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In the late 1800s, countless German intellectuals, revolutionaries and people generally seeking more freedom and prosperity flocked to the United States, landing most notably in Milwaukee. Dubbed the "German Athens," Milwaukee's rich German culture is still highly tangible today, especially when it comes to dining. At any given moment, anyone with Teutonic-friendly taste buds can find a warm, welcoming atmosphere in which the best cuisine of Germany is prepared and served. Common treats like wienerschnitzel, sauerbraten and bratwurst with sauerkraut tend to sate most cravings, but more rare and distinctive deutsche dishes area also available for those seeking something new. As with much of Wisconsin's cuisine, one of the most popular things you'll find is the Friday night selection of deliciously fried fish, served with the best of side dishes and seemingly endless glasses of beer.
Bavarian Inn
700 W. Lexington, Glendale, WI; Tel. 414.964.0300
Bavarian Inn serves affordably priced entrees for aficionados of authentic south German cuisine in a toasty atmosphere complete with fireplace and stained glass. Fifteen imported beers stream from the tap. Menu features schnitzel, wild game sausage and Austrian boar stew.
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Gasthaus Restaurant
2720 N. Grandview Blvd., Waukesha, WI; Tel. 262.544.4460
Waukesha's answer to upscale but traditional German dining. With more than 35 German and Wisconsin beers, including the house brewed Weissberger Amber, Gasthaus is a German restaurant for enjoying reasonably priced Bavarian lunches and even more distinctive deutsche dinners. Friday nights is an all-you-can-eat fish fry for German depression-era price of $10.95.
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Golden Mast Inn
W349 N5253 Lacy's Lane, Okauchee, WI; Tel. 262.567.7047
Combine striking views of Milwaukee, a new Viennese-style courtyard with fountain and distinctive Bavarian dishes, the Golden Mast is ready for another 34 years of serving fine German cuisine. The roast duckling, sauerbraten, hefty sampler platters and a finesse for frying fish on Fridays distinguish the restaurant as much as its location in a cove overlooking Okauchee Lake.
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Karl Ratzsch's
320 E. Mason St., Milwaukee, WI; Tel. 414.276.2720
Serving Milwaukeeans for a century, Karl Ratzch's Bavarian atmosphere, reminiscent of old monasteries with its leaded glass windows, original oil paintings and beamed ceilings, is an ideal backdrop for its German specialties. Try Trudy's Sampler, a deutsche panorama with sauerbraten, wienerschnitzel and potato dumplings, or the roast duck and goose combination. And there's piano music on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Kegel's Inn
5901 W. National Ave., West Milwaukee, WI; Tel. 414.257.9999
In the Deutsche family since 1924 anda quick mile from Miller Park, the ambiance is a close second to that of the actual homeland. Kegel's stone building houses dark hardwood floors and beam ceilings, the monastic backdrop to its infamous boneless roast duck.
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Mader's Restaurant
1037 N. Old World Third St., Milwaukee, WI; Tel. 414.271.3377
A staple of German cuisine in Milwaukee since 1902, Mader's serves Bavarian cuisine in a casual atmosphere and pours more than 200 beers. Specialties include the slow-marinated Bavarian sauerbraten, Rink Pork Shank and Wienerschnitzel. Mader's also features a gift shop, an art gallery and valet parking.
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Ritter's Inn
12600 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI; Tel. 262.789.8250
For 25 years, Ritter's has been serving up distinctly German-American cuisine. While Ritter's offers American and ethnic European dishes (like Goulash), the wienerschnitzel, sauerbraten and Kassler Rippchen are its claims to fame. Friday night is fry fish night, serving affordably priced haddock, walleye pike and lake perch.
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