The 7 Must-Try Sausages At Vanguard Bay View: Your Ultimate 2025 Milwaukee Dining Guide
The Vanguard in Milwaukee’s vibrant Bay View neighborhood is not just a bar; it’s a culinary landmark that has redefined the city's classic beer and brat tradition. As of December 19, 2025, this locally owned establishment continues to draw crowds with its elevated approach to house-made sausages, creative toppings, and an impressive selection of craft beers and bourbons. Located in the heart of Downtown Bay View on Kinnickinnic Avenue, The Vanguard offers a uniquely Milwaukee experience that is both sophisticated and grounded in local flavor. The latest menu updates ensure a fresh experience for both regulars and first-time visitors.
The restaurant, situated at 2659 S Kinnickinnic Ave, has cemented its status as a must-visit spot on the South Side of Milwaukee, appealing to food lovers and vinyl enthusiasts alike (given the owners' involvement in related listening lounge concepts). If you’re looking for a conventional hot dog or brat, you’ll find it, but the true magic lies in the specialty creations that push the boundaries of what a sausage can be. This guide dives into the current menu's highlights and the unique atmosphere that makes Vanguard a Bay View icon.
The Vanguard Experience: Atmosphere, Ownership, and Location
The Vanguard stands out in the bustling Bay View dining scene by offering an intimate space that perfectly blends a classic corner bar feel with a modern, creative restaurant concept. It’s often described as quirky and unapologetically Milwaukee, providing a cooler, more sophisticated take on the city’s favorite comfort foods. The atmosphere is casual, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite, a late-night meal, or a relaxed evening with friends.
- Location: 2659 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI.
- Concept: Elevated Beer and Brat tradition with a focus on house-made sausages.
- Vibe: Quirky, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in Milwaukee culture.
- Ownership: Led by an ownership group that includes figures like Chris Schulist and Jim McCann, who are also involved in other Bay View ventures tailored to music and vinyl enthusiasts.
- Cuisine Style: Innovative American with a focus on sausage and indulgent sides.
The restaurant’s commitment to house-made sausages is the core of its identity. Unlike places serving standard, off-the-shelf fare, Vanguard’s culinary team, including creative forces like Scott Zajork, continually develops new and exciting specialty sausages and sides. This dedication to quality and innovation ensures the menu remains fresh and compelling, making Vanguard a true culinary gem in Milwaukee.
Must-Order Specialties: The Vanguard Sausage Hall of Fame (Updated 2025)
The menu at The Vanguard is a playground for sausage lovers. While they offer the classics—a traditional Bratwurst (pork, nutmeg, coriander, beer) and a simple Hot Dog—the real draw is the "Sausage By The City" and the rotating specialty dogs. The latest menu updates for 2025 have reinforced their reputation for creative combinations. Here are the must-try items that define the Vanguard experience:
1. The Thai Dog
Arguably Vanguard's most famous and unique creation, the Thai Dog is a flavor explosion. It features a house-made sausage topped with peanut sauce, pickled carrots, and cilantro. This Asian-inspired mashup is a perfect example of the restaurant's innovative approach, offering a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that you won't find anywhere else in the city. It’s a signature dish that has garnered national attention.
2. The Milwaukee
Paying homage to its home city, "The Milwaukee" is an indulgent masterpiece. This specialty dog is loaded with classic Wisconsin elements: cheese curds, sharp cheddar cheese, and a generous slathering of Cheez Whiz. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience and a clear nod to the state’s dairy heritage, perfectly capturing the spirit of Milwaukee eats.
3. The Jalapeno Cheddar Brat
For those who like a little kick, the Jalapeno Cheddar Brat is a perennial favorite. The sausage itself is infused with spicy jalapenos and rich cheddar, offering a perfectly balanced heat that complements the savory pork. It’s a step up from the classic brat, adding a layer of complexity and spice.
4. The Classic Beer-Battered Bratwurst
Even their classic items are elevated. The Beer-Battered Bratwurst is a staple, typically topped with traditional fixings like onion, relish, and mustard. The crispy, beer-infused batter adds a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor, proving that even a simple brat can be a gourmet experience.
5. The New Specialty Sausages (Rotating)
The Vanguard frequently rotates its specialty offerings, often adding four new sausages at a time, as seen in recent menu updates. These items are the freshest additions and often feature globally inspired flavors or seasonal ingredients. Always check the current menu board for these limited-time masterpieces, as they are a testament to the kitchen's endless creativity.
6. The Indulgent Sides
While the sausages are the main event, the sides are equally important. Recent menu additions have included two new indulgent sides designed to complement the rich sausage offerings. Fan favorites often include house-made poutine, loaded fries, or unique takes on classic potato dishes. These sides are essential for completing the full Vanguard dining experience.
7. The Extensive Craft Beer and Cocktail List
No trip to Vanguard is complete without pairing your sausage with a beverage from their extensive list. The bar features a rotating selection of around a dozen craft beers on tap, focusing on local and regional brews that perfectly match the savory food. They also boast a well-curated selection of bourbons and signature cocktails, including a standout rum cocktail, ensuring a perfect pairing for every palate.
Topical Authority and Key Entities You Need to Know
To fully appreciate The Vanguard, it helps to understand its place within the larger Milwaukee culinary ecosystem. It’s a key player in the Bay View neighborhood’s transformation into a dining destination.
- Bay View: The trendy South Side neighborhood in Milwaukee, known for its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and independent shops.
- Kinnickinnic Ave: The main thoroughfare of Bay View where Vanguard is centrally located.
- House-made Sausages: The core product and a point of pride, distinguishing Vanguard from standard quick-service spots.
- Craft Beer: A central component of the experience, offering a dozen tappers to uphold the "Beer and Brat" tradition.
- Scott Zajork: A key figure in the kitchen responsible for creating many of the innovative specialty sausages and sides.
- Chris Schulist & Jim McCann: Members of the ownership group, whose influence extends to other local ventures like a new-to-Milwaukee "listening lounge" concept, tying the restaurant to the area's music and culture scene.
- Milwaukee Eats: The broader category of food that Vanguard has elevated, moving beyond simple pub fare.
- Thai Dog: The signature dish that defines the restaurant’s creative boundary-pushing.
- Poutine & Loaded Fries: Examples of the "indulgent sides" that often accompany the main courses.
The Vanguard is more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural hub that celebrates Milwaukee’s culinary roots while embracing a spirit of innovation. By focusing on high-quality, house-made ingredients and creative flavor profiles, it has secured its place as one of the best and most unique dining experiences in the Bay View area. Whether you're craving a classic Bratwurst or the adventurous Thai Dog, a visit to 2659 S Kinnickinnic Ave promises a memorable meal.
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