Milwaukee Essentials
5 Favorites
3131 S. 27th St.
(414) 383-1784
Far
from those faux-’50s diners insulting the landscape, Leon’s Drive-In,
family-owned since 1942, is the genuine article. Time and fresh-made
custard are frozen at this renowned South Side landmark, allegedly the
inspiration for the Arnold’s Drive-In set on the TV show “Happy Days.”
President Bill Clinton famously stopped in for a cone in the 1990s.
Wash down one (or more) of their delicious chili dogs with a tall root
beer float for the full experience. In keeping with the retro style,
it’s cash only. (Brian Muilenburg)
Peter Sciortino’s Bakery
1101 E. Brady St.
(414) 272-4623
The
inviting aroma inside Peter Sciortino’s means there are many reasons to
visit one of Milwaukee’s favorite bakeries. Topping the list has always
been the cannoli. The Sciortino’s version consists of an amply
proportioned, crispy, powder-sugared shell filled with thick cream and
a layer of chocolate rounded out with cherries on either end. A
flourishing reminder of Brady Street’s Italian heritage, Sciortino’s
Bakery is an asset to the old neighborhood as well as a destination for
people who love good bread, cookies and cakes. (David Luhrssen)
Sprecher Root Beer
701 W. Glendale Ave.
(414) 964-2739
You
haven’t tasted root beer until you’ve downed a frosted mug of the soda
from Glendale’s Sprecher Brewery, which produces numerous sodas and
microbrews. Pure Wisconsin honey is kettle-fired along with a secret
batch of botanicals and vanilla to create this popular, award-winning
soft drink. If in town over the weekend, make sure to tour the brewery
to see Old World brewing traditions firsthand—and sample the root beer
at the source. (B.M.)
Usinger’s
1030 N. Old World
Third St.
(414) 276-9105
If
beer made Milwaukee famous, then Usinger’s brats made Milwaukee full.
Located on Old World Third Street and more than a century old,
Usinger’s has perfected a Wisconsin favorite. Recently featured on
“Appetite for Life” with Andrew Zimmern, these brats are rising to the
top in the food world. Need a gift? Usinger’s delivers. But the store
itself is only a quick drive away—and well worth the trip. (Emilee
Weier)
Wisconsin Cheese Mart
1048 N. Old World
Third St.
(414) 272-3544
Despite
living in an artisanal age when ordinary, mass-produced cheese has
fallen out of favor with foodies, Wisconsinites will never lose their
loyalty to the all-mighty cheese curd. Curds are the freshest form of
the cheese, separated from the whey but not yet pressed into shapes for
aging. Because they are best enjoyed within a day of their making,
cheese curds are most often found in regions where cheese is made.
Located on Old World Third Street in Downtown Milwaukee since 1938, The
Wisconsin Cheese Mart boasts “the world’s largest selection” of
Wisconsin-made cheese, including the pride of Dairyland, cheese curds.
(Sarah Biondich)
Photo: Leon’s | by Skiba Photography
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