Solly’s Grille

There are good burgers, there are great burgers, and there are iconic burgers. Very few hamburger experiences fall into the third category, even on a regional basis. For many culinary enthusiasts outside of the upper Midwest, the introduction to the Wisconsin butter burger came as part of the George Motz documentary, Hamburger America. For me, that introduction came when I first saw the film more than a decade ago and decided to try my best to get to as many of the featured restaurants as I could. On that list, there were two that were earmarked as top priority: Dyer’s in Memphis, and Solly’s in Milwaukee. Finally, last summer, Dyer’s was scratched off the list. This time, it was the eleven hour pilgrimage to Wisconsin, and the effort was certainly worthwhile. Keep your buttered bun impostor at Culver’s. Solly’s is king.
They say that a camera adds ten pounds, but it must also add square footage. Small restaurants always look much bigger on film, as was the case with Dyer’s. At Solly’s, the setting is tight, especially when packed to capacity, but that could not be more appropriate or welcoming. Imagine walking into your grandparents’ home in the 1970s, cramming two horseshoe counters into the biggest room of the house, and inviting every family member in a fifty mile radius over for dinner, and the picture comes together. Others have mentioned an outsider treatment, but my experience was exactly the opposite. I was welcomed into the restaurant like a local, and the service was attentive, kind, and consistent. It’s not easy to run in circles in a place where every seat in filled and a line is forming at the entrance on a regular basis, but the brigade is clearly accustomed to the madness and accommodates it well.
The food did not disappoint. It, in fact, lived up to expectations and served its purpose to the fullest. The fries are the simple crinkle cut variety but are cooked to a crispy perfection, and even the regular side order is enough to fill a plate. The salt is limited when served, so it will have to be added when they arrive. Crinkle cut sweet potato fries are also available, and make for a nice alternative. Sweet potato fries can be a roll of the dice sometimes. They’re undercooked, they’re mushy, they’re bland, they’re ruined with cinnamon and sugar everywhere. There is no shortage of ways to create a problem. Not a concern here as they come out just as hot and crispy as the traditional variety, needing only a side of ranch for the right accent.
The star of the show is, was, and will be the Solly Burger, offered as a single or a double, with fresh, unsalted Wisconsin butter and an optional heap of the family secret stewed onions. I opted for the double, no cheese, and no onions. The result was incredible, even more than what I expected going in. The butter melting on the freshly cooked sirloin burgers cascades off the patties and onto the plate, inviting you to mop it up with each bite. Some are leery of the butter burger combination but those worries are alleviated immediately. The richness of the butter lends itself perfectly to the burger. Every great steak is finished with butter and sea salt. Why would the same concept not apply here? It does, and I am glad it does. The best part of this amazing burger is knowing that it can be closely replicated at home, with a few rules being followed. Fresh, never frozen, ground chuck or sirloin, fresh, unsalted butter, and everything assembled fast, properly seasoned, and served piping hot without need for condiments and sauces and vegetables. Butter is not a cheap commodity, but it is worth investing to have butter burgers at home from time to time. Just make sure to get the highest quality butter possible.
Keep in mind that how much butter you find on your burger can vary depending on which cook is manning the station at the time. On my first visit, the butter was present but fell short of the melted pool that is featured in so many pictures, videos, and reviews. On the second visit, I observed a different cook, and asked for extra butter. My request was granted. Boy, was it granted and, boy, was it worth it. Upon arrival, pay attention to the burgers being served around you and plan accordingly. Ask and you shall receive in the world of butter.
On the whole, Solly’s did, in fact, exceed expectations. It is easy to put time and effort into visiting an establishment and still have the doubts lingering as to whether or not the food will live up to the anticipation, much less the hype. For me, Solly’s lived up. The standards are kept high and the formula works. Simple and excellent is a recipe for longevity and success. It is also a reliable way to keep people coming back for years on end. It is also what will bring me back to Wisconsin one day, Lord willing, for more time at Solly’s, with a butter burger in one hand, and a glass of Sprecher’s Root Beer, delivered from the brewery right across the road, in the other.

Best burger in town.
My favourite is the fried egg sandwich on bun with cheese, lettuce and tomato. Essentially their cheese burger special but with egg fried over easy instead of beef.
Today, I tried their veggie burger also. It was good but obviously less delicious than the beef burger.
Solly’s is a great place. I have been coming here for 30 years!

Solly’s is simple classic and delicious. When you walk in there is a nice high counter and a few low tables. I like the counter myself. They have a nice menu but the star is the butter burger. It is a true butter burger and with one bite you will know the difference. The burgers are fresh and juicy with butter melting in every bite. I did the classic Cheese and my companion had the mushroom swiss. Both were awesome. The crinkle cut fries were hot and fresh. The service was even better, true Midwest charm and friendliness. It’s nice to have a fresh friendly meal at a true classic. If you want a burger stop at Solly’s and enjoy.

Another surprise place based on the ratings. The customer service was excellent. I dealt with 3 – 4 different people and all were very friendly and helpful. I did not feel the «outsider» treatment many have mentioned. I was treated like a local.
I ordered the cheesehead. It was pretty good. Not as good as Oscar’s from the day before. But still very good.
Counter seating is the way to go.

Man, Solly’s I wanted to like you so much more than I did. For being such an iconic Milwaukee thing I was expecting more. I went there for lunch with a couple of coworkers last week and walked out pretty sad. Service all around could have been a lot better. The waitress seemed to ignore us at the counter seating, it was pretty tough to get her attention.
We all got the classic Solly Burger (the OG butter burger) the menu says that this burger comes with onions, cheese, butter etc. When we got the burgers none of them actually had onion on them, after a few minutes spent trying, we finally flagged down our waitress and asked if we were in fact supposed to have onions on the burger, thinking maybe we ordered the wrong thing. She asked if we had specified that we wanted them, no but the menu clearly says that they come with onions, she informed us that people get upset if onions are put on the burger so unless you ask for them they don’t put it on. Which is something I totally understand, but why say on the menu that they come with when they don’t? Just kind of an overall bummer of a first time to Solly’s.
The bright side was that the food was good, not out of this world amazing, but solid — just remember to ask for the onions if you want them.

Sad trombone. I really hate to write this review, but I don’t remember the last time I was so disappointed. I’ve been looking forward to trying Solly’s for a long time; it’s been recommended by friends, strangers, television, the whole shebang. I knew to expect a small, very old-​school diner. I knew (nay, eagerly anticipated!) the excessive amount of butter that awaited me! I wasn’t unprepared for what Solly’s is all about. But the burger was… okay at best. It was fine, but nothing to write home about. Warning that although the menu states that the Solly’s Cheeseburger comes with onions, they won’t put onions on your burger unless you ask for them, according to our waitress (then…why does it not say that on the menu?). The fries and shake were also fine. But it was just a very unwelcoming experience, and the food is definitely not good or even unique enough to be worth it. I can check it off my list of local favorites, but I have to say I don’t really understand why it still holds that title.

I accidentally was in Solly’s neighborhood around the noon hour with time to kill– I had not heard of it before so I went in with zero expectations other than to have a «diner» experience and a light lunch.
It was quarter to noon and there was a butt in every seat in the place except one; so I snagged it after making sure that no one else had laid claim to it.
I liked the small town ambiance but as another reviewer mentioned– there is a vibe that if you aren’t a regular, you’re an outsider. I didn’t let the stares and strange looks get to me as I politely waited 20 minutes for anyone to even acknowledge me– true story! I get that they were busy but they weren’t THAT busy. Finally I got an order in and was able to relax– I thought that there was some secret password or some handshake that I needed to know about to place an order.
I ordered a lemonade which came without ice– no biggie but I thought that was sort of strange. It was about another 15 mins before my burger and onion rings came up and was served. This put me in the window of being «late» for an appointment I had in Walkers Point at 1:00 PM. I ate far too fast and gave myself indigestion– I’ll take the hit for that because I probably should have asked for the meal to go.
Tip: Definitely ask for your burger with light butter or with no butter unless you want a burger swimming in melted butter. I went with the standard butter but I’d advise against it– you have been warned! Tip 2: Their shakes and malteds looked really good and they will bring you an extra glass to «split» one on request. This is probably the way to go because my guess is a standard malt/​shake is at least 16 – 18 OZ.
So given that my lunch was definitely hurried, I cannot fairly comment on the burgers but why I didn’t get a «Hello, I’ll be with you in a moment» from the counter person shortly after sitting down is pretty much an unacceptable level of service in my opinion.

First time to Solle’s Grille. Small diner type feel. Casual place and seating. A friend of mind came home from out of town and wanted a butter burger with fried onions and French Fries and suggested this place. I ordered the Solle’s Famous Grille cheese with chips and the Red Cream Float. All of the food was fairly decent. The butter burger was greasy, gooey, good and delicious and the grilled cheese was crisp, buttered, gooey, and tasteful. Definitely would recommend if you are in the mood for a good butter burger, fries, grilled cheese or red cream float. For two people you will spend between $ 25-​$ 30

I should have read the reviews… eh why didnt I?
The kids and I wanted a little breakfast and wanted to try something new. Yes I was born and bred here and I have not ventured to Solly’s until the past weekend. Shame on me? No, not after what I had. Shame on you for letting me go!
Upon walking in we weren’t greeted by anyone who worked here, however we were greeted by the stares and snarls of the customers already here… for people who have been through this I dont need to explain you already get my drift right? The waitress came to take our orders and give us some waters. We found out shortly that she was also the cook and the cashier. I felt bad for her at first.
Another older gentleman came by the table, sparked up some convo perhaps he was the manager or something? Who knows? We ordered pancakes regular and blueberry, hash browns and a omelet skillet thingy. I remember looking around asking myself why is the cook taking her own orders and cleaning tables and the manager is just walking around hap-​haphazardly? Then I see two other young ladies busing the tables but not cooking, taking orders or handling payments. This was so weird.
Remember I said that I was sorry for the cook? Not after the food came. It was not good at all. The hash-​browns were horrible it was full of grease, I could not eat it. The pancakes were ok though. The skillet that my so had was running with grease from the plate. He had egg whites im assuming? Horrible and bland!
We ate what we could and go ready to leave. The cook… yes the cook handled the payment which was bizarre and what was even more bizarre she had the dirtiest finger nails ive ever seen on a woman. Yet you cook our food? I wouldn’t go back for the life of me. I cannot see how this place has not either been shut down and how it has such a high rating. There is is way to much grease and butter being thrown around here. Save your cdl levels and get something else.

We were excited to try this butter burger. What a disappointing experience. The burgers have no taste. They were just blah. Then they put on a ton of butter that doesn’t seem to add anything but a sloppy mess! We could not taste any sweetness, just a melted mess.
The guy cooking was touching raw meet, fresh buns, raw meet, then scrapping off cheese with his hand cuz it was a mistake, and serving up the burger… what the!!!
We will never return…

I am shocked at the high rating on this restaurant. Am I missing something? It was a divey place with food swimming in a greasy mess. If you are looking for a butterburger or something greasy for the right price, just head over to Culver’s. This place is not worth the visit.

Solly’s has been on my «must try» list for quite some time now, so what better time to take visiting family members out for lunch? We arrived later than lunch in an attempt to beat any crowds, but still waited about 25 minutes for open spaces. The waitress was nice in an old-​school sort of way but as several reviewers have noted, just tolerated our presence. I would have hated if any of our party had any questions because I watched the waitress completely shut down two other patrons who dared to ask specific questions about the burger buns. I felt bad for a moment but then wondered «if you’re at Solly’s, ordering a butter burger and you want a multi-​grain bun, I think you’ve come to the wrong place!»
Our crew ordered a double-​double bacon cheeseburger, two double cheeseburgers, two single cheeseburgers, and a Peno burger (all 3 stars) along with the requisite crinkle cut fries (3.5 stars) I ordered a chocolate shake (3.5 stars) as well to complete the experience.
The extra butter does add a sweet, creamy flavor to the burger, and the cheese and toppings (grilled/​stewed onions) make it even tastier. I’m glad we finally stopped in but I don’t think this would be a regular occurrence for me. I’m all for grilled meat patties every once in a while, but I think Solly’s style is just overdoing it.
Unfortunately, I struck out taking family here. While three of the four liked their burgers (the Peno received rave reviews), the other two were not fans — just too much butter. I am glad to have finally experienced this buttery institution but think next time I would bring guests to Oscar’s, Sobelman’s, or Mazo’s instead.

My husband and I were visiting the area just for a couple days in September and I have a thing for awesome local diners. Solly’s did not disappoint.
We walked in and sat at the double horseshoe counter at about 815am. The waitress greeted us from across the way and asked «Breakfast or burgers?» Any place that gives me the choice that early in the morning has a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling 100% and my husband isn’t a burger guy, so we went with breakfast. I got a hodgepodge of breakfast items while he got an omelet. Everything was really, I mean reeeeeeally good.
Overall, this place is no frills, just fantastic diner food. I can’t wait to be back in the area to try the burgers!

My gf surprised me by taking me here for my bday lunch. I’m a huge fan of local, old school diners. I got an original Solly’s Cheeseburger. I thought the burger was great. I did find it odd that we got out fries first but no matter. It’s not the biggest place in the world. They have about 20 counter seats and one smaller table in the corner.
The burger itself is very buttery but very tasty. Price is good too. I would come back here on occasion, but it is a little bit further away from where I’m living now.

First time at Solly’s and couldn’t wait to try the butter burger. Sat down and we put the order in and our order took half hour while other people who just sat down got their orders few min before us. Burger was good and not much difference than Steak N’ Shake butter burger. Drinks were awful so I recommend bringing you own. Staff were rude, very rude especial some 45 y/​o chubby dark blonde lady. They seemed racist and kept giving us mean looks. Btw, Go Bears! Yall should hire Paula Deen for the love of cheese

Nostalgia gives me the runs.
The love of Sollys confuses me to no end. It is an old diner type feel with a sit down service bar run by a bunch of sweet older ladies. If you have ever been to the Choo Choo in Des Plains IL. This is about the same. Old fashioned food served in an old fashioned way.
You know why everything is not the way it used to be? Because it can be better.
If you love old fashioned stuff, and food made the old fashioned way, this place could be a home run for you. The burgers are small and flat served on simple small white buns. fries are stock diner fries. Shakes were good.
I have no complaints other than the hype.

Intial Reaction Upon Receiving Burger :
«BLECH!
What The???
why is my burger swimming in a bowl of melted butter? Why do they use generic, basic buns? Why don’t they use some of that butter and grill these basic @$$ buns? How is this place still open?»
Looks around at other patrons
«Y’all really like this bulls#!t?»
Judges everyone harshly.
Pays bill and leaves remnants of abomindable burger with a note written on a napkin, «send this back to hell.»
On my quest to find and rate Milwaukee’s burgers, this place fails on every category. Flavor, value, creativity, location. I cannot think of one redeeming quality. You are paying for the history of this long standing establishment, certainly not the food.
I was asked about the Service. I want to say that the service was lackluster, but efficient. She took the order she delivered the food. She did her job. She didn’t offer her name or any pleasantries.

I can’t even begin to remember who orginally told me about this place, or how many time’s i’ve heard «OMG SOLLY’S YOU HAVE TO GO» and it finally happened. I went, I ate and my breath smelled like butter for hours… it was awesome.
The diner counter is an interesting concept for a building that looks relatively updated on the outside. The service was awesome, super fast and friendly. I looked at the menu and saw the «double double bacon cheeseburger» That sounded like a plan let’s do that, with fries and a water. A couple minutes later out come a big bowl of crinkle cut fries that were great. Then the burger showed up, What the hell is this monster? i guess the «double double bacon cheeseburger» is actually a quad patty, 4 strips of bacon, cheese and butter. But man was it GOOD. like really good. I now understand how it seems everyone in and around the Milwaukee area has eaten here. it’s an experience. the food is good, good ambiance, good service, and it’s not badly priced. I’ll be back again, maybe with a slightly smaller burger.

Solly’s was a great introduction to Wisconsin butter burgers for me visiting the city. I opted for the biggest gut bomb and got the «Cheesehead». 5 beef patties, three cheeses, with sautéed mushrooms and onions definitely delivered the delicious punch expected from such an enormous burger.
The bun was nothing special as others have complained about in reviews but I prefer a more minimalist bun so I was fine with the pairing for such a big burger not taking away from the patties and accompaniments.
I would definitely recommend anyone in the mood for good greasy burger give this place a try!

I really want to give Solly’s one star, but I’m restraining myself.
When we stopped into Solly’s, there were dirty plates all over the bar, and we had to wait ten minutes or so until they were cleared. During this time, at least five employees walked by us several times, saw the plates, and kept walking. So it felt really awkward, like we weren’t sure we should even sit down.
I was a bit uncomfortable with some of what I saw. One of the cooks was a woman with long hair, which was tied in a pony tail, but the pony tail was flopping all over the place. None of the cooks had gloves on. Plus, when they delivered plates of food to people, their thumbs were actually on the eating area of the plates. Not good.
We ordered fries and onion rings. They were both fine, nothing special. We were glad that they had a ketchup with balsamic vinaigrette, which was a bright spot in our rather disappointing trip to Solly’s. Their coffee tasted like poo that had been dried up, ground to a powder, and brewed — it was the worst coffee I’ve ever had by far.
All this is to say that you definitely expect a certain kind of service when you go to Solly’s. You eat at a bar that goes around the room in a wavy sort of circle, so the people who work there are are moving around within the bar area. The servers seem apathetic — like they’re tolerating your presence in the restaurant. It’s definitely a diner feel with a diner atmosphere.