Where to Find Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Greater Milwaukee

Bottom line: Milwaukee's Polish and Eastern European food scene has transformed dramatically since Polonez Restaurant closed in 2022, but the October 2025 opening of Wioletta's Polish Kitchen marks a major revival—giving families a new destination for authentic gołąbki alongside beloved Serbian standbys and hidden delis scattered across the metro area.

Milwaukee's Polish heritage runs deep, with generations of immigrants settling on the South Side near the stunning Basilica of St. Josaphat. Today, hunting down the perfect cabbage roll has become a delicious family adventure that spans from the North Shore communities all the way to Oak Creek. Whether you call them golabki, gołąbki, or sarma, this guide will help you plan memorable outings to discover the region's best stuffed cabbage.

Oak Creek: Milwaukee's newest Polish destination

Wioletta's Polish Kitchen

Wioletta's Polish Market

The biggest news in Milwaukee's Polish food scene is this beautiful 120-seat restaurant that opened on October 15, 2025—finally filling the void left by Polonez.

Address: 7135 S. 13th St., Oak Creek, WI 53154
Phone: (414) 301-4558
Website: Order via Toast

Hours:

• Wednesday–Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Friday–Saturday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Sunday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Monday: Closed

• Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (market hours)

Cabbage Rolls: Traditional gołąbki featured prominently on the Polish Plate alongside pierogi, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and ribs or goulash. Pricing: $18–$25 for combination plates.

Why families love it: The space—a completely renovated former Applebee's—features white tablecloths with floral touches and powder-blue walls that create a welcoming atmosphere without being stuffy. Counter service keeps things relaxed for families with wiggly kids, and the enormous parking lot eliminates the stress of street parking with little ones in tow.

Chef Bogusia, originally from Northern Poland, leads the kitchen with recipes emphasizing hearty, comforting dishes. The restaurant also offers a full bar featuring Polish and European beers, plus Wioletta's Flight—a trio of plum, cherry, and honey liqueurs that gives parents a taste of authentic Polish hospitality.

Takeout/Delivery: Yes, online ordering available
Parking: Large private lot
Best times to visit: Weekday evenings for shortest waits; weekend dinners are busiest

South Side Milwaukee: The heart of Polish heritage

This is where Milwaukee's Polish story lives. The neighborhoods surrounding the magnificent Basilica of St. Josaphat have been home to Polish families for over a century, and while the restaurant landscape has evolved, authentic options remain.

Three Brothers Restaurant ⭐ James Beard Award Winner

This Serbian gem earned the prestigious James Beard "American Classic" Award in 2002 and was named one of USA Today's Top 44 Restaurants in America for 2025. The Radicevic family has operated this cozy corner of Eastern Europe since 1956.

Address: 2414 S. St. Clair St., Milwaukee, WI 53207 (Bay View)
Phone: (414) 481-7530
Website: threebrothersmke.com

Hours:

• Wednesday–Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Saturday–Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Monday–Tuesday: Closed

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Cash or check only (ATM next door at DeMarinis)

Cabbage Rolls (Sarma): $24.50 – Pickled cabbage leaves filled with beef and rice, served with potato dumplings. The slight sourness of the pickled cabbage creates a more complex, balanced flavor than fresh cabbage versions.

Branko's Special: $28.50 – Perfect for families who want to sample: one sarma plus one stuffed pepper with tomato sauce and potato dumpling.

Why families love it: Walking into Three Brothers feels like Sunday dinner at your Eastern European grandparents' house. Mismatched vintage plates, crocheted window shades, and Formica tables create instant warmth. The intimate setting encourages lingering—diners here don't rush. Kids fascinated by the "old house" atmosphere will find plenty of visual interest, and the family-style portions are generous.

Reservations: Strongly recommended—especially weekends
Parking: Street parking; manageable but limited
Family tip: Wednesday and Thursday evenings offer easier seating and a quieter atmosphere for families with young children

Old Town Serbian Gourmet House

Milwaukee's oldest Serbian restaurant has been serving the community since 1971, sitting proudly adjacent to the Basilica of St. Josaphat.

Address: 522 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 672-0206
Email: oldtownrestaurant@yahoo.com
Website: oldtownserbian.com

Hours:

• Wednesday–Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Sunday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Monday–Tuesday: Closed

Cabbage Rolls (Sarma): $16.95–$19.00 – Home-style fermented cabbage stuffed with ground beef, sausage, bacon, and pork, slowly cooked with smoked pork. This is heartier than Polish gołąbki—more meat-forward with rich, smoky undertones.

Additional stuffed options for adventurous families:

• Stuffed Peppers: $16.95

• Stuffed Zucchini: $15.95

• Grape Leaves Sarma: $16.95

Why families love it: The elegant old-world atmosphere with artwork and antiques gives children a sense of "special occasion dining" without requiring fancy dress. The 200+ seat capacity easily accommodates large families or multi-generational groups. Occasional live guitar and mandolin music adds authentic ambiance.

Vegetarian-friendly: Yes—Cauliflower Schnitzel and Vegetarian Musaka available
Takeout/Delivery: Curbside pickup and DoorDash
Parking: Street parking; can be limited in this historic neighborhood
Reservations: Recommended, especially weekends
Summer bonus: Find Old Town at the South Shore Farmers Market on Saturdays starting in June

Polish delis for take-home cabbage rolls

Sometimes the best family food adventures happen at home. These delis let you bring authentic gołąbki to your own table—perfect for picky eaters who prefer familiar surroundings or families planning Polish-themed dinners.

Wioletta's Polish Market ⭐ Friday Cabbage Roll Special

This 2,800-square-foot market is the retail counterpart to Wioletta's Polish Kitchen, and it's where locals know to go for the real thing.

Address: 3955 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 226-5986

Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Cabbage Rolls: Friday is the day—Wioletta herself (a trained chef from Poland) prepares fresh stuffed cabbage that sells out quickly. Call ahead to reserve yours.

What else to grab: A dozen varieties of homemade soup line the cooler. Frozen pierogi come in both sweet and savory varieties. Fresh sausages fill the meat case. Polish vodkas and liqueurs stock the shelves. The pork chop dinner with sweet cabbage is a family favorite for easy weeknight meals.

Family bonus: This is a women- and veteran-owned business, and they welcome well-behaved dogs during shopping
Takeout: Yes
Parking: Available
Pro tip: Fresh bread arrives Wednesdays and Fridays

M&P Polish Deli

The last remaining Polish deli on the historic South Side near St. Josaphat Basilica, this shop reopened in late 2023 under new ownership.

Address: 1215 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215
Phone: (414) 643-7733

Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

What you'll find: This is primarily an ingredients shop rather than prepared foods—perfect for families who want to make gołąbki together. Stock up on fresh kielbasa (including Zywiecka and kabanosy), szynka staropolska (old Polish ham), sauerkraut, Polish pickles, and all the imported goods you need. Frozen pierogi in cheese, potato, mushroom, and plum varieties make easy side dishes.

Owners Przemysław Rybicki and Małgorzata Rostkowska emigrated from Poland about 19 years ago and maintain bilingual labeling throughout the shop—a great educational opportunity for kids curious about Polish language.

Parking: Free street parking nearby
Best times to visit: Wednesdays and Fridays for freshest products

Old World Deli ⭐ Hidden Gem

Tucked away in Greendale, this family-owned deli has been quietly serving Milwaukee's Polish food lovers since 2004.

Address: 7630 W. Grange Ave., Greendale, WI 53129
Phone: (414) 855-0470

Hours:

• Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Monday: Closed

What makes it special: Fresh cheeses and meats arrive every Friday. European breads and bakery items come in Tuesdays and Fridays. Their Sunday hot ham and rolls are legendary among locals. The pierogi here follow the original Polish Fest recipe.

This shop participates in Polish Fest annually, serving pierogi, soups, and potato pancakes—so if you fall in love with their food at the festival, you can visit year-round.

Family atmosphere: Casual deli setting; ranked #1 Specialty Food Market in Greendale on TripAdvisor
Parking: Strip mall lot facing Grange Avenue
Takeout: Yes—this is primarily a takeout deli

North Shore and northern suburbs

Dedicated Polish restaurants are scarce in the North Shore communities, but one long-standing family restaurant offers a worthy option for families who don't want to venture south.

Prime Minister Family Restaurant

This Greek-owned family restaurant has served Thiensville for over 30 years, offering an eclectic international menu that includes rotating German and Eastern European daily specials.

Address: 517 N. Main Street, Thiensville, WI 53092
Phone: (262) 238-1530
Catering Line: (414) 803-5177
Website: pmcatering.com

Hours: Daily 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Friday–Saturday until 9:00 PM)

Cabbage Rolls: Featured on rotating daily specials alongside sauerbraten with spaetzle and red cabbage, and spareribs over sauerkraut. Important: Call ahead to confirm availability—these aren't permanent menu items.

Pricing: Very affordable—average meal costs approximately $6.80

Why families love it: Kids' menu available, wheelchair accessible, and the multi-generational appeal means everyone from toddlers to grandparents feels welcome. The full bar keeps adults happy, and breakfast service starting at 5:30 AM makes this versatile for any family schedule.

Reservations: Accepted and recommended for groups
Parking: Private lot
Takeout/Delivery: Both available, plus catering services

Downtown Milwaukee and central neighborhoods

Goodkind (Bay View) – Modern twist on tradition

For families seeking an upscale-casual dining adventure with a contemporary take on Eastern European comfort food, Goodkind offers seasonal creativity.

Address: 2457 S. Wentworth Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 763-4706
Website: goodkindbayview.com

Hours:

• Monday–Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Wednesday–Thursday: Closed

• Friday–Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Cabbage Rolls: Spaghetti Squash Stuffed Cabbage Rolls appear on the rotating seasonal menu. This modern, farm-to-table interpretation uses local produce and changes with the seasons—check the menu before visiting.

Pricing: $$–$$$ (affordable upscale)

Atmosphere: A cozy corner tavern in a residential neighborhood with warm lighting and a 20-seat bar. Goodkind earned James Beard Award semifinalist recognition for Best Bar Program in 2022.

Family note: The intimate atmosphere suits older children and teens better than toddlers
Reservations: Via Tock
Takeout/Delivery: Curbside pickup and delivery available
Parking: Street parking

Mader's German Restaurant – For red cabbage lovers

While Mader's doesn't serve traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this historic landmark since 1902 deserves mention for families who love cabbage in all its forms.

Address: 1041 N. Old World Third St., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Website: madersrestaurant.com

What's relevant: Their red cabbage side dish ($9) is exceptional. The Rouladen ($27)—beef rolls stuffed with pickle, bacon, and onions—offers a German take on the stuffed concept. Reuben Rolls bring corned beef and sauerkraut together in a wonton wrapper.

Why families love it: The $4 million collection of medieval suits of armor captivates kids, along with wood carvings, oil paintings, and stained glass throughout the space. Children's menu available with American options and smaller German portions.

Parking: Free valet parking
Reservations: Via Resy, recommended

Specialty markets for Polish sausage and ingredients

These butcher shops and meat markets may not sell prepared cabbage rolls, but they're essential stops for families planning homemade Polish feasts.

Tower Chicken Farm

A South Side institution since 1948, founded by Polish immigrants.

Address: 4111 S. 6th St., Milwaukee, WI 53221
Phone: (414) 744-7151

Hours:

• Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Tuesday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Sunday: Closed

Polish offerings: Their "Mother's Best" label frozen Polish foods include pierogi in cheese, potato, spinach, mushroom, and chicken varieties. They also carry czerina—traditional duck blood soup served during Lent. Fresh Polish sausage, kielbasa, and specialty meats round out the selection.

Parking: Private lot

West Allis options

Kegel's Inn (5901 W. National Ave., West Allis) offers a "National Ave" brat featuring a 7" Polish sausage topped with sweet-and-sour red cabbage, cheese curds, and chives. While not traditional gołąbki, it's a family-friendly introduction to Polish-German flavors with a large parking lot and year-round beer garden.

Polish Fest: The ultimate annual celebration

When: Mid-June annually (2025: June 13–15)
Where: Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds)

This is the event for cabbage roll lovers. Multiple vendors serve gołąbki alongside pierogi, kielbasa, potato pancakes, and pączki. The Polish Plate from festival vendors typically includes Polish sausage, cabbage roll, sauerkraut, pierogi, and potato pancake—the ultimate sampler for families.

Family highlights:

• Polka bands and dancing lessons for kids

• Babcia's Kitchen cooking demonstrations

• Vodka tastings for parents

• Catholic Mass on Sunday morning

• Jaju Pierogi (from Shark Tank) has appeared in past years

Established in 1982 by the Polish Heritage Alliance, this celebration represents Milwaukee's Polish community at its most festive.

Practical planning tips for families

Make reservations: Three Brothers especially fills up fast on weekends. Call ahead—they don't use OpenTable.

Bring cash: Three Brothers accepts only cash or check. An ATM is conveniently located next door at DeMarinis, but having cash ready saves time with hungry kids.

Time your visits strategically:

• Friday is the best day for Wioletta's Polish Market fresh cabbage rolls

• Wednesday–Thursday evenings offer the easiest seating at Serbian restaurants

• Weekend dinners are busiest everywhere; arrive by 4:00 PM for better options

Call ahead for specials: Prime Minister's cabbage rolls appear on rotating daily specials, not the permanent menu. A quick phone call prevents disappointment.

Portion planning: Serbian sarma portions are generous. At Three Brothers, one order of sarma ($24.50) with a side dish can easily feed one adult and one child.

Parking realities:

• Wioletta's Polish Kitchen: Large lot (best for families with car seats and strollers)

• Three Brothers: Street parking only—manageable but limited

• Old Town Serbian: Street parking in a historic neighborhood; arrive early

• Mader's: Free valet parking—luxury with little ones

Seasonal and holiday traditions

Lent: Tower Chicken Farm offers fish and czerina (traditional duck blood soup). Many restaurants feature fish fry specials on Fridays.

Easter: Three Brothers serves Easter-worthy specialties including suckling pig with house-pickled cabbage for families celebrating with a feast.

Christmas Eve (Wigilia): Gołąbki are traditional on Polish Christmas Eve tables. Stock up at Wioletta's Polish Market or Old World Deli in advance—items sell out quickly during the holiday season.

Pączki Day (Fat Tuesday): Wioletta's and Polish delis feature these traditional filled donuts—make it a family outing to experience another beloved Polish tradition.

Quick reference guide

Restaurant Location Style Price Cabbage Roll Type Cash Only? Wioletta's Polish Kitchen Oak Creek Polish $18–25 Traditional gołąbki No Three Brothers Bay View Serbian $24.50 Sarma (pickled cabbage) Yes Old Town Serbian Lincoln Village Serbian $16.95–19 Sarma (fermented cabbage) No Prime Minister Thiensville International ~$7 German-style (rotating) No Goodkind Bay View Modern American $$$ Seasonal (spaghetti squash) No Wioletta's Market Milwaukee Deli/Takeout Varies Polish gołąbki (Fridays) No Old World Deli Greendale Deli/Takeout Varies Prepared Polish foods No

The adventure awaits

Milwaukee's cabbage roll landscape offers something for every family—from James Beard Award-winning Serbian sarma at Three Brothers to the exciting new Polish authenticity at Wioletta's Polish Kitchen. The journey itself becomes part of the story: exploring the historic South Side near the basilica, discovering a hidden Greendale deli, or making the trek to Oak Creek for the metro area's most comprehensive Polish menu.

Pack the kids in the car, bring cash for Three Brothers, and turn the hunt for the perfect gołąbki into your next North Shore family adventure. The Polish grandmothers of Milwaukee's past would approve.

Last updated: January 2026. Restaurant hours and menu items may change—always call ahead to confirm availability, especially for daily specials and seasonal items.