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The Vanguard

4.6
·491k reviews·,

The Vanguard: A modern gastropub celebrated for its innovative, scratch-made sausages, extensive drink menu, and inclusive vegan options.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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VIP food and bar line and tables

The Vanguard

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The Vanguard: A modern gastropub celebrated for its innovative, scratch-made sausages, extensive drink menu, and inclusive vegan options.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Discover unique sausage creations and surprisingly delicious vegan dishes at this Bay View favorite."

TIP

Visit on Weekdays

Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays for a more relaxed dining experience.

Explore Sausage Variety

Don't miss trying different sausage styles for a diverse flavor adventure.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 11AM

Cuisine

Gastropub

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(414) 539-3593

Address

2659 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Innovative Sausage Creations

Innovative Sausage Creations

Explore unique sausage varieties, including vegan red curry chorizo and jalapeño cheddar bratwurst, for a truly original bite.

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Milwaukee Right Now15 Best Restaurants in MilwaukeeWhere to Eat Vegan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin+1
Creative Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Creative Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Vegan delights like ginger tofu and red curry chorizo sausage are celebrated, making it a haven for diverse dietary preferences.

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Milwaukee Right NowWhere to Eat Vegan in Milwaukee, WisconsinGoogle Review
Flavorful Poutine & Sides

Flavorful Poutine & Sides

Indulge in delicious poutine with local pepper sauce and tofu bits, alongside other tempting sides like fried cheese.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I cannot stress how good the Burnt Ginger Tofu from Vanguard is 😭 Try it and thank me later! Vanguard is my favorite fast-casual spot in Bay View. They have amazing sausages, with really delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, too! We tried the Duck BLT, the Jamaican Lamb Currywurst, and the Vegetarian Thai Breaker. For our sides we got an order of cheese curds, the vanguard poutine, and the burnt...
@jenndohl
253 likes • 5.3K views

Visit on Weekdays

Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays for a more relaxed dining experience.

Explore Sausage Variety

Don't miss trying different sausage styles for a diverse flavor adventure.

Ask for Recommendations

Servers can guide you through food pairings with their extensive beer and liquor selection.

Consider Outdoor Seating

Enjoy a pleasant dining experience by opting for their outdoor seating.

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit on Weekdays

Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays for a more relaxed dining experience.

Explore Sausage Variety

Don't miss trying different sausage styles for a diverse flavor adventure.

Ask for Recommendations

Servers can guide you through food pairings with their extensive beer and liquor selection.

Consider Outdoor Seating

Enjoy a pleasant dining experience by opting for their outdoor seating.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners praise The Vanguard for its creative and diverse sausage options, particularly highlighting the unique vegan choices and flavorful poutine. While many appreciate the innovative menu and friendly atmosphere, some reviews mention occasional slow service and inconsistencies in food temperature.

"Although a little tough to eat, both the most interesting and most delicious dog I've ever had is this thai dog. It was sooo good. The mixed drink on tap was alright, tho I wouldn't order it again"

g gerl

"Let me tell you, I have dreams of this place and I think I dream a lot about food so that's saying something. I don't know why this place isn't in my rotation more but I'm definitely going to change that! Came in with a group of 3 and walked right into the grill, that's when you know the food is going to hit. When the kitchen is in the open they have nothing to hide but the recipe, it's going to be some of the best food you've ever had! We were seated pretty fast and met with a waitress relatively fast. I wish I remembered her name but she was a sweetheart, she had some good jokes and some good stories to tell. She also gave a great recommendation and convinced me a flight of hotdogs is what I needed in my life. She was absolutely right, and everything was absolutely on point! I love that all the sausage is interchangeable with each style so they have endless possibilities. The drink menu was pretty solid, the specials were on point and to round it off the price was perfect. If you are new to the area this is definitely the place to start. Honestly, try all the different dogs I'm sure you can find something you'll like, my favorite is a Seattle dog!"

Skyler Donner

"Cool bar environment with late night hours (Open till 12am!). We had the vegan Italian sausage, vegan brat, fries, loaded vegan fries and deep-fried buffalo tofu. Everything tasted delicious; I was really impressed! I can't wait to come back and try some more of the sausages and the unique topping combinations, not to mention the ginger tofu. Our server was Ana - she was a very sweet waitress doing her best. I appreciated her attention to detail and friendliness.
Definitely support this business -- they got a good thing going here!"

None OfYourBusiness

What People Like

Creative sausage varieties
Excellent vegan options
Flavorful poutine

What People Dislike

Occasional slow service
Food temperature inconsistency

Frequently Asked Questions

The Vanguard is known for its creative, scratch-made sausages, including unique varieties like the Thai Breaker and vegan red curry chorizo, as well as its flavorful poutine.

TikTokBest Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Milwaukee Right NowWhere to Eat Vegan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Yes, The Vanguard has a strong focus on vegan options, including several types of vegan sausages and sides like burnt ginger tofu.

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Milwaukee Right NowWhere to Eat Vegan in Milwaukee, WisconsinGoogle Review+1

It's recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid the busy weekend crowds.

Google Review

Servers are happy to provide recommendations for food pairings with their extensive selection of liquor and beer.

Google Review

Yes, The Vanguard offers outdoor seating for a pleasant dining experience.

Google Review

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Bay View Emporium of encased meats and bourbonVegetarians and vegans generally don't get a lot of sausage options, but that's a real travesty here in Milwaukee, land of the brat. So Vanguard made it a mission to make both carnivores and veggie heads happy. There are four vegan sausage options, including red curry and chorizo, and they get styled with toppings like chimichurri, sweet potato puree, and vegan cheese whiz.

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When we opened our doors we believed we could set ourselves apart from the rest of the burgers in Wisconsin by offering more chef driven, unforgettable burgers and chicken sandwiches. A handful of Milwaukee restaurants, including Walker's Point's La Merenda, and Honeypie in Bay View, participate in his RSA. Located right on Kinnickinic Avenue and only a 5-minute drive to downtown, the Bay View guesthouse is nestled in one of Milwaukee's hippest neighborhoods. Best Lunch Restaurants in Bay View (Milwaukee): See 1,542 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of Lunch Restaurants in Bay View Milwaukee. July 2, 2021. View → Bay View Park. 0 Follow (414) 294-0490. Suddenly left with extra room in its Bay View location (2920 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-489-0765), owners decided to install a wood fire oven where the roaster used to be. Smart Cow Yogurt Bar. 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This artisan sausage emporium has been a beloved Bay View hang for a decade, but with the introduction of table service as well as a new head chef, Hansem Castillo, last fall, The Vanguard may be better than ever. Gone are the days of hovering in the counter-service line at the entrance or elbowing your way to the bar to order a draft cocktail or one of the dozens of bourbons on display. Since introducing table service, Vanguard has a new sense of polish while maintaining its casually cool vibe with a playful air of irreverence.

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Diners pass an unofficial “hipster crossing” on the threshold of Vanguard, the newest of the new on this list and a more loosely defined restaurant. When the doors first opened in early November 2014, chef Shay Linkus – “spirit animal Dom DeLuise,” as he’s titled on the menu – ground out half of the estimated 25 expected sausage creations, plus sides like chicken nuggets, baked potato balls and poutine. You can customize the toppings on your hot dog, brat, hot banger, cheddarwurst, etc., or order a “styled” link.

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Best casual restaurant? : milwaukee

Vanguard was one of the initial ideas I threw out but I think all the specialty sausages threw them off haha. I also love Camino with all my heart but I think it may be too small for a group of 5 people unless we're at the bar.

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