Vote for the best local burger

MADISON – The Wisconsin Beef Council (WBC) launched its 3rd annual Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest. The Council is on a mission to find and celebrate the most mouthwatering 100 percent beef burgers crafted by Wisconsin’s restaurants, bars and grills. The first two years of the contest sparked a burger frenzy across the state, with the Elite Eight finalists enjoying a surge in burger sales and statewide fame.

Rules
The voting starts on Friday, Feb. 13 and ends Sunday, March 15, 2026. You can nominate your favorite beef burger from any Wisconsin restaurant (one nomination per person) on the Wisconsin Beef Council website at www.beeftips.com/bestburger.
• The burger must be 100% beef (other ingredients may be added to the patty such as spices, vegetables, etc.)

• All burgers must be composed of a formed ground beef patty/patties served on a bun or other bread product (such as biscuits, focaccia or tortillas). Burgers may include any combination of condiments. Every component of the burger must be placed between the bun or bread pieces or served open-faced on a bread product.

Staff picks
The Waupaca County Post conducted an in-house survey of the favorite burgers in the newspaper coverage area of the editorial staff. Here are their comments:

“The Hut. This is a Waupaca staple, super affordable and a must get when it comes to local burger joints. The burger is consistently amazing every single time I order it, absolutely delicious.” Emily Doud, Reporter.

“I’m torn between the overall taste of a straight-up Bree’s Inn Burger and the artistic specialty of a Bean City Bar and Grill burger. Each has its merits. My dad, who has since passed, would say 100 percent beyond a doubt Bean City burger. My simple taste buds and overall greasy bar and grill love of a perfectly done fresh-ground beef with fried onions, fried in lard and a toasted bun, I would say Bree’s Inn.” John Faucher, Reporter.

“The Old Fashioned Burger at Bean City Bar & Grill. It’s juicy and full of flavor, and you can’t get more Wisconsin than a burger inspired by the iconic old fashioned, complete with bourbon cream cheese, cherries, and an orange slice.” Bethanie Gengler, Reporter.

“The Big G at The Big Garlic in Stevens Point. It’s everything you love about a typical cheeseburger, but topped off with garlic butter and fresh ingredients that perfectly compliment the 1/3 pound beef patty.” Katie Schimke, Reporter.

“Otter Creek Sports Bar and Grill in Hortonville serves the Packer burger, a tailgater’s dream burger with a hamburger patty stacked on top of a brat patty. Anytime I stop in to watch a game, I make sure to order it topped with sauerkraut and with a side of cheese curds.” Nick Griesbach, Sports Editor.

“After covering a Weyauwega City Council meeting, I swung into Haufschildt’s Brew Haus which is right next door. I ordered a beer and the burger of the month. It was a beef patty topped with fried onions, bacon, and slathered with beer cheese and served on a pretzel bun. It was a gustatory delight and you can’t go wrong with any of the 11 other burgers of the month—pure culinary craftsmanship.” James Card, Editor.