Summary
Some food enthusiasts will say that if you haven’t bitten into a breaded and deep-fried gooey cheese curd, then you simply haven’t lived. While not available solely in Wisconsin, fried cheese curds are on the menu at Culver’s, a fast-casual joint based in the Dairy State, with locations in other regions as well. However, the selection of fried cheese curds is vaster in Milwaukee than in any other city. Dips and sauces on the side range from ranch to chipotle, making the curds—often served in a basket—an opportunity for restaurants to showcase their commitment to local sourcing.
SafeHouse
Address: 779 N Front St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Phone: +1 414-271-2007
Website: Visit website
While the password to this speakeasy-style restaurant is a secret to most, its fried cheese curds are far from hush-hush. Dubbed C4 Fried Cheese Curds, these Wisconsin white-cheddar cheese curds are breaded and dipped to order. Moreover, “top-secret” dipping sauces accompany them.
Drink Wisconsinbly
Address: 320 W Highland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA
Phone: +1 414-810-2134
Website: Visit website
At this year-old bar, everything on the menu links back to Wisconsin, including the fried cheese curds. Here, the curds are fried in Lakefront Brewery East Side Dark beer and served with a side of house ranch dip.
Iron Horse Hotel
Address: 500 W Florida St, Milwaukee, WI 53204-1534, USA
Phone: +1 414-374-4766
Website: Visit website
This hotel in Walker’s Point boasts multiple eateries. Here you can find three eateries: Smyth, Branded, and The Yard. Regardless of where you dine, be sure to order the Clockshadow Creamery cheese curds, which are sourced locally and tempura-fried to perfection. Additionally, they come with Chipotle aioli and house-ranch dressing.
Milwaukee Burger Company
Address: 6421 S 27th St, Franklin, WI 53132, USA
Phone: +1 414-301-9938
Website: Visit website
This popular burger joint has its only location in the Milwaukee area, situated in Franklin. Just like you can top your meat patty with Wisconsin cheese curds, you can also kickstart the meal with a delicious appetizer of fried cheese curds that the menu claims are so big, your jaw will drop and your mouth will water.
Dream Dance Steak
Address: 1721 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
Phone: +1 414-847-7883
Website: Visit website
In a quieter corner of the bustling Potawatomi Bingo Casino, this steakhouse offers a surprisingly upscale dining experience, featuring fried Wisconsin Cheese Curd Fritters. Unlike standard fried cheese curds, these are artfully plated in a square bowl, accompanied by tomato jam and a smoked-Gouda sauce, enhancing both flair and flavor.
AJ Bombers
Address: 1247 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Phone: +1 414-221-9999
Website: Visit website
AJ Bombers is renowned for its burgers—having won Travel Channel’s Food Wars. Nonetheless, the Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds are a popular order, too. Served with chipotle ranch for dipping, they are the perfect appetizer that pairs well with any burger.
Motor Bar and Restaurant
Address: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA
Phone: +1 414-287-2778
Website: Visit website
Situated inside the Harley-Davidson Museum, this restaurant features cheddar cheese curds that reflect the region’s culinary heritage. These curds are breaded and fried, served with a ramekin of buttermilk-ranch dressing. Visitors can choose between Traditional and Buffalo flavors, or even half of each, enhancing the unique experience.