You're Not a Real Wisconsinite if You Haven't Been to These 15 Food Spots

2. Oakland Gyros, Milwaukee

If it’s not 3 AM and you’re not coming straight from the bars you may not fully appreciate the ambience of this Milwaukee East Side establishment. If you are, the gyro will hit the spot.

3. El Rey, Milwaukee

I once witnessed three grown Mexican men weep with joy upon entering and seeing that they could find their favorite gel AND tamales all in one place. Also, when your day’s crap, their delicious horchata and carnitas make everything feel just a little bit better.

4. Joe Rouers, Luxemburg

The air outside this country road joint smells like cow dung but it’s only to remind you of just how close to the source of the tastiest hamburgers around you really are. The delicious and ridiculously cheap classic dishes — chicken booyah and poppy seed torte — make you feel like you are in your Wisconsin family’s recently remodeled (circa 1980) basement, complete with the timeless wood paneling and Packers’ game on the TV.

5. A church basement

The specific name of the church and the location don’t matter. Friday night, fried perch, coleslaw, tartar sauce… the more fluorescent the ceiling lights and the more uncomfortable the folding chairs, the better. Bonus points if the affiliated Catholic school is holding a bake sale.

6. Colectivo Coffee, Milwaukee

The name says “Colectivo” but we all know it should really still start and end with an “A” and the old stamp cards should still be valid. Despite the name change, the overpriced breakfast sandwiches and the responsibly-sourced coffee are still delicious.

7. Juice Kitchen, Milwaukee

We all know that it’s not just juice. With a Purple Haze or Soul Food in your hand, you will see Milwaukee with brand new eyes, and not just because of all the Vitamin A.

8. Fox River Brewing Co., Appleton

Specialty Craft Beers. Captain Crunch chicken. Outdoor seating by the Fox River when it’s warm enough. What more could you want from life?

9. Old Post Office, Ephraim

Earl, the Fish Boil Master (official job title on his business card), is now enjoying retirement but the new guy makes just as good a fish boil. Boiled potatoes and onions, coleslaw, pumpkin bread and melted butter by the bucket full… This is must-go spot in Door County.

10. Maricque’s Bar, Green Bay

There nothing like eating Maricque’s fries, fish fry, and a thick slice of raw onion on rye bread while listening to the waitresses’ thick Wisconsin accents.

11. Deep Water Grille/South Shore Brewery, Ashland

With beer that good and whitefish that tasty, everyone should want to live in our state.

12. SobelmanS

Whether you order a burger or a bloody mary you will go home stuffed.

13. Jake’s Deli, Milwaukee

This place has kept us fed for many, many years. Of course, the only Bud served here is Bud Selig.

14. Memorial Union, Madison

If you haven’t had a beer on The Terrace or had a brat in Der Rathskeller, well then you haven’t lived yet. And don’t get us started on the Babcock ice cream.

15. Norske Nook

Their mouth-watering homemade pies would make great-grandma back in Scandinavia proud. Throw in a lefse salmon wrap and some Norwegian meatballs and you’ll swear you’re looking at a fjord instead of the Buffalo River.