Higher end burgers in Milw.

[pastry634]

Hello all. I know about, and have eaten, all the recommended burgers in Milwaukee (Primarily Kopp's, Sobelmans, and Solly's). However, these are all lower end, bar type places. I've read about the burger at Mason Street Grill, but have yet to try it. What are some of the better high end burgers in the city (for lunch, preferably)?

[gibson]

Umami Moto on Milwaukee Street serves Kobe sliders with Taleggio cheese and Nueske’s bacon... killer.

[cscott4313]

Haha that sounds so good right now!

[pastry634]

The one in Brookfield just closed. :( It closed before I was able to try their Kobe Burger they had during lunch. The Mil. location is open only for dinner

[Living4fun]

The Hinterland serves Kobe beef sliders on their lounge menu.

[bte576]

Sadly, it's been a few years since I've had one, but I always loved the burgers at Harry's in Shorewood.

[cscott4313]

Elsa's is great. Very trendy though so expect a crowd of young professionals and a lot of conversation noise. Harry's is hit or miss, however, and sometimes very smoky. In addition to Elsa's, try Roots (the Roots Cellar as opposed to their Dining Room) in Milwaukee's developing North End area, or North Star Bistro in Shorewood. Roots is great for burgers (perfectly cooked with a fresh, succulent taste and a great bun to boot), especially if the weather is nice enough to eat outside on their terrace. North Star is a smaller, neighborhood restaurant, but still higher end and nearly gourmet fare.

Roots (http://www.rootsmilwaukee.com/
)North Star Bistro (http://www.northstarbistro.com/)

[pastry634]

I've always wanted to try roots. I never knew they had a burger, though. I tried Elsa's a while back, and it was indeed delicious! I love the peppercorn flavor. Does roots always have the burger on the menu?

[cscott4313]

I believe so, though I haven't been there in a while. I remember the bun being excellent -- a shiny, crisp and golden-brown exterior with a weightless center, all toasted just before being introduced to the juicy meat patty and condiments. I am a strong believer that a bun (among other things, obviously) can make or break a burger.

[pastry634]

Ah...I noticed it now. Its on their cellar menu, not the regular dinner one. And I totally agree with you on the bun, which was actually one of my biggest knocks against Solly's butter-bomb of a burger - with that much liquid, the limp bun they had just got mushy and ruined the experience for me. Likewise, a bun that is too bready and naturally more resistant (brioche, focaccia, etc) just overpower the beef.

[cscott4313]

Haha Solly's (A.K.A would you like a burger with your butter) is a once in a lifetime experience. Either A) You eat it to say you tried it because everyone in Milwaukee thinks of the burger as a mascot, or B) you die of a heart attack on your way out the door from your newly skyrocketed cholestorol levels.

[KoolWhip]

Without a doubt, the APV II at Elsa's.

[joypirate]

Elsa's burger is amazing. Strangely, so is their broccoli. Additionally, they can make a competent martini, so there's that.

[Living4fun]

I've always liked Elsa's for their burgers. Eagans also has a good burger. I believe Kilowat has a burger that is like the old Marcs Big Boy Burger.

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InterContinental Milwaukee Hotel
139 E Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI

Eagan's On Water
1030 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Elsa's On the Park
833 N Jefferson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202