Green Bay, Wisconsin, is more than just Packers territory—it’s a goldmine for anyone who loves discovering regional foods. This list of iconic eats goes beyond the typical restaurant recommendations, highlighting the local flavors that make the Green Bay food scene something special. If you’re ready to taste the Midwest dishes and traditions that define this area, you’re in the right place!
And for Packers fans, don’t miss a chance to tour Lambeau Field while you’re here. Here’s my Lambeau Field Tours guide on how to make the most of it.
Booyah Stew
A trip to Northeast Wisconsin isn’t complete without a bowl of booyah—a hearty, rich stew that’s pure comfort food. Booyah has Belgian roots and is usually cooked in a big kettle, packed with meats (think chicken, beef, pork) and veggies, and simmered all day. It was traditionally made outdoors and served up for a crowd, and many people in the area have their own family recipes.
Booyah was a new dish for me, and it totally lived up to the hype. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel warm and cozy from the inside out—perfect for a chilly Wisconsin day.
Where to Try Booyah in Green Bay
- The Booyah Shed—What started as a mobile eatery now has a permanent spot, and the food is seriously good. Booyah is made the old-school way here in huge kettles and simmers for about 16 hours. The owner describes it as “chicken soup on steroids.” When you walk in, don’t miss the rubber chicken by the order window with the funny sign that says, “Squeeze chicken for service.” It’s a quirky touch to match the awesome eats!
Cheese Curds
If you’re in Wisconsin, cheese curds are a must! These bite-sized cheddar bites come two ways: fresh and fried. We ordered them at every Green Bay restaurant we visited, and each place had its own spin—that’s part of the fun! And seriously, they’re so good.
FRESH CHEESE CURDS: These nuggets of fresh cheddar cheese are known for their “squeaky” texture when you eat them—the squeak means they’re ultra fresh!
FRIED CHEESE CURDS: Lightly battered and fried, these curds have a crispy outside with a melty, gooey center—the ultimate snack. We ate them at pretty much every meal. When in Wisconsin, right?
Where to Try FRESH Cheese Curds in Green Bay
- Scray Cheese: We stopped for some fresh cheese samples; wow, they did not disappoint! I tried the cheese curds and a few tasty cheddar flavors. I seriously wished I had my car and a cooler to bring home some curds and aged cheddar varieties. Wisconsin cheese is the real deal, y’all!
Where to Try FRIED Cheese Curds in Green Bay
I can’t pick a favorite; don’t make me. As the Cat in the Hat says, “I will eat them here and there. Say! I will eat them anywhere!”
Butter Burgers
Another fan favorite in Green Bay is the Butter Burger, which is much more than a buttered bun from Culver’s (although that is delicious). At Kroll’s West, a Green Bay landmark for over 80 years, they start with a charcoal-grilled beef patty, top a grilled bun with cheese, ketchup, pickles and onions, and then slide in a couple of pats of real Wisconsin butter that melts and oozes buttery goodness into the whole shebang. Good stuff!
Where to Try Butter Burgers in Green Bay
- Kroll’s West
- Kroll’s East
- Nicky’s Lionhead Restaurant (De Pere): Their version is called ‘That Good Ol’ Green Bay Burger.’
- Culver’s: Sure, it’s a chain, and these aren’t the classic butter-stuffed burgers (like in the photo)—but it’s a Wisconsin-based company, and their take on butter burgers—a buttered bun— is seriously good.
Kringles
This pretzel or oval-shaped Danish pastry, known as a kringle, is made with layers of flaky, buttery dough and filled with all kinds of deliciousness—usually sweet, but there are savory versions too. Fun fact: kringles are actually Wisconsin’s official state pastry!
Where to Try Kringles in Green Bay
- Uncle Mike’s—You can find kringles all over Wisconsin, but the best kringle in North America is right here in Green Bay at Uncle Mike’s Bakery. Their Sea Salt Caramel Pecan Kringle has earned that title, and after trying it myself, I completely understand why! We also tasted their cranberry orange, pumpkin cream cheese, and cheesy potato kringles—and let me tell you, every single one was absolutely delicious!
Locally Crafted Chocolates
Where to Try Locally Made Chocolate in Green Bay
Seroogy’s Chocolates—Known for their hand-dipped, ultra-decadent chocolates that make the perfect gift to take home (if you can resist eating them first!). I couldn’t try everything, but I did taste their meltaways, caramels, and toffee—all absolute heaven.
The family-run Green Bay candy business has been crafting sweets since 1899, making about 600 varieties of chocolate each year. They work in small batches with no strict schedule, simply making what’s needed each day to keep everything fresh. Their top sellers? “Snappers” (like chocolate-covered turtles) and the famous meltaways, which come in 20 incredible flavors.
Even as a small business, they’re still cranking out around two and a half million candy bars every year! They have two stores on either side of the river in Green Bay, stocked with their handmade chocolates, some commercial treats, and plenty of Packer-themed goodies.
Wrap-Up
Whether you’re here for Packers football or iconic Wisconsin bites like booyah, cheese curds, or North America’s best kringle, Green Bay has you covered. Be sure to try these local favorites while you’re in town! Already have a favorite spot or dish? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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