Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in the country, and there are many reasons for that, but one is how absolutely unique it is! From our brewing history and cultural diversity to our amazing coffee and booming restaurant scene, Milwaukee is unlike any other… and we love it that way!  These facts about Milwaukee will help you learn what makes it so unique.

1. Culture is everywhere.
Peter L / Flickr
Milwaukee is absolutely bursting with culture. Unfortunately, news headlines sometimes paint us in a bad light for segregation, but the variety of communities and neighborhoods here each bring their own history with them, and we can learn from it all. From food to art and music to traditions, there are so many unique experiences to be had!
2. We even celebrate everything with festivals.
Jeff / Flickr
We're known as the "City of Festivals," and for a good reason! All year long, especially in summer, the city is bursting with celebrations (and fireworks)! From Polish Fest to Mexican Fiesta and the world-famous Summerfest, we are always celebrating one another.
3. The food here is unlike any other.
Harbor House / Facebook
Speaking of diversity, our food scene is ridiculously awesome. Anywhere you go in Milwaukee, you're sure to find tasty and authentic food. New places are popping up all the time that hold the same ideals that all of the classics do: to make darn good food.
4. Our art is moving. Literally.
kristin / Flickr
Art is everywhere in MKE. Whether you're walking down a neighborhood street and stopping in an art gallery, checking out some incredible street art, or going to the one and only Milwaukee Art Museum, our art is next level. The elegantly moving wings of the Calatrava are absolutely mesmerizing!
5. Our coffee scene is miles above the rest.
Valentine Coffee Roasters / Facebook
Most people think of Seattle when they think of coffee, but Milwaukee is actually one of the leading coffee roasters in the country. With amazing local favorites like Anodyne, Kickapoo, Stone Creek, and Colectivo, you can always enjoy a local cup that's out of this world.
6. Beer was born here.
Spaluch1 / Wikimedia Commons
Milwaukee is "Brew City," and we're quite proud of that. Some of the biggest names in brewing were born here. Besides our love for beer, our brewing history has given countless Milwaukeeans jobs and has largely made the city what it is today.
7. "Happy Days" isn’t just a TV show... it’s a way of life.
daniel baker / Flickr
We're generally pretty happy folks, but to prove it, we installed a bronze statue of The Fonz on our River Walk. The Bronze Fonz is a beloved addition that will light up anyone's face (and provide endless photo-ops!). Ayy!
8. Bowling, of all sports, is still thriving!
Ryan Dickey / Flickr
Many people retired their goofy shoes decades ago, but Milwaukeeans still love to get their bowl on. We're even home to America's oldest functioning bowling alley, and it's unlike any other.
9. The Milverine walks the streets.
The Bike Warrior / Facebook
There's a quirky local man who walks the streets endlessly and has been playfully nicknamed "The Milverine" for his uncannily similar appearance to the classic comic book hero, Wolverine. He's your average Joe who likes to power-walk throughout the city without a shirt on. A little weird? Sure, but we all love him.
10. The people of Milwaukee will give you hope for humanity.
Colectivo Coffee / Facebook
It's no secret: the people of Milwaukee are the nicest you'll ever meet. Whether it be giving you the shirt off their back (maybe that's where The Milverine's disappeared to...) or helping you with anything you might need, the Midwestern charm runs deep around here.

These facts about Milwaukee are so cool; what a special city! What do you think makes Milwaukee unique? What’s your favorite feature of life in Brew City? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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Milwaukee Culture

Sara Dager | October 11, 2022

Do Milwaukeeans have any strange habits? 

No one would ever risk calling the people of our beloved city "normal" and as such there are a few strange habits of Milwaukeeans that will let you know you're in Brew Town. For example, the locals don't "go to" the park, they "go by" the park. And we celebrate the New Year with cannibalism! Well, not exactly, but we do eat a local delicacy called cannibal sandwiches, which consist of raw onions and raw beef on a cracker or bread. And maybe a little less polarizing but nonetheless strange, we get so excited to bet on the sausage races at baseball games. What is a sausage race, you ask? Well, a bunch of folks dress up as sausages and race! We never said it was normal.

What are some of the most popular foods in Milwaukee? 

Outside of the greatly contested cannibal sandwich, there are lots of signature Milwaukee foods that are greatly loved. We always look forward to a Friday fish fry. It's hard to beat a big hunk of delicious fish accompanied by rye bread, potatoes, and coleslaw.  We made a list for you of places to get the best fish fry in Milwaukee so you can eat just like the natives. Another beloved local favorite is the hard-to-beat fried cheese curds; they're the best when they squeak; that means they're fresh! You may have to step outside of Milwaukee for some stops on this list, but you definitely want to check out where to get the best cheese curds in Wisconsin.

Is there any slang specific to Milwaukee? 

Folks from Wisconsin speak their own sort of language packed full of creative slang, and Milwaukee is no exception to that rule. There is a ton of Milwaukee slang that you can pick up now. Use it correctly, and you may just trick the locals into thinking you're one of them. When you're looking for a sip of water, you want to ask for the bubbler rather than the water fountain or you might end up somewhere very different than you intended. And if you want to get some cash, you'll have to visit a tyme machine (that stands for take your money everywhere, but you never know what might happen if you press the right buttons!) If you get bitten by a mosquito, that's a skeeter, and if you need a bag it's actually a bayg here in Milwaukee.

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