WISCONSIN

The finest curds in all the land.

Breakwater

These garlic cheesecurds are how it all started ... when we decided to take that idea we had been throwing around and make it real. (It's one of the few good things to come out of 2020!) Location: Monona | Rating: 8.5

The Old Fashioned

A lot of our friends who visited Madison raved about these Wisconsin Cheese Curds. We gave them a shot but didn't love them. The sauce, however, is excellent! Location: Madison (downtown) Rating: 5

★ Nutz Deep II

Great cheese, but the breading is too thick. Location: Marshfield | Rating: 7.5

1847 at the Stamm House

Melt in your mouth, good size; more flavor in the batter would bump the rating up Location: Middleton | Rating: 8

Paoli Pub and Grill

Ask for the jalapeno mayo...if you like spicy, you won't regret it. Their breading is thick. Location: Paoli Rating: 6

Erin's Snug Irish Pub

These are giant like the menu says! The cheddar cheese is good in these curds. The breading is chewy but a beautiful golden brown in color. Location: Madison | Rating: Skip the curds, get another beer.

Vintage Brewing (Downtown)

Thick, crunchy breading, crispy, good flavor! Location: Madison | Rating: 7.5

Tipsy Cow

These Local Goat Cheese Curds fall apart - which is a good thing - and the breading is awesome! Location: Sun Prairie | Rating: 8

★ LJ's

The breading on these Spicy Jalapeno Cheese Curds is perfect. They are not too spicy. White cheese. Do yourself a favor and ask for the ranch and sweet chili sauce! Location: Madison | Rating: 9.5

Great Dane

These Old Glory Cheesecurds have a crunchy breading but are yummy! The sauce (hatch green chili cream) adds a unique taste. Location: Madison (Hilldale) Rating: 7.5

The Thirsty Goat

They're just good! They're very easy to eat and are made of cheddar cheese. A few LARGE curds snuck their way in. Location: Fitchburg | Rating: 7.5

Buck n Honey's

These curds were more like big round balls with thick breading. Good flavor, nice display, perfect portion for two people. We did not like the texture. Location: Sun Prairie | Rating: 8

Libby McNeill's

The atmosphere here is one of our favorites in Marshfield. It's a great spot for drinks and apps! Curds: Good breading - nothing special - but environment makes them better. Rating: 7

Bourbon Street Pub and Grill

These easy-to-eat curds are typical bar cheese curds which we appreciated as a refreshing change of pace. Location: Sheboygan | Rating: 6

Quivey's Grove (Stable Grill)

Comes with two sauces (ranch and dijon mustard). Location: Madison Rating: Skip the curds and order one of their famous Old Fashioneds

Full Mile Beer Co & Kitchen

Melty, crunchy, sweet, and the breading has good texture; the quantity is perfect. Location: Sun Prairie Rating: 8.5

Bear and Bottle

Nothing special; eat here for the atmosphere and the friendly staff! The seasoning on the curds is tasty. Location: Madison | Rating: 7

Monk's

*First curds as a married couple* (We had cheesecurds as a late night snack at our wedding reception - obviously - but they disappeared so quickly Travis didn't get any!) Very cheddary, toasted, golden. Location: Sun Prairie Rating: 7

Nitty Gritty

Breading is thick; the sauce makes them unique, and Travis loved it! Katlyn wasn't a fan. Location: Sun Prairie | Rating: 6.5

Jack's Tap

This small-town bar has a few delicious secrets - these Garlic Cheese Curds are one of them! Soft, melty, gooey, slightly greasy; these curds are well worth the drive. Location: Portage Rating: 8

Ale Asylum

Flavorful, not as soft as others we've had, breading is light, excellent portion size, comes with D'izzy sauce (which is amaze-balls). Location: Madison | Rating: 7 naked, 8 with sauce

Whitetail Inn

These curds have a classic, good flavor but are a little bit salty. You can check a supper club off your list while you dine! Location: St. Germain | Rating: 7.5

Lakeside Grill

The curds are edible but nothing special. They are crunchy - which is nice - but the breading is too thick. Stop for the view, not the curds. Location: Tomahawk | Rating: 4.5

1855

Salty & rubbery, but the restaurant has a neat vibe. Location: Cottage Grove | Rating: 5

Lumberyard

Delicious, easy to eat curds in a lively atmosphere. Great place to catch the game! Location: Marshfield | Rating: 8

The Cooper's Tavern

This is a LARGE portion of curds! The taste is top notch, but the breading is too thick. Location: Madison | Rating: 6.5

Brass Ring

The atmosphere here is way more fun than the curds. The breading is THICK, and the cheese doesn't have much flavor. The homemade ranch is where it's at! The chipotle barbecue sauce is also fantastic. Location: Madison | Rating: 5.5

★ Revere's Wells Street Tavern

These curds may leave you speechless. The chipotle ranch dipping sauce is the perfect blend of ranch and chipotle, and it's the perfect compliment to these curds. Location: Delafield | Rating: 9.0

Smoky's Club

The vibe in this place is unreal - in the best way. The cheesecurds are so warm and toasty, and the buttermilk ranch is divine. They look like any old curd, but the atmosphere is what sets these apart from others! Location: Madison | Rating: 6.5

Right Bauer

Get yourself some beer to wash these down! The curds - which are an odd size and a bit salty - aren't our favorite, but it's a great place for a casual evening. (You can play board games at your table - need I say more?) Location: Sun Prairie | Rating: 6.5

Bear & Bottle (2)

Ghost Pepper Cheesecurds. The spice in these ghost pepper cheesecurds is delayed but oh so delicious. The breading is just right, and the cheese is melty. Location: Madison | Rating: 8 (if you like spice = 9)

107 State

The sauce that accompanies these curds is made specially by the chef, AND IT HAS PICKLES IN IT. If Katlyn likes it, you will, too. Location: Madison Rating: 6.5

DLUX

The cheese is yellow which is refreshing, and the portion is perfect for one person or for sampling. The cracked black pepper and sea salt add a nice flavor to these curds. Location: Madison | Rating: 8

Gates & Brovi

These non-greasy curds are gooey, have great breading, and so cheesy! The ranch dill dipping sauce is a nice compliment. Location: Madison | Rating: 8

Lone Girl

These large, cubed curds may take you by surprise, but we were delighted by their perfection! Location: Waunakee | Rating: 8

Brothers

Light in color, these curds are crunchy, salty and delicious. Plus, the atmosphere at this bar is worth a visit. Location: Milwaukee | Rating: 7.5

The Keg

Our first visit to this small-town bar hit just right, and the cheesecurds just sweetened our time there. The breading on (and flavor of) these Jalapeno Curds is great. Quickly became one of our favorite - bars and curds! Location: DeForest | Rating: 8.5

The Keg (round two!)

The only thing better than the Jalapeno Curds at The Keg is the Garlic Cheesecurds. The breading is so soft, the flavor is great, and the spicy ranch is *chef's kiss*. Location: DeForest | Rating: 9

The Green Lantern

These toasty, warm, hearty curds are the perfect complement to the amazing views and homey atmosphere. While you're there, try the fish (any of them) for dinner, too! Location: McFarland | Rating: 7.5

Cafe Hollander

The panko-like breading and sriracha aioli sauce make these curds a unique snack, but the curds themselves - despite the cutest basket - aren't special. We did love the atmosphere here - really cool spot for brunch, dinner, drinks, or even a game. Location: Madison | Rating: 7.5

The Flying Hound

The best thing about these curds is the parmesan peppercorn sauce. It's one of the most delicious we've found! The curds themselves, however, aren't great. They may satisfy your hunger, but they taste more like a mozzarella stick than a Wisconsin cheese curd. Location: Madison | Rating 5.5

Waypoint Public House

Nice and simple, these curds are a mix of white and yellow cheese with a peppered breading. Location: Monona Rating: 8.5

PJ's - SentryWorld

Simple, classic, and best enjoyed outside on a summer night. These farmhouse ale curds are great with or without ranch. Location: Stevens Point Rating: 7

State Street Brats

They're ... different. These breakfast potato look-a-likes may be good for the late night munchies, but we weren't impressed (especially when we realized the sauce was tartar). The legendary atmosphere, however, is definitely worth stopping in for. Location: Madison | Rating: Don't

Off Broadway Drafthouse

Thick, toasted, crunchy. The flavor is decent, but the stringy rating is off the charts! Location: Monona | Rating: 6

Curd Girl

The girl earned her name for a reason. These curds are SO GOOD. Location: a food truck near you | Rating: 9.5

Angelo's

We know it's odd to order cheesecurds at an Italian restaurant but (A) do you know us & (B) we ordered some in Virginia. Curds have an excellent taste but thick breading. One of our favorite restaurants, but not one of our favorite curds. Location: McFarland | Rating: 5.5

Minocqua Yacht Club

Salty curds, but other food is great. Beautiful view from the bar but avoid on a Saturday night unless you're a local. Rating: 5.5 | Location: Minocqua

The Boathouse

This restaurant is a must-visit if you're in town. The history and views are rich, and although the curds are salty, they are delicious. Rating: 6 | Location: Minocqua

★ Bonfyre American Grille

Visit us in Madison ... or don't ... but if you find yourself in Mad Town, get to Bonfyre and order the curds. They are light and crispy with yellow cheese, melt in your mouth, and come with Sriracha ranch. Bonfyre is quickly become one of our favorite spots for curds and drinks! Rating: 9 | Location: Madison

American Family Field

These curds are decent as far as ballpark food goes. They tasted event sweeter because the Cubs won ;) The seasoning options are there for a reason. Make sure you use one! Location: Milwaukee | Rating: 6

The Statehouse

WOW. This place has it all - a stunning view, delicious food, and an awesome atmosphere. The curds specifically are chewy and gooey. They have a great flavor and an unexpectedly light sauce. The varying sizes make them perfect for sharing. Beware, they are greasy. Location: Madison | Rating: 7.5

Pooley's

Do stop here for pre-game, gameday, or happy hour after work. Don't order the cheesecurds. Location: Madison | Rating: Skip 'em

Buckingham's

Mmmm the smell of cheesecurds in the morning. These curds are super crunchy, like tater tots. The bar itself is a great place for Badgers games. Location: Madison | Rating: 4 if it's dinner time ... 8 if it's 10 a.m. and you've been drinking

Camp Trippalindee

Despite the curds being disappointing, "camp" is a must visit. When you walk through the doors, it's like you've stepped back in time. Plus, it's a rooftop! Location: Madison | Rating: Go for a boozy Capri Sun instead.

Draft House

Classic. Crunchy. White cheese. They’re tasty, plus the bar is a great local spot to catch the game! Location: Verona | Rating: 6.5

Hop Haus

These curds have a crunchy breading (almost cornbread-like). Their deep golden brown color makes them different from many other curds we’ve had. With two accompanying dipping sauces, they're a good winter snack. Location: Fitchburg | Rating: 6

Graze

YUM. These crunchy, golden curds come with a side of capitol views. They're tantalizing, and the taste is 💯. Bonus points for the yellow cheese. Location: Madison | Rating: 8.5

Lambeau Field

Though they tasted better than they probably actually are, these curds are the perfect companion to a December night game at Lambeau. Location: Green Bay | Rating: 6

Craftsman Table and Tap

The peppery breading on these melty, soft curds is delicious! The golden cheese is tasty, but the highlight of these curds is the breading. Location: Middleton | Rating: 8.5

Hinterland

It's freezing outside and you're starving, so you walk in. It's a great spot to warm up and grab a drink, but we don't recommend the curds. Rating: Skip them and get a beer | Location: Ashwaubenon

Oak Barrel Public House

These whiskey battered curds (yes, whiskey!) come with marinara but need ranch. They're great before a Bucks game. It's refreshing to find something different! Location: Milwaukee | Rating: 6

Sconnie Bar

10 / 10 would recommend hiking through a snowstorm with your cousin for an afternoon at this bar. We stopped here for a bite to eat before a Badger's basketball game and were very impressed! Bonus: the bar has a bus that will take you (fo' free) to the game. The curds are a perfect pre-game tradition. Location: Madison | Rating: 6.5

★ Heritage Tavern

These tempura battered bacon-wrapped cheesecurds speak for themselves. If you don't see them on the regular menu, ask for them! Don't want curds? Munch on the tempura battered sweet potato fries they come with. Location: Madison | Rating: 9.5

G5 Brewing Company

This place is worth the drive off the interstate. It sits on top of a hill and has friendly staff. The curds are average, but the smoky, spicy sauce they come with is top notch. Location: Beloit | Rating: 6

Silver Eagle

This local watering hole is a great place to watch a game, but it can get really loud. These buffalo curds hit the spot. Location: Monona | Rating: 6.5

Stubborn Brothers Brewery

These cubed curds are warm and melty! Though the cheese is flavorful, the breading could use more flavor. Location: Shawano | Rating: 7

Sonny's

The views from this restaurant are stunning, but the curds are not. Location: Sturgeon Bay | Rating: 5.5

Christy's Landing

The curds are bland (must add ranch in order to consume), but the bar - which sits on Lake Waubesa - is the opposite of bland. Great summer spot (just skip the curds)! Location: Madison | Rating: 5.5

Octopi Brewing

We forgot to take notes on the curds because we were distracted by the delightful drinks, including seltzers and non-alcoholic beer. Location: Waunakee | Rating: 7

Maple Tree Supper Club

The vibes are flawless at this local, newly remodeled supper club! The curds, though, aren't as good. Their thick breading and lack of gooey-ness are sub par. Location: McFarland | Rating: 5

Lakefront Brewery

We forgot to write down a rating for these. (That happens when you go to a brewery with an 8-month-old.) But they taste great with beer! Location: Milwaukee | Rating: Average

Norton's

Once we could take our eyes off the lake, these stood out to us on the menu because of the bourbon barbecue sauce that accompanies them. It provides a unique, tasty flavor, which the curds alone lack. Location: Green Lake | Rating: 6.5

★ Blind Shot Social Club

WE FOUND PERFECTION. These large fried goat cheese balls are tasty, crunchy, and served with honey. Location: Madison | Rating: 10

SUGGEST SOME CURDS

Is there a restaurant, tavern, bar, or other establishment we should visit to order cheesecurds? Let us know!