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The fall semester is here for Wisconsin college students, so we’ve rounded up some of the cheapest and most convenient spots for grub in Milwaukee. From late-night eats to cozy breakfast and brunch dives, here are eight local restaurants that won’t break the bank.
1619 N. Farwell Ave.
Nestled in Milwaukee’s lower east side, Blue Star Cafe serves up delectable, authentic East African cuisine at affordable prices. Their Somali-style steak sandwich is a locally recommended handheld, sauteed with African spices and served on a hoagie bun. College students will also be relieved to hear that they also deliver through Uber Eats, Postmates, and EatStreet.
434 S. 2nd St.
Located just south of downtown in Walker’s Point, Camino is a neighborhood bar that specializes in classic pub eats. We’re mainly highlighting them here because of their dine-in Monday special of $5 burgers – but their appetizer game is strong as well. Staples include chorizo chili, pierogi, poutine, and of course, classic Wisconsin cheese curds.
539 W. Virginia St.
Another Walker’s Point favorite, Conejito’s Place serves traditional Mexican cuisine that tastes great and doesn’t break the bank. A locally famous hole-in-the-wall, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. They have a smaller menu, but it’s all hits and no misses, and includes all the expected entrees: steak and bean tacos, enchiladas, and bean tostadas – but make sure to check out their huevos rancheros, only served on Sunday afternoons.
3592 N. Oakland Ave.
Just north of the UW-Milwaukee campus in Shorewood, Crave Cafe is a hidden gem of a burger joint that has been successfully gatekept by the upper east side’s foodie community. Primarily a takeout affair, the restaurant has minimal indoor seating with a few spare patio tables outside. Although unassuming from the outside, their take on American fast-casual food receives glowing reviews. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s food critic Rachel Bernhard raved about their signature Crave Burger, describing it as a “hefty two-hander and worth it for the quality ingredients.”
2214 N. Farwell Ave.
Ask any Milwaukee college student what their favorite spot for Sunday morning comfort food is, and there’s a good chance they’ll sing the praises of the east side’s Ma Fischer’s. Open since 1947, the cozy diner has been the go-to spot for hungry students on a budget ever since. Their all-day breakfast menu is the real star of the show, but they offer plenty of entrees for every kind of craving – including a selection of burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and stir fry. Formerly open 24/7, their hours have since been reduced from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
2867 N. Oakland Ave.
530 W. Layton Ave.
Another favorite of cash-strapped students, Oakland Gyros’ primary location is just a few blocks southwest of the UW-Milwaukee campus. It’s easy to see why it’s such a hit – they’re open late into the night (2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, 1 a.m. otherwise) and their famous gyros boast generous portions at modest prices. Their custard shakes are a great late-night dessert, too – highly recommended.
1712 W. Pierce St.
One of the most lauded burger joints in the city, Oscar’s is a local favorite in the Mitchell Park neighborhood. Known for having the highest bang-to-buck ratio in Milwaukee, the pub and grill serves up mouth-watering burgers at radically reasonable prices. Their specialty burger, The Big O, is layered with smoked gouda, hickory bacon, chorizo, fried onions, and jalapenos – barely scraping your wallet at only $7.25.
1327 E. Brady St.
Named after the patron saint of hangovers, Saint Bibiana is a newer addition to Brady Street’s extensive selection of restaurants. Perfect for both lazy mornings and late nights, they offer shareable appetizers and an all-day breakfast menu that’ll kill any craving. Their happy hour menu, served from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, is also nothing to sneeze at – it includes appetizers for $4, BLTs for $6, and their signature breakfast platter for $6.
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