6 Custard Stands to Sample in the Frozen Custard Capital of the World

Frozen custard is a Wisconsin specialty, like ice cream but also made with egg yolks for a richer texture that stays colder longer on hot summer days. And one of the best places to indulge in a tasty scoop (or three) is Milwaukee—the unofficial “frozen custard capital of the world”—with more frozen custard shops than anywhere else. Here are some sweet spots to stop next time you’re in Milwaukee.  

Kopp’s Frozen Custard

Open since 1950, Kopp’s Frozen Custard is famous for jumbo burgers and delicious frozen custard. Stick to the classic chocolate or vanilla or try the ever-changing Flavor of the Day like Grasshopper Fudge, Pina Colada and “Never Enough Chocolate.” Make sure to check the Flavor Forecast before you stop by one of Kopp’s three locations. 

MooSa's

Inspired by good old-fashioned custard stands, MooSa's is located right on the shore of Lake Michigan, just off the sands of scenic Bradford Beach. Scoop up a cone, sundae or custard shake in fun flavors like peanut butter and cotton candy. This lakefront stand can satisfy more than just your sweet tooth with delicious snacks like burgers (including a veggie burger option), chicken wings, cheese curds and more.

Gilles Frozen Custard

Milwaukee’s oldest operating stand, Gilles Frozen Custard has been open since 1938. That’s over 80 years of custard! In addition to serving delicious frozen custard, shakes, malts, sundaes and floats year-round, Gilles offers a full menu of casual American eats from burgers to fish fry. Gilles’ special Flavor of the Day includes favorites like Orange Dreamsicle, S'mores and Monkey Madness.

Leon’s Frozen Custard

Leon’s is a drive-in custard stand open year-round, so you and your crew can get fresh frozen custard and classic soda fountain favorites whatever the weather. In addition to delicious frozen treats and sandwich options, Leon’s stylish 1950’s neon details and sign make it a popular spot to photograph your scoops before digging in.

Oscar’s Frozen Custard

Although Oscar’s has a menu full of burgers, sandwiches, and other custard stand classics, insiders know the star of the menu are the waffle cones, homemade with a secret batter. There’s a reason that each of the three locations announces its flavor of the day via a giant waffle cone sign!

Georgie Porgie’s Treefort Restaurant

A fast-casual spot perfect for a quick custard fix, Georgie Porgie's is a colorful restaurant that has a fun treehouse vibe inside that kids will love, plus a heated outdoor patio for year-round dining. Specialty burgers like the “Curd is the Word” topped with cheese curds, custom-crafted local sodas and creamy custard keep families coming back for more.

See what else there is to do in Milwaukee with these can’t-miss stops in the city.