If you're anywhere near Prairie du Chien, Pete's Hamburger Stand is worth the stop. It isn't a gourmet burger loaded with toppings--it's the complete opposite. The menu is simple, the burgers are unique, and the history is part of the experience. The onion-poached burgers are juicy, packed with flavor, and somehow the simplicity is what makes them so memorable. The sweet, soft bun and perfectly cooked onions just work. You may have to wait in line, but that's part of the charm of a place that's been doing things the same way for over a century. If you're expecting fries, cheese, or endless customization, this probably isn't your place. But if you appreciate local legends, nostalgic roadside food, and burgers with a story, Pete's absolutely delivers. I've been going here since I was a kid. It was my grandfathers fave. read more

Let me start of by saying this is a try. The burger is a hand patti thick burger cooked in onions and onion water. The burger has a natural flavor not over flavored and the onions are sweet. Give it a try while in PDC. read more

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We read that Pete's Hamburger is the oldest burger stand n Wisconsin, so we had to give it a try. When we arrived, there was already a long line with 15 people, and we waited about 35-40 minutes. It's just one gentleman boiling the burgers, and with some people ordering half a dozen at a time, things move slowly. There was no shade while waiting under the hot sun, it might be a good idea to wear a cap. The menu is as simple as it gets: burgers with or without onions, about $6 each and roughly slider-sized. Condiments are limited to mustard and ketchup, and they also sell canned drinks. There are a few small tables and chairs nearby if you want to eat right away. Overall, it was worth trying once for its history and classic Wisconsin charm. read more

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We were hiking at Wyalusing State Park and learned that Pete's hamburger stand was only a 20-minute drive away, so we decided to stop by for lunch. We arrived around noon on a Saturday and waited in line for about 20 minutes. There's no shade while you wait, so plan accordingly especially in summer! Parking is free and fairly easy to find on the street. It was a bit confusing when we arrived, as there are two windows on opposite sides of the stand and no clear signage indicating where to order. Turns out, you can order from either window. The operation is run out of a small shed with four people working inside. One person was boiling the burger patties, another was taking orders at the window near candy company, a third was at the opposite window, and a fourth was handling payments. The menu is simple: burgers with or without onions, and three condiments--ketchup, mustard, and spicy mustard. Each burger is $6.50, and they do accept credit cards. As for the burger itself, it was okay. The meat didn't seem seasoned, but it wasn't dry thanks to the boiling method. The bun was basic, and the burger size was slightly larger than a slider. Personally, I think it's a bit pricey for what you get, but considering the stand has been around since 1909, they clearly have a loyal following. Overall, I'm glad we gave it a try--it's always fun to experience a bit of local food history. read more

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I drove 3 hours to try these burgers. I bought 6 and wish I had more. Planning on making another road trip soon.

Family owned unique spot. A queue forms, so they are popular. Really enjoyed the first burger.after taking two bite from the second burger, I saw pink. Not medium rare pink, but uncooked hamburger pink. Not going back. read more

Cute novelty stop but the burgers were a miss for my family and I stopping through. We should've asked for salt and pepper to add some flavor as it definitely needed something. They boil their burgers which is a new one for us Florida people. Staff was sweet but don't ask for cheese or they'll look at you like you're crazy even though we're in Wisconsin! We appreciate the longevity of the business and enjoyed some family time. The surrounding area is super cute to walk around and beautiful landscaping. Stop through if you're close but I wouldn't make a special trip. read more

Pete's Hamburgers - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

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Must try place if you're in the area! These little burger bites of heaven will change your life. There is something about the melty onions and sweet buns that just make this burger addictive !!! I suggest 1-2 per person depending on how hungry you are. read more

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Pete's Hamburger Stand is a Wisconsin institution that started in 1909. They have been open for 116 years and clearly they are doing something right. Check out the videos on YouTube to learn more about the interesting history. But ya'll are here for the burger review. The stand is very simple. The burgers are cooked along with very thinly cut onions on a griddle in a pool of water. Basically, they are boiled. When you order your telling them how many burgers you want and if you want onions. The available toppings are onions (both cooked and raw) ketchup, yellow mustard, and a brown mustard with horseradish. No cheese. Beyond that you can grab a drink and a bag of chips. Very simple. The was a nice burger flavor to the boiled burger but I needed to add the raw onions to increase the onion flavor on mine. Overall it was worth the trip to experience this one of a kind regional burger. Staff was super polite and friendly. Go support a small business that has been open 116 years. It is an experience and burger that you will not find anywhere else. read more

Pete's Hamburgers - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

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Passing through town and found this stand. Oldest hamburger stand in Wisconsin. I read somewhere that the family opened it in 1909. These mini boiled burgers come one of two ways - with or without onions. The beef is boiled with tons of onions on the side which give the burgers their rich flavor. The only toppings are ketchup and yellow or brown mustard. Keeping it simple and flavorful. A definite stop when in town. read more

Caught opening weekend for 2025! The shack is as cute and efficient as I imagined. Owners and staff were friendly and nearly as happy to see me as I was to be able to taste these juicy morsels of meat. Quick efficient prep and wrap with toppings of your choice. Best quick service burger I can recall in ages. Thank you Joe's family! read more

Old fashioned hamburger stand, great service, juicy burgers, good prices. Less than a dollar for a postcard, couple bucks for a koozie.

Very friendly employees who work really hard to move through the line. The burgers are just ok. Some seasoning would really go a long way because the patty was on the bland side, bordering dry. Two ways to order your burger: with and without [onions]. Go with the onions or you'll be left with a really basic, kinda tasteless patty. Ketchup; yellow or brown mustard are also available. It was a fun thing to try while in PdC during a summer weekend but I'm not likely to try it again. read more

Driving through town with a friend we passed by Pete's. My friend mentioned he was amazed there was no line (this was around 4pm on a Friday). Wanting to take advantage of this luck, we stopped, parked and walked up to the window. Burgers - this is the item this placed has served since 1908 and still serves today. Simplicity, I love it. Wow, this burger was one of the best burgers I have ever had. Thick patty, onions that are grilled alongside the meat and just caramelized to sweet perfection. Add a little ketchup and brown mustard and you have one tasty fucking burger! The onions and ketchup make it taste similar to a sloppy joe, but I promise you Friends, it is so much better. I am really glad I got the chance to try this place. I don't know the next time I will be back because I live out of state, but...if I ever do make it back out to visit, trust me... I am coming for ya! read more

Pete's Hamburgers - Burger with ketchup, onions and brown mustard - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

Pete's has fast service, kind people, and great burgers. They keep it simple which I never expected to love, but after living in Tennessee, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana I gotta say this burger is the only one I would drive 40 minutes for. read more

My Petes Hamburger Stand Review. For over 100 years, 112 to be exact as of this year, Pete's Hamburger Stand has been opening Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, summers only, to sell their unique hamburgers to a hungry public. Why unique? Because they are BOILED. But in the interest of accurately, I think "simmered" (in water) is more accurate. Also swimming in that water on the flattop? A gajillion pieces of sliced onion. The menu is as basic as a food seller can get. Hamburger. Canned soda. Chips. End of story. My pic at the top shows a burger without onion on the left, with on the right. There are a modest number of condiments available. $5.00 for each smash burger. And worth it. And worth the drive, from where ever you are, because Prairie du Chien, WI is not on the way to or from anywhere! read more

Pete's Hamburgers - Pete's "boiled" burgers,one with onions, one not - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

When I learned about this place, I knew we had to make a trip out to Prairie du Chien just to try these hamburgers, and I'm sure glad we did. They've been around since 1909 and it's no wonder why they've been around for so long. They are open from April to October and only on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays and you will need to find street parking. I would definitely categorize their burgers as a Wisconsin regional specialty, and a must try. What sets their burgers apart is the method used to cook their patties. Water is added to the flattop as the patties and onions are cooking, hence it produces their signature "boiled" burgers. As the onions are cooking, the onion-y flavors spread throughout the cooking liquid which then gets soaked up by the patties. This results in a moist, tender, and flavorful hamburger patty. The prepared hamburger patty is then sandwiched between a white bun. You can order "with" or "without" onions, but I highly recommend with ordering it "with." Condiments are simple, you get a choice of ketchup, yellow mustard, or brown mustard. I wouldn't say this was the best burger I've ever had, but I would definitely say these were very tasty burgers (I did end up eating 2.5 burgers after all). I would definitely visit Prairie due Chien again just for these burgers alone. Highly recommend! read more

Pete's Hamburgers - a hamburger with onions and cheese - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

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What a great find in this small town along the Mississippi. Pete's only sells burgers with lots of fried onions. The buns are soft and nice and fresh. When we arrived mid afternoon the line to order was long but the 30 minute wait was well worth it. Burgers are made fresh while you wait. The toppings are ketchup, yellow or brown mustard. They also have chips and soft drinks. There is no seating area so we took our burgers to Sawmill Saloon just down the street and enjoyed our burgers and a cold beer. Well worth the effort. Highly recommend Pete's when you are in the area. read more

Pete's Hamburgers - Pete's burger stand. - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

I planned a road trip specifically around a visit to Pete's Hamburger Stand, so I could more easily justify the 3 1/2-hour drive there. I finally arrived and was excited to sink my teeth into the two burgers I ordered, one plain (so I could taste the patty) and one with grilled onions (because duh!). The bun to burger patty ratio was fine, and the bun itself was fine, but the patty reminded me of dry and bland cube steak. Overall, the burgers were just ok, and barely that. Maybe it was a bad day, but after 110 years in business, I have to think they have stuff figured out with training employees on how to cook a burger, considering that is all they make. They were only open 10 or 15 minutes when I arrived, so I should have had one of the better burgers that day. At any rate, I'm happy to cross it off the bucket list, but sad that the burgers disappointed. I wish them continued success, nonetheless. read more

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OK - been there, done that. It's a really cute, quaint hamburger stand that is, to me, a must-stop if you are ever in Prairie du Chien, just to say you did. They keep it simple and straightforward. You get 2 choices; a boiled burger with or without boiled onions. Service was fast and friendly, lines were OK on a Friday afternoon at 1:30, people were taking pictures of the stand, the aroma was enticing. The burgers themselves were as advertised: boiled meat. They lacked seasoning and flavor. I ate most of mine, hubby just couldn't do it as the texture did not appeal to him. Our verdict? Glad we did it but it will be our only visit. read more

IT WAS AMAZING! probably one of the best burgers I've ever had, been in town a lot and finally wanted to try it. The juices are perfect the flavors are amazing with the ketchup and mustard. I will be back read more

Probably the worst "burger" I've ever experienced. No flavor to speak of whatsoever in the patty itself. Because there's no seasoning? It's like they cook the burger in a washing machine. Service is alright but that's all, the food isn't even worth a mention. It sucks. 0 stars, place should have been out of business 100 years ago with food this poor. read more

It's Pete's, for Pete's sake! Ya' gotta go! Only open on weekends, Pete's serves up boiled hamburgers to the waiting masses from a stand that's been open for 100 years. There's probably some French fur trapper that remembers Pete's, since this is Prairie du Chien! It was our first time so the polite high school helper let us know it's "with" or "without" in reference to fried onions on your burger. I got one "with" and also one with raw onions, cuz that's how I roll. They're put together right in front of you, and you'll also be asked if you want ketchup, yellow or brown mustard, salt and pepper. The burger was good! Wish I had also asked for S/P, since it could have used a little seasoning, but it reminded me of the Zip Packs that we make when camping- convection cooking! Sure there are lines on each side, but what else are you doing in Prairie that you're apparently in such a big hurry? (I'll wait...tap tap tap tap...) It's Pete's! read more

Pete's Hamburgers - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

I have gone there a handful if times, and every time they have been super to order from and they're food is amazing!!

It was pretty gross. It tasted like.... A welfare burger and was over 6 dollars when I could have eaten a boiled welfare burger with onions at home provided I didn't ha e any seasoning at all... It would have tasted the same. I do not recommend the hamburgers. Sowwwwwey. read more

Pete's Burgers was recommended highly by Iowa locals! We crossed over into Wisconsin for shopping and had to stop by and get a burger! So moist and juicy! Needed nothing but ketchup! Highly recommend if you're stopping by! read more

Pete's Hamburgers - people standing outside of a restaurant - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

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Took a bit of an East-West Coast Wisconsin road-trip this past Saturday and ended up cruising through Prairie du Chien. I stayed on the Hwy 18, so I originally missed the downtown turn. Made a quick turnaround just north of downtown and then stumbled past Pete's Hamburger stand. What a fantastic find! It reminds me a bit of Wedl's in Watertown,WI. But rather than a little shack, they have what looks like a modified Airstream hut. Without looking at a menu, I ordered a cheeseburger, chips and a can of Coke. I quickly found out why it's called Pete's HAMBURGERS, not Pete's Cheeseburgers! So a plain hamburger with a dollop of ketchup, a bag of chips and a can of Coke it was.... My burger was great! Nice and moist patty inside a simple white bun. Just enough ketchup for a little flavor too. I highly recommend stopping at Pete's Hamburger stand when in town. I wish it were a tad closer to home! read more

This is a tradition in Prairie du Chien, WI. Location is right in the Main Street, handy that it's located right across the street from the largest selection of New Glarus Brewery products...Spotted Cow is a must have! We enjoyed the burgers...traditional with onions, ketchup and mustard. Buns are soft (a good thing). Cost is very favorable at only $6 a piece. The burgers are juicy and have good flavor. We walked down to the local bar and sat in their outdoor patio and drank a few Spotted Cows. read more

I was glad to finally get to this place that is something of a novelty in Wisconsin. But it was generally a disappointment. I get that they just want to sell a simple burger but their burgers are fairly small and not especially flavorful. I saw them on Outdoor Wisconsin some time back and thought I should at least stop by here to see what it is all about. Not much, it turns out. read more

We just learned about the place. It's been open for 111 years. I doubt I can say anything that trumps what the scores of other people have. I would just say that the burger was sumptuous dripping with juice it's messy and it's fabulous. Go with the onions and the horseradish mustard or go traditional catchup and mustard and onions. Regardless, stop reading the reviews and get in line. read more

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Eh. Nice venue downtown, perhaps needs some picnic tables? Meatball burgers, with or without raw or fried onions. $6 for a burger. Nothing special. You probably make better tasting burgers on your backyard grill. Novelty, nothing more than that. read more

Great food burgers were great the place has been around for years great staff working there

We came here on the 110th anniversary. The lines were extremely long, but it was well worth the wait! The menu is limited on what you can put on your burger, but there's a reason for that. Don't complain about it or try to mess it up. There is no cheese, so get over it. I ordered my burger with onions, salt, pepper, ketchup, and both mustards. The spicy mustard is a must! They cook the patties with the onions and smash them to submerge them under the liquid to "boil" them. The patty is meatloaf-like but very juicy and delicious. They have been in business a long time and do things a certain way, but don't fix it if it isn't broken. Pete's is definitely worth checking out! read more

Pete's Hamburgers - The grill with the smashed burgers and onions - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

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I cannot drive through, or near, Prairie du Chien without a stop at this wonderful place! For over 100 years, people have been lining up in Prairie du Chien to buy one or more of Pete's famous hamburgers. Although this place is not on the National Register of Historic Places, it might as well be. There isn't a person in town who doesn't know about Pete's. While shooting photos of downtown Prairie du Chien, I was approached by the previous year's Carp Queen (don't ask) who was genuinely surprised that I have never heard of Pete's, let alone had one of Pete's famous burgers. The smell of cooking burgers and onions filled the entire downtown area, leading me to the little stand like Popeye to a can of spinach. The burgers are served only two ways - with and without - and that means onions. Even though Prairie du Chien is in America's Dairyland, cheese is not available on Pete's burgers and trust me, there is no need. The buns are soft and delicious, especially baked locally for Pete's. I was told that people come to Prairie du Chien just to have burgers at Pete's and after sampling the magic sandwich, I can understand why. Next time you're in western Wisconsin or eastern Iowa, a trip to Pete's is in order! read more

This is one of the times when nostalgia has steered me right. In a little hut in downtown Prairie du Chien lies a little piece of yesteryear. They have been cooking burgers here for over 100 years. While not the best burger I have ever eaten, Pete's burgers have a taste and texture that's unique. Not unique as in Aunt Gertie's doily collection, but unique in "I have never had a burger quite like this and I really like it". The closest thing I guess is a White Castle Slider, only this one tastes good and has a thickness measured in centimeters not angstroms. It was almost an inch think and melted in my mouth. Toppings are simple ketchup and your choice of yellow/brown mustard. Onions are optional, but recommended. Its carryout only and cash only so be prepared. read more

Pete's Hamburgers - Pete's - nom nom nom - Burgers Near Me - Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

Alot of history for this little familiy operated burger stand smack dab downtown. Served HOT, moist and juicy "with or without' onions Burgers are simmered in a thin layer of water next to "Piles" of slow cooked steamed onions. A fantastic aroma! People line up along the sidewalk for the limited menu of hamburgers, no cheese, pop chips and water. Thats It! There is a reason why people wait in line to bite into this steaming hot meaty covered "witt" onion wrapped in grease covered waxed paper delivered in a small clear protective tote with extra napkins.....ahhh. 'Its worth it! read more

I heard the rumor of the place having a line. So if you see a line you know it's good. The burger had lots of flavor and was worth the wait. Downside is there isn't a place to eat really. But downtown streets are beautiful and times less so there are benches around. read more

Great burgers if you can stand to stand in a line for awhile its worth it. Loose meet burgers served with chips and a pop!!

I really wanted to love the burger. The lines are always long so I figured they'd be amazing. I can only assume the lines are because its iconic and have been around for over 100 years. However, I'm a true Wisconsinite and LOVE cheese. They don't offer it. Even with everything they offer (onions, condiments, etc), I still found the burger to be good, but lacking of the "its amazing" factor. read more

We come here a few times n summ just love the burgers n onions! Best burger around n enjoy eating them at park n having been doing this for over 16 years now! Cant find a better burger or beat the price! Bun so soft n we get lots of onions on them too read more