Appleton has a strong pub and supper‑club culture, which naturally means there’s no shortage of good burgers. Locals debate favorites constantly, but these five places come up in conversation again and again.
1. Milwaukee Burger Company (Appleton)
Yes, it’s a small Wisconsin chain—but Appleton locals absolutely count this as one of their top burger spots.
Burgers here are big, indulgent, and loaded with Wisconsin cheese. Expect towering creations with fried cheese curds on top, bacon, specialty sauces, onion strings, and more. The Milwaukee Melt or any burger featuring curds is a must‑try.
It’s not subtle; it’s full‑on, over‑the‑top, “I definitely need a nap after this” burger territory.
2. Home Burger Bar
Right in downtown Appleton, Home Burger Bar focuses squarely on burgers, shakes, and comfort food.
They offer a solid build‑your‑own setup plus signature burgers with creative toppings—things like bacon jam, hash browns, fried eggs, spicy sauces, and multiple cheese options. Patties are juicy, buns are soft but sturdy, and you can customize to your heart’s content.
Shakes (sometimes boozy) and loaded fries make this feel like a modern, slightly upscale take on a classic burger joint.
3. Houdini’s Escape Gastropub
Named for Appleton’s most famous son, Houdini’s leans gastropub, with a burger that locals consistently rank near the top.
Their house burger usually features a thick patty, sharp or smoked cheese, bacon, greens, tomato, and a flavorful house sauce or aioli on a toasted bun. You might also see a blue cheese/bacon combo or other gourmet twists.
With a strong craft‑beer list and a cozy, slightly upscale pub atmosphere, this is a favorite for a “nice” burger night.
4. Spats Food & Spirits
Spats is a downtown Appleton staple, known for its Cajun influence and hearty bar fare—burgers included.
You can get classic cheeseburgers, bacon burgers, and sometimes Cajun‑spiced versions with pepper jack and jalapeños. Patties are well‑seasoned, toppings generous, and the vibe is welcoming and a bit old‑school.
Locals love it as that reliable spot where you can get a good burger, a beer, and maybe catch some live music or a lively bar crowd.
5. McGuinness Irish Pub
More than just a place for a pint, McGuinness also turns out a burger that neighborhood regulars swear by.
Burgers are thick, juicy, and often come with Irish‑pub touches—cheddar, bacon, maybe a fried egg, plus hearty sides like fries or wedges.
It’s cozy, friendly, and exactly the kind of place you end up becoming a regular at if you live nearby—and the burger is a huge part of why.
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