• A German beer stein, a popular drinking vesselbeer mug image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
  
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a rich German history that dates back to the city's early settlers. In the 19th century, many German immigrants fled Germany during the Revolution of 1848 and settled in Milwaukee due to the cheap land they found there. Due to this rich heritage, Milwaukee is known for its German influences, especially when it comes to food. There are a variety of well-known German restaurants in downtown Milwaukee, all that serve delicious German cuisine, such as bratwursts, schnitzel, sauerkraut balls and of course, beer.
  
  

Mader's

• Mader's is one of downtown Milwaukee's most famous German restaurants. Mader's opened its doors to Old World Third Street in 1902, and it has been serving delicious German cuisine ever since. Mader's serves brunch, lunch and dinner; hosts weddings and other banquets; and also offers catering services. The dinner menu ranges from a $23 Bavarian platter to a $50 sampler platter; however, lunch offerings include lower priced sandwiches and salads. At Mader's, you can find traditional schnitzel, potato pancakes and Reuben rolls and will be served beer out of beer steins or boots. Mader's has a gift shop upstairs, making it possible to purchase beer steins, boots or any other German treasure you desire.
  
  Mader's
  1041 Old World Third St.
  Milwaukee, WI 53203
  414-271-3377
  madersrestaurant.com
  
  

Old German Beer Hall

• The Old German Beer Hall, also called the Hofbrauhaus, is a re-creation of the original Hofbrauhaus that opened in Munich, Germany, in the 17th century. The Hofbrauhaus has opened locations in several cities, such as Las Vegas, Pittsburgh and of course, Milwaukee. Milwaukee's Hofbrauhaus is a more casual German restaurant, serving delicious sandwiches, such as bratwursts on warm pretzel buns. The Old German Beer Hall turns into a popular drinking spot at night, serving a variety of German wines and beers out of traditional German steins.
  
  Old German Beer Hall
  1009 N. Old World Third St.
  Milwaukee, WI 53203
  414-226-2728
  oldgermanbeerhall.com
  
  

Karl Ratzsch's

• Karl Ratzsch's is also a staple of Milwaukee tradition. Karl Ratzsch's was opened around 1904 by Helen and Karl Ratzsch, who relocated to Milwaukee from Germany. Karl Ratzsch's menu features Old World German favorites, a European inspired menu and lighter menu items such as chicken, salads and vegetarian options. The dinner menu ranges from $14 fish and chicken entrees to $30 duck and steak options. Karl Ratzsch's looks like a modern German beer hall, complete with stained glass and wooden beam ceilings. The walls are covered with decor that represents German history, including beer steins that Karl's wife, Helen, has collected over the years. The restaurant also offers a large variety of German beers and wines to satisfy your drink palette as well.
  
  Karl Ratzsch Restaurant
  320 E. Mason St.
  Milwaukee, WI 53203
  414-276-2720
  karlratzsch.com