Of course we all know, for 11 days the world ascends on to the Summerfest grounds for the biggest musical festival that Milwaukee has to offer. What Milwaukee residents know in particular is that Summerfest patrons come for the music, but stay for the food. Summerfest has over 35 different food and beverage vendors catering to the eclectic tastes to match the different sounds on any given night throughout the festival grounds. From stage to stage there are tables packed with music loving people filling their faces with good food and fantastic treats. For those of you who have been, but never really tasted Summerfest we’re going to give you a quick 1, 2 on some of the foods to enjoy. And with four days left in the fest, there’s plenty of time to enjoy all of what Summerfest is cooking.

First and foremost, there are the staples. There is no better way to start off a food adventure than with experiencing what Summerfest is truly known for. First on the menu is Saz’s Combo Platter made up of Mozzarella Sticks, Cheese Curds and Sour Cream & Chive Fries. . Each Mozzarella Stick is a hand rolled wanton with cheese melted in the middle. Served with a side of Marinara sauce, it easy to see why Saz’s serves up to 40,000 of these combo platters throughout the festival. Now what’s a summer festival without corn? Not a very good one if you ask us. Thanks to Anderson’s Roasted Corn located at the North end of the grounds, your buttery corn taste-buds shall not go without wanting. With fresh corn on the cob roasted to perfection you have the special bonus’ of adding more flavoring such as cheddar or bbq. Situated just outside of Marcus Amphitheaters gates is JoJo’s Martini Lounge, Summerfest’s only full service bar. Whether it’s a Jack and Coke, Gin and Tonic or one of the many flavorful martini’s served underneath the big tent, complete with it’s own stage, you’ll be able to quench your thirst tastefully and with style at JoJo’s. When anyone ever talks about fried eggplant strips, they are talking about only one place in particular, the Venice Club. With some Parmesan cheese and fresh marinara sauce, the fried eggplant strips are the reason you’re mouth is going to thank you for coming to Summerfest.

Each year Summerfest adds more and more to entertain guests, so it was only a matter of time for Sazama’s Lakeside Grille to pop up! With white linen table cloths, a wine bar featuring glasses at reasonable prices ($7.50 – $9.50) and quite possibly the best full course meals at Summerfest, Sazama’s is the fine dining at Summerfest worth waiting for. Sazama’s menu includes 5 main entrees: New York Strip Steak, Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Marsala, Blackened Salmon and Wild Mushroom Ravioli, all of which are presented in the best of manner. Even though Sazama’s can pack the house with 200+, reservations aren’t always needed to enjoy a sit down meal in front of Milwaukee’s beautiful skyline. Mader’s German Restaurant also brought something new to the table with their German Nachos. Homemade chips smothered in a white cheese sauce, onions and thin strips of corned beef, these nachos confirm the fact that the Germans also produce fantastically outside of the World Cup, amongst other things.

The treats at Summerfest are good, there’s no doubt about that at all. Keeping the long tradition of locally owned restaurants maintaining a home at Summerfest alive, Crawdaddy’s and the King and I are pillars in the Summerfest eating community. Crawdaddy’s brings in 2 tons of fresh Louisiana alligator meat for their infamous “Gator On A Stick.” With seasonings that make the mouth water, whether it’s as soon as the grounds open or right on the way out the gate, it is always a good time for some Gator On A Stick! For the past 15 years, there has only been one chicken worth trying, tasting and wanting more of, the Volcano Chicken from the King and I. Such a successful meal served at the restaurant, the King and I brought this savory dish to Summerfest for all to take part in a wonderfully tasting dish. And of course, what better way to wash all of this great food down than with a cold glass of Catalano’s Old Fashioned Lemonade. Served chilled over a glass of ice, this Old Fashioned Lemonade will make you wish you had a to go cup just so you could sip it on the way back home. Now a days you’ll find your Charcoal Grill, Wendy’s and even Chipotle, but nothing beats the best foods of Summerfest. Bon a petit and have a delicious SummerfestI

TOP 5 MUST EATS @ SUMMERFEST

1. Saz’s Combo Platter



2. Venice Club’s Fried Eggplant Strips



3. Crawdaddy’s Gator On A Stick



4. Famous Dave’s Ribs



5. Schwabenhof’s Funnel Cake