- Attraction: Kroll’s East
- Location: 1658 Main St, Green Bay, WI 54302
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.krollseast.com/
Step through the doors at Kroll’s East and you’re entering a time capsule where the aroma of charcoal-grilled beef mingles with decades of Green Bay memories.
This family-owned institution has been serving up their famous butter burgers since 1935, making it one of Wisconsin’s longest-running claims to butter burger fame.
What started as Harry and Caroline Kroll’s humble venture has evolved into a fourth-generation restaurant that locals consider sacred ground and visitors discover as their new obsession.
You’ll quickly understand why this unassuming diner has earned wall-to-wall awards and why people actually ship their burgers to friends across the country.
The magic lies in their unwavering commitment to doing things the old-fashioned way, from hand-forming Black Angus beef patties to charcoal-grilling them over open flames and crowning each creation with a generous pat of real Wisconsin butter.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights
The Legendary Butter Burger: You’ll taste why this sandwich has been the star for nearly nine decades. Each burger starts with hand-formed Black Angus beef that gets charcoal-grilled to perfection, then topped with a generous pat of real Wisconsin butter that melts into every bite.
The result arrives on a traditional semel hard roll that provides the perfect crusty contrast to the juicy, butter-infused meat. You can order it with everything on top, which means ketchup, raw onions, pickles, and that signature butter combination.
Award-Winning Chili: The chili recipe developed by Isabel Schauer in the late 1940s remains unchanged today, and you’ll understand why after one spoonful. This hearty, slow-simmered creation has won numerous local contests and earned recognition from USA Today.
You can enjoy it plain or served over spaghetti for the full Kroll’s experience, and locals swear the spaghetti version is the only proper way to eat it.
Famous Onion Rings: These aren’t your typical frozen rings. Kroll’s makes their onion rings from scratch using their own special recipe, creating thick-cut rings with a perfectly crispy exterior that gives way to sweet, tender onion inside. The homemade approach means each ring has character and substance that sets them apart from anything you’ll find elsewhere.
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Discover MoreFriday Fish Fry Tradition: You can enjoy hand-breaded lake perch any day of the week, but Fridays bring out the full Wisconsin fish fry experience. The perch gets dipped and hand-breaded with their special ingredients, creating a golden crust that locals have been craving for generations. Each plate comes with generous portions of fresh homemade tartar sauce.
Cheese Curds Done Right: These aren’t afterthoughts on the menu. You’ll get a mix of cheddar and white cheese curds that arrive hot and squeaky, with that perfect balance of crispy exterior and molten cheese center that makes Wisconsin famous.
Atmosphere & Décor
Old-School Charm: The interior feels frozen in time, and that’s exactly how regulars want it. You’ll find original green and black Italian tile from the 1940s still adorning the back bar area, along with mirrors that have witnessed decades of conversations.
The renovation in the 1970s preserved these vintage elements while expanding the bar area, creating a space that feels authentically retro rather than artificially nostalgic.
Quirky Details: You’ll notice some delightfully unique touches that add character to your visit. The booths feature doorbells that let you call for service, and all sandwiches arrive wrapped in waxed paper instead of served on plates. The restaurant has multiple entrances, but locals recommend entering through the bar side off Irene Street for the full experience.
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Keep Exploring →Casual Family Environment: The atmosphere welcomes everyone from families with young children to longtime regulars who’ve been coming for decades. You’ll see three generations of the Schauer family working alongside each other, creating a genuine family business feel that extends to how they treat customers.
Wall of Recognition: You’ll pass an impressive display of People’s Choice Awards and local recognition on your way out, testament to the restaurant’s consistent quality and community standing.
Other Considerations
Affordable Pricing: You’ll find the prices refreshingly reasonable for the quality and portions you receive. A butter burger runs around six dollars, making it an excellent value compared to chain alternatives, and the generous portions ensure you leave satisfied without breaking the budget.
Parking and Location: You’ll discover ample parking in their lot, which historically housed seasonal cabins in the 1950s. The east side location means you’re away from the game-day crowds that flock to their west side counterpart, giving you a more relaxed dining experience.
Timing Your Visit: You’ll want to avoid peak lunch and dinner rushes if you’re in a hurry, as everything is made fresh to order. The restaurant closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. Friday nights during Lent tend to be especially busy due to the fish fry tradition.
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Discover MoreHistoric Significance: You’re dining in a building that was designated as a Historic Site by the city of Green Bay in 2010. The restaurant sits in what was once the town of Preble before it was annexed to Green Bay, and the building has stories spanning nearly a century.
Family-Friendly Features: You’ll find a special kids menu, coloring sheets to keep little ones occupied, and toys that come with children’s meals. The restaurant can accommodate groups up to 75 for special occasions with advance notice.
Kroll’s East
📍 1658 Main St, Green Bay, WI 54302
