Adam Richman's Guide to Milwaukee
Filed Under:
Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI, on Lake Michigan's western shore, is located in the center of the Midwest. The city has more than 600,000 residents from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The city's roots go back to 3 immigrant towns -- Juneautown, Kilbourntown and Walker's Point. In the 1840s, many German immigrants came to the city and brought with them their love of beer brewing. The city went on to attract strong Polish and Italian communities as well.Adam Richman and the Man v. Food Nation crew headed to Milwaukee to taste foods from restaurants in these communities, as well as coach local resident Jeremy Wheeler on the Unforgiven Challenge at the Red Rock Saloon. Check out some of the other places they visited, along with our suggestions for where to go, where to stay and what to eat while in Milwaukee.
How to Get There
By CarMilwaukee is located at the intersection of Interstates 94 and 43.
By Air
The city is 8 miles away from General Mitchell International Airport. Both Frontier Airlines and AirTran Airways have hubs here.
By Train
Amtrak has 14 daily departures from Chicago to Milwaukee.
Address: 433 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI
By Bus
Greyhound Buses commonly stop in Milwaukee on their Midwest routes.
By Boat
The Lake Express ferry let's you drive your car onto the boat and reach your destination in 2 1/2 hours. The route goes to and from Milwaukee and Muskegon, MI.
Getting Around
Milwaukee Transit SystemLook up bus routes, schedules and fares for the city's buses.
Visit the website
Milwaukee Trolley Loop
During the summer months, the trolley runs through the city's downtown area.
Visit the website
American United Taxi Cab Service
Taxi company that serves the Milwaukee area.
Visit the website
Yellow Cab Cooperative
Another option for taxi transportation.
Visit the website
Transit Express
This transit company provides cars, vans, and trolleys for individual rides or for group events.
Visit the website
Where to Go
Milwaukee Art MuseumAdam visits this cultural hub that showcases more than 25,000 works of art. The museum's Quadracci Pavilion is one of the city's architectural gems.
Address: 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Visit the website
Milwaukee Public Market
Adam checks out the Milwaukee Public Market, which supplies the Brew City with fresh produce, Wisconsin cheese and the finest cuts of meat. He also visits West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe and Rupena's Fine Foods, 2 members of Man v. Food Nation.
Address: 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Visit the website
Historic Third Ward
Just 3 blocks south of downtown Milwaukee, the Historic Third Ward is known as Milwaukee's arts and fashion district and is home to a wide range of galleries, shops, and restaurants, all in a historic warehouse setting. It's a must-see for Adam and the crew.
Address: 219 North Milwaukee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Visit the website
Milwaukee River Cruise Line
See the beautiful Milwaukee River on a river cruise, a boat tour or by renting a pontoon.
Address: 205 W. Highland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Visit the website
Lakefront Brewery
Home to some of the city's best beers, Lakefront Brewery offers tours of its facility and samples of some of the goods. Adam goes over the upcoming challenge at Red Rock Saloon with Jeremy Wheeler and gives him pointers on how to handle size, speed and spicy challenges.
Address: 1872 North Commerce St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Visit the website
Harley-Davidson Museum
For Harley fans, this museum is a must. The exhibits cover the history of Harleys, motorcycle engines, and women riders. It also has an entire gallery of motorcycles the kids can hop on.
Address: 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53201
Visit the website
Milwaukee Food Tours
Several different walking tours showcase Milwaukee's different neighborhoods. During each tour, learn about an area's history, plus do some shopping and sample the yummy foods at the local restaurants. There is also a pizza bus tour and photo walk.
Make reservations online of call Zerve at 1.800.979.3370
Visit the website
Palermo's Pizza Tour
The only pizza factory tour in the city. You'll learn the history of pizza, the company, how the pizzas get made and top things off with a slice.
Address: 3301 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Visit the website
Where to Eat
Martino's Italian BeefAdam visits this restaurant known for its Chicago-style Italian beef and hot dogs to try the "Italian Combo" –- -- an Italian sausage on mozzarella-covered French bread topped with Italian beef, fresh giardiniera and homemade red sauce dipped in a parmesan.
Address: 1215 W Layton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53221-2432
Benji's Deli
Adam stops in to try the Hear-O-Israel -- a 1/4 lb. of pastrami, 1/4 lb. of corned beef, 1/4 lb. of salami,1/4 lb. of peppered beef, with Swiss cheese, cole slaw, and Thousand Island dressing on rye.
Address: 4156 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Red Rock Saloon
This is the location of our challenge. Local Jeremy Wheeler takes on the Unforgiven Challange with Adam's help. Jeremy has to eat a gigantic burger, fries and blazing hot wings in 23 minutes.
Address: 1225 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Visit the website
Milwaukee ChopHouse
Located in the Hilton, this restaurant serves steak and seafood.
Address: 633 N. 5th St, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Visit the website
AJ Bombers
It's all about comfort food here, including burgers, wings, and hot dogs. It's also the home of our Food Wars Champion -- The Milwaukee Burger.
Address: 1247 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI
Visit the website
Leon's Frozen Custard
Since 1942, this landmark has served up freshly-made custard in a variety of flavors. In addition, this drive-in serves sandwiches and soft drinks.
Address: 3131 S 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Visit the website
Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro
This upscale restaurant serves French food, steak and seafood. Located in Lake Park, one of the best parks in the city, the bistro has a great view of Lake Michigan.
Address: 3133 E Newberry Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211-3473
Visit the website
Where to Stay
Pfister Hotel MilwaukeeThis is the hotel where Adam Richman and the crew stayed. The hotel was built in 1893 and is known as one of the best downtown Milwaukee hotels.
Address: 424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Visit the website
Iron Horse Hotel
The Iron Horse is a 100-year-old warehouse converted into a trendy, highly-rated hotel. It's located near historic railroad tracks and the Harley-Davidson Museum, or as some people say, the old and new "iron horses" of our time.
Address: 500 W. Florida St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Visit the website
Schuster Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Rated the best bed-and-breakfast in the Milwaukee area, the Schuster Mansion provides a personal experience with multi-room suites, a homemade breakfast and friendly innkeepers.
Address: 3209 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Visit the website
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Airport
The buzz about this hotel is it's very clean, the staff is well-trained and the amenities are upscale for "an airport hotel."
Address: 5890 S Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, USA 53207
Visit the website
County Clare Irish Inn & Pub
Another highly-rated guesthouse, but what makes this one stand out is its Irish hospitality.
Address: 1234 N Astor St, Milwaukee, WI
Visit the website