Tiny Burger Joint

We all have times when nothing sounds better than heading to a small burger joint.

My guess is you can't find one any smaller than Wedl's hamburger stand in Jefferson, Wisconsin. The 8' x 8' burger shack stands outside an ice cream parlor.  Hamburgers have been fried on the grill for more than 100 years.

Jefferson's most famous restaurant has had a number of owners through the years, but it's mission hasn't changed.

I had read and heard about the hamburger stand, but despite growing up not too far south of Jefferson I had never been there before.  A couple of years ago there was a TV special on the Travel Channel called BurgerLand and an episode on the top 5 burgers in Wisconsin.  This little place got an A-1 grade.

Look for it on U.S. 18 as it cuts through Jefferson County on its way from Milwaukee to Madison.  Many times, you'll see a line to the service window.  Make no mistake, this is not fast food.  Each burger is made to order and the price is as attractive as the location - just over $2.00 a burger.

You find a place to park, stand in line while reading the menu, order, and wait.  If it's a to go order there is a bench along the sidewalk next to the ice cream parlor.  There are some seats inside the ice cream parlor and out back a pretty patio with umbrella covered tables.

We chose a table.

The burger has a distinct flavor.  The onion rings were perfect - a crisp coating and an excellent onion with a crunch as I bit into it.

If you have a burger bucket list and live or travel through southern Wisconsin; I suggest you join the legions of fans and followers of Wedl's.

In addition to the price, one of the things I liked most about the burger is its size.  Unlike the trends elsewhere of larger and larger serving sizes - the burger tantalizes with its taste and allows you to also enjoy the fries or onion rings and maybe a shake or cone for dessert.

Even more than the unique location, that may be the most nostalgic part of my Wedl's experience.  Please tell me about yours.