A favorite of Wisconsinites and a must-taste treat for visitors, deep-fried cheese curds draw people from all over to dine on this Dairy State delicacy. Bars and restaurants statewide battle it out for the reputation of having the best cheese curds around.
Beer-battered, dipped in sauces, melt-in-your-mouth monster curds and smaller, crispier varieties – whatever tasty preparation you enjoy, there’s a place waiting to become your go-to curd-carrying establishment.
Check out these favorite spots to satisfy the need for cheese for curd-seekers around Wisconsin.
Craftsman Table & Tap – Middleton
Made with Carr Valley cheese curds, these battered bites of gooey goodness are served with buttermilk dressing for dipping. Order as a plate to share while you enjoy your favorite brew off of their extensive menu of bottles and drafts, or substitute them as a side with your lunch or dinner entrée.
This local establishment fries Sassy Cow Creamery cheese curds. Sourced locally, they don’t have to travel far to reach Buck & Honey’s. They won’t squeak once fried, but you will still taste the freshness!
Get your fried cheese curds right at the cheese store! Their fresh curds are shipped nationwide, but you have the chance to taste their product deep-fried to perfection right from the source. Get ‘em squeaky or get ‘em fried!
Horse & Plow Restaurant – Kohler
Once a tap room to be enjoyed by the Kohler Co. employees who lived at The American Club, the renovated restaurant is now a bar and restaurant for all who seek top-notch classic American food and an extensive variety of domestic and imported beers. Their curds are not to be missed!
The Iron Horse Hotel – Milwaukee
Enjoy your curds with a view from the outdoor patio at The Iron Horse Hotel. This trendy bar serves tempura-battered curds from Clock Shadow Creamery, with a side of chipotle ranch for an extra kick. Pair a basket (or two…) with a drink from their creative craft cocktail list.
Green County Cheese Days – Monroe
The event is only held every other year, but their reputation for serving the absolute finest cheese curds is talked about year-round. The anticipation of enjoying these supreme-quality curds builds for the festival’s annual attendees as well as first timers leading up to the event.
At Cheese Days, attendees may line up for as long as two hours to purchase their treats. But once that craving is satisfied, the reviews are unanimous—they’re well worth the wait!
Our list goes on and on! Here are some of our other favorites:
- 2510 Restaurant – Wausau
- Fill Inn Station – Chippewa Falls
- Graze – Madison
- Merchant – Madison
- Old Fashioned – Madison
Can't get enough curds? Tour a cheese factory for the squeaky-curd experience, or take a bite out of these unique dishes made with cheese curds.
