We’ve all experienced it. A craving hits, and nothing will satisfy it like a greasy burger and fries. Or, maybe you wake up on a Saturday morning and you neeeeed a ginormous egg sandwich before you can even think about starting your day. We get it. But before you hop in the car and hit the nearest drive-thru, might we interest you in a few local (and tastier) alternatives?
Here are some of our favorite Green Bay fast food alternatives:
Al’s Hamburger
Ok, let’s start with the classic: a burger and fries. Hitting the chain places often ends in disappointment, but Al’s Hamburger certainly will not. Their classic hamburgers are served with pickles and onions, but for a little extra, you can add cheese and bacon. You’ll also want to add on some fries and a milkshake, which comes topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Stadium View
Deep-fried cheese curds are a must-have when you’re visiting Green Bay, and we think if you’re gonna order them, you should go all out. The Cheese Curd Flight at Stadium View is a no-brainer… it comes with dill pickle cheese curds, bacon cheddar cube bites, Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds, and a side of homemade buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping!
Culver’s
Ok, we’re breaking our own rules a little bit on this one because Culver’s isn’t local to Green Bay (it was founded in Sauk City, a little bit north of Madison). But, it is an incredible option if you truly do need a quick drive-thru meal. The butter burgers are tasty, the cheese curds are delicious, the root beer is refreshing, and of course, the custard is always the perfect dessert.
Parker John’s
Fast food nachos are always a good idea, but sometimes the toppings can be a bit lacking. Not at Parker John’s. Their Redneck Nachos (lol) are covered with your choice of hickory-smoked pulled pork or pulled chicken, then topped with pico de gallo, fresh jalapeño, cheddar cheese, and beer cheese sauce. Plus, you get black olives, serrano salsa, and sour cream on the side!
Caliente
Craving a burrito the size of your head? Caliente in De Pere is the place to get fresh and tasty burritos that rival your favorite fast food ones. Since you’re visiting Green Bay, we recommend the Packer Burrito, which comes with grilled steak, potatoes, pico, onions, bell peppers, sour cream, queso, green sauce, deep-fried cheese curds, cotija cheese, and cilantro. O-M-G.
Pink Guava
Fast food hot dogs are fine. But the Hot Cheetos Cheesy Dog from Pink Guava is in another stratosphere. For the uninitiated, it’s a spicy Korean cheesy dog with half mozzarella cheese on top and half beef hot dog on the bottom, battered and fried with Hot Cheeto crumbles, then drizzled with nacho cheese, sriracha, and more Hot Cheeto crumbles. Umm, yes please!
The Bar
How about some wings? The Bar is a great place to get your fix, especially Sunday through Wednesday, when you can get them for only 80 cents a pop. Locals love that they offer so many sauces and rub options, like 3-Alarm Garlic Parm, Maple Bacon Dry Rub, Spicy Peach, Chipotle Ranch, and of course, several kinds of BBQ varieties.
Scott’s Subs
Ask almost any Green Bay local what their favorite sub shop is, and they’ll probably say it’s Scott’s. Their bread is pillowy soft, and the ingredients are always top-tier. They’ve got classic subs like Tuna and BLT, hot subs like Pizza and the Cuban, and a few creative options like Chicken Philly and The Crab. They also have great homemade take-and-bake pizzas!
Jake’s Pizza
Speaking of pizza, Jake’s is a local staple for fresh-baked pizza, and it has been since 1972. The recipe is still the same, and ingredients like dough, sauces, and sausage are still being made by hand daily. That said, the pizzas here take a little longer to bake, but you can enjoy a beer and a board game while you wait. Not all fast food needs to be fast; sometimes it’s about the vibes!
The Noodle Bar
Located inside the Oneida Casino, you will find a hidden gem called The Noodle Bar. This casual noodle restaurant serves up favorites like Pad Thai, Orange Chicken, and Pho, as well as non-noodle favorites like Bahn Mi Sandwiches and Wonton Chips with Crab Salad. It’s so much tastier than anything you will get out of a drive-thru!
Pancake Place
Okay, we’ve talked a lot about lunch and dinner, but what about breakfast? If you’re in a fast-food headspace, we recommend trying the Stuffed Egg Sandwich at The Pancake Place. It’s made with fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and your choice of ham, bacon, or sausage on either an English muffin or a bagel. This thing is going to fuel you for hours!
Meches
Sometimes you need a sweet treat on the go, and Meches is the perfect place for that when you’re in Green Bay. They specialize in churros and coffee, and they do both those things incredibly well. The Churro Relleno always hits, or if you’re feeling extra indulgent, grab a Churro Bite Sundae with Lechera drizzle. Everything there is amazing, so you can’t go wrong!
