I enjoy Sobelman's. I'm a big fan of their Loser burger (the one they lost with to AJ Bombers on Food Wars). It's pretty delicious, and relatively cheap, to boot.
That said, I always forget how disappointed I am with their beverage options (as in beer choices). While not terrible, and they have my default staple (Spotted Cow), as far as I know, they don't have anything particularly unique, which is sad, since a tasty burger is, in my humble opinion, best paired with a tasty beverage - and I'm a big fan of experimenting with new ones.
My most recent visit had me sitting outside at a table in front, which was nice, though the metal chairs were less than comfortable, I do quite favor the outdoors over the main bar area which is really quite dark and stuffy.
I'm sure I'll be back at Sobelman's, as I certainly don't hate them or anything - but I'm fairly certain the wealth of my visits have been with friends who've never been, it's yet to do anything to become a "destination" for me - part of that may be due to the fact that they feel a bit "out of the way". Which is maybe being a bit overzealous, since everything in Milwaukee is 10 minutes away, but the Menomonee Valley does feel like another world.
I cannot honestly comment on the food here, which may seem unfair. Â The perimeters of my comments can only be limited to the experience of the servers. Â I have stopped into Sobelman's on St. Paul only twice.
The first time was 3+ years ago, with a friend. Â I had heard many excellent comments (or "buzz") about the place and its great burgers, etc. Â I was with a buddy and had a few bucks in my pocket and wanted to treat him to a drink and a burger.
We arrived later (but not late) into the evening, stood in the doorway (no greeting) and I wandered up to the bar. Â It took a long time for the female bartender to come over and I asked for a menu. Â She replied curtly and loudly (the joint was not full, but jumping, so to speak) that the kitchen was closed. Â I asked when they closed and she replied that I had missed it by a few minutes. Â That was it. Â No "sorry, but better luck next time" or "let me see what I can do," etc. Â We had one round of drinks (pricey at the time, I thought) and went our way. Â (And we had to wait quite a while for those drinks, too).
Well, Milwaukee has so many restaurants to choose from that I never went back. Â
Until this past week, when I was in a "low level" emergency situation and found myself on foot on St. Paul street (don't ask). Â It was a hot day and one of the rare days last week it wasn't raining! Â I was late for an important appointment. Â I really needed to make a phone call (nope, no cell phone on me) and approached (politely) one of the five servers standing outside talking to each other. Â The server (female), when I asked if there was a phone inside I could use (and I mentioned I would PAY for the call, as this was an important meeting) said "No. Â No phone inside.").
I got nothing else from her. No "sorry" -- no "use my cell phone" --- no "there's a pay phone located blah blah blah." Â Just a cold, stony look (just like my first experience there--maybe the same person!) and that was it, despite my frazzled appearance. Â Oh yes, she gave me the "hairy eyeball" like I was some panhandler.
I went inside to ask the manager or bartender about a phone (and again, mentioned several times I would PAY for the use of any phone) and the younger man said there was no phone. Â I asked him " there is NO phone on these premises?" Â He said he could not let me use a phone. Â He, at least, was polite in his response and suggested trying a neighboring business.
I had to pass the half-dozen employees standing around outside (not waiting on customers) talking to each other. Â I went across the street to a lighting business (I really can't remember the name, because by then I was so frazzled and angry). Â The guy across the street let me use his phone so I get a message to my business contact and explain what happened to my transportation, etc.
This was the second time I set foot in Sobelman's (which may or may not have great food).
I will never set foot in there again, because both times the contact with the employees was of a unfriendly nature. Â Sure, the food may actually "manna from heaven" but if it is served by the devil, of what pleasure is there in it?
I am sure that other people really enjoy this establishment. Â Many people enjoy riding a bucking bronco and get off on being thrown. Â Others appear to enjoy forms of sadomasochism within their relationships. Â
As I am older now, whereas I once gave a "three-swings" rule to establishments, with so many businesses who actually greet you or work with on issues or requests (and do so with a level of courtesy -- which isn't the same thing as always getting what you want, either), there is no reason to give a third time at bat for Sobelman's. Â I am sure that I will raise the ire of its dedicated fans or that some will take issue with my never truly dining there. Â Again, for clarity, the food might be great. Â But I am not willing to forgo basic levels of courtesy for some supposed ambrosia on a bun.
Over and "out!"
Finally tried Sobelman's during a visit to Mke (I'm from CT). Wow, everything was delicious. Â Went w/ family and we all had the Sobelman burger with onion rings. The buns are amazing. The burger had great flavor & the perfect blend of toppings. The onion rings were fat cut. Â Beer was cold. Music (Sirius Radio) playing my fave classic rock. Â Can't wait to return to Mke to eat here again! I've had great burgers in many places, but this would be in the top 2 for sure.
Note: I've also had AJ Bombers 3 years ago (after watching the battle between these 2) and was sorely disappointed. Dragged my whole family there, waited in line and couldn't believe how small the burgers were, and no flavor. I cuss every time I hear their name.
Best burger in Milwaukee!
Good bun. Check!
Juicy meat patty. Check!
Yummy toppings. Check!
The sweet potato fries, chili cheese fries and bacon-wrapped cheese curds are delicious too! Even the mustard they have at the table is perfect. I came back twice within 3 days and I don't even live in Wisconsin.
We stopped in after hearing about it and had a great meal. Â At first the crowd almost sent us running but we stuck it out and got a table pretty quick. Â
The Bloody Mary was awesome and I loved how much food flare it had on it. Â Hilarious. Â I'd go back just for that. Â Only in Wisconsin.
The burgers were huge and delicious. Â Plenty of cheese as there should be. Â The waffle fries were a great side option. Â I left stuffed.
I've been a fan of Sobelman's for many years now. Â This is a quintessential local pub / Marquette hangout.
Over the years, the menu has expanded - and rather than just a few Angus burgers they used to carry, there are now 14 burgers on the menu.  I've tried a few of them over the years, but my favorite is what keeps me coming back - the Sobelman burger (or the double Sobelman's).  Topping the burger, you will find 3 kinds of cheese (Cheddar, American and Swiss), bacon, fried onions and diced jalapeños, served on top of a Breadsmith bun that is baked exclusively for Sobelman's.
Another favorite on the menu are the wings. Â They have a bit of breading / seasoning on them that gets really crispy and leaves a slight burn on your tongue. Â A perfect appetizer - you'll be left wishing for just a couple more...and then your burger arrives.
The burgers are delectable.  Massive, piled high with onions, 'peño, bacon...and the cheese oozing out the sides, served with a side of fries, it's a classic Milwaukee experience.  I recommend starting by cutting the burger in half, and then using a little of the jalapeño ketchup found on the table to add a little acidity and a little more bite to the burger.  It's also a great condiment for dipping the fries into.
As for the beer scene (it is a pub, after all) - there are several draft beers and more options in bottles. Â However, my favorite drink of choice at Sobelman's is the Bloody Mary. Â It's served in a mason style jar glass (with a handle) and comes with a beer chaser.
While the Bloody itself is great, I think it's important to know that they've recently upped their Bloody Mary garnishes to a new level.  Rather than list all of the garnishes, I'm only going to list a few of the notable ones - the pickled asparagus (always a favorite of mine), shrimp, and a cheeseburger slider.  I also recommend the peño ketchup for your slider!
Overall, I love the original Sobelman's - it's a great spot for brunch, lunch, dinner or any MU game!
Bloody mary with a tiny hamburger on it. Â That could really just be a one liner review and call it a day. Â Is there a whole lot more you need to know? Â Please reference the photo of this baby. Â Comes with a beer back and is $9. Â Frankly, this could be your lunch, and two of them definitely would fill you up. Â I also went for the patty melt which was serviceable, but I think I'd try another burger next time. Â They had veggie burgers for my veg head companion and they also still had his hat the next day when he absent-mindedly left it behind. Â I'll blame it on a lack of iron. Â Guess what a great source of iron is... burgers. Â Meat ones.
Review Source:I hadn't been to my old stomping grounds a.k.a. Sobelman's Pub in well years (If you can possibly imagine that!). I know they have one of the biggest following in the Milwaukee area and for very good reason. People just adore this type of "Milwaukee" atmosphere - the tavern league/hamburger place which I find to be a dying breed unfortunately giving out to the national chain establishments and the well, fancy-dancy. I'm sure you know what I mean and I won't mention any names here because what's the point? I'm writing about Milwaukee's heritage, our roots! I love the old historic taverns from the beer baron's days. Milwaukeeans' supported the local breweries in comfortable locations drinking with their friends after work and eating the most mouth-watering food available.
More recently I went back to Sobelman's Pub tempted by a FB post highlighting the "WISCO Burger". The picture was over the top: a Sobelman's beef patty, a hugh beer bratwurst patty, hickory smoked bacon, caramelized onions and all covered in slices of Marble Jack cheese on a soft Kaiser roll. I thought to myself, "They can't be serious". It was tall and mighty looking like those stacked burgers you see from all around the United States on the television Food Network. But this one was within my reach.
When I entered Sobelman's Pub Saturday evening the crowd was hanging out the front door into the sidewalk as I reluctantly pushed through the lollygaggers up to the bar. All tables were full and there was not an open seat at the rail. I kept my composure standing aimlessly among the crowd who appeared to be quite happily enjoying themselves. A few minutes later a patron from the bar amiably relinquished his seat. It would be soon now. I was sitting deep in the bar on the end in the last chair where all the employees congregate and do their business. I was definitely on the inside.
Everyone who works here is so nice and friendly it makes you feel special. Almost immediately, welcoming me in a cordial fashion my waitress asked me for my order. I couldn't find the WISCO burger on the regular menu and inquisitively questioned her about this mythical goliath. She informed me the WISCO is quite real and it's Dave's (Sobelman) summer burger special. "Want to try one", she asked after briefing me on its delectable construction. I opted out of the sauerkraut just a personal preference but other than that it was the full Monty! It would be the perfect Wisconsin traditional Brewer game warm-up meal with everything on it; the beef patty, bratwurst, smoked bacon, grilled onions and cheese all in one spectacular sandwich. The meat was moist and delicious but not greasy. I was more than satisfied with its tasty array of ingredients. However, I would have preferred the bacon to be crispier and not so soggy. The WISCO burger is an impressive bodacious monster not for the faint at heart and deserves its place in the Hamburger Hall of Fame.
The parking at Sobelmanns is on a hill and so absurd it made my car (which has never had any leaks) spill a little bit of gas. That being said, louder than average classic rock radio and walls adorned with baseball and boxing memorabilia make Sobelmanns fit the "sports bar" description. They more than live up to a gutsy web address of <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.milwaukeesbestburgers.com&s=c6f3c10257b8ec8fb54308ab57e706c06da1af0d6bc030a202ecff4d5ce99a30" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.milwaukeesbes…</a> with amazing burgers and fantastic fries.
Review Source:I have waited all year to make a trip here for a bloody, and I left without the slightest urge to ever return. I'll start from the beginning. The parking lot is on a mountain and the location is in an industrial park. Walked into the front door and had no clue where to stand or who to talk to because they have no host stand. Once someone greeted us we still had no room to stand and wait for our table without feeling like we were in the way. We got seated after a few minutes at a tall bar table that was a nip smasher meaning my boobs had no place to go without being smooshed. Our server came, who was quite awkward, and we ordered a round of bloodies of course. When the bloodies arrived I definitely had a major boner for them. There were so many veggies and of course a slider...nom! As we pick and sip on our bloodies we arrive at the cocktail shrimp which almost caused a puke fest at our table. The shell and legs were still on! Not too pleasant. I didn't feel like performing a veterinarian's surgery at dinner. Otherwise the bloodies get a 3/5 on a Star scale. Pretty good just not the best ever. Then we ordered burgers and if there is one thing that kills me softly it's a burger place that doesn't know how to cook burgers. My friend and I ordered ours to be cooked medium and they came out very medium well with dry bacon. Needless to say, we were ready to bounce. I kept getting whiffs of the watermelon scented bathroom spray seeping through the cracks of the bathroom. Our bill was $51 for 3 bloodies and 3 burgers. Not too shabby but we will not return to this establishment ever again.
Review Source:Is there really anything I could say about Sobleman's that hasn't been said? Probably not. It's amazing. Their buns are phenomenal, their meat is excellent, their prices are ridiculously low.
Last visit I had them add a fried egg to their standard cheeseburger. Pretty bloody amazing. I LOVE egg on burgers but I've found that most places overcook the egg so it's not all delicious yolk-y goodness. Not Soblemans. The egg was over easy (the way I like 'em) and totally complimented the burger. Winner!
For those who rate Sobelmans purely on the burger, you're missing the point.
Is the burger the best I've ever had? No. Is it a damn tasty burger? For sure. Mine was prepared just as I ordered it - medium rare, juicy with just enough fat. Bacon was flavorful and the combo of cheeses rich and creamy to complement the jalapeño. And yes - the bun really is all that - soft, buttery and substantial enough not to disintegrate.
But Sobelmans is not just about this fine example of what a burger can be. It's the place. As soon as you walk in there, you know you're going to have a fine ass time -- like being in on some secret hangout where all the fun people are. At 2 p.m., this place was packed with a diverse crowd - all races, ages and walks of life - sitting on stools, nursing monstrous bloody marys and scarfing down burgers. The staff - this incredibly hard working, genuine, attentive staff knew everything going on -- from the regular at the end of the bar to the party of three that just walked in.
I went solo and I never had to put my name on the list. They kept an eye on me and assured me that I would get seated, hooked me up with a Sprecher Amber and joked with me like I had been going there for years. When I did get a seat, I sat next to a regular who wasted no time in chatting it up with me while someone broke his balls about something or other. A glass was broken and a chorus shouted, "opa!" The stereo was playing Radar Love and my burger came out along with a Spotted Cow. In short - I was in heaven. See, this is what it's all about -- this place isnt four star dining. It's not spit and polish. It's a little messy. The bar has serious battle wounds. There's not enough room to expedite. Notes are taped up along the register. Some of the folks from back of the house haven't seen a comb since 1984. And that's why it's the best place on Earth cause these guys make it work and I've got a feeling that it couldn't work any other way. For me, this place is quintessential Milwaukee - genuine, personable and downright good.
Stopped in here during a business trip to grab dinner one night and loved it. Â This is a borderline dive on an industrial street, not exactly easy to find and I can see how parking could potentially be difficult. Â But they have burgers and beer, so we had to try.
I had the Sobelman buger and loved every bite of it. Â The bun is what every burger restaurant should strive for. Â The jalapeno's and bacon and cheese are perfect. Â And with fries it's like $8. Â I also had some wings which weren't the best I ever had, but not too bad. Â My colleague had the Loser burger and friend mushrooms with a bowl of soup which he liked.
Two draft beers (Sprecher) and a burger for less than $20 is pretty impressive. Â The service was quick and a bit quirky. Â The atmosphere is just north of dive, which I like. Â The tables are a bit close together but I think it makes it fun. Â It wasn't too crowded the night we where there; maybe half full.
I'm sure there are other good burgers in town and I'm looking forward to trying them, but I'll be back; this is a great place.
My husband requires a monthly visit to Sobelman's from Chicago. Â I don't mind.
Our order is always the same-- a coke and a double for him, a Sprecher and a single for me. Â Every time, the burger is a knockout. Â Gooey, melted cheese, crispy-yet-chewy bacon, griddled onions and jalapenos atop a perfectly cooked burger, all stuffed into a soft, buttery bun, exclusive to Sobelman's.
Service is swift, but friendly. Â This is not a roomy place by any stretch-- visit between 11:30 and 2 on weekends or from 5-8 for any dinner and you'll wait, only to be seated elbow to elbow with the folks at the next table. Â Normally, I'd hate this, but here, it kind of fades away. Â
Dave is a great owner-- he's always friendly and says hello to customers and strikes up a conversation when he's not running around keeping things afloat.
Only one time in 3 years have we been disappointed with out burgers-- we thought they tasted like they'd been grilled on a gas grill, they had a very distinct flamebroiled taste. Â We asked the waiter, who brought Dave over. Â Dave explained sometimes, when they're in the weeds and the weather is nice out, they'll cook some of the burgers on a grill outside to keep things rolling quickly. Â Without our asking, Dave took half off the bill for us noticing the inconsistency-- he even told us that next time it's warm, be sure to ask for an "indoor" burger since we weren't fans of the grill taste. Â What an awesome guy!
Sobelman's really is the best burger in Milwaukee. Â We've never even tried AJ Bomber's because we don't need to. Â Sobleman burger forever!
Hype... yeah... a little.
I mean if this was somewhere other the than the great state of Wisconsin and the great city of Milwaukee it would probably get another star. However, here in the MKE we have lots of great choices.
Don't get me wrong, they make a good burger, they have a great bun. The Sobelman burger is pretty dang good with the jalapenos. But worth all the hype? Nawww.... not really.
We used to order Sobelmans about once a week at my job and I always thought it was pretty good and went with the flow of everyone else's hunger for Sobelmans.
Eating there isn't easy either.Pain in the ass parking, crowded like you wouldn't believe, and I didn't care for the ambiance.
All in all not my go to burger joint, not even a close second.....
I was on a burger fix after eating Oscar's a few weeks ago, so I decided to make a trip to Sobelman's as well. I actually heard about this place before I came to Milwaukee and I've had it bookmarked for a while now.
I ordered the standard Sobelman Burger. It's definitely got that pub burger taste to it with a lot of American cheese flavor, but surprisingly not that greasy at all. That also meant that the patty wasn't really juicy either and was cooked to about a medium well. The toppings were kind of meh. The bacon looked and tasted like bacon you find on a value menu at a fast food chain and nothing else really stood out. Apparently they use Nueske's bacon on their other burger so why not use it on this one as well?
The best thing were the fries. Their normal fries are golden brown and super crispy and their sweet potato fries are also nice and crispy, compared to the limp soggy ones you often find elsewhere.
Today we visited Sobelman's for the first time. Â We arrived about 2 PM and was surprised that on a Tuesday there would still be that many people there. Â We were greeted by a friendly person so took us to a table and our waitress took care of everything we needed. Â Yes this is a dive bar. Â But to me this is about the quality and value of the food and the service received.
We did order an appetizer of a bacon wrapped jalapeno cheese ball thing which the bacon was  very crispy and tasty.
All three of us ordered the "Loser burger" which was the competition against AJ Bombers on Food Wars. Â Experiencing AJ Bombers a few weeks back made Sobelman's the obvious next choice to visit.
The burger was quite a bit larger then Bombers and they do come with fries here (not alot) Â which they are not included at the other. Â My first bite was one of the golden brown skin on fries BUT........ unfortunately they were cold and I mean cold. Â I think they were prepared way to early and were waiting for the meat to cook without being near a warming light. Â Besides that they were cooked perfectly and I am sure when they are hot they are awesome.
The burger bun was very tasty. Â I cant say I ever had one like this before. Â It was very buttery and soft but yet was toasted on the grill.
The burger in itself was very good. Â It could of used some salt and pepper or other seasoning but overall it was delightful. Â
OH yeah the Jalapeno ketchup is awesome. Â I will stop back again and do recommend a visit. Â My only wish is that the soda's came with free refills.
Stopped in after a visit to the domes today with my family. Â First, before the food, the seating/wait list/or whatever it is, is just ridiculously unorganized. Â There was a line of 15 people BEHIND me, and nobody had even greeted us other than the bartender, who was friendly, but clearly not involved with the people coming in. Â Eventually, a gentleman came over and started writing names down. Â Not sure if he was the manager or owner (more on this clown later), but regardless seemed to have some control of the situation.
We had two goofball boys, 2 and 5, and they were not patient, but the bartender did an AWESOME job trying to help keep them settled, giving them paper, crayons, and even a quarter each to get some candy from the candy machine. Nice guy and his attitude was appreciated.
We were seated, and from that point on, the server and food were fantastic. Â We had chicken strips appetizer and kids basket for the boys, and my wife had a mushroom swiss burger and I had the Sobelman burger. Â I also had a Bloody Mary without the Brat! Â Tasted great, Â
My only issue was the manager or owner--first, he constantly kept coming over looking to see who was ready to leave, almost like a vulture. Â Then, he was cleaning a table next to ours and my little two year old boy yelled a bit loud, and he shook his head and made a face in disgust. Â I thought that was totally unprofessional and unacceptable. Â He didn't see that I saw that, but I was just amazed that either a manager or owner of the establishment had such an attitude. Â
Our server was fantastic, so regardless of this clown, I tipped 20%.
I'f it was the owner, I wouldn't come back. Â If it is a manger, he needs a little training.
Overall, regardless of my personnel issue and sloppy check-in, food was great.
Recommended for sure.
5* for the food and service, and -1 for the clown manager/owner.
Let's start with the fact that the parking lot is the most terrifying one I've ever been in. Â It's STEEP. Â Like you may fall over it's a little wet steep. Â Like I couldn't keep my car door open steep. Â STEEP.
Anywho...
My husband got the pork belly-topped burger and I the Fresco burger.  Both were rather delicious.  Mine, as the name describes, was very fresh and juicy (it came with chunky salsa, tomato, lettuce, onion and avocado) and his was  as manly as it gets.  The bun isn't to be ignored - it's puffy and buttery. Yum.
But the best burger in Milwaukee? Â Absolutely not. Â I enjoyed you, Sobelman's, but I can't give you hat prestigious title.
This was a pretty good find for us while visiting WI!
I tried the Sobelman Burger because...ya know...:)
It was super delicious however...our waitress told me that it had FRIED jalepenos on it...but they weren't fried...in any sense of that word. I was stoked on fried jalepenos haha.
But! It was super delicious and the fries were very tasty as well.
My boyfriend got one of their newer burgers, it had pork belly on it and boy was it scrumptious!
My big gripe about this place is the service. Not very friendly at all. I felt like we were looked down upon because we weren't drinking beer and super into the football game. I also felt like the burgers were a bit pricey. Oh...and parking is absolutely atrocious. I'm glad I didn't drive...
I went there during a weekday afternoon with a friend to experience the famous bloody marry's that Sobelman's seems to be known for.
Upon walking in I was pleased with the atmosphere and the friendliness of the waitresses. I was helped to a table right away and my friend and I got our bloody marry order timely.
The presentation of the bloody marry is phenomenal. The toppings are totally amazing and there is plenty to snack on. However, I was not thrilled with the bloody marry itself. To me the drink was very bland and boring. There was hardly any kick to it, not enough spice, and the alcohol was hard to taste. Basically it felt like I was drinking plain old tomato juice.
I did not order anything to eat this time around- so I cannot speak to their food. I would try the bloody marry's one more time to see if I was there on an off day. Overall, I think that it's a decent place to grab a drink and bar food if that's what you're feeling.
So this place has received a lot of hype lately due to two reasons:
1) featured on Food Wars (Travel Channel show) as the losing side of the burger war against AJ Bombers
2) Their Bloody Mary was featured on several Newspapers, blogs, magazines, etc due to its embellished additives and garnishes
Let me clear some of the confusion:
The bloody Mary is tasty, spicy, and strong flavor but it is not, I would say, the best bloody Mary I have had. Â That being said, it tastes good and it does have every pickled vegetable under the sun, a chilled shrimp, and a house slider as a garnish... practically a meal in itself and some dare say...an appetizer.
The burgers are FANTASTIC! Â While they may have lost to AJ Bombers on a TV show, it does suffice to say that these burgers have now received nationwide attention and for a good reason. Â Great toasted and buttered buns, perfectly grilled burger with just the right toppings depending on what you like. Â The classic Sobelmans Burger is my favorite because it has some jalapeno kick in your face when you take that first bite. Â The fries are crispy and delicious and they do offer a good variety of beer, especially Pabst Blue Ribbon in the BOTTLE!
Despite being featured on TV, this place is still small, outdated, cramped, busy, and Dive-Bar-ish because that is what it is...and always will be. Â Don't come here for "fork and knife" "would you like some nice red wine with that" dinner... come here to get your hands dirty and walk out with a buzz ready to hit the Mil-town scene dinner (or lunch).
They may be a loser on Food Wars... but they are a winner in my heart. Â And by heart I mean stomach.
This place is great.
I travel all over the US and rarely get into small hometown places.
My local co-worker took me here and it was PACKED at 1130 in the morning.
I had the Sobelman's Burger and it was delicious.
Yes the parking is bad. Yes the bathroom is not as nice as the Chili's which YOU are used to.
But the friendly service and good food clearly makes up for any negative.
I actually think the guy running the bar totally makes the place.
Warm smile and very quick with the jokes.
I hope I get to go back someday.
I was lured to Sobelman's by pictures of a bloody mary garnished with a variety of pickled vegetables and even a SMALL BURGER. The burger was good (not great). The bloody mary wasn't very spicy and got a little watered down with all the ice they crammed into that tiny jar. The hot wings were really good- flavorful and crispy, not the goopy mess you get at BW3's. Overall it's your pretty average Pub & Grill. If it was close to me, I could see myself going back a few times, but it's a bit out of the way for me so I probably won't make another trip.
Review Source:I've heard about this place before and my wife wanted to see it as well, since she watched Food Wars when this place lost the best burger competition. Since we always go to Milwaukee the day after Thanksgiving, I decided to make this our lunch destination. Located on a deserted street, it seems rather out of place, surrounded by old car lots and industrial buildings. With its black awnings, we imagined it would be on a bustling downtown Milwaukee street instead. Still, somehow people find this place since there was a full parking lot and a crowd inside.
This is the kind of blue collar burger joint I like: classic rock in the background, guys with beards, families with kids, and older people, all in one place enjoying great burgers, beers, and a friendly service all around. Coming from Chicago, there was no mistaking of the establishment's pro-Packers bias, whether its the row of Packers flags over the bar area, the autographed Clay Matthews jersey, or the pictures of Reggie White and Brett Favre in the bathroom.
My wife and I each ordered a "Loser Burger," which was the burger formulation that lost the contest. With cheese, bacon and a rounded, tall bun, the loser tasted liek a winner to us. Even my 9 year old son downed most of a regular cheeseburger and was convinced it was the best he's ever had.
While I came for the burger, it was the onion rings that hooked me on my visit. Though I ordered the o-rings with the meal, they did not arrive with the other food. When I brought up the missed item, the waitress threw them in for free. They arrived after I already ate my burger. Once I took a few bites, I could not stop. I left with the impression that the onion rings were the best thing on their menu even though the burgers were in a league of their own.
So if you venture over here, take my advice. Get the burger and stay for the onion rings. And if bloody Mary's are your thing, they look like a vegetable salad in a drinking jar over here. You may want to go for one of those too.
I don't get it.
No where near the best burger in Milwaukee, and their bloody Mary is the same tired recipe as everyone else that has the 'best' bloody in Milwaukee: Jimmy Luv's mix, vodka, crap that doesn't belong in a drink.
When I was here over the weekend, it was also uncomfortably crowded, hot (in November), smelled bad, and had below average bathrooms.
I first started going to Sobelman's about 10 years ago, when it was on the brink of going under. Because of the location, it is never a place you would "stumble upon" if you didn't already know about it, so it would not have been surprising had they failed.
But that is what amazing burgers (and excellent service from everyone) will do for you. I last went here with my five-year-old son and a friend on a Saturday afternoon (12:30) and the place was PACKED. We waited 15-20 minutes for a table, but after the food even my impatient son was glad he waited. So let that be warning: if you're looking for a quick in-and-out meal, this is not the place for you. You will probably wait for a table, but the wait is well worth it.
The fact that a place can not just survive but thrive in the middle of a ghost town of an industrial valley should be more than enough to tell you how great this place is.
Life is strange. Â You live for almost forty years and one afternoon you wake up and realize, why have I never eaten a jalapeno burger? Â And in a world in which Kuma's exists, no less?
Well my friends, sometimes you must travel to reach enlightenment, but in this case, not very far. Â Just north of the Illinois border Sobelman's is waiting for you, with its namesake burger, cheesy and spicy, with a load of jalapenos and three cheeses. Â It is sweet and spicy and delicious. Â The pleasant heat from the jalapenos is easily countered with a local draft beer - I am partial to the Lakefront Brewery Riverwest Stein Amber Lager. Â
A delicious experience whether you are a local or traveling through; I especially like the easy access from downtown via the warehouse district.
I love this place. Â Beer, burger, fries.... happiness.
You know when I really love this place? Â When I've had a crumby day, I'm starving, and I go here to get a delicious burger, a cold pint... and ahhhh! Â Bacon on the burger... double ahhhh!
Easy, affordable, relaxing, friendly, delicious. Â Sometimes, food just needs to be easy. Â Easy, greasy, salty, yummy finger food.
I am with Rachel on this one. Average at best.
As I was eating my meal I was wondering why people would give this five stars or why people thought it was worthy of appearing on foodwars. Are they comparing these burgers to fast food burgers? Have they never eaten a burger before?
Let's face it. When you live in Milwaukee you've more than likely been tailgating somewhere or you are one of the countless Weber owners that occasionally grills yourself. I have a hard time believing that people haven't had a better burger.
Stack'd (which is abysmal in all other ways) offers a better product. It just takes an hour to get to you. Captain Mike's, Jakes, Oscars and Dr Dawg would rate quite better.
Well I guess we will never know. Opinions are just magical like that.
Sobelman's is a nice little bar over on St Paul. They serve burgers. Then again what bar in this town doesn't? The burger doesn't stand out. I believe they were saying that these were a third lb but mine felt a little short to be honest.
Toppings can include cheeses, bacon, jalapenos, onion and occasionally pickle slices entirely devoid of moisture. Nothing really special about the bun.
Side of fries was "meh". The portion size seemed a bit small the minute it arrived at the table. It felt like someone stole a handful on the way to the table.
One thing to note is that the condiments at the table which included a zesty mustard and jalapeno ketchup were quite good.
The one thing this place has going for it are the prices. Burgers typically wind up in the $6-8 range. That's not too bad but I feel like I get more bang for my buck elsewhere.
Don't get me wrong I at no time thought the burger sucked, though the portion of fries was disappointing. It's just that there are other places that do it better.
I hate that the most delicious burger I've ever had in my life is in a completely other state than where I reside!!! Everyone should try the Sobelman burger which is comprised of 2 types of cheese, crispy bacon, a fried egg and spicy jalapeno peppers. They have a ton of other burger options and even more beers to choose from.
Sobelman's itself is a tiny, clean, dive bar with extremely friendly staff and super quick service. On top of kick-ass food it's unbelievable cheap! I cannot wait for my next trip up North, I will definitely be stopping at Sobelmans. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm (mouth watering)
Best Bloody Mary Ever or Freaking Farmer's Market in a Glass?
Depending on your mood, the way you got up in the morning, the number of parking tickets you received last month and the atmospheric pressure you might be giddy with excitement or incredibly annoyed when you receive your spicy concoction at Sobelman's.
Me? I am elated!
Brunch in a glass: perilously balanced on top of a perfectly seasoned spiked tomato juice, you'll find skewers of the following goodies:
- smoked sausage
- cheese
-pickled brussel sprouts
-picked onion
-grape tomato
-stuffed olives
-pickled asparagus
-green onion
-a shrimp
-celery stick
I think it's purrr-fect while you are waiting for your burger (which, it has to be noted, didn't impress me as much this time around....oh, life...)
I love Sobelman's.
Hubs and I watched the Food Wars episode on the Food Network pairing Sobelman's against AJ Bombers and felt we needed to judge for ourselves. After checking out both places our vote is with Sobelman's. They have delicious burgers. My favorite is the Blue Cheese Burger. I think one of the things that makes this burger a cut above others is the yummy, fresh homemade buns they use.
mmm...my mouth is watering. May have to go here for dinner now.
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