Milwaukee is famous for its German heritage and classic American eateries. At first glance, finding a Polish restaurant here might seem unlikely. However, hidden away from the busy streets and well-known spots, in the cozy corners of Milwaukee, are restaurants serving up hearty portions of pierogi, bigos, and żurek, along with pints of delicious beer. We have rounded up the top 7 Polish restaurants in Milwaukee that will not only satisfy your appetite but also offer unforgettable experiences.
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- Polish Center of Wisconsin
- Mader's Restaurant
- Old Town Serbian Gourmet House
- Three Brothers
- Kegel's Inn
- Beerline Cafe
- M&P Polish Deli & Liquors
Polish Center of Wisconsin
This is more than just a restaurant; it is a cultural center. Quite often, they do host events there, such as lunches and dinners, to enjoy traditional Polish food near you. The Polish Center of Wisconsin in Franklin was opened in August 2000 by the Polish Heritage Alliance in order to preserve and promote Polish heritage and culture. Beautiful facilities and saloons overlooking a lake attract wedding parties and many people who want to hold corporate and social events. Cultural events attract people through workshops, concerts, art exhibitions, and the famous Polish Fest.
Address: 6941 S 68th St, Franklin
Mader's Restaurant
Although Mader’s Restaurant is a German restaurant, surprisingly, there is quite a lot of Polish meal in their menu. The place has such a rich history dating back to the start of the 20th century and feels inside like a Polish cottage with its wooden paneling and antique furniture. The menu contains such items as marinated beef, served with red cabbage, sausages—served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes—and different kinds of beer, brewed to German recipes. All this comes at different prices: $12-$15 for a sausage platter, $20-$25 for marinated beef, $25 for a pork knuckle, and $6-$10 for soups and salads. Beers will cost $6-$8 per glass. Mader’s has themed nights and important cultural events, such as Oktoberfest and Christmas parties, complete with live music and special menus. The facility caters and hosts private events.
Address: 1041 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee
Old Town Serbian Gourmet House
While it is a Serbian restaurant, the Old Town Serbian Gourmet House in Milwaukee also has Eastern European cuisine. It happens to be the oldest Serbian restaurant in this city, opened in 1971. This restaurant is extremely popular and has an old-world feel. The portions here are extremely generous. These Serbian favorites include ćevapčići, burek, sarma, and ražnjići. There is the Serbian platter, served with cheese burek, ćevapčići, ražnjići, and sarma, served with tomato salad and mashed potatoes, for $24.95. Digging into the menu a bit farther, there is a list of special dishes, ranging from the hunter’s platter to the meat lover’s platter, with dishes from duck breast to lamb, for $34.95. The restaurant also offers Serbian beers, slivovitz (plum brandy), liqueurs, and wines. There are also house cocktails and affordably priced wines by the bottle.
Address: 522 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee
Three Brothers
A Milwaukee institution since 1956, Three Brothers is a diner serving Eastern European cuisine in warming surrounds. Opened in 1956 by Milun Radicevic, this family-run restaurant is celebrated for its traditional recipes and warm hospitality. The restaurant received the James Beard Award for 'American Classic' in 2002, a true mark of quality. Menu offerings include the Serbian favorite, ćevapčići sausages, sarma or stuffed cabbage rolls, burek pastries filled with cheese or meat, and goulash. Stuffed peppers are also on offer, as are Moussaka and roasted lamb. Desserts include strudel and baklava, maybe even Serbian pancakes. The prices are lower than moderate, with prices of $18.50 to $36.00.
Address: 2414 S St Clair St, Milwaukee
Kegel's Inn
Kegel’s Inn in Milwaukee is a historic German restaurant that opened in 1924. Kegel’s Inn also presents Polish specialties. The founders of the restaurant are John and Anna Kegel, emigrants from Austria and Slovenia. The walls are decorated with murals by German artist Peter Gries. Kegel’s Inn’s menu features traditional German dishes like Holstein schnitzel with egg, anchovies, capers, and greens for $33.00, veal schnitzel in mushroom sauce — $32.00, sausages with German potato salad and sauerkraut, and special fish dishes on Fridays. In summer, there is an open garden where you can have dinner and enjoy your time with a drink.
Address: 5901 W National Ave, West Allis
Beerline Cafe
Beerline Cafe is a popular vegetarian and vegan café in Milwaukee with outlets making dishes from Polish cuisine. There is a variety of crepes, such as ‘Spartichoke Crepe’ with artichokes and spinach with brie and ‘Crepe Ape’ with nut butter, chocolate sauce, and berries — from $10.00 to $11.00. The menu also includes paninis, soups, and salads, and you can try vegan versions of Polish pierogi. The cafe is located on the ground floor of the Union Point Condo building and offers a cozy atmosphere both inside and in the garden.
Address: 2076 N Commerce St, Milwaukee
M&P Polish Deli & Liquors
M&P Polish Deli & Liquors in Milwaukee is another best Polish restaurant for fans of Polish cuisine and cultural products. This place, located in the South Side neighborhood, is the heart of the Polish expatriate community. The deli was opened by Przemysław Rybicki and Małgorzata Rostkowska, who emigrated from Poland to the USA about 19 years ago. The place used to be a store where they often shopped, and later they decided to take over the business and opened one of the best Polish delis in the area. Visit M&P Polish Deli & Liquors to try various sausages, szynka staropolska, bacon and liver rolls. Plus, you can buy really fresh bread from a Polish Bakery. Literally, you can take some of your favorite treats and go. The deli also sells Polish canned goods, pickles (ogórki kiszone), and sauerkraut. Also, you can find quality Polish vodka and beer here.
Address: 1215 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee
