This place must be tried to be believed. If you’ve never been here, go sooner rather than later, they’re not year-round. The burgers are clearly hand-formed and substantial, no highly processed pre-formed “meat”. They open at 11am and close when they run out of burgers. How rare is that?! Speaking of rare, the meat is always cooked through (food safety), but never dry. Bonus-great customer service, always nice! Do check the prices online before you go, and be ready for a sticker shock. $5.00 (+ tax) for an approximately 1/2 lb. cheeseburger. Cash only. You read that right.

Juicy cheeseburger. Huge burgers for price. Order at window. No inside dining as of this date. Had cheese, fried onions and ketchup on burger. Good tasting beef. Boyfriend tried a hot dog and he said it was very good. Size was good. Hope they keep selling them. Cash only. They close early too. Malts good too!

Local classic! Good old honest burgers and crinkle cut fries! Chase it all down with a frozen treat! Beats Micky Ds any day of the week.

Night Owl Drive In: This local gem has been family owned and operated since 1948. Early in its existence it was indeed a drive in and it was open late into the night (hence the name). Today it’s no longer a true drive in and the hours are approximately 11:00am-3:00pm (they close when they sell out of burgers). For those of you not from the MKE area it is conveniently located within eye-site of our airport. Less convenient is that it is only open from March-November (but what kind of a nut vacations in WI in the winter?!). Although I grew up in the area this was my first visit and I have to say I was impressed. The first thing I noticed was how heavy my cheeseburger was, definitely a hefty sandwich (it took up my whole medium sized plate). I ordered mine with pickles, onions, and cheese (at home I added ketchup, mayo, and lettuce because I’m picky about my condiments). Night Owl did not skimp on the pickles, onions, or cheese (looked like two slices). I was also given plenty of napkins. It was obvious the beef was fresh and it was also flavorful and juicy. The bun was lightly toasted & buttered and also soft and chewy. Speaking of bun, the bun to meat ratio was also fantastic, no “Big Mac syndrome” here (too much bun and not enough beef). This was a great tasting burger and you can’t beat the price of just $5. Doughboy approved*Pro tip, avoid the wait by calling in your order. Also be aware that it is cash only.My Top MKE Burgers:1. Oak Barrel Public House: Wiscoburger2. AJ Bombers: The Big Boy Tribute3. Night Owl tied with Kopp’s (I think I would have to have them side by side to declare a winner, both very good and affordable)Doughboy_Food_Reviews

I will never get a double again. Nothing wrong with the burger it was fantastic i just have leftovers still days later. Lol..

Please know first that this is a CASH ONLY establishment. Please dont be rude to them when they refuse your card. There is no real inside seating. You order your meal and you back away from the window into a parking lot. With everybody else.The food is delicious. Nothing fancy, but thats what makes it great is you know what youre going to get. Theyre cold desserts are sweet and delicious.

Make sure you get there early!!! They sometimes run out of food. They only get so much daily. Crazy but true. A true staple of Milwaukee drive-in style food. You must visit this location. It is a seasonal treat so dont miss out!! Look online for their menu.

I want to tell people to never go here but thats only because the line would be longer for their FABULOUS burgers. Theyre giant and so tasty. Definitely worth the wait. Hint: Call ahead for faster pick-up. Can definitely see why they won Best Burger in Milwaukee from Milwaukee Magazine.

Im still giving a five star but on this day the buns were on the dry side perhaps day old. The rest of the burger was as delicious as ever.

Love this place been going since I was a kid. Hours are wack! But I understand the owners are semi retired.

My favorite place to get a good burger. Cheeseburger with fried onions. Cash only. Been going there since I was a kid

What can I say? Best burger anywhere. Would still be nice to eat in the classic dining room again though

Finally had cash when they were open, yay! Cheeseburger and fries took awhile but they were pretty busy, and the food was very good. Standing in the shade was iffy because the garbage and bees are there.

This place definitely did not live up to the hype. The ice cream (butter pecan) tasted like the freezer. The burger was soggy and tasteless. The onion rings were greasy. Would not recommend.

Always a great burger and fries. Service is quick and burgers are juicy.

If you know, you know. Got there just before they sold out for the day. Fantastic burgers: huge, juicy, crumbly, tender beef. Get the onion rings, their batter is magic, great crunch, not heavy.

A great old fashioned sandwich shop. A nice small menu but everything is always well made. Dont let the name do you, they are never open at night!

The food is great the hours, days,and sessions that are open is tricky it might be open or not but take a chance if its open you will be happy

Had a double cheeseburger and the chicken club both were phenomenal food portions are huge A+

The best burgers!!! And a banana shake that is so good you would think that theres a banana tree in back!! Get there early because once they sell out of their fresh ground beef, they close for the day!!

Everything you want in a big messy burger. Plenty of gooey cheese, thick patty, not scrimping on toppings. Not impressed by the fries but the onion rings definitely get the seal of approval.

Its difficult enough working around a place that closes at 3 pm every day but getting there about 30 minutes before closing and there was nobody to be found. A few cars in the lot but the entrance was closed. A sign said closed indefinitely yet I drove past a few days ago and saw a line there. What gives? Either stay open as your schedule says or dont. This place is just a nightmare to get to. And did I mention its cash only??? Unless thats changed... talk about not wanting business. Oh well guess I wont be seeing what all the hype is about lol. If you plan to make a trip out here just dont. Youre wasting time and gas.

Love this place. Burgers are delicious, malts were good too. Great nostalgia on the walls.Update July 27, 2021 - Dining room is closed, but burgers and chocolate malts are still yummy!

They have the best burgers in town

Best burgers in Milwaukee. Chocolate malts are good too.

Been coming here since I was a kid. Terrific food at a fair price. Onion rings are out of this world good. Nite Owl is a place to come alone or bring the whole family. One of the best places to get a burger and ice cream.

Some say the best burger in the city. Very debatible, its up there. Get there early!!!

Love! Love! Love the Nite Owl! So many memories. And today I brought friends.Oh and the Burgers!

Food was ok. But prepared hastily and not worth the price.

Delicious food. But CASH ONLY for those who dont know already. Totally worth the trip to the ATM and then some.

Surely not like it used to be 10 years ago used to be quality food not any more burger King is better!!

A staple of the community. Always excellent food and as usual expect to wait, every order is made on demand until they run out of product for the day.

Mushroom Swiss is the way to go!

Granted this is only the second time that I have been there. And its been a long time since the first time I went. Made some friends with a Brazilian couple and told them about night owl. They absolutely loved it. Awesome burgers hands down. The service was awesome to very patient with the Brazilian lady. We were all well impressed. I do recommend this place.

So much hype, but the truth is....it’s really not that good. The burgers were bland and the ice cream was melted upon receiving it. I’m very disappointed.

Great burgers and shakes. Made to order, all fresh ingredients. Milwaukee tradition.

Good malts. @niteowl...it is your call to sell unseasoned meatloaf on buns. Let us know that, Please do not call them cheese burgers.

GREAT 🍔 N WATCH THE PLANES COME IN N OUT

Food is so good. Very fresh. Super friendly.

The burgers are the best in Milwaukee. We stop there every chance we get when we come into town.We have been coming here for many years.

Thick juicy burgers made to perfection with exactly the condiments requested. Pure enjoyment.

Best place for the best burgers in Milwaukee. Wish they were open year-round.

Waited an hour for overpriced and bland burgers. There was no flavor at all, not even butter. Really disappointed.

Favorite burger joint. Kinda wish it was open year round.

One of the best burgers in Milwaukee! I cant recommend stoping here enough. They can even make chocolate banana milkshakes (my favorite) which are also fantastic. You cant go wrong with Nite Owl take out or sitting in their classic dinner (when it reopens).

It was delicious, my grandson really enjoyed hes clown sundue.

Always the best burgers in town....great as always nite owl crew!!

Have loved this place since I discovered it over 25 years ago! It is my favorite hamburger in Milwaukee bar none. Wish it was open year round that is all needed to make it perfect.

The best burger in Milwaukee county. One of my absolute favorite restaurants. Yes, the hours are short, but it is definitely still worth going. The name came from their past when they would be open late to feed pilots and passengers of late flights. Things have changed over the decades, and Im thrilled they are still open. The decor inside is also amazing. Dont listen to the bad reviews, go try it for yourself.

Ordered cheeseburgers and fries. Was pretty good

Been eating there for 40 years or more . People are great and so is the food. Dont know if they are open for the season yet ?

Awesome mushroom and swiss burger

This review pertains mainly to the famous cheeseburgers. Made #70 nationally on Thrillist in 2017, a well-deserved rating. What distinguishes this place is the generous helping of delicious cheese on the burgers. A single with fixins will be sufficient for most people; the double is huge and very filling. Fries are good but unremarkable. The other fun aspect is the genuine eat-in-the-parking-lot drive-in vibe (though there is a dining room), right down to the classic ancient neon.

A local legend. Old school burger and shake shop thats only open in the summer. They make a set amount of burgers per day, so get here earl6 because once they are gone, they are gone. Great little piece of Americana. Sit back, enjoy a trip back in time, and watch the planes land

What a great place to take visitors with all the nostalgia in the dining room. The burgers are awesome, family owned for a very long time. Fresh and fast with the old time feel. My family loves this place and return often. Great job Chris, keep up the great work team Nite Owl🍔

The Burgers are amazingly delicious, the onion rings to die for and the ice cream sodas are on point. Make sure you have an appetite because it’s very filling. It doesn’t taste or feel like fast food it taste like your at home cooked burger. I just wish they stayed open longer to maybe 6:00 pm.

Still love this place. Burgers are amazing! This is a must have if youre ever on this side of town or just landing in Milwaukee

My son and I were I the mood for ice cream and I was recommend to try this place. We arrived 30min before they say they close and can still see people in there cars enjoying their orders so we get out of our car and beginning walking. we see a person picking up an order from a side window. We walk toward the window and the person closes it and puts up a sigh that said sorry we are closed. offered no explanation and refused to answer any questions I had. I was wearing a mask so no issues there. cant say that I will be recommending this place anytime soon due to bad service.

A very good Old Fashion Place its just the Malt Shakes could be made the true old fashioned way like kitty diners and other drive-ins that I remember with real malt like other places because it taste like a milkshake but was still good n the burgers are good not too many places are around any more in Wisconsin theres still a lot of drive-ins in Wisconsin n old fashioned diners.

First time I ate there was 1977 . My brother and I would use the money from our paper route to eat there . It was Great back then . It is still Great now . A lot of things go into an Awesome burger and Nite Owl does all of them . I get the bacon double cheeseburger with fried onions and ketchup .Easily one of the Best burgers you can get in town . The double is huge . If youre not a big eater stick with a single . The patties are thick and juicy . Very cheesy . Quality bacon . Delicious ! Theyre only open like 4 hours a day ( check their website for hours ) . They say things arent as great as you remember them . In the case of Nite Owl they definitely are !

Great burgers and shakes.

Always excellent wish I lived closer

Its excellent Burger Go there every season for 15 years now Keep up the good work.

A must stop to try. Great service. The double is huge and the fries are packed. Go hungry but ready for take out. Cash only!

Very good old time burger place. Few options but they do those options well. The burgers could use a presentation upgrade....a bun that holds the burger and toppings

Only problem no inside service

You wont find a better burger in Milwaukee. Exactly what I think of for a Milwaukee burger. Would recommend calling your order in ahead of time so you dont have to stand outside in the sun for 40 minutes at lunchtime.

Always a great burger

My grandsons love your burgers & fries. We get our order & go right across Layton Ave to watch the planes land & takeoff while we eat our burgers. Ice cream is also deee-lish!

Amazing food- great burgers and fries. Huge portions, we have to choose ahead of time if we are going to eat lunch, or have desert- we rarely have room for both.Strange hours, I still can’t remember and always have to check, but we’ll worth working around their limited hours.

Wait times are long, hours are weird, burgers are absurdly sized and delicious. I was not a fan of the fries though.

Went here Friday afternoon for lunch with my son had the jumbo double cheeseburger and fries. Cheeseburger was huge and square Patty had fried and raw onions. The place opens at 11am and is cash only. You walk up to the window and order your food. The place reminds me of the old school charm remember as a kid. Paid $8.50 for jumbo double cheeseburger. I would go back again.

While the food was okay, its incredibly over priced. Three burgers, an order of fries, two orders of onion rings and two shakes totaled $41 and change. Additionally, they do not accept credit cards, cash only. As for being rated the best burger in the Milwaukee area, I disagree, Kopps is still the best. At that price this place is a one and done.

Great atmosphere! They used to have a wonderful Italian sausage sandwich, but unfortunately no more. Lots of nostalgic pictures to look at. Service is adequate. Not alot of seats so be prepared to wait. But the wait is worth it.

Worth while stop for the ice cream parlor and big quality fresh handmade burgers! A proud family tradition for three generations! Enjoy March to October. Quick caring service to reset tables for our family of six. Every one was satisfied with dessert first and then filling burgers—with bags of fries to take home.

Love it. They have everything you need to satisfy the whole family. I have taken my niece and her four children there several times.They have hot dogs, burgers, chicken nugets, fries, onion rings, fish sandwiches, and lots more. The burgers can easily be split between 2 adults. All portion sizes ample.Of course, the best part is shakes, malts, sundaes, and ice cream. They usually have 6 or so flavors of ice cream each day.You can eat in your car. Or inside. The inside is small - maybe 8-10 tables. Another great idea is to take your order about 1 block west and across the street. There is a small parking lot to watch planes take off and land at the airport.Be aware that they close for a couple of months in winter. And, the hours change for the season. Summer hours are longer. You should also know they accept only cash payment.Go often and go hungry.

Just ate there for the first time. Best, biggest juiciest cheeseburger ever. Old school pickup counter, eat in rustic wooden booths or tables surrounded by local memorabilia, or just get it to go. Super friendly quick service.

1st burger of season and as always outstanding

My favorite place for hamburgers in Milwaukee. The burgers are all cooked well done (and not cooked to specification), but they are among the best of that class in Milwaukee. They are usually cooked to order, but sometimes I get a burger thats been sitting on the grill. Ive found that the cheeseburgers arent worthwhile--the cheese is thin and doesnt add much flavor. But a standard burger with mayo, pickles, and grilled onions is a thing of beauty at the Nite Owl. The fries and onion rings are tasty, but not showstoppers. The malts are great, and the sundaes, as well. The restaurant is not very large, so there may be a wait for a table during peak hours. In spite of the name, the Nite Owl is open only during the day, Tues-Sat, from sometime in spring until the first week or so of November. And dont forget: Cash Only!

It was the best secret on the south of Milwaukee (by the airport) and St. Francis. Great family has run the business. Not open and Sunday and Monday. Stay open until they run out of food! Best deal in SE Wisconsin!

BEST DBL CHEESE BURGER WITH BACON IN MILWAUKEE ! im 60 yrs old & this place is my #1 place to stop at when in need of a GREAT burger.

Best burger in MKE. Their root beer reminds me of my childhood and the fries and onion rings are delicious! Killer ice cream. Always worth the wait.

My family and I have been fans of this place for years. There is a good reason why they remain in business with a cash-only policy while only being open certain times of the year. Traveling across the country I have not found a burger worthy of knocking the Nite Owl from my number one spot for burgers and Shakes. They are the only restaurant I have ever been to where when they are at their busiest and you are one of 30 people waiting for an order to go everyone has a smile on their face. I highly highly highly highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a great cheeseburger and an awesome atmosphere. I know its terrible for me but I eat here at least twice a week if not more.

Best burgers in town. They order fresh beef every day. And when they sell it all they close. And thats almost always

Excellent burgers.

Big old fashioned burgers, takeout only right now. Get there early, or you can miss out.

Delicious burger! Friendly, fast service. Definitely a Milwaukee Foodie Bucket list item.Thank you for a scrumptious lunch,Captain Save A Home

Night Owl delivered again! AWESOME cheese burgers, fries and onion rings! Hmmmm! Trick on Saturday, get there 20 minutes before they open and wait in line. Then you are guaranteed to get a burger! Get there early and enjoy! I LOVE NIGHT OWL! Their malts are also AWESOME!!!

He closes earlier and earlier. Today by 3 he was closing. How can a place called Nite Owl not be open at nite? They were in such a hurry, our shakes came in plastic cups. The old fashion charm of the fountain glass was missing. The quality of the burger was okay. The fish sandwich was not something we will want to order again.

I have been going to Nite Owl since I was a kid in the early 1960s. They used to have a horseshoe shaped counter. We used to save our quarters to buy hamburgers. They only cost $.25. We also bought candy there. A guy named Chopper used to help us pick out our candy.Cheese burgers are just as good now as it was when I was a child!

Over 50 years of great food. 3rd and 4th generations keeping up the great traditions

Excellent burgers.

I had their bacon cheeseburger and an order of onion rings. Fantastic, better bring your appetite to finish it all

The best burgers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, & America, Period. Ive tried burgers all over but nothing compares. Large, greasy (but not too greasy) and cheesy. Heaven on a bun. Ice cream is great too. Usually have to wait, but its worth it. Only open spring to fall.

What a great burger.

NOT OPERATING SAFELY!!! NO MASKS!!!Their idea of safe food handling IS TOTAL BS...took order to PNS where safety is ++

5 stars because its gods honest truth the best burger I have ever shoved into my face.

I love these burgers! Fresh and juicy!

2 cheese burgers,2 fries, 1 chicken strips. $43.00 should have benn $25 plus tax. no body could even eat any of it the dog wouldnt even eat it. Would ne er recommend this place

Had the Bacon Double Cheeseburger and fries. Burger was heavy! Ketchup, yellow mustard, sauteed onions, and pickles. Bun was soft and delicious. Small dining area and carry-out. Closes when the food is gone.