Crazy for Curds: Wisconsin Stops for Cheese Curds

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 battle it out statewide for the reputation of having the best cheese curds around, and the competition is steep.

Beer-battered, dipped in sauces, melt-in-your-mouth monster curds and smaller, crispier varieties – whatever tasty variety you enjoy, there’s a place waiting to become your go-to curd-carrying establishment.

Check out these popular spots to satisfy your curd craving around Wisconsin.

Craftsman Table & Tap – Middleton

Made with Carr Valley cheese curds, the battered bites of gooey goodness at Craftsman Table & Tap are served with buttermilk dressing for dipping. Order a plate to share while you enjoy your favorite brew off their extensive menu of bottles and drafts, before digging into delicious entrées like the shaved sirloin sandwich or mushroom risotto.

Buck & Honey’s – Sun Prairie

This local establishment has four locations in the surrounding Madison area, making it easy to get some delicious curds. Buck & Honey’s uses Sassy Cow Creamery cheese for their delicacies. Sourced locally, they don’t have to travel far. And although they won’t squeak once fried, you’ll still taste the Wisconsin freshness!

Mullins Cheese – Knowlton

Get your fried cheese curds right at the factory! This fifth-generation family-owned business north of Stevens Point has a retail store full of tasty goodies. Mullins’ 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 bustling bowling alley, The Horse & Plow 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 made with Gibbsville cheese from just down the road and served with a uniquely tasty gochujang ranch dressing.

The Iron Horse Hotel – Milwaukee

Enjoy your curds with a view from the outdoor patio at The Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee. Their trendy bar, The Branded, serves tempura-battered curds with a side of–you guessed it: delicious ranch. Pair a basket (or two…) with a drink from their creative craft cocktail or mocktail list.

Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival - Ellsworth

Want to go curd crazy? Head to northwest Wisconsin in June to experience the Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival. Serving over 6000 pounds of curds from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, you and your crew can sample out-of-this-world curd creations from over 15 food trucks. Past fan favorites include cinnamon sugar dessert curds, pulled pork poutine and smoked pork tacos with cheese curd fonduta.

Also check out Green County Cheese Days, celebrated every even-numbered year for a wide selection of scrumptious curds.

The list goes on and on! Here are some of our other beloved spots around the state:

• 2510 Restaurant – Wausau
• Graze – Madison
• Merchant – Madison
• Old Fashioned – Madison
• Black Sheep - Milwaukee
• Glarner Stube - New Glarus
• Milwaukee Burger Co. - Eau Claire

Can't get enough curds? Tour a cheese factory for the squeaky-curd experience, or take a bite out of these fan-favorite curds.