Whether it is a warm summer day or the middle of winter, a Wisconsinite is known for risking it all for a good scoop of frozen custard.  Milwaukee is, ahem, the unofficial custard capital of the world…  Because even in the bitter cold, it’s the norm to see a line of people at any one of these prominent custard spots waiting for the flavor of the day.  Nothing and no one can keep us from enjoying our frozen custard!

With so many options, there is really something for every custard lover in Milwaukee.  And trust me, locals are absolutely passionate about whose custard is the best!  I personally have a harder time coming up with a favorite, as there are so many excellent choices.  Every time I think I’ve nailed it down, I try another one that is just as great.  Each Milwaukee custard spot on this list puts their own twist on the custard’s consistency, sweetness level, and number of flavor options that are offered.  It’s up to you if you prefer an elaborate sundae or a simple scoop of vanilla.  You will not be disappointed if you’re sampling frozen custard from one of these establishments!

Leon’s Frozen Custard

Since 1942, Leon’s Frozen Custard has been serving up scoops and sundaes out of their little stand on 27th Street.  It is open year round, and I can honestly say I have never driven past without seeing a line of people waiting their turn to order.  People go out of their way to stop at Leon’s on their lunch break, even if it means eating in their car on a below zero day!  I love a double dip of butter pecan, but my top pick for a Milwaukee custard sundae is the Super Sundae Special.  Fun fact: Harry Connick Jr. stopped by to work a shift at Leon’s last summer!  See my full post on Leon’s HERE.  Leon’s Frozen Custard (3131 S 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI // 414.383.1784)

AJ Bombers

AJ Bomber’s may be best known for winning the Travel Channel’s Food Wars with their Milwaukee Burger, but in my opinion, their malted coffee custard is where they really shine!  For a coffee lover like me, I’m obsessed with everything about this type of custard.  From the tiny little crunches of coffee bean to the subtle hint of malt flavoring, I crave this custard almost daily.  Another favorite that is also pictured, the butter cookie salted caramel.  Visit AJ Bombers and you can even eat heaping helpings of peanuts as you wait for your custard, if you so choose.  Their original locale is on Water Street, but they just opened up a new spot at the Mayfair Collection and are also present at Miller Park and the Summerfest grounds.  AJ Bombers (1247 N Water Street, Milwaukee, WI // 414.221.9999)

Kopp’s Frozen Custard

Another favorite of many Milwaukeeans, Kopps Frozen Custard.  I think that Kopps has the most unique flavor of Milwaukee custard on this list. In my opinion, their custard has more of a sweet, creamy flavor than anyone else.  It’s positively delicious!  They have flavors of the day, but also sundaes of the month.  The sundae pictured was one of their specials, and it was covered in a delicious rhubard sauce, topped with homemade whipped cream.  The tartness of the rhubard balanced out the sweetness in the custard perfectly!  I highly recommend trying their artfully crafted sundaes at any of their three locations.  Kopp’s Frozen Custard (7631 W Layton Ave, Greenfield, WI // 414.282.4312)

Gille’s Frozen Custard

Going almost 80 years strong, Gille’s Frozen Custard is known as the oldest custard stand in Milwaukee (I’m telling you, we have always loved our custard over here!).  They have a ton of different options when it comes to choosing a “Fancy Sundae,” or you can go for a simple scoop (butter pecan) like I did.  Depending on the day, there are a variety of different flavors to choose from.  The custard served at Gille’s is classically creamy and cannot be duplicated!  Gille’s Frozen Custard (7515 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI // 414.453.4875)

Ferch’s Malt Shoppe and Grill

At Ferch’s Malt Shoppe and Grill, you can choose from 45 flavors of freshly-made Milwaukee custard and a variety of toppings to mix and match.  It’s a cute 50s-inspired diner located right in the heart of downtown Greendale.  I have loved coming here to create shakes (black cherry, to be exact), since I was a kid.  There’s nothing quite like watching the person behind the marble top counter whip up whatever crazy concoction you envisioned!  You can also visit them beachside in the summer at their South Milwaukee location.  Find my full post on Ferch’s HERE.  Ferch’s Malt Shoppe and Grill (5636 Broad Street, Greendale, WI // 414.423.1414)

Northpoint Custard

When I’m near Bradford Beach, I absolutely love making a stop at the Bartolotta’s own Northpoint Custard.  I can’t pass up a Madagascar vanilla and chocolate swirl cone.  I love the smoothness of their custard, and swirled is probably my favorite way to eat it!  What can I say, I love having the best of both worlds.  On a nice day, it’s the perfect place to stop while taking a nice walk down by Lake Michigan.  I am currently counting down the days until summer, just for this.  If you just can’t wait, visit them at either the airport or the Downtown Kitchen location.  See my full post on Northpoint Custard HERE.  Northpoint Custard (2272 N Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI // 414.727.4886)

Oscar’s Frozen Custard & Sandwiches

I usually start at Oscar’s Frozen Custard & Sandwiches with a burger, and end with whatever flavor of custard my little heart desires.  I have been frequenting Oscar’s for years, and was so excited when they decided to open another location even closer to my home.  Everything they offer is super reasonably priced and oh so delicious.  On this particular Sunday, I had the flavor of the day…which was turtle sundae.  Fitting.  They never skimp on the mix-ins in their custard, as evident by the caramel oozing out of the side of that cone.  Find them in Milwaukee, Franklin, and Waukesha. See my full post on Oscar’s HERE.  Oscar’s Frozen Custard & Sandwiches (7041 S 27th Street, Franklin, WI // 414.304.8700)

Georgie Porgie’s Burger & Custard Treefort

And probably my favorite sundae on this list…the “SMores” at Georgie Porgie’s Burger & Custard Treefort .  Get this – Twist custard, marshmallow, chocolate flakes, marshmallow cream, graham cracker, whipped cream, and a cherry.  It is honestly better than a real-life s’more.  Check out their list of sundaes because they are all this elaborate and different in their own way.  And as for the location, when I say treefort, I mean treefort.  You’ll have to take a look inside to see for yourself, but the restaurant is set up like a little camping ground, complete with a giant tree in the middle of the seating area.  There is also extra seating outside in a heated area.  It’s like going to camp! (I should note that I’ve never actually been to camp)  I go to the Oak Creek location, but they also have one in Mount Pleasant. Georgie Porgie’s Burger & Custard Treefort (9555 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI // 414.571.9889)

Culver’s

I wouldn’t put a restaurant on my list without good reason.  Although they have locations all over the states, Culver’s is a Wisconsin classic, with 136 of the franchise.  No other state even comes close!  If you’re from here, you’ve probably had it.  The very first one opened in Sauk City.  Also, founder Craig Culver graduated from my alma mater, UW Oshkosh, in 1973.  Anywhere you visit Culver’s, you’ll find the same high quality and truly delicious custard.  Dense, rich, and creamy, it’s made in small batches throughout the day.  My actual favorite flavor is hard to pinpoint (I really love when the Flavor of the Day is Red Raspberry), but this time I opted for a scoop of vanilla with Oreo mixed in.  Culver’s custard is so great, I couldn’t ignore it! Culver’s (7841 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI // 414.571.5000)

Now that I’ve summed up the most delicious spots for Milwaukee custard, it’s time for you to hit the road and try them all (that’s if you haven’t already)!  I hope your journey is super sweet!