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Sobelman's Pub & Grill
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Burgers Pubs, American (Traditional), Burgers [Edit]
1900 W St Paul AveMilwaukee, WI 53233
Neighborhood: Menomonee River Valley
(414) 931-1919
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
165 reviews for Sobelman's Pub & Grill
Review Highlights
"Third visit will include a bloody mary, for sure."
(in 12 reviews)
"If anything, it's a tie between them and AJ bombers."
(in 10 reviews)
"Oh, that bun is a work of art in itself."
(in 38 reviews)
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165 reviews in English
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Review from Janelle M.
Milwaukee, WI
12/29/2011
If you've never been to Sobelman's, get the hell off of your computer!
Expect a little bit of a wait, but trust me, it's worth it.
Their buns are fluffy and delicious, the meat is flavorful, and the fries are crispy. You can get a select bottle of beer for $1.75 during happy hour.
Damn it, now I'm hungry. -
Review from Jackie H.
Milwaukee, WI
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best Burger in MKE? Really?
Now it was not BAD by any means, nor were my socks rocketed off to the other side of the dining area either.
As an MKE native, I have surprisingly only been here once before when I was a wee little lass. So my Saturday morning taste buds steered me there last weekend.
Not only do their menus have no descriptors (hmph?), their broccoli cheddar bites are a $1 per chicken nugget sized bite? (another puzzling hmph)
I mean, there burger was good, but I was shocked that I wasn't drooling while eating it.
The parking is horrible. The inside is similar to that of my favorite dive bars turned restaurants, and well, the food was just mediocre. -
Review from Angie O.
1/23/2012
The two words to best describe my Sobelman's visit: MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT.
I have heard over and over how awesome Sobelman's is and how great their burgers are... supposedly the "best in Milwaukee." So I was excited when there was a Groupon offer.
My boyfriend and I went for dinner pretty early on a Friday evening (it was around 5:30pm when we arrived). First of all, the parking situation is HORRIBLE. Don't even try to park in the lot - it a complete joke. I don't even know how their "parking lot" is legal. So we had to park far down the block, which I was not prepared for. This place is not in the best of neighborhoods and it was very cold the night we went.
Trying to get inside Sobelman's was another challenge. We had to wait in a long line, which went outside the building, in the cold. It took about 10 minutes to finally get inside and a waiter took my name and said it would be 20-25 mins for a table.
I was disgusted with how they pack people into this place. I was under the impression that Sobelman's was primarily a restaurant. Not at all - it's a bar, a rather small bar, that serves food. At the time I was here, it was definitely over capacity. People trying to eat food at very small tables, and at the bar, and there was no room to move. I managed to wiggle in next to the bar to try to order a drink and calm my nerves (it was also VERY LOUD in there, not at all a nice dinner atmosphere).
I stood at the bar, not near the bar, at the bar, for 20 minutes while 3 bartenders passed me by. Not once did anyone ask me if I would like something despite my efforts to grab their attention (waving, staring, waving money). I have never been to a bar where I was completely ignored for 20 minutes!
The bartender called my name, which was barley audible, after about 25 minutes and we got a table in the adjacent room. I was pleased with this because if I had to spend another moment near the bar I was going to scream.
The waitress came over promptly and asked us if would would like to place a drink order. By this point I was so stressed out I needed a Long Island. It took about 15 minutes for us to get our drinks after we sat down. Another 5 minutes went by before we placed our order. We did not have menus at our table nor did the waitress obtain menus for us... we had to borrow them from the table next to us. The menus are completely useless. They contain NO information regarding what is put on the burger, but there is a disclaimer regarding eating raw/undercooked meat.
The waitress was annoyed when we inquired if they had specials (she said no, but we saw specials posted on the chalkboard outside while we were waiting to get in). She was also annoyed when I asked what what was on the different burgers - how am I suppose to know what is on a California burger?! She took our order and never asked us how we wanted our burgers done. This slightly concerned me because I like my meat done, just after there is no pink left.
Back to the drinks - mine was nearly undrinkable... the person who made it obviously did not know how to make a long island as it was mostly (like 70%) tequila. However, the waitress was never around for me to even say anything about it. They drinks were also too expensive for the horrible quality ($6.50 for a long island that was the worst I have ever had?!).
The food finally came. I tried to keep a positive outlook that the food would be amazing and make up for this terrible experience. Best burger in Milwaukee? I THINK NOT. I can make a better burger on my grill at home. First of all, the burgers were nothing special and mine was a little undercooked for my liking. Too bad the waitress forgot to ask how we want our burgers cooked. The flavor was good but definitely not worth the hassle or stress. And the fries? Well all 10 of them were pretty good. Honestly, when I am getting a burger and fries I expect a side of fries. 10 fries is not a side of fries. When the bill came I was surprised at how much it was after our Groupon. This place isn't as inexpensive as people tell you, and they charge extra for items like tomatoes and lettuce on the burgers. Ridiculous.
It appeared as though the manger/owner was walking around and asking various tables about their food/experience. I was really hoping he would have come over to my table so I could have expressed my disappointment and maybe get a different drink. Unfortunately, I was not so lucky.
If I could give this place zero stars I would. I would never go back here by choice. -
Review from Unyime E.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Seriously, how did this place lose to AJ Bombers in food wars? This is an international travesty. Sobelman's makes the one of the best burgers in town. If your show is about pitting rival establishments against each other, why would the relative upstart AJ Bombers even be put into the same category as Robert's, Elsa's, Solly's, or Kopp's? Whatevs, real burger folks recognize the superior burger.
My constant pet peeve about this place is that it's always crowded and you usually have to wait upwards of 10-15 minutes for a seat. But you forget that as soon as you take your first bite into that big juicy burger.
A couple recommendations/observations:
1) You can't go wrong with any burger that features staples of Mexican cuisine (guacamole, jalapenos, salsa, etc)
2) Add bacon any burger for that extra dimension.
3) Don't order extra fries. A man with a good appetite may be deceived by the burger and the handful of fries you receive. But trust me, you'll be full.
4) Embrace gluttony. The fries are awesome. Order extra.
5) The "Loser Burger" is 20x better than the AJ Bombers burger that won.Listed in: Very cheap eats, Hamburgers and Fries
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Review from Nicole H.
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm not one of those "on the hunt for the best burger ever" people. I'll almost never choose a burger off the menu when there are other options to be had. I AM NOT the person to ask about which place in Milwaukee had the best burger - I'd probably pick Kopp's every time.
So with that in mind - Sobelman's is a perfectly good burger. In face, the California burger is one of my favorites. But its still far down on the list of best food in town for me.
The Cali comes with a tangy sauce, cheese and fresh lettuce, tomato and onion. I love onion, but usually there's too much onion and I have to pull some off, or the flavor totally overwhelms the rest of the burger. If I do that, though, this is a good burger. The bun holds up, the sauce is creamy and yummy and the fries are tasty. (the menu doesn't tell you that your burger comes with a side of fries, but it does)
I hate sitting on stools and with all the crap on the table, there's really not room for more than two people and their food. The sodas are canned, which is weird for a place with a full bar.
Never, ever go during a Marquette game.
I'd go back, but I'm not rushing out the door to get there, either. It's probably time to admit that I just don't get all the burger hype.Listed in: 100 Reviews in 2012
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Review from Tony K.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Expect to wait, unless you get their when the doors open.
Sobelman's reminds me of the type of place you'd visit while out of town on vacation. The server had her fancy buttons and pins and had the whole schtick down to a T. I heard her repeat the same thing to every table around me. The decor is funky, and fun.. and honestly you feel like you're sitting on a slant. Weird.
Bloody Mary's were excellent. You can't go wrong with Jimmy Luv's Mix if you ask me - and that's what they use.
I ordered the fish sandwich - and I gotta say that this was some of the most crispy filets I've had. They were thinly breaded and oh so crunchy. I was impressed and very satisfied.Listed in: #yelp100MKE
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Review from Brian M.
1/10/2012 6 Check-ins Here
My go-to when my Triglyceride levels become dangerously low. mmmmm..... beef.
I realize that Sobelman's needs another 4 star review like Ryan Braun needs another girlfriend but sorry folks, they're both inevitable, so why fight it?
Great Burgers (very prophetic, I realize). Great selection of condiments. I appreciate the fact that I had my choice of three mustards, two ketchups, and 2 BBQ sauces on my table. I'm a firm believer that everything tastes better with ketchup. Sobelman's helps me to realize that theory. I love the Jalapeno ketchup. Just a bit of extra zing, very nice. Other little touches that I love are the use of very thinly sliced Nuskie's bacon (WI's own!) and the occasional use of brat patties (ie Wisco Burger - my fav).
Note to Dave Sobelman: Dave, I think I speak for many of your fans and regulars when I say " I love brat patties. Please make them a regular item on the menu. I love your bar now, I would love it more if I could get brat patties year-round."
Great beer specials. Last night we had $1.00 Miller Lite Pint cans. Really, $1.00?? Sometimes I prefer quantity over quality. No problem at that price. I would drink Bud Lite Lime if it were a quarter, but no higher than that.
Also, don't forget your 4X4 and your moutain-climbing crampons if you plan to park in the lot. It has to be one of the most challenging places to park in this great city of ours. Usually there is something on the street, go that route.
My last words of advice are to take note of the Marquette Men's basketball or the Brewer's schedule before you go. The place is a mad house. Huge wait for tables. Sobelman's runs regular Groupons. Be sure to take advantage of those.Listed in: 100 Reviews in 2012…
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Review from Aaron Y.
Milwaukee, WI
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
There are plenty of reviews for you to read about Sobelman's so I will just give my opinion in regards to the Food Wars episode:
Sobelman's is much, much better than AJ Bombers. -
Review from Mike P.
1/2/2012
PRE: 2012 resolution to stop eating burgers and fries. One day before said resolution went into effect this was the meal of choice.
WAIT: On a Friday at around 6:15 PM there I had about a half hour wait. A guy with a clip board met me at the door and took down my name. My girlfriend and I were seated about twenty minutes later. The owner (I think) came out to the waiting area and gave everyone a free appetizer coupon valid at another Sobelman's location..class act. Side note: My dog ate this coupon the next morning. I'm not kidding. Dog owes me some french fries.
ORDERED: We ordered an appetizer of Cheeseballs - $5.00, Sobelman Burger - $7.25
TASTED: Cheeseballs and Fried Cheese Curds are very different and shouldn't be confused for each other. Skip these cheeseballs if you know the difference. The assorted mustards and sauces do add some flavor to an otherwise boring appetizer.
The Sobelman Burger was really good. The buttered bun, cheese and juicy burger combined for a flavorful sandwich. I chowed this down with some fantastic fries.
POST: This is a place I'd take my brother to for some drinks before heading to a sporting event. The food is greasy and cheap. The decor is sports and there's a television tuned to sports in most fields of vision. Solid Milwaukee establishment.
**Unchain and support local businesses.** -
Review from Jessica O.
Milwaukee, WI
12/13/2011
I think Sobelman's reputation for being the "Best Burger in Milwaukee" actually does it more harm than good.
The hype also brings a HUGE crowd. We were turned away the first time we visited because they were so packed and the kitchen would have closed before we could be seated - which, of course, only made us want to try this mysterious unattainable burger more. When I finally managed to get my hands on a Sobleman burger, there was an immense feeling of..."that's it?!?"
Don't get me wrong, it is a good burger. It's juicy, it's got nice flavor, the bun is fresh and delicious - but the way people talk about it, you feel like you're going to bite in and be instantly transported to burger nirvana. Like...the gates of burger heaven are going to be flung wide open and angels will burst out scattering french fries. And...it just doesn't happen. You eat your burger, you feel full and satisfied, and then you go home. -
Review from Sarah W.
Austin, TX
1/1/2012
VERY good onion rings and broccoli cheddar bites. But the burger was underwhelming to be honest. Maybe ordering the Loser Burger was my mistake -- the whole thing was kind of dry.
I ordered a cherry coke, the server said they would make it with grenadine which is fine with me. But then she brought a glass of ice and grenadine and a can of DIET Coke. No explanation. Ew. -
Review from daniel h.
Milwaukee, WI
12/5/2011
The original Sobelman's establishment is great! Have been here dozens of times and really just can't get enough. During the week, their beer prices are almost unmatchable at $1.75 for a different beer per day. Obviously this place is known for their burgers, and they ARE great. Not only are they unique, but each part is prepared wonderfully. Arguably, not allowing you to choose the temperature of the patty is something to be said, but the burger still remains a solid, and great choice.
The Bacon Bleu burger is a rather new addition and is excellent. The appetizers seem to get little notoriety but are very very good. The jalapeno cheese balls are absolutely amazing. This place is great to go to on a weekend morning or afternoon for a bloody mary and a burger. The space seems cramped but they make great use of what they have. Service is always top notch.
If you are thinking of going to the Sobelman's on MU's campus, forget about it. Go to this one, it really is much better. -
Review from Thomas C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2012
Just an *okay* burger. Great bun. Good price. *FAR* from the best of Milwaukee. Want to give it 3 stars, but in fairness, it's still pretty good for the price. I would just never make a special effort to come here.
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Review from Dan G.
Milwaukee, WI
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love burgers. LOVE them. It's to the point where I have people concerned. Plus I went to Marquette. So dear God why can't I love this place?
Right about now half of Milwaukee has already grabbed their pitchforks and torches. Think about it though. Is it really the best burger you've ever had here? Just because someone owns the website doesn't mean it's true (otherwise I think someone would have picked up http://richwellhungdoc... ages ago).
The Burger is OK and the prices are very fair. However, it is just OK. Maybe I would have been a little more impressed if there wasn't such a tremendous amount of hype surrounding this place. Probably not. -
Review from Randy K.
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been on this quest to find the best burger in Milwaukee. I'm not even from Milwaukee. Anyway, I found it. Sobelman's, you win.
Visited this old, historic building over lunchtime, needless to say it was busy. We're talking line out the door busy. Flying solo was a good option, I was able to pull up a stool at the bar right away and begin my adventure.
Grabbed a menu and right away the owner started to chat me up. Super friendly staff here, lots of personality. He saw my careful study (compared to the regular next to me who didn't need a menu), I mentioned I was new, he sold me on the Sobelman's Burger. This is the one, folks. Burger topped with 3 cheeses, bacon, and jalapenos. You had me at bacon.
First bite, call it a day. The blend of flavors in this burger are unreal. The jalapenos are the perfect touch and not overpowering or too spicy. Oh, and the bun. Cue: my anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns, hun! Soft and perfect... are we still talking about bread? The fries are a good, small portion too.
I'm glad I stopped here. This place wins the blue ribbon in my book. -
Review from Chrissy E.
New Berlin, WI
11/3/2011
I'm not a burger enthusiast. But I really wanted to try this place because of how good I heard it was (plus it was on foodnetwork!).
That being said, I never care about the bun. But this bun! This bun is something to write home about! I got a jalapeño burger with their chipotle cheese, lettuce, & tomato. YUM. Soft, buttery bun with SAUTEED jalapeños (so they weren't overwhelming), & melty cheese (the spice didn't come through too much for me), & a juicy burger with fresh lettuce & tomato..... Oh. Yeah. -
Review from Curtis B.
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Here is how you know there is no way this can be the best burger in Milwaukee.... You don't even get to pick the temperature you want it ordered to. That statement can be applied to another other place that wants to say it's the best (I'm looking at you too, Bombers).
But that doesn't mean Sobelman's doesn't make a great burger, because they do. The standard Sobelman burger is a patty, jalapenos, bacon, onions and 3 cheeses (I want to say it's Swiss, American and Cheddar) all on top of what might be the best bun in Milwaukee. I try to avoid veggies on my burger so I just stick to the cheese and meat potion of that combo and I do really enjoy it, the 3 cheeses are probably my favorite part.
It's just that (as others have stated) the patty isn't anything special. It's just your average burger patty and all patties are cooked to the same temp for everyone. But the average patty on top of that wonderful bun with that melted, cheesy goodness makes for a pretty damn good burger. I eat here frequently and won't stop, but I don't think I can say this is the best in Milwaukee. I'm honestly not sure where that best burger is.
If you want a really good (I think it's great, you might not) burger for a decent price with some friendly service, Sobleman's is a sure thing, every single time.Listed in: Favorite MLW Spots
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Review from Vlad K.
Milwaukee, WI
10/29/2011
Totally packed on a Thursday evening. Service at the bar was spot-on and the lady behind the bar was attentive and super-nice. Prices were reasonable. Atmosphere is very "sports bar." Not much of a beer selection.
I came here solely based on the "best burger in Milwaukee" claim. The bun is awesome, the toppings are good, but come on, the main focus of a burger should be all about the patty, and this one is seriously nothing more special than your average fast-food quarter pounder. They never asked me how I wanted it cooked when I ordered and when it arrived I guess I could see why, the patty isn't more than a quarter-inch thick and gets totally lost in the bun, toppings, and mountain of cheese. Patty didn't seem hand-formed, wasn't very thick at all, and seemed like it was cooked on a flat-top. Fries reminded me of McDonalds.
Don't get me wrong, it was still an alright snack and the price was nice and I devoured it like a beast. But I think when it comes to burgers, the patty should be the leading-role star of the show, and here it's just a wimpy little thing buried beneath a huge ball of bread and some toppings... nothing special, just reminded me of those pre-formed patties you buy in the grocery store. I'd expect more from a place that makes such lofty claims.
Not that I really care, but there are no vegetarian options on the menu, which means I can't bring some of my veggie-friends here. Come on Sobelmans, get some fuckin' veggie burgers, they come frozen and your food supplier probably has them.
Instead of "Milwaukee's Best Burger" it should be "Milwaukee's Best Burger Bun." The bun is awesome, the hamburger patty is completely generic.
I can't comprehend why anyone would wait in line for this. -
Review from Patrick O.
Carol Stream, IL
10/26/2011
If you are reading this, stop and go to Sobelman's now. My buddies and I used to walk a couple miles from Marquette's campus to here solely for the Sobelman Burger. Every time I'm in town, and we are figuring out where to eat I immediately suggest here. The burgers are fantastic, the service is tops, and the bloody marry's are served on a plate with a knife and fork (seriously, check it out.)
I wish they would expand down to the Chicagoland area. I hear they are getting a spot on Marquette's campus, but it's about 4 years too late.
The only downside is there isn't much space, and you almost always have to wait, but that should tell you how fantastic this place truly is. -
Review from jonathan s.
Orange County, CA
12/29/2011
lots of personality to this place. very friendly staff.
double sobelman was good but not great. low quality bacon. good size.
not sure i would come back unless it was to sit at the bar, have some drinks, and have another giant burger.......basically exactly what i did. -
Review from Rachel F.
Milwaukee, WI
1/18/2012
Delicious Burgers! I am not even a big burger eater but LOVE theirs. They have great quality meat, ingredients and buns. While they may not have won food wars their burgers are 100x better than the competitors. Definitely need to expect to wait as they are quite busy most of the day and seating can be a little cramped but definitely worth it.
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Review from Annemarie D.
Milwaukee, WI
12/24/2011
Their burgers are OK. If I want a great burger, I will go to Mazo's. Maybe because I felt like I was cheating on Mazo's, I ordered the steak sandwich. It's delicious. I would definitely go back again and again for the sandwich. Service has always been attentive despite the fact that it's always busy there.
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Review from Megan R.
Milwaukee, WI
12/29/2011
Best damn burger in town. It doesn't seem to matter what day or time you go, it's going to be packed. Bring your appetite and get the Sobelman burger. You'll thank me later.
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Review from Lucy F.
9/13/2011
Great spot. So glad this joint was suggest to us out of towners. Had the special of the month burger - blue cheese burger-yummy! Service was great and super friendly
People weren't kidding about the annoying hill to park on but I feel like it brings character to the joint. -
Review from Roberto F.
Chicago, IL
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm sure for everyone in Milwaukee they know where to get a great burger, but those that don't know or don't live here it's a must that you come check out Sobelman's. Not only is it a great burger but's cheap. It's hard to find that kind of combination. Service was on par and the place provided a great atmosphere. For this review I'll let the burger's do the talking and require you to check it out for yourself. You better believe I'll be back.
Watch out for that steep hilled parking lot. -
Review from Regina C.
Portland, OR
10/17/2011 2 photos
Perhaps it's because I'm suffering from withdrawal but I must say that this place comes to mind when I think about my time at Marquette and the food that got me through grad school.
Pro: Best burgers in town, Food for $, service, casual, other location
Con: wait/crowd
I've tried the Californiaburger, the Mushroom and Swiss, the Jalapeno Burger and have even frequented Tall Grass (their Eastside, trendy, grass feed beef, not as tasty location). While all are good, I am a Sobelman Burger loyalist and none compare to the three cheese (American, Cheddar, Swiss), bacon, fried onion, jalapenos and 1/3 lb patty. For those on the "hungry man" diet, an additional patty = Double Sobelman Burger should do the trick. -
Review from Jessah F.
Washington, DC
7/22/2011 2 photos
This review is for a meal I had over a year ago, but that I still remember almost too well (maybe because I had a picture of the burger as my computer's wallpaper for the next six months?).
I had one of the best meals of my week in WI at Sobelman's. The Double Sobelman Burger (with double the cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and onions) was the stuff of dreams. The meat was perfectly cooked (a little less than medium), and actually tasted how a burger should taste: like BEEF, not cardboard or spices or secret sauce.
The fried cheese curds and cold beer were the perfect accompaniments, and the weather was perfect for sitting outside and watching people as they walked by (but I'm pretty sure they were more interested in watching us eat our gorgeous burgers). I'm certain I embarrassed my friend with all the moans of approval coming from my side of the table.
This will be my first stop the next time I'm in Milwaukee. -
Review from Kelsey S.
7/21/2011
In the great burger war of Milwaukee, I'm a Sobelman's loyalist. I can't help it. There's just something about the place that I absolutely cannot resist. Maybe it's just because I'd lived nearby for so many years without a vehicle and began going here in the days before AJ Bomber's started their food wars and before Stack'd kicked off the burger bar trend, or maybe it's because their "Milwaukee's Best Burgers" slogan just beat it into my brain, but I absolutely adore Sob's.
As for the atmosphere, let's be honest -- it's a bar. Well, partly. It started as a bar and grew a much brighter addition. But still, there are no fancy gimmicks luring customers in. It's cozy, it's neighborhood-y, and it just seems pretty darn Milwaukee. The staff, generally, features the same staff who have been there for years. They're friendly and casual and know their products. It's also not uncommon to see the Sobelmans themselves working or greeting patrons.
When it comes to food, I don't even look at the menu anymore. I can't not order a Sobelman's burger. My hubby prefers his burgers a bit simpler and usually opts for a plain cheeseburger, and it shocks my soul to the core. How could you not enjoy this namesake patty? To each his own. All burgers are served with French fries -- they're not fancy fries, but they always seem cooked to just the right crispiness. All in all, it's easy to get in and out of this place for $10 or less, which is feels almost as good as having a little slice of beef heaven hitting your stomach.
Are there better burgers in Milwaukee? Maybe. There's certainly enough competition for it. But when it comes to the entire package deal, Sobelman's is my place of choice. -
Review from Victor S.
Milwaukee, WI
8/5/2011
Let me just say, as my first restaurant review in almost 2 1/2 years, Sobelman's hype continues to overrun the quality of the restaurant. With much exposure from whatever media outlets you have seen them talked about, the glorified jizz-fest appraisal of their burgers almost puts me off eating there. Let's also keep in mind that every Marquette student constantly talks about how they're eating there every day because they just need to have that burger!!!11
However, none of that means anything because talk is cheap and I let the food speak for me. If you want quality burgers in Milwaukee, this is THEE (no, not "the," THEE) place to go. Both the Sobelman burger and the Californiaburger are great, but I recommend Jalapeno burger or Mushroom and Swiss if you're looking for something different. Sobelman's french fries are also excellent.
I always manage to go in between 12pm-2pm during the weekday and have never had to wait. Staff is friendly, but maybe only because I always come in with Cargill employees who Sobelman's waiters always seem to be pretty good friends with! Laid back atmosphere, but parking on that hill always seems to be a bitch. Keep that in mind! -
Review from Sarah P.
6/23/2011
If I hear another person say "no pretense" I am going to go mad.
Anyways,
I love crowds, I am a people kinda person, but damn Sobelman's was uncomfortably packed on a Thursday evening. We called ahead and got our burgers to go, and fought through the crowd to pick them up.. Crowd is one thing, decibel level is another, and it was so loud we were shouting to speak. It was packed, night club packed, summerfest packed, sardines packed - you get it, right?
Service... Well, our burgers were ready when we got there, it was too loud to actually say anything of substance, a head nod and a wave sufficed.
The fries are good, the burger is good. Great?? well.........
Don't take my opinion too much to heart, I'm not much of a burger girl and think McDonalds and high end burgers all taste pretty much the same (gasp!!) -
Review from Mike D.
River Forest, IL
11/10/2011
There is nothing to not like about this place. One of the best burgers in the midwest. This place is awesome.
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Review from Victor M.
8/9/2011
3.5 so I rounded up.
Milwaukee's best burger... Perhaps if I lived in Milwaukee, my opinion would be completely different. At best, the burger is okay. I don't get mouthgasm's when I ate the Sobelman burger.
I'm from Chicago. So FIB signing out! -
Review from Brian S.
6/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm a recent convert from eateverythingism to vegetarianism, but Sobelman's was one of those places that just wouldn't let me go without a fight. One of my final acts as a carnivore was wolfing down one of their eponymous burgers, "The Sobelman" -- that buttery bun, juicy patty, three cheeses, bacon, fried spicy jalapeños and perfectly cooked onions. Score.
You can't go wrong with the Sobelman Burger or the Loser Burger, and every burger comes with a healthy serving of not-so-healthy french fries. Fried cheese curds are crispy and greasy and therefore a winner.
On most weekends, you should expect to have an insanely long wait to get seated. Sobelman's is excellent, but it isn't worth a 60-minute wait. The exception to that rule, though, is if you're going to catch a Marquette basketball game. I swear Marquette owns this place, and there are few better places to watch a game.
I'll miss the burgers here (ain't no way a veggie burger could possibly be as tasty), and perhaps nostalgia's getting the best of me, but this is near the top of the local burger joint pyramid. -
Review from Sarah S.
Milwaukee, WI
6/13/2011
Fantastic! A friend brought me for my first Sobelman's burger and I've been hooked ever since. Only warning is to go at slightly off times before or after the lunch rush. But even if you do go at a peak time it'll be worth it!
They make you feel warm and gooey and cure any ailment from the night before. And so close to the Casino if you're feeling lucky after your magical burger! -
Review from Ashley M.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2011
My boyfriend and I were in town for Summerfest and if we hadn't driven the wrong way to the museum, we would have never have found Sobelman's! We were so happy that we did!
We sat outside and our waitress gave us the rundown when we told her it was our first time. Of course we had the Sobelman and the Loser burgers and they were perfect!
The toppings were great, but it was the cheese that really set them apart from burgers we've had in Chicago. It was gooey and truly made the burger standout.
We were also surprised at the beer special and that the total tab was only $20. Can't beat that! When we are back in town, we will definitely make another trip. -
Review from Dawn F.
5/24/2011
Oh. my. gawd. I'm very happy that a local recommended Sobelman's to me and Tiki Torture. This was our 1st day in Milwaukee for the Brewhaha tournament - and we wanted a good hardy meal, specifically a hamburger - from a local establishment.
Tiki ordered the "Loser," I ordered the Sobelman's burger. Let's just say those burgers were very good, so much that we couldn't stop talking about how incredible they were throughout the meal. Plus, it's rare I will accept jalapenos on my hamburger - but I did this time, as this is one of the special ingredients on an the Sobelman's burger. VERY good...trust me. :)
Service is friendly, quick. It's not hard to find a table, even when they are busy. Parking is easy to come buy, and I know without a doubt I'll be returning to this establishment again. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Austin, TX
Updated - 10/15/2011
I stand by my review. After hearing people talk about this place so much, I have twice gone back since my last review to give it a fair chance. Every time I ask people where I should go to get a good burger, they consistently tell me that Sobelman's is the place. I really want to like it, but it's just doesn't hit the spot the way a good burger should. Sorry Milwaukee.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/2/2011
Twice I have gone to Sobelman's, twice I have ordered the mushroom and Swiss (what I always get) and… Read more »
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Review from Paul S.
South Milwaukee, WI
6/20/2011
Milwaukee's best burgers....They are not kidding, A little known fact is they also make a great steak sandwich!!
When he has time the owner Dave will stop by our table and talk to us like we are there every day. -
Review from Stephen M.
Milwaukee, WI
3/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Merriam-Webster defines arrogance as :: an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions
Presumptuous is the key word here, such as their website, the keenly named http://milwaukeesbestb....
Anyway, it's about the restaurant, not so much the loftiness of the doormat.
The three of us had a quick easy greeting and were told to grab any table we'd like, so we seated ourselves in the bar area. It was pretty packed at about 730, so there was a nice vibe to the place.
We ordered three burgers and asked about the Sobel Fries. The server directed us to get the chili fries instead, saying they were better, bigger and we'd like them more. So we said ok.
We also ordered a round of drinks including two beers, a Coors Light and a Honey Bock. We received a Bud Light and a Leinie's 1888 and a shrug from the server who said "Is this okay?" and promptly walked away.
So we sit and chat, and I do my watching thing since I had a seat facing the kitchen door and the little screen that shows a camera view of the kitchen grill (which I do find amusing. Working in kitchens, with the random occurances that make life interesting, I kept watching to see something goofy happen. Outside of some weird posing, it was all pretty kosher. Maybe some other time...) Anyway, while watching the kitchen door, I get to be entertained by our server and one of the cooks standing in the doorway leering at a girl (who's maybe 20 compared to their 30-ish) from a foot behind where she's seated near the door oblivious to them.
So, 15 minutes later, we get our burgers. There was a Sobelman, a BLT and a California. All three were good. Nothing crazy great about them, nothing lacking. My BLT was decent, but nothing more than a larger sized JR-Bacon from Wendy's in concept. The California had Special Sauce, circa 1000-Island. The Sobelman was the best dressed of them with its cheese and jalapeno's. The meat was nothing special, on par with Solly's, just no butter effect.
The fries though, with a healthy dose of salt and pepper, were solid. And perfectly cooked.
Also, drink prices, for the beer and an 1800 cocktail ($5), were really good.
Also also, remember that chili fry suggestion? Yeah, our server didn't either. Evidently watching the girl took precedence. As well as the three times it took to ask for water for the table. We reminded him after we got our burgers and were told the chili takes a while to heat. We told him to put it back in the freezer.
So, in retrospect, having been there twice as well as having carry-out, the burger is good. Good enough to stop if I'm in the area. Good enough to stop if I forget that the service was pretty horrible this last visit. Maybe a seat at the bar next time?Listed in: Places we two have been...for…
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Review from Kevin T.
Oconomowoc, WI
5/3/2011
One of Milwaukee's best burgers--fresh, great bun, and friendly service. They switched their fry provider a few years ago and it improved the quality and taste dramatically.
Get here early if you are going to go for lunch on a weekday.
