Real butter melts right into a charcoal-grilled patty here, and the recipe dates back to 1936. That’s nearly 90 years of the same buttery idea.
I can’t imagine a better reason to plan a road trip.
The burger arrives on a crispy toasted roll. Order it with everything, and you get ketchup, onions, and pickles.
No fancy sauces, no towers of toppings, just a classic that refuses to change.
Then there’s the view. This Wisconsin spot sits directly across the street from one of the most famous football stadiums on the planet.
I like how a simple burger joint ended up with front-row seats to Packers history.
Add booths with old-school call buzzers and a wall of famous autographs. How has this place stayed so wonderfully stubborn for so long?
The Butter Burger That Started A Family Legend
Butter on a burger sounds like a dare, but Kroll’s West has made it a tradition. The Original Kroll’s Hamburger first showed up in 1936, and it still anchors the menu today.
Each quarter-pound patty cooks over an open charcoal flame. Then real butter goes on top and melts straight into the meat.
That combo brings a smoky flavor with a rich, buttery finish. It lands on a crispy toasted roll, which gives every bite a little crunch.
Ordering one with everything keeps things refreshingly simple. You’ll get ketchup, onions, and pickles, and that’s the whole lineup.
I believe this restraint is the secret. Nobody is hiding the beef under a mountain of extras or a mystery sauce.
Want more? A double cheeseburger sits on the menu for bigger appetites.
Just know that the original remains the star of the show.
Burger fans in Wisconsin take their butter seriously, so this place has real competition. Still, few spots can claim a recipe that has lasted almost nine decades.
That kind of staying power says plenty. Grab extra napkins, though, because butter always wins the battle with your fingers.
A Backstory That Begins In A 1931 Family Hotel
Long before game-day crowds, Harry and Caroline Kroll were serving meals at a family-run hotel in Green Bay. That was 1931, and it kicked off a food story still going strong.
Five years later, the first official Kroll’s restaurant opened on Main Street. That’s where the famous hamburger made its debut in 1936.
The move to South Ridge Road came in 1974. By early 2025, Kroll’s West had hit 50 years at this spot alone.
Half a century in one building is impressive. Nearly a century in the family business feels almost unheard of.
Today, the third generation runs the show. Bobbie Van Der Perren Wier and her husband, Mike, now guide the restaurant.
I love that the chili recipe has stayed the same for generations too. Some families pass down jewelry, while this one passes down spice blends.
The place has earned a reputation as a landmark known well beyond Wisconsin. Not bad for a story that started with home-style hotel meals.
Knowing that history makes each bite feel a bit more meaningful. You’re tasting a recipe that has outlasted plenty of food trends.
Push A Button And Someone Comes Running
Here’s a dining trick you won’t find at most restaurants. Kroll’s West puts a buzzer at the tables, and you press it when you need your server.
No waving. No awkward eye contact across the room while your fries go cold.
The setup is refreshingly relaxed. You seat yourself, get comfy, and buzz when you’re ready to order.
First-timers sometimes miss this detail, so keep it in mind. If you want a refill or another round of curds, that button is your best friend.
The booths add to the charm. They’re cozy and round, which makes them great for families and friend groups who like to face each other.
Kids will probably fight over who gets to press the buzzer. I can’t blame them, because it feels like a tiny bit of magic.
The whole room carries an old-school diner mood. It’s traditional, tidy, and proudly unbothered by modern restaurant fads.
Burgers come out in baskets rather than on fancy plates. That casual style matches the vibe perfectly.
Think of it as a time machine with ketchup. Just remember to push the button.
Your Burger Comes With A View Of Lambeau Field
Location matters, and this one is almost unfair. Kroll’s West sits directly across from Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.
You’ll find it at 1990 S Ridge Rd, Ashwaubenon, WI 54304. Technically, that’s Ashwaubenon, though most folks simply think of it as Green Bay.
The stadium view is one of the most talked-about perks here. Eating a butter burger while staring at football history?
That’s a combo.
Plenty of other stops sit within a short walk. The Packers Hall of Fame, the Resch Center, and the Brown County Arena are all nearby.
That makes planning a day super easy. Tour the Hall of Fame, catch an event, then refuel without moving your car.
Out-of-state Packers fans often build whole trips around this neighborhood. Adding a classic Wisconsin burger to the plan feels like a smart move.
Even on a quiet weekday, the setting gives the meal some extra weight. You’re sitting where generations of fans have gathered before you.
I believe a great view makes food taste better. Here, it comes with goalposts.
Brett Favre And Bart Starr Signed The Walls
Famous names cover one wall at Kroll’s West, and they aren’t random. The Signature Wall displays autographed cards from NFL legends like Brett Favre, Bart Starr, and John Madden.
Football royalty isn’t the only crowd represented. Other celebrities and public figures, including Al Gore, have signed on too.
That mix makes for fun browsing while you wait. Can you spot a signature you didn’t expect?
Vintage Packers memorabilia fills the rest of the room. It feels like a mini museum, minus the velvet ropes and the gift shop pressure.
Younger fans might recognize newer names. Older fans will light up at the classic ones, which sparks great conversations across generations.
I like how the decor tells the story of this restaurant’s place in Green Bay life. Nobody hired a designer to fake that history.
Take a slow lap before or after eating. Just try not to block the booth of someone halfway through a basket of curds.
For die-hard fans, this wall alone might justify the trip. The burger just seals the deal.
Squeaky Curds In White, Yellow, Or Both
Decisions, decisions. At Kroll’s West, cheese curds come in white, yellow, or a mix of both.
That choice might be the toughest call of your visit. Going half-and-half is the diplomatic answer.
Curds are a Wisconsin rite of passage, so skipping them would feel wrong. They’re one of the most popular items people mention here, right behind the burgers.
Sharing a basket works well for groups. Everyone gets a few, and nobody fills up before the main event.
A friendly tip: tell your server when you want them. If you’d like curds alongside your burger instead of first, just say so when ordering.
Other starters round out the menu too. Wings and chili both appear, giving snackers plenty of options.
Visitors from far away often treat curds like a must-try souvenir. You can’t exactly pack them in a suitcase, so enjoy them here.
I believe every Wisconsin trip needs at least one basket. This one comes with stadium views and a buzzer, which feels like bonus points.
Dip, munch, repeat.
Chili, Broasted Chicken, And A Friday Fish Fry
Burgers grab the headlines, yet the rest of the menu holds its own. The homemade chili is slow-simmered with a spice blend that hasn’t changed in generations.
That’s a long time to trust one recipe. Clearly, somebody got it right early.
Broasted chicken is another big draw. It’s a Green Bay favorite, and Kroll’s West keeps it front and center.
Fridays bring a true Wisconsin tradition. The Friday Fish Fry shows up, and perch also appears on the menu.
Hungry for something heartier? A prime rib sandwich is available, along with plenty of American classics.
Look out for booyah too, a regional stew that pops up in Green Bay conversations. It’s one of those local dishes worth trying at least once.
Families will find choices for kids, and high chairs are available. That makes it easy to bring the whole crew.
Old-fashioned malts and shakes finish things off nicely. Ending a meal with a thick shake never goes out of style.
So yes, bring the burger lover. Just don’t be shocked if someone orders chili instead.
Game Days Turn Into A Full-Blown Party
Packers home games change everything around here. Kroll’s West opens earlier on those days and throws game-day parties for fans.
Live music often kicks off hours before kickoff. Bands keep the energy high while the stadium fills across the street.
Expect green and gold everywhere you look. It’s a celebration, and the burgers are part of the ritual.
Music isn’t saved only for football Sundays. The restaurant also hosts live shows featuring country, pop, rock, and 80s hits.
That variety means you might catch a band on a random evening. Check their upcoming events before you head out.
Game days naturally bring bigger crowds. Plan ahead, arrive early, and wear your loudest fan gear.
Carryout is available too. That’s handy if you’d rather grab burgers and head to your own spot.
I can’t imagine a more Wisconsin way to spend a Packers Sunday. Butter burgers, live music, and a stadium view feel almost scripted.
Even non-football fans can enjoy the buzz. The excitement is contagious, and nobody checks your stats at the door.
Plan Your Visit Like A Pro
Timing your trip is easy since Kroll’s West opens daily. Doors typically open late morning, and hours run a bit later on Thursdays through Saturdays.
Packers home games shift things earlier. On those days, the morning starts sooner for the pre-game crowd.
Quick note to avoid mix-ups. Kroll’s West is separate from Kroll’s East, and the restaurant makes that clear.
So when someone says meet at Kroll’s, double-check which one. Otherwise, you might end up eating butter burgers alone.
Sides like fries are ordered separately from burgers. Plan your order with that in mind, especially for hungry kids.
Seating is self-serve, so grab a booth and settle down. Then use the buzzer when you’re ready.
Pair your meal with nearby stops like the Packers Hall of Fame. A full day of football and food is very doable here.
Wisconsin road trippers love checking off classic stops. This one blends history, flavor, and fandom in a single visit.
I believe a burger with nearly 90 years behind it deserves a spot on your list. Your road trip playlist just got a destination.
