The Vanguard

-Grubbing in Milwaukee
New to the 'Scene'

The Vanguard opened near the end of last year and has become my go-to food/drink spot while up in Milwaukee. Everyone I've stopped in with really seems to enjoy the place as I have yet to hear any complaints. The place is co-owned by a Longman & Eagle partner, who like many others, decided to make the move north. So far so good.

Sausage and Cocktails in the Bay View Neighborhood

The menu has switched up a few things here and there but as long as they keep doing what they're doing it's all going to be great. The combination of craft sausages and draft cocktails is so Milwaukee you just know this place is going to deliver the goods. The drinks are all $8 and for the most part have been satisfying while the sausages range in price from $4-8 dollars per link.

a peek inside

What I really respect about this place is all of the encased meats are made on-site. My one minor gripe is the choice of S. Rosen's buns. Milwaukee and the entire state of Wisconsin is a bakers paradise, there has to be better. The Sheboygan Hard Rolls for one. The different sausage creations all have flavor inspirations from around the globe. Some stick close to the old world way (Housemade Brat) while others read like they were made at Midnight after catching the Munchies while watching a marathon of 'That 70's Show.'

Red Hot Zerkel (Pork Sausage / Powered Flamin' Hot) house cheese whiz, onion ring, pickled jalapeno

Piri Piri Pork (Pork Sausage / Piri Piri Sauce) pickled cactus, bleu cheese, hot sauce

Kilig (Pork Sausage / Palm Sugar / Soy Sauce) lime, bean sprout, basil, cilantro, chili sauce, hoisin

Chili Cheese Dog with jalapenos and onion

Jamaican Lamb Currywurst (Lamb and Pork Sausage) served on a bed of fresh cut fries, Jamaican curry, caramelized onion, scotch bonnet jam 

While the menu is mostly dominated by encased meats they do have a burger. It's a somewhat recent addition that, like many other masterpieces, was created by getting use out of everything in the kitchen. When the sausage is stuffed some of them burst and the ground meat from them goes into the making of Thee Dirty Burger. The beauty of it is the patty consists of a little bit of everything. It's dressed similar to an In 'n Out Burger. There's also real chopped bacon bits scattered in and the use of their housemade Velveeta style cheese. Go on. Git! It's quite a treat and something worth ordering on a menu with many interesting options to choose from. Vanguard, you are good.

Thee Dirty Burger - bacon / lettuce / onion / tomato / pickle / OK Sauce / House Velveeta

The Vanguard
2659 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 539-3593
Website