Wisconsin’s best burger is…

By Christina Lorey

March 27, 2025

Ever had a poached burger? Pete’s Hamburger Stand in Prairie du Chien has one of the most unusual burger cooking methods in America. And its burgers are so beloved–they’re the only thing on the menu!

The story of Pete’s started in 1909, when Pete Gokey cooked hamburgers at local events. To keep them moist, he poured water on his flat top grill – and flavored that water with a pile of onions.

Today, Pete’s uses the same method to cook 60-70 burgers at a time, constantly smashing the patties and letting the burgers cook in the flavorful stew-like water. After 12-15 minutes, the 4 oz. patties are ready to serve!

There are only two ways to order a burger at Pete’s: “With” or “Without”, referring to onions (all burgers have a bit of an onion flavor because of how they’re cooked, but you can choose if you want more on top.) Pete’s doesn’t offer cheese, a rarity for Wisconsin, but we promise you won’t miss it.!

You can learn more about Pete’s (and see for yourself what the hype is about) in this Burger Land: Wisconsin segment on the Travel Channel (click here).

And here’s a roundup of where to find Wisconsin’s very best:

🍔 Wisconsin’s 25 Best Burgers, according to food editors

🍔 Wisconsin’s Best Burgers, according to locals

🍔 6 Under-the-Radar burger joints we love

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

View all posts

CATEGORIES: FOOD AND DRINK

Support Our Cause

Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Wisconsinites and our future.

Since day one, our goal here at UpNorthNews has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Wisconsin families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.