Smashburger: Forget Fast Food, Because the Smashburger at Archie's Flat Top Is King

Forget fancy food trends or over-the-top dining experiences: Sometimes, the best meal is the one that's as simple as a juicy burger, crispy fries, and a cold beer. Wisconsin, known for its cheese and beer , has a food scene that spans from upscale fine dining to divey joints that specialize in the basics. Whether you're after a gourmet meal or craving comfort food, Wisconsin delivers on all fronts. But sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a smashburger. There's something about that crispy, caramelized crust and juicy interior that makes it irresistible, paired perfectly with the familiar crunch of fries. Simple, delicious, and comforting - this is the magic of a smashburger. Let's take a step back and remember how life used to be. No need for gourmet twists or Instagrammable meals - just a classic burger and fries. Enter Archie's Flat Top in West Allis, Wisconsin. This spot is all about keeping it old-school and simple. Don't expect a fancy menu or complicated orders. Just a solid selection of smashburgers, fries, onion rings, and a choice of beers. That's it. No fluff, no gimmicks - just delicious, straightforward food. And the best part? Archie's shares the space with Scratch Ice Cream , making it easy to indulge in the ultimate Wisconsin pairing: burgers and freshly made ice cream. From shakes to sundaes, it's all about the classics here. Located in the heart of West Allis, Archie's Flat Top is a place where you can kick back and enjoy a meal in a laid-back, no-frills setting. The vibe is easygoing: Think casual seating, local regulars chatting with the staff, and the comforting smell of sizzling burgers wafting through the air. It's the kind of place where you'll feel at home, whether you're a local or just passing through. The folks who work here are as friendly as they come, greeting you with a smile and making sure your meal is just right. And speaking of regulars, you'll find a loyal crew who keeps coming back for those smashburgers, fries, and, of course, the beer. Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the burgers. At Archie's, you've got a few options, each packing bold flavors. The Archie, for example, is a true classic: two house-made patties, American cheese, PBR onions, shredded lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce, all nestled on a potato roll. It's the kind of burger that'll make you think, "Yeah, this is exactly what I wanted." If you're on a no-meat journey, the Linda is a solid choice, featuring a house-made black bean and corn patty, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, PBR onions, and chipotle aioli. For those looking to branch out, there's the Schlitzwurst: a smoked cheddarwurst infused with Schlitz beer and topped with fried onions, or the Boomer, which pairs two slices of fried bologna with American cheese and house sauce. For the chicken lovers, the Bird is a crispy, fried chicken breast smothered in house hot mayo. And don't forget about the sides: crinkle-cut fries and panko-breaded onion rings, both crispy and satisfying. When it comes to drinks, Archie's doesn't skimp. Whether you're in the mood for a local brew or an international favorite, the beer list has something for everyone. If you're into IPAs, try the New Glarus IPA, a 6.8 percent American IPA, offering a balance of bitterness and hoppiness that pairs well with those smashburgers. Or, if you're in the mood for something a little different, go for the Hofbräu Maibock Bock, a 7.2 percent beer from Munich, known for its smooth, malty flavor and low bitterness. It's the perfect complement to the flavors of Wisconsin. And, of course, no visit to Archie's is complete without indulging in a treat from Scratch Ice Cream . Known for using Wisconsin dairy and making everything in small batches, Scratch serves up everything from classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla bean to unique options like Door County Cherry, with cherries and dark chocolate chunks, or Cold Brew & Toffee, made with organic Kickapoo Coffee and toffee bits. There's even a vegan option, like the Vegan Dirt Cake, that's just as satisfying as the original. If you haven't yet, make sure to swing by Archie's Flat Top for a taste of simple, delicious comfort food. Places like this are what give Wisconsin its charm : welcoming, down-to-earth, and proud of their roots. We love this state so much, we wear it on our chests. Check out Wear Your Roots to grab some local gear so that you can too. If you're asking me, there isn't much better on a cold winter day in the Badger State than a hot bowl of soup - or chili or stew or gumbo. You get what I mean: a warm, liquid hug in a bowl. Of course, there are many places to get a great bowl of soup in the state, but the one I keep going back to is Keys Cafe, Bakery and Bar in Hudson. This diner has some of the best soup in Wisconsin, and believe me: After you visit once, you'll keep coming back for more. Keys is the Hudson outpost of a small, family-owned string of cafes that was founded in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1973. As the owner's family grew, so did the number of restaurants, expanding throughout the Twin Cities area. Of the nine Keys Cafes, the Hudson restaurant is currently the only Wisconsin location - and I'm awfully glad it's here. The homey, welcoming diner serves up classic comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner for early birds on some nights. It's open until 7 or 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday nights during the winter; and it closes at 2 p.m. on Sundays through Wednesdays. The Hudson restaurant offers up the same delicious baked goods that Keys is famous for and, being in Wisconsin, even boasts a full bar for those who want to dig into some scratch-made comfort food while watching the big game. One of Keys Cafe's comfort food mainstays is its regular rotation of soup offerings. Each day, you'll find several soups, usually including chili, on the cafe's specials board. They're all hearty, and the portions are nothing to scoff at: What the diner calls a "cup," I call a bowl at my house (check out the image below). Like everything else at the restaurant, the soups are scratch-made, in house, with quality ingredients. My current favorite is the white chicken chili when it's available, but I've never tried one of Keys' soups that I didn't like. Keys is one of my favorite places to warm up after a winter hike at nearby Willow River State Park , where I think the trails and frozen waterfall are even more beautiful this time of year than they are in summer. Be sure to save room for one of Keys' face-sized caramel pecan rolls when you're finished, or take one home with you - you definitely don't want to miss out on one of these delicacies. Have you tried the soup at Keys Cafe, Bakery, and Bar in Hudson ? Do you agree it's some of the best soup in Wisconsin? We'd love to hear all about your favorite soup places, as well. We've been resting and gearing up for 2025 and we hope you've been able to do the same. With a new year comes a fresh start and a fresh perspective on what you want to get out of the next 12 months. We, of course, hope to travel, but we also want to focus on anything that simplifies and slows life down a bit or just brings joy to our day. With this in mind, we've hand-picked 25 must-haves for 2025 that each accomplish these goals in some way. We hope you enjoy this list and find a thing or two that helps to make it a memorable 2025! 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