It's time for Dining Month, presented by Deer District and its spooky Halloween-themed alter ego, Fear District. Throughout the month of October, we'll be serving up fun and fascinating content about all things food. The signature dish, however, is our 2019 Best of Dining poll, who's winners we will dish out all month long. Get hungry, Milwaukee!
It’s been nearly three years since I embarked on my Burger Trail journey. And in that time, I’ve eaten well over 100 burgers. I’ve also spied some seriously great burger deals along the way. In celebration of dining month – and to reward you for your continued support on my burger-filled journey – I’ve rounded up some of the best deals I’ve encountered along the way.
1. Crazy Water
839 S 2nd St.
(414) 645-2606
crazywatermilwaukee.com
[Read the Burger Trail review]
I was more than happy to shell out the usual $14 for the well executed burger with its grassfed beef and perfectly caramelized onions. But you can get that same burger (plus another variation) on Tuesdays for just $7. Don’t sleep on this delicious deal.
2. Fauntleroy
316 N. Milwaukee St.
(414) 269-9908
fauntleroymke.com
[Read the Burger Trail review]
I’d recommend a trip to Fauntleroy any day of the week for dishes like French onion soup, Lyonnaise salad and perfectly cooked roasted chicken. But if you haven’t tried their burger, you’re in for a treat. The Grande Royale with Cheese features two brisket patties, butterkase, lettuce, onion, pickle and royale sauce on a sesame seed bun, and it’s just $8 during happy hour, which takes place Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
3. Kam's Thistle & Shamrock
3430 N. 84th St.
(414) 871-3977
thethistleandshamrock.com
[Read the Burger Trail review]
Kam's Thistle & Shamrock has a number of delicious burgers on their menu. And even the most basic of them all is well worth the eating. Of course, if you're willing to wait until Saturday to satiate your craving, you can score a deal. Cheeseburgers are just $2.50 every Saturday until 3 p.m.
4. Merriment Social
240 E. Pittsburgh Ave.
(414) 645-0240
merrimentsocial.com
[Read the Burger Trail review]
From the housemade Japanese milk buns to the well-executed, balanced (and often fun) toppings, Merriment Social's burgers rarely – if ever – disappoint, making them worth every last penny (usually right around $16). However, you can nab any one of their delicious burgers, plus fries, for just $10 during happy hour (Tuesday through Friday from 4-6 p.m.); and that's a pretty good score.
5. O'Lydia's Bar & Grill
338 S. 1st St.
(414) 271-7546
olydias.com
[Read the Burger Trail review]
Head to O’Lydia’s on Thursday nights after 5 p.m. and you can get a half-pounder with lettuce, onion, tomato and choice of one cheese for just $5.95. Fries, chips or garlic mashed potatoes are just $1.
6. Rollie's
7751 N. Teutonia Ave.
(414) 354-9827
[Read the Burger Trail review]
You don’t need to wait around for a special when you can get a solid, no-frills bar burger at Rollies any day of the week for right around $5.
7. The Social Haus
N48W18474 W. Lisbon Rd., Menomonee Falls
(262) 293-9565
thesocialhaus.pub
[Read the Burger Trail Review]
Social Haus also offers plenty of deals on their basic burgers. You can get one for just $5 with the purchase of a beverage Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and all day on Wednesdays.
8. Triskele's
1801 S. 3rd St.
(414) 837-5950
triskelesrestaurant.com
[Read the Burger Trail review]
At just over $10, Triskele’s might well be one of the most affordable half-pounders in the city. And if you order it at happy hour (Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m.) … well, you simply can't beat that deal.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.