Veteran-Owned Restaurants, Breweries & Cafés around Milwaukee

Burn Pit BBQ was awarded the 2022 Veteran Owned Business of the Year

Greater Milwaukee has a solid roster of verified veteran-owned food-and-drink spots, led by three genuinely family-friendly, currently-open standouts: The Explorium Brewpub (Army veteran Mike Doble; Greendale, Wauwatosa, and downtown), State Street Pizza Pub (Army veteran Andy Fish; downtown), and Trackers Pub & Grub (Marine veteran Anthony Winneshiek; South Milwaukee).

Families can also support veteran-connected businesses including Saz's State House (National Guard/Vietnam-era founder Steve Sazama), Wisco Joe Coffee (Merton), Operation Coffee (Marine veteran Sam Floyd), Vines to Cellar Winery (Port Washington), and food/products makers like Eat Da Meats and Burn Pit BBQ.

The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce (WVCC, Milwaukee) is the best local directory for verifying veteran ownership; note that a few once-popular spots (Westallion Brewing's West Allis taproom, Troop Café) have closed or relocated, so call ahead.

The Explorium Brewpub

Co-founded in 2016 by Mike Doble, a U.S. Army veteran (served 1992–1998), and his wife Joan, a Milwaukee native. Mike has spoken publicly (CBS 58) about how difficult transitioning to civilian life was and how he later became an advocate for veteran entrepreneurs through the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. The original brewpub sits inside Southridge Mall in Greendale; a second location opened at the Mayfair Collection in Wauwatosa, and the group runs "Explorium Distilled" in the downtown Deer District. As the brewery states on exploriumbrew.com: "As a locally owned brewery and restaurant, we proudly offer 24 taps of house-made beer in a welcoming, family-friendly setting," alongside craft cocktails and scratch-made, gluten-friendly food. exploriumbrew.com.

State Street Pizza Pub

Owner Andrew "Andy" Fish is a U.S. Army veteran who bought the business in June 2023. Located at 322 W. State St. near Fiserv Forum/Turner Hall, it's a modern sports bar with 17 TVs and a menu built around specialty and build-your-own pizzas (crackery "Milwaukee style" thin crust or traditional rising crust), wings, wraps, and salads. Military discount:"Fish, who is a veteran of the United States Army, offers discounts to veterans and active military, firefighters and police officers." Website: statestreetpizzapub.com.

Trackers Pub & Grub

Owner Anthony Winneshiek is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. As he told TMJ4: "I was with the Bravo Company 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion out of oceanside, Camp Pendleton. We were the second tour operation to restore hope in Somalia," adding, "When we opened our doors, we really wanted to bring the community together." He deliberately dedicated the bar to veterans; patrons have donated military memorabilia that hangs throughout. Located at 1401 Rawson Ave., South Milwaukee. It's a neighborhood pub/grill with casual pricing.

Saz's State House

Founder Steve "Saz" Sazama was called up to the National Guard for the Vietnam War while a marketing student at Marquette, per the company's own history. He opened Saz's State House in 1976; it's now a Milwaukee institution known for BBQ ribs, the signature pulled-pork sandwich, and Mozzarella Marinara. Saz's is a listed veteran-owned member of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. Family notes: long-running, classic family-friendly Milwaukee restaurant with a broad menu; the "Round Bar" and festival heritage make it a fun stop. Website: sazs.com.

Wisco Joe Coffee

A veteran-founded craft coffee roaster with a shop at W282N7220 Main St., Merton, about 30–40 minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. They describe themselves as "veteran-founded," roast 100% Arabica beans, and lean into a Wisconsin identity (blends like "Up Nort'" and "Cheese Farmer"), plus caffeinated fizzy lemonades. wiscojoecoffee.com.

Operation Coffee

Founded by Sam Floyd, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Afghanistan (returned 2005). Per CoffeeTec's roastery profile, Floyd struggled with post-combat mental health and built the company around veteran support, "donating 10% of his coffee sales to Semper Fi, the organization that first supported him." It's primarily a roaster/online shop (about 45 minutes from Milwaukee). Family notes: more of an order-online/pickup roaster than a sit-down café; a mission-driven purchase. Website: operationcoffee.com.

Vines to Cellar Winery

A veteran-owned member of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, located at 114 E. Main St. in Port Washington (Ozaukee County, ~30 minutes north of Milwaukee). Website: vinestocellar.com.

Eat Da Meats

Listed on Food Truck Army as a Service-Disabled Veteran-owned business run by two retired Navy sailors, offering catering with a food-truck option. Family notes: mobile/catering; catch them at area events.

Burn Pit BBQ

A veteran-owned BBQ rub/sauce/seasoning maker, co-founded by Greg Fischer (U.S. Marine Corps) and Ben Kreple (U.S. Navy). Named a Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. Based in Racine, it hosts an annual "Back Yard Bash" BBQ-competition fundraiser at Greendale's Explorium Brewpub. Per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (JSOnline, March 27, 2026), the Back Yard Bash "has raised more than $30,000 since it began five years ago," with Fischer noting, "Being a veteran-owned business, it's very important for us to continue to remember our service as well as those that have served and continue to serve." burnpitbbq.com.