopp's Frozen Custard (Glendale, Greenfield, Brookfield) — Custard rewards, outdoor seating, nostalgic fun

• Wayne's Drive-In (Cedarburg) — Kids menu, retro diner, ice cream, classic cars

• Georgie Porgie's Treefort (Racine) — Tree house theme, car shows, custard

• Crafty Cow (Oconomowoc) — "Upside Down Kids Night," dedicated kids menu

• Inventors Brewpub (Port Washington) — Family-friendly, homemade root beer, lake views

Best Overall Smash Burgers

• The Diplomat — Milwaukee Magazine #1

• Brazen Head Pub — Wisconsin's Best Burger 2025

• Uncle Wolfie's — Multi-publication pick

• Riley's Bar + Burger — Wagyu smash, newest sensation

Best Value (Under $10)

• Kewpee Lunch (Racine) — Double cheeseburger $3.55

• Kopp's Frozen Custard — Jumbo cheeseburger $4.45

• Culver's — ButterBurgers $4-8

• Archie's Flat Top — Starting at $8

Best Award Winners

• The Diplomat — Milwaukee Magazine #1, James Beard Award-winning chef

• Brazen Head Pub — 2025 Wisconsin's Best Burger

• Solly's Grille — 2022 James Beard America's Classic Award

• Nite Owl Drive-In — Milwaukee Magazine Burger Bracket Champion

• Skippy's Burger Bar — Wisconsin Beef Council Elite Eight

Best Outdoor Seating

• Riley's Bar + Burger — 80-seat patio

• The Brick Pub & Grill — Across from Kletzsch Park

• Inventors Brewpub — Harbor/lake views

• Wayne's Drive-In — Picnic tables, classic car nights

Planning Your Smash Burger Adventure

Pro Tips for Families:

• Weekday visits avoid weekend crowds at popular spots

• Seasonal spots (Nite Owl, Wayne's Drive-In) typically operate March/April through November—plan accordingly

• Cash-only locations: Kewpee Lunch, Nite Owl (call ahead to verify)

• Combine activities: The Brick Pub + Kletzsch Park; Wayne's Drive-In + Cedarburg downtown; Inventors Brewpub + Port Washington harbor walk

Budget Family Outing: Kewpee Lunch, Culver's, or Kopp's—family of 4 can eat well for under $40

Special Occasion Splurge: The Diplomat or Merriment Social for parents; Solly's Grille for the James Beard experience

Happy burger hunting, Milwaukee families! 🍔