The best chicken dumpling soup in greater Milwaukee

Finding hearty chicken dumpling soup across the Milwaukee area requires knowing where to look—and the region delivers an impressive variety, from century-old German taverns to trendy Asian soup dumpling spots and dedicated soup shops. Whether you're craving traditional American-style drop dumplings in rich broth, handcrafted Chinese xiao long bao bursting with hot soup, or a steaming bowl of pho, Milwaukee families have dozens of excellent options spanning all price points and neighborhoods.

The standout destination is Kegel's Inn in West Allis, where chicken dumpling soup has been made from the same family recipe since 1924. But Milwaukee's soup landscape extends far beyond this legendary spot—from dedicated soup specialists like The Soup Market (which offers chicken dumpling soup daily) to authentic Asian establishments like Momo Mee (James Beard-recognized for their handcrafted soup dumplings), plus neighborhood diners, premium grocery delis, and hidden gems scattered throughout the suburbs.

American-style chicken and dumplings

Kegel's Inn

Kegel's Inn stands as Milwaukee's most celebrated destination for traditional chicken dumpling soup. Located at 5901 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214 (phone: 414-257-9999), this family-owned German restaurant has been serving what locals describe as "a bowl of liquid nostalgia" since 1924. The soup features diced chicken with small, tender dumplings in a savory broth—available daily as a permanent menu item.

The restaurant operates Tuesday through Thursday from 4–8 PM, Friday from 11 AM–9 PM, and Saturday from 4–9 PM (closed Sunday and Monday). Dinner prices range $50–100 for full meals including soup, though the soup can be ordered alone. The historic Bavarian atmosphere includes hand-painted murals, leaded glass windows, and heated outdoor yurts for group dining. Both dine-in and carryout are available, with online ordering at kegelsinn.com.

Mo's Irish Pub: The reliable daily option

For guaranteed daily availability of American-style chicken dumpling soup, Mo's Irish Pub delivers consistency across two locations. Their family recipe features rich chicken stock with house-made dumplings, diced chicken, carrots, onions, and celery, garnished with parsley and served with crackers.

Location Address Phone Hours Downtown 142 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee 53203 414-272-0721 11 AM–11 PM weekdays Wauwatosa 10842 W Bluemound Rd 53226 414-774-9782 10 AM–11 PM daily

Pricing is budget-friendly: cups run approximately $5–7, bowls $7–9, and combo meals with soup start at $8.99. Both locations welcome families and offer full dine-in service plus delivery through major apps.

The Soup Market: Milwaukee's soup specialists

Operating for 19 years across three locations, The Soup Market produces over 200 gallons of soup daily using scratch-made stock and homemade dumplings. Their chicken dumpling soup features fresh dumplings (flour, eggs, olive oil) in quality chicken stock with carrots, onions, and celery.

• Bay View: 2211 S Kinnickinnic Ave (414-727-8462) — Mon–Fri 10:30 AM–6 PM

• Vliet Street: 5330 W Vliet St (414-837-6033) — Mon–Fri 10:30 AM–5 PM

• Hales Corners: 5300 S 108th St, Suite 25 (414-529-8534) — Mon–Fri 10:30 AM–6 PM

Pricing starts at $4 for a cup and $8.25 for the "Pick Two" combo (cup plus half sandwich or salad). Family-friendly container sizes include quarts and gallons for taking home. Sign up for their soup notification service to receive alerts when chicken dumpling soup hits the menu.

Additional American-style options

84th Classic Cafe (1650 S 84th St, West Allis; 414-988-9827) earns devoted fans who call their chicken dumpling soup "the absolute best ever." This budget-friendly diner serves large portions with breakfast available all day—ideal for families seeking hearty comfort food.

Michael's Family Restaurant (8417 W Cleveland Ave, West Allis) serves chicken dumpling soup every single day, alongside rotating options. Open 7 AM–8 PM weekdays and 7 AM–3 PM weekends, this true family restaurant offers classic diner atmosphere at budget-friendly prices.

Asian-style chicken dumpling soups

Momo Mee: Milwaukee's xiao long bao destination

For authentic Chinese soup dumplings, Momo Mee (110 E Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee 53204; 414-316-9003) has earned both Best Chinese Restaurant and Best Korean Restaurant honors in Milwaukee, plus a spot on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Top 25 Restaurants. Their handcrafted xiao long bao are made fresh daily, never frozen, with each dumpling filled with rich, hot broth—meant to be eaten immediately from the bamboo steamer with ginger black vinegar soy sauce.

At approximately $12 for 8 pieces, these soup dumplings represent the gold standard in Milwaukee. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating. The restaurant also offers Korean beef mandu and Szechuan Beef Noodle Soup with housemade noodles.

Wonton soup and Cantonese specialties

J.J. Chen's Eatery (10722 W Oklahoma Ave, West Allis; 414-885-0856) offers Milwaukee's best dim sum selection, including:

• Wonton Soup: $3.50+

• Hong Kong Style Wonton Noodle Soup: $5.95–8.20

• Ha Gao (shrimp dumplings): $5.95

• Steamed/Pan Fried Dumplings (8): $6.35

Emperor of China (1010 E Brady St, Milwaukee 53202; 414-271-8889) has been a Milwaukee institution since 1986, offering wonton soup, egg drop soup, and hot & sour soup. Lunch specials start around $5, with the classic 1970s Asian-themed decor providing a nostalgic dining experience. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM with last orders at 8 PM.

Cheng Wong Restaurant (1631 Miller Park Way, West Milwaukee 53214; 414-384-9000) is a family-run establishment since 2006 that makes all food fresh to order. Their wonton soup and wonton egg drop soup come with generous portions at budget prices—lunch specials around $5–7.

Sichuan and regional Chinese options

Sze Chuan Restaurant (11102 W National Ave, West Allis; 414-885-0856) brings authentic Sichuan cuisine from owners who hail from Chengdu. Chinese exchange students reportedly call it the most authentic Chinese food in Milwaukee. Their Szechuan Spicy Pork Dumplings (6 for $6.95) feature handmade soft noodly dough and spicy filling. Hot pot options range from à la carte ($8–10) to all-you-can-eat ($23.95).

DanDan Milwaukee (360 E Erie St, Historic Third Ward; 414-488-8036) is a James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist offering upscale Chinese cuisine with wonton soup featured in special menus. Open daily 5–9 PM with reservations via OpenTable.

Vietnamese pho restaurants

While traditional pho doesn't include dumplings, several excellent Vietnamese restaurants offer chicken pho (Phở Gà) and some serve wonton additions:

Pho Saigon (10534 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis; 414-828-9698) features a 30-year-perfected recipe with broth simmered for hours. Pho Chicken runs $15.99, with various combo options at $12.95–16.99. Open daily 10 AM–9 PM.

Pho L'amour Cafe (16960 W Greenfield Ave, Brookfield; 262-202-8018) offers 3-hour simmered broth with cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. Pho options range $14.50–15.95 with protein add-ons available.

Pho Spot MKE at 3rd Street Market Hall downtown serves a standout 10-hour broth cooked low and slow with beef bones and five-spice, with everything prepared in-house including hand-rolled egg rolls.

Korean dumpling soups

Hallyu Korean Kitchen offers traditional Mandu-Guk (Korean Dumpling Soup) for around $18, plus crispy fried dumplings (7 pieces for $13).

Stone Bowl Korean Kitchen and Maru Korean Bistro (2150 N Prospect Ave) serve family-style Korean cuisine with homemade dumplings. Maru's tuigin mandu (deep-fried dumplings) feature crispy skin served with dark soy dipping sauce.

Jewish and European dumpling soups

Benji's Deli: Milwaukee's matzo ball institution

Benji's Deli & Restaurant has served Milwaukee since 1963, offering the closest analog to chicken dumpling soup in the Jewish tradition. Their matzo ball soup features dense yet tender matzo balls in homemade chicken broth, while chicken soup can be ordered with kreplach (meat-filled dumplings).

Location Address Phone Hours Shorewood 4156 N Oakland Ave 53211 414-332-7777 Mon–Fri 10 AM–7 PM, Sat 8 AM–7 PM, Sun 8 AM–3 PM Fox Point 8683 N Port Washington Rd 53217 414-228-5130 Mon–Fri 10 AM–3 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–3 PM

The legendary "Mish Mosh" includes matzo ball, noodles, rice, AND kreplach dumplings in one bowl—available weekends at Shorewood and daily at Fox Point. All soups come with snack rye bread. Pricing is moderate, with quarts available for takeout.

German restaurants with dumpling soups

Mader's German Restaurant (1041 N Old World Third St, Milwaukee 53203; 414-271-3377) serves Liver Dumpling Soup (Leberknoedelsuppe) in beef stock—a 120-year tradition. The upscale atmosphere ($$–$$$) includes a $4 million art collection and servers in traditional German attire. Open daily from 11:30 AM.

House of Gerhard (3927 75th St/Hwy 50, Kenosha 53142; 414-694-5212) is a true Wisconsin supper club operating since 1964. All dinners include homemade soup—including Chicken Spaetzle Soup—plus pâté, muffins, rolls, relish salad, and more. The full supper club experience makes this a destination for special occasions.

Polish soup options

Wioletta's Polish Kitchen opened in October 2024 at 7135 S 13th St, Oak Creek—the first full-service Polish restaurant in the Milwaukee area in years. They serve a trio of daily soups including chicken noodle and rotating specials, alongside traditional pierogis and stuffed cabbage. Wioletta's Polish Market (3955 S Howell Ave) offers ready-to-go Polish soups and prepared meals.

Grocery stores and markets with prepared soup

Premium grocery options

Sendik's Food Market (18 locations throughout Milwaukee area) offers their famous deli department with homemade chicken noodle soup available every day on the hot bar. They also carry The Soup Market products for retail purchase. Individual store hours typically run 7 AM–8 PM daily. Pricing is premium but quality-focused.

Whole Foods Market (2305 N Prospect Ave; 414-223-1500) maintains over 30 feet of ready-to-eat hot and salad bars with rotating soup options. Container sizes include 8 oz (small) and 16 oz (medium), with Build Your Own Family Meals available at the prepared foods counter. Open 8 AM–9 PM daily.

Outpost Natural Foods Co-op operates four locations (Capitol Drive, Wauwatosa, Bay View, Mequon) with fresh soup and salad bars daily. All items are made from scratch using natural, local, and organic ingredients. Their "We Made You Dinner" heat-and-eat family meals are perfect for busy families. Open 7 AM–8 PM daily.

Warehouse and value options

Costco (Menomonee Falls and other locations) sells Kirkland Signature Chicken Noodle Soup made with rotisserie chicken in 64 oz containers for approximately $9.99–14—serving 4 large portions. Note: this is chicken noodle, not chicken dumpling, but offers excellent family value.

Metro Market and Fresh Thyme Market (470 E Pleasant St downtown; 414-290-3999) both offer rotating deli soup selections worth checking for dumpling soups.

Suburban and outlying community locations

Waukesha County gems

Sweet Dreams operates two locations serving chicken dumpling soup every single day:

• Waukesha: 332 W Broadway (11 AM–10 PM Mon–Thu, 11 AM–11 PM Fri–Sat, 11 AM–6 PM Sun)

• Hartland: 540 Hartbrook Dr (11 AM–8 PM Mon–Sat, closed Sunday)

This comfort food destination also offers African peanut chicken soup on weekends at budget-friendly prices.

Matty's Bar & Grill (14460 W College Ave, New Berlin) serves daily soup specials plus monthly rotating options. December features chicken gnocchi. Open Mon–Thu 11 AM–9 PM, Fri 11 AM–10 PM, Sat–Sun 9 AM–9/10 PM.

Bryant's Dousman House (128 N Main St, Dousman) serves six homemade soups daily, changing weekly. Their seven-cheese beer soup and French onion are always available, with rotating options including chicken tortilla and Cajun crab bisque.

North Shore and Ozaukee County

Bistro on the Glen (6823 N Green Bay Ave, Glendale) serves matzo ball soup daily—fluffy matzo balls in rich chicken broth. Baked French onion is available daily except Fridays, when seafood bisque and clam chowder take over. Open Tue–Sat 8 AM–9 PM, Sun 7 AM–3 PM.

Out & Out Custard (W61 N305 Washington Ave, Cedarburg; outandoutcustard.com) is a beloved local favorite rotating weekly soups including chicken dumpling, cheesy broccoli, and loaded potato. Open 10 AM–8 PM daily at budget-friendly prices—perfect for families grabbing custard and soup together.

Brandywine (W61 N480 Washington Ave, Cedarburg; 262-618-4683) offers upscale dining in an 1862 historic building with seasonal Wisconsin-influenced soups.

South suburbs

Oak Creek Diner (6874 S 13th St, Oak Creek) runs a predictable weekly soup rotation:

• Friday: Chicken Dumpling & Clam Chowder

• Monday: Chicken Rice & Navy Bean

• Tuesday: Chicken Noodle & Split Pea

• Wednesday: Cream of Potato & Chicken Noodle

• Thursday: Cream of Roasted Pepper & Chicken Enchilada

• Saturday: Chicken Orzo & Chef's Choice

• Sunday: Cream of Chicken Rice & Beef Vegetable

Open Mon–Sat 5 AM–3 PM, Sun 6 AM–3 PM—ideal for early risers seeking budget-friendly comfort food.

The Bosch Tavern (5871 S 108th St, Hales Corners; 414-427-1400) serves "Swede's Original Navy Bean Soup" from a 65-year-old recipe passed down through the tavern—just $3.25 per cup. This historic hidden gem offers drive-thru service plus dine-in, open Tue–Fri 4 PM–midnight, Sat–Sun 11 AM–midnight.

Western suburbs

Ally's Bistro (N72 W13350 Lund Lane, Menomonee Falls) earns Milwaukee Magazine praise for their roasted red pepper soup with smoked gouda. Chicken noodle is available daily, with mushroom bisque on Monday and clam chowder on Friday. Open Mon–Wed 7 AM–4 PM, Thu–Fri 7 AM–8 PM, Sat 8 AM–2 PM.

The GOAT Bar & Grill (N63 W23675 Main St, Sussex) features chicken herb dumpling as a rotating "soup of the moment"—check their social media for daily announcements. French onion is always available. Open Tue–Sun 11 AM–8/9 PM.

Quick-reference guide by availability

Daily chicken dumpling soup (guaranteed)

• Kegel's Inn — West Allis

• Mo's Irish Pub — Downtown and Wauwatosa

• Michael's Family Restaurant — West Allis

• Sweet Dreams — Waukesha and Hartland

Frequent rotation (check ahead)

• The Soup Market — Bay View, Vliet St, Hales Corners (sign up for notifications)

• Out & Out Custard — Cedarburg (weekly rotation)

• The GOAT Bar & Grill — Sussex (rotating specials)

Specific days only

• Oak Creek Diner — Fridays only

Daily Asian dumpling soups

• Momo Mee — Soup dumplings (xiao long bao) daily

• J.J. Chen's Eatery — Wonton soup and dim sum daily

• Emperor of China — Wonton soup daily

• All pho restaurants — Chicken pho daily

Conclusion

Greater Milwaukee offers remarkable depth and variety for chicken dumpling soup enthusiasts. For the quintessential American experience, Kegel's Inn remains the benchmark—worth the trip to West Allis for their century-old recipe. Families seeking daily reliability will appreciate Mo's Irish Pub and Sweet Dreams, while budget-conscious diners should target The Soup Market, Oak Creek Diner, or Michael's Family Restaurant.

The Asian dining scene provides equally compelling options, with Momo Mee's soup dumplings representing a completely different but equally satisfying interpretation of the dumpling-and-soup concept. The combination of Jewish delis, German beer halls, Polish kitchens, and Vietnamese pho shops means Milwaukee families can explore dumpling soups from cultures around the world without leaving the metro area.

For maximum flexibility, sign up for The Soup Market's notification service and follow favorite restaurants on social media for soup announcements. Most importantly, call ahead during winter months when soup demand peaks—these beloved comfort foods often sell out early at the best spots.