Stopped in the Saturday of 4th of July weekend after a tour at Minhaus Brewery. The place was packed. We were told we'd only have a fifteen minute wait, but we ended up getting seated at the community table within a couple of minutes. Despite the foot traffic, our server was quick to come to our aid with water & take our drink orders. When he returned, he spent a few minutes going over his favorite menu items with us (per our request) & didn't put a fuss which was admirable considering how many tables he was waiting on. Our table of three ordered a small cheese plate to start. The cheese slice are thick, small squares. We got an assortment of 12 cheese pieces (3 each of swiss, cheddar & another one that I'm forgetting) plus four slices of salami. It was certainly enough to tide us over until our meal arrived a couple of minutes later. I ordered a swiss cheese sandwich & a bowl of the chili w/ all the fixings. Again the cheese was cut SUPER thick. It overpowered the sandwich a bit, but I didn't mind because I looove cheese :) The rye bread was super soft & delicious. The chili was a highlight; not too spicy & very tender. Despite the fact it was 85 & humid outside, the chili was a perfect lunchtime treat! My only regret? Not buying their homemade mustard sauce. It's available for sale & I thought about buying it but changed my mind at the last minute. Now I wish I'd picked up a bottle. It's super addicting & so perfect on top of cheese appetizers! Hopefully I can make a trip back to Baumgartner's when I'm in the Madison area this fall. read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - This chili is legen -- wait for it -- DAIRY ;) - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

My family and I have been coming to Baumgartner's for 10+ years now and we have nothing but sweet memories and full tummies when we leave!! To begin with, the prices are unbelievable. Almost everything on the menu is less than $10. Despite these incredibly cheap prices, the food is too die for!! The 2nd best chili could easily and should be the first! The soups that change daily are each delicious in their own right. Then when you move to the main course, each sandwich is simple but delightful in its own way!! In addition, their is an extensive beer selection ensuring that each person will find what they love! Not only is the food taste extremely flavorful for the low price, but the service is phenomenal! Our waiter met us with a smile each and every time he approached our table and never showed any hint of anger for our constant request of refills!! We love the dollar ceiling and the whole show put on when the dollars are throw up!! In all, highly recommended if you're in town or an hour away!! You will leave completely satisfied with a desire to return! read more

Ok, what the heck is with the cheese sandwiches? I didn't get the Limburger cheese on the sandwich because I was afraid, but from the other reviews maybe I should have. I heard about the cheese sandwich in a travel book and stopped here on the way to New Glarus. Thinking great imaginations of a lovely cheese sandwich in my mouth I ordered the sandwich with brick cheese and added soft salami while my friend ordered the hard salami. I was taken completely by surprise by the two hunks of cheese and salami thrown into a couple of rye bread slices and tossed on a paper plate. I guess I imagined it grilled or something and had to smother the sandwich in mustard to slide it down my gullet. So, disappointed in the food but the got some great cheese from the gift area. read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - View from the eating area to the cheese shop gift area. - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

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Visited Baumgartner's following the Minhas Brewery tour. I was buzzed and hungry for a cheese sandwich! We went early afternoon on a Saturday so there was quite a crowd (had to wait about 10 minutes for a table), but it was worth the wait! The atmosphere is great - I thoroughly enjoyed sitting at a long table in the back with some strangers. It felt so Euro! When in Monroe, you've gotta have the Limburger. It's definitely not for everyone and it absolutely reeks like stinky feet and really bad B.O. I have a love for stinky cheese but I have never tried anything as foul as Limburger. They know how to do it here -- Delicious rye bread, a nice chunk of Limburger and some red onions on top. They even serve it with an Andes mint and boy will you need it after! read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Half Swiss on rye, Half Limburger rye sammy served with an Andes mint. - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

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Every time we were in the area, we loved going here for the good, basic food and decent prices. After our last visit, we will not be returning. They bizarrely allow smoking at the tables on the sidewalk! Someone lit up at the table next to us. Disgusting. read more

My family and I traveled over 5 hours to attend the Monroe Cheese Days Festival, in particular Baumgartner's Cheese Store. Most would think this sounds absurd, but originally being from Green Bay, I'm pretty dedicated to cheese. I have to say, out of all the cheese experiences I've had growing up in Wisconsin, this is really one of the best. My sister-in-law's boyfriend is originally from Monroe, so we met up with him as he showed us the sights. He had nothing but great things to say about Baumgartner's. It's a shop straight out of Switzerland as soon as you walk in. You can see by all the pictures posted that they really care about authenticity. If you get the chance, try a Limburger cheese sandwich. The tip is to eat it with your mouth and not your nose. It's not for everyone obviously, but a memorable experience you'll appreciate. Fun fact: the entire US only has 1 plant that makes Limburger cheese and it's in Monroe. During Cheese Days, they had a band playing on the stage in the back of the shop and removed all the tables to host even more party goers. The atmosphere was so fun! While there, I ordered a Bloody Mary that came complete with a skewer of delicious cheese, salami, pickle, and an olive. For 5 dollars Id say this was a steal. I also had a swiss/salami sandwich complete with red onions. It was so simple, yet so delicious at the same time! If passing through Monroe, WI make sure that this is one of your stops. You won't regret it. read more

Disclaimer: I heart cheese. After taking a tour of the local brewery, we decided that we should take a trek to a local cheese and sandwich shop. The locals admittedly said it was touristy, but also said that they personally enjoy their treats. I wanted cheese, meat, more cheese, and maybe a beer. We ordered a cheese and salami plate, I ordered the corned beef on their signature rye, and a bowl if their "2nd best chili" (because mom's is best they say). This stuff was great, EXACTLY what I was expecting. I knew it would be a meaty/cheese filled cold cut with a simple chili side. With that in mind, it was all done to perfection. The atmosphere is fun, community tables encouraged- we had done great dining partners! read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Great chili, cheese plate, beer. What's better? - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

Good beers and soup but didn't have a lot of choices for food. The waiter was awesome and very energetic. Good place to stop in for a quick drink while shopping read more

Always love this place! Good food and beer options. Friendly staff. I love coming here everytime we are in town. If you haven't been before, definitely stop by and have the braunschweiger sandwich! read more

Amazing gem. Great quality food, knowledgeable staff, exceptional beer selection on tap! read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

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Kitschy little place. Was disappointed to learn they don't actually make their cheese. The menu is quite unique. Not being a fan of rye bread eliminated most all of the options for me. Staff was very friendly and the prices are good. No refills on soda, only served a can. Really cute town square. read more

Having gone here for nearly 50 years, it is now more tradition than anything. In the distant past the tables in the bar would be occupied by old men playing pinochle or other card games and drinking beer. Now the bar features local craft beers and the tourists pour in. But the cheese and braunschweiger sandwiches on rye are still great! The front sells cheese cut to order at semi-reasonable prices. The famous home-made stone ground mustard is in a tube-dispenser on the bar and on every table, and is available to purchase (quite reasonable). They offer a variety of local craft brews, and local cheeses. Basically a tavern that sells a few food items, but after all these years, they've got it right. I live in Rockford, and occasionally drive up to Monroe for a day trip. Get a sandwich and a beer, buy some cheese, walk around the Square (candy shop nearby) and stop at other local cheese shops. A great day trip! read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - The name says it all, a Cheese store in the front with a variety of cheeses, sausages and other stuff. Ancient bar in back - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

We visited this place on our road trip with our 3 pups. The weather allowed for us to sit outside and it was the perfect stopping place for us all. The server brought the dogs water and a little treat, was amazing and attentive and the atmosphere was nothing but welcoming. I had the chili and recommend 100%. My husband had the burger and said it was really good and the cheese was really strong. Since I'm not a cheese lover, I didn't try it so I can't comment on that. Overall, if you're coming through the area...STOP! I'd be surprised if you came away with a negative experience. read more

Great place, kind of an old European world deli meets new age hipster feel. Outstanding service and excellent food. Just go up to the front counter and tell them you're eating in and you'll be able to select your table. The menu is simple and great, something for everyone. Perfect soup and sandwich place. So delightfully deceptive - order a ham and cheese, and you're getting a great ham and cheese with cheese aged for years, ham locally sourced and lightly warmed, and home made mustard. If that's not enough, go to see the murals. We will be back! read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Fun and funky - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

Amazing place! And finally I found my perfect sandwich, it was Corn Beef with Tomato and Lettuce. The best sandwich I've ever eaten. Great atmosphere , friendly waiters and delicious food . read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

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The "Big Stinky", with thick slices of Limburger and Braunschweiger with onions, really lived up to its name. I've been wanting to try Limburger and I survived. I enjoyed the simple cheese plate and bought a jar of the sweet and hot mustard to take home. My husband really enjoyed his Reuben. A highlight was the super friendly service. If we're in this area again, we'd definitely return, but I would order the chili or a brat now that my Limburger curiosity has been satisfied. read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - The "Big Stinky", Limburger, Braunshweiger, and onions - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

Do not order the Italian Beef- salty sliced grissley beef? Not very tasty. And Not Italian beef. The Red Velvet cake-tasteless and dry. I'm glad there are other restaurants here so no one has to suffer here. Probably the best selection of beer. Maybe they should just have beer, potato chips and popcorn. Those items usually stand alone. read more

The staff was very friendly! The food was great! Stop here when you're passing through Monroe.

Who doesn't love cheese? What's better than cheese and brats? How about cheese and brats and beer? Yes, please. We drove up to Monroe just to have lunch at the Baumgartner Cheese Store. Yes, the front of the building really is a deli style cheese shop with limited seating in old wooden booths, but there is a much larger room in the back with a long bar and a lot more seating. The lighting is dark, and there are several flat screen televisions mounted above the bar, one next to a mounted Elk head. Behind the bar there is a beautifully painted, very intricate allegorical mural depicting a skirmish between a group of beer steins (possibly representing Germany?) and a group of wine bottles (the French?). The lighting is subdued (okay, it's dark) and the atmosphere in the back room is fun. I sat with my friends in a booth up front. I started my lunch with a Huber Bock, which I was told was brewed right here in Monroe, WI. It is a darker beer and full of flavor. I ordered the baked potato corn chowder to start. It contains large pieces of potato and yellow corn kernels have some crunch to them as if they had not sitting in the pot all day. Reddish meat (corned beef?) I also ordered the Pizza brat which consists of Italian sausage and pepperoni brat topped with caramelized onions, sweet bell peppers, and melted brick cheese. It was won-der-ful! One of the things about this restaurant that is quite unique is the ceiling, or at least what is ON the ceiling. Customers can't help but notice that there are twisted dollar bills stuck everywhere on the very high ceiling. The mystery is HOW the dollar bills got up there, and I'm not breaking the vow of secrecy to tell you how it is done. And, no, it's not something as simple as climbing up a ladder. If you want to find out, all you have to do is donate a dollar (or two) and they will demonstrate for you how they get them up there. Believe me, the show is worth the donation. The ceiling is pretty well covered, so the question arises "What happens to all that money?" I'm glad you asked! Every other year, in even years, the City of Monroe holds a biannual Cheesedays Celebration in the Courthouse Square. In those years, the Baumgartner employees take all the money down and donate it to charity. Last year, in 2012, it took employees over six hours to take all of the money down and they donated it all, over $8,000, to charity - specifically the Humane Society and the Theater Society. Next year, in 2014, they will be adding the Habitat for Humanity charity and they are hoping to raise over $10,000. http://www.cheesedays.com/ I started talking with a lady from Wisconsin and an employee that told me quite a bit about the history of Baumgartners. It opened in 1931 and was sold by John Huber in 2005 to two brothers from Freeport, IL. Part of the agreement was that they wouldn't make any significant changes to the establishment and they've stuck to it. This woman told me about how even though she lives several hours away, she visits here quite often and she even held her father's wake here because it was his favorite place. Baumgartner's is a wonderful little treasure with a fun atmosphere and great food. And, hey, you can buy some fancy cheese to take home with you. read more

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If you're in the Southern Wisco area (or not) you have to stop here and have a beer! Not only will they fulfill your beer needs, they also have a cheese counter so you can stock up on your favorite cheeses. Baumgartners can also ship your cheese to your final destination (or to your friends/family) which is a bonus if you're traveling from far away. So stop in and have a cheese sandwich or cheese curds and some Berghoff. You'll be treated like a regular and you won't want to leave :) While you are sipping your brew take a look around at the silly signs, and don't forget to look up at the ceiling! An added bonus is Cheese Days (3rd weekend in Sept of even numbered years) and they are always packed to the max at this place. read more

I'm in LOVE with Baumgartner's and I really wish we had something as awesome as this in Chicago. I'm actually kinda glad that this particular establishment is not in Chicago though because honestly, we'd ruin a place like this. We popped in here on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and it was slammed...and rightfully so. The food is delicious. The prices are right. The staff is awesome. The beer is great. This place is fun! The food is delicious: YES! I had a bowl of 2nd best chili and I kinda thought it was the 1st best chili. Don't sell yourself short, Baumgartner's...it's fantastic! My guy had a brat, and I'm not a brat girl but I tried it anyways...Holy moly it was perfect! We also ended up getting a cheese platter (swiss, cheddar, brick, salami, and crackers) and it was huge. The sauces that accompany the cheese platter are to die for. I'm a huge fan of the spicy sweet. The prices are right: For proof, check out the menu https://baumgartnercheese.com/menu I think there are a couple things that are not on the menu that you can order. If I remember correctly, two of the wonderful people that we were there with ordered tuna sandwiches. The staff is awesome: Our tatted up server was super quick, super friendly, and pretty damn humorous. She's also got quite the arm when it comes to throwing money up at the ceiling with tacks. The beer is great: They server locally brewed beer... Spotted Cow! This place is fun: The have a whole buncha board games for people to play while they're eating. They throw money up to the ceiling (for a local charity, if I heard correctly). I'll come back every single time I'm visiting the area. read more

Five stars just for the mural over the bar depicting the battle between beer and wine. Five stars for the mural in the women's restroom showing beer catapulting hunks of Limburger cheese at the wine. Five stars for a great bar atmosphere, even to a non bar aficionado. Five stars for a great Limburger cheese and onion sammie, complete with complementary wafer thin mint. If you're in Monroe, you gotta go. read more

I'd never go back to Monroe again... If it weren't for Baumgartners Cheese Tavern! This place ROCKS! A nice beer and a Limburger & Onions sandwich- the #1 best reason to find your way to Monroe- you won't be sorry! read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

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A Wisconsin landmark, Baumgartner's is a must-see for anyone who loves: cheese, beer, Wisconsin history, or any combination thereof. My family has been going here as long as I can remember, and the place hasn't changed much since my earliest memories. It's tucked away in an unassuming corner of Monroe's town square. You can buy local cheese and beer at the front, but the real action is in the back, under the sign that reads, "past these doors are the world's finest cheese sandwiches." Be sure to check out the mural of Switzerland that includes all kinds of demographic information (including the religious makeup of each county) and the mural above the bar picturing an epic battle of beer steins! If you're hungry, cheese sandwiches are the staple here - my favorite is the combination brick and sausage, with lots of mustard. For the bravehearted, try the Swiss Apple - limburger and onion! Their "second best" chili is also a great choice for a winter evening. Finish it all off with a Berghoff beer, which is brewed locally at the Huber Brewery. The crowd is friendly and the place can be full on weekends. My only complaint: the bar can be very smoky. read more

My husband and I found this little place completely by accident. The reviews looked good so we gave it a try. I ordered the "second best chili" and a brick cheese sandwich, and my husband went with the potato corn chowder and roast beef sandwich with three cheeses melted, along with brewery fresh root beer. The chili was the best I've ever had in my life, and I still have dreams about the stuff. The sandwiches might look simple, but they are beyond delicious. Add some of their homemade brown mustard and prepare for one of the best meals of your life. We devoured our meals and even ordered desert: pumpkin cheesecake and Oreo cheesecake, which we shared between us, and we nearly licked the plates. The atmosphere is charmingly German/Swiss in style, and while simple, the food was spectacular. Add the awesome service, and you have an epic meal adventure. We will be back!! read more

Great pit stop when driving through southern WI. We had the cheese plate and two 8oz beers from the local breweries. Dollar fifty a piece. NICE. Not bad, though nothing to write home about. Great Swedish facade in front, similar to other stores in the rest of the Monroe Square, surrounding the picture-perfect courthouse. The interior is open, with high ceilings covered in dollar bills. ??? Murals and cover the space on the wall that is not covered in memorabilia. Obviously they are very proud of their heritage and their cheese. Nice, and knowledgeable staff. Our waiter, John, gave a few travel tips, places to avoid/visit. If you are ever in Monroe, make it a point to visit. I hear they have fantastic cheese sandwiches. read more

(Back in January, I set out on a road trip from the Twin Cities to Toledo, Ohio. I decided to make it a culinary trip, visiting six restaurants between St. Paul and Chicago. I tweeted reviews at the time in 140 characters or less, but here is a more extensive review) "Limburger cheese and onion sandwich. Smells. A lot. Tolerable. Paired well with brown mustard. Creamy, complex flavor. 3/5" After 3 stops along the main I90/94 corridor, I take the beaten path to Monroe. The foodie in me is curious about a peculiar type of cheese here ... the infamous Limburger. And this was the place to get a whiff of it. In case you don't know, Lumburger has been compared to well ... smelly feet. The smell is so strong that it has been used to attract mosquitos carrying malaria in Africa, with some success. But I like a challenge, and a limburger sandwich was up my alley. So what does a limburger sandwich consist of? Two slices of rye, a thick slice of limburger, and a thick slice of raw onion. The server recommended I pair it with their brown mustard, which was a good call. The mustard was great, and complemented the creaminess of the cheese and the crunchiness of the onion. Gosh I don't want to know what my breath was like afterwards. I nearly finished it, but the smell was too strong in the end. I probably got through 3/4 of it. A surprising find here though was the super good chili they served. Also as a cheese store, I had some of the best aged cheddar anywhere. It was a 5 year aged cheddar that had good flavor, still creamy instead of crumbly. I parted the store with a 1/2 lb block for $5. Not bad. No, I did not part with limburger cheese. As much as I appreciated the complex flavor, I can't get past the smell. Who knows, maybe a plate of limburger cheese paired with the durian fruit served with Taiwanese stinky tofu will be popular someday. At least I can say I've tried all the above... read more

This place is the real deal. If you are looking for fancy, keep looking. If you wasn't a simple sandwich, most with cheese, and a great Wisconsin beer, this is your place. If you don't have a good time here, you have a personality disorder. P. S.... Try a Limburger, red onion and horseradish mayo sandwich. P. P. S.. Spotted cow! read more

This place is a novelty. The decor is totally adorable and folksy. The sandwiches are exactly what you're picturing, a slab of cheese between two slices of room temperature bread. As a Wisconsinite, I thought the cheese was good but far from great. Beer selection was decent, bloody mary was good. Service was not good but I think that was the idea, sort of European, stand-off-ish-ness. It was also loud (at lunch). This restaurant is something to see but not a place I'd visit twice. read more

Not only was the food super good, but the service was phenomenal. Jon served us with the utmost respect and chivalry. With an upbeat personality he described the specials and all the ingredients that went into things we asked about, including beers. We ordered a variety of burgers and sandwiches. All members of our party were impressed by the quality and service associated with our plates. A cozy and welcoming environment greets you as soon as you open the door. I highly recommend this truly local and fairly priced establishment! beer is good and cheap which makes it even better :-) read more

Greetings from Miami! I visited in late May with dad and brother on day trip. Perfect 'Sconsin fix. The decor, the vibe, the menu could not have asked for more on a quick trip "Home". You must go if in the area - if I lived within an hour drive I would go monthly! Hope to be back ;-) read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

This sandwich shop was incredible!!! Just what we wanted on our drive during these trying times :-)

Nice service. Sandwich was a little lean on pastrami. Root beer was very good. Glass bigger than needed.

Old school deli and tavern. Went for lunch after the Minhas tour. We had reuben sandwiches and beer for lunch. We did not summon the nerve to try the limburger sandwich. Next time, I would try the braunschweiger on rye, that looked awesome..... They do have a good selection of beers on tap, we had a German hefeweizen (Paulaner?) and they have some local beers like New Glarus Spotted Cow.... I don't know if they have a beer sampler? That would be good for us beer tourists..... read more

This place is so cool! I saw this place featured on the Travel Channel and since I was in town visiting my sister, I had to stop by. My mom and I went up to the bar, we got ourselves a couple of drinks and ordered the cheese platter and bowl of chili. The chili is BOMB! You can totally tell is homemade and fresh. I loved the cheese platter and different mustards and crackers we got with it. I wish I can remember the name of the lady that helped us but she was very sweet as well as everyone else in the store. If you're a cheese lover like me, definitely a fun place just to have some cheese and alcohol! read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Small cheese platter: brick, mild cheddar, Swiss, salami. Rum and coke. Some sort of beer my mom got. The mustards taste so good - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

This place is great. It was my first time in Monroe and I was on a mission to find Limburger cheese. Limburger is only produced at one factory in the whole of the US and that factory is near Monroe. The interior is really beautiful and the service was quick, nice, and too the point. Not too much schmoozing to get a big tip. Plus, the prices and the beer selection can't be beat! They made me a custom Limburger sandwich and I'm still kicking myself that I didn't bring home ten pounds of the stuff. If you're driving through WI take the time and stop at Baumgartner's. You won't be disappointed. read more

This place is a hallmark of the Monroe community. It was great to see people throwing down a few beverages on a weekday afternoon. The place was buzzing and the service was excellent. We came merely to try out one of the cheese sandwiches. I tried the brick on rye, and that's exactly what it is, a huge slab of cheese on rye bread. My kids were astonished, but when you had that fresh stone ground mustard, it really takes a cheese sandwich to a whole different level. We also had the garden Vegi soup which was also good. Overall, this place has a great atmosphere and excellent service. If you want a beer in the middle of the day and some damn good cheese sandwiches, this is the place to be. read more

Terrific bar good chili beer and sandwiches. Take some cheese home you won't regret it. read more

Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern - Menu - Cheese Shops Near Me - Monroe, Wisconsin

This was on my list of must-do places while on vacation in the driftless area. It was just as advertised: nothing fancy, just good sandwiches at reasonable prices. I had limburger and salami on rye - my first taste of limburger - and it was great. Service was OK, but a little relaxed. Had the server suggested soup or a side, I probably would have ordered. Waited for our bill while the server chatted with another customer. read more

Excellent place for lunch! we had beer on tap, cheese freshly cut, and one of their homemade soups. (from which they had half a dozen to choose from) The real winner here is the service and the atmosphere. we had a great time looking at the walls filled with signs and murals, watching staff throw dollars on the ceiling, and cheese tasting. we will definitely be back! read more