More than 70 kinds of sausage share one historic Milwaukee shop counter, including traditional varieties whose recipes date back to 1880.
That includes bratwurst made fresh, cooked, smoked, Cajun, and Nuremberg-style.
The family once turned down automatic equipment because it changed the taste. Honestly, that level of stubbornness deserves a medal.
You shop inside a store with original trimmings and old-fashioned architecture. Gift boxes, daily specials, and limited-time links fill the cases.
It feels less like errand running and more like a trip to an older Wisconsin.
A cooked bratwurst made with pork and veal in natural casing would be my first pick.
In a city this serious about sausage, a plain hot dog feels like wearing sweatpants to a wedding.
A Family Recipe Book That Has Refused To Change Since 1880
Frederick Usinger arrived from Germany with a sausage maker’s training from Frankfurt. In 1880, he bought a butcher shop from Mrs. Julia Gaertner on Third Street in Milwaukee.
He renamed it, and Usinger’s Famous Sausage | Fred Usinger, Inc. was on its way. The shop sits on that same site today, which is pretty remarkable for a business this old.
The company still follows the original family recipes. Those recipes haven’t been changed since the very first links came out of the shop.
That’s a long time to resist tinkering. Most of us can’t leave a chili recipe alone for one season.
The family still owns the business, too. Frederick “Fritz” Usinger IV, the founder’s great-grandson, became president in 1988.
Four generations of one family guarding one set of recipes is rare anywhere. In Wisconsin, where sausage is serious business, it carries extra weight.
Knowing this history makes a visit feel more meaningful. You aren’t just buying lunch meat or grill supplies.
You’re picking up something made the same careful way for well over a century. That’s a nice story to tell at your next cookout, right before everyone asks for seconds.
Bratwurst Comes In More Styles Than You Probably Expected
Six kinds of bratwurst sit on the Usinger’s lineup. You’ll find cooked, fresh, smoked, Cajun, Nuremburg, and Oktoberfest varieties.
The cooked bratwurst is a traditional German-style link. It’s made from finely ground pork and veal and packed into natural casings.
Here’s a fun detail. That cooked brat looks white because it isn’t smoked, so don’t panic when it doesn’t look like a hot dog.
The fresh bratwurst is labeled a “Wisconsin Favorite.” It’s made from coarsely ground, lean pork and sold uncooked, ready for your grill.
That difference matters when you plan a meal. Cooked brats just need heating, while fresh brats need full cooking all the way through.
Smoked and Cajun versions add some variety when your crowd wants a twist. Nuremburg brats are another classic German style worth trying.
A smart move is grabbing two or three types at once. Set up a little taste test at home and let everyone pick a favorite.
Your family may argue about the winner for weeks. Honestly, that’s half the fun of a bratwurst lineup this deep.
Seventy-Plus Sausages Means Decision Fatigue Is Real
Bring a list, or at least a plan. With over 70 varieties of sausage, it’s easy to stand at the cases and lose track of time.
Beyond bratwurst, the lineup includes natural casing wieners. You’ll also spot braunschweiger, liver sausage, summer sausage, and ham.
Since 1995, Usinger’s Famous Sausage | Fred Usinger, Inc. has used Certified Angus Beef in some products. That’s a nice detail for beef fans scanning the labels.
Here’s a quirky bit of trivia. Usinger’s was the official supplier of hot dogs for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
So yes, these wieners have competed on a world stage. Your backyard picnic should feel honored.
A good approach is mixing familiar picks with one new item. Maybe it’s braunschweiger for sandwiches or liver sausage for crackers.
Small experiments like that turn a simple shopping trip into something memorable. You might discover a new household staple you never thought to try.
Just remember your fridge has limits. The cases may tempt you to forget that completely.
Smoke From A Wood Pit Still Shapes The Summer Sausage
Plenty of companies chase speed. Usinger’s chose flavor instead, and that choice still shows up in its summer sausage.
The company uses a traditional wood pit smokehouse for it. That’s an old-school method in a world full of shortcuts.
In the past, the family even rejected automatic equipment. If a machine changed the taste or texture, it simply didn’t make the cut.
That kind of choice says a lot about priorities. It tells you the product comes first, even when the easy path looks tempting.
Summer sausage is also a handy pick for planning ahead. It’s great for snack boards, road trips, and lazy weekend lunches.
Pair slices with cheese and crackers for an easy spread. Add some pickles or mustard, and you’ve got a no-fuss party plate.
It also makes a smart gift for that friend who’s hard to shop for. Almost nobody turns down a good summer sausage.
Wisconsin takes its smoked meats seriously. Holding onto a wood pit smokehouse for this long proves Usinger’s takes them even more seriously.
Old-Fashioned Charm Fills Every Corner Of The Retail Store
Shopping here feels a bit like time travel. The retail store at the original manufacturing plant is a downtown Milwaukee landmark.
Original trimmings and classic architecture give the space its old-world mood. The design aims to carry you back to a bygone era.
That setting makes a quick errand feel special. Even picking up wieners feels more fun with history all around you.
The store offers daily specials too. Limited-time items also appear, so each trip can bring something different.
A helpful tip is to scan the cases slowly before you decide. Specials and rotating items are easy to miss if you rush.
Families with kids will enjoy the old-fashioned look as well. It’s a fun way to show children how shops looked long ago.
Usinger’s Famous Sausage | Fred Usinger, Inc. ties its food to this place in a real way. The sausages and the building share the same long story.
Take a moment to look up and around. The details are part of the experience, not just background decoration.
Gift Boxes That Make You The Favorite Relative
Holiday shopping just got easier. Usinger’s is known for its famous gift boxes, and the store keeps them ready.
A box of sausage beats another scented candle any day. It’s practical, tasty, and gets shared around the table.
Gift boxes work for many occasions, not only the holidays. Think birthdays, thank-you gifts, or a treat for a new neighbor.
The company also runs a mail-order business. That’s great news for anyone sending a taste of Wisconsin to family far away.
Planning ahead is a smart move here. Shipping meat takes care, so order early before big holidays get busy.
You can also build your own bundle during a store visit. Mix a few favorite links with summer sausage for a personal touch.
Usinger’s products also reach delicatessens, gourmet shops, and grocery chains across the country. Still, a gift box straight from the source feels extra special.
The best part might be the reaction. Few things bring a grin faster than opening a box packed with sausage.
Old World 3rd Street Puts You Right In Milwaukee’s Heart
Location is a big perk. The shop sits at 1030 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53203, right in the downtown area.
The company proudly calls this stretch Old World 3rd Street. It’s the same Third Street site where Frederick Usinger bought his first shop.
That makes the store an easy add-on to a city day. You can explore downtown, then stop for sausage before heading home.
Parking is available in a lot south of the building. That’s handy in a busy downtown setting.
Think about bringing a cooler if you have a drive ahead. Fresh sausage and other meats should stay cold on the way home.
Out-of-towners can shop with travel in mind as well. Packing items properly keeps them in good shape for longer trips.
The spot also reminds you how deep Milwaukee’s German roots run. A sausage shop on its original site fits the neighborhood perfectly.
Put it on your downtown list. Your appetite will thank you for the detour.
Earning The Nickname Cadillac Of Sausage Makers
Some nicknames stick for good reason. Usinger’s has long been called the “Cadillac of sausage makers,” and it’s earned that shiny title.
The company is often recognized for producing “America’s finest sausage.” That’s big praise in a country full of sausage makers.
Part of the reason is pure stubbornness about quality. Unchanged recipes and traditional methods add up over many decades.
The business has grown, too. In 1993, the company expanded its Milwaukee operations with a new distribution center.
Growth didn’t push the family to cut corners. The company’s original recipes remain central to its traditional sausages, even as it has introduced newer varieties.
For shoppers, this means you can trust what you’re buying. You get premium sausage with a long track record behind it.
Usinger’s Famous Sausage | Fred Usinger, Inc. represents Wisconsin food culture at its best. It blends family pride, careful craft, and plenty of flavor.
Next time you fire up the grill, give these links a spot. A sausage with this much history deserves a little sizzle.