I've always been a huge fan of Major Goolsby's, but tonight was definitely the worst experience I've had. It's seat yourself most nights. I waited 10-15 minutes for service before a fellow patron approached the bar staff and advocated for service for her table and mine. I ordered an amaretto sour with grenadine; however, it came without any grenadine. It was still good. Pour was not too strong. I just wish it had the grenadine for the sweetness. I also ordered the cheese curds which are always great. Once I received service, everything came out speedy. They always have a good variety of sports on the TVs, but I was surprised they were not showing the Brewers game. Despite the atypical experience, food and drinks were great, but I'm definitely hesitant to come on a non-event weeknight again. I think Goolsby's does better with service when they're busier with sporting events or concerts in the area! read more

Major Goolsby's - Amaretto sour - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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There must be something in the water in Milwaukee when it comes to lightning-fast table service. This is the second spot where my drink and food hit the table within minutes of ordering, no complaints here! I was in town for a trade show and Major Goolsby's was conveniently right across the street. The place was buzzing with sports fans cheering on their teams, but it's big enough that I still managed to grab a table without a wait. The vibe is classic "sports dive bar" in the best possible way, took me right back to my college days. I kept it simple with a burger and fries, and honestly, it hit the spot. Bonus points to the waitress who checked in constantly despite how slammed they were. That kind of service is rare these days. I planned to return later in the week with some friends, but it didn't pan out. Next year, it's definitely on the list. Great food, great energy, and ridiculously fast service, what's not to love? read more

Major Goolsby's - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A good sports bar. Food is nice and greasy. Servers are attentive. It's a good spot for before going to the Fiserv! read more

Major Goolsby's - Bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nice bar for foods/drinks by the Bucks stadium. The pretzel was massive - easily feed a group of 4-5 and was crispy on the outside and light on the inside. Seemed freshly made. read more

Major Goolsby's - Bavarian pretzel - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Service was excellent. Very crowded before the game so, it did have the first come first serve get a table where you can. Very sporty and casual. Good was decent. Fries are extra with sandwiches so be prepared. Parking around is kind of inconvenient as well as expensive before games. I would come back here again before a game. read more

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A pretty straightforward sports bar with a good beer selection and a limited food menu. My friend and I stopped here after flying into town and needing to grab a bit before hanger set it. We immediately ordered some cold Spotted Cows, cheese curbs, sweet potato tots and chicken tenders. Great bar fair - especially the cheese curds. Service was fantastic - they checked-in without rushing us. read more

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Went here due to proximity to hotel and Bucks game. I was disappointed in both the food and drink, yet there was nothing technically wrong--just personal preference. read more

Great place come with the games. They get crazy busy during the local games. The burgers are delicious and match the hype. The wings are ok at best. They come with a dry rub and sit in the sauce ordered. The drinks flow and the service is great. Will definitely be coming back here. read more

Service and ambience was awesome! We bellied up to the bar in between NCAA games and had so much fun with the bartenders. I would highly recommended the bacon cheese burgers and Parmesan sprinkled homemade chips! You will not be sorry coming here! read more

Great service the fried chicken sandwich was disappointing at best might as well put a piece of cardboard between the bun

Can we talk about the burgers at Major Goolsby's for a second??? They are AWESOME! and if you are hungry, they are just the ticket you need to a full belly. My son and I have made a habit of hitting Major Goolsby's before an Admirals game from time to time. Goolsby's has been around across from the stadium forever and I remember going there years ago. If you are REALLY hungry, get yourself a double burger. It is huge! otherwise go for the single even if you usually get a double elsewhere. They get pretty busy when there's a game and sometimes this can affect the speed of service. So, give yourself time. The servers are always very nice but they are moving fast!. Typical sports bar fare and ambiance. But there are some real Milwaukee sports memorabilia gems if you look around. Food - 5 stars, servers - 5 stars, service when they are really packed - 3 stars. Not really a problem but something to be aware of. Definitely a great place to stop for a burger and beer before a game! read more

Went here on a Saturday evening and staff (Matt!) was very friendly- food and drinks were great! Thank you Matt for your personality read more

Our server was excellent, the chicken tenders and fries were amazing, it was SUPER busy and they were still very attentive and amazing. Will go back. read more

I was downtown for a Bucks game and had plenty of time for dinner. None of my bookmarks stood out (other than the fabulous San Giorgio that I went to a week prior), so I hit up an old spot I apparently haven't been to since 2015: Major Goolsby's. I ordered BBQ wings, mozzarella wraps, and a Major double cheeseburger. I wasn't sure I would get the wings before I arrived, but ended up getting them on impulse. Unfortunately, I don't think I would get them again. They were decently size, but $16 for an order of eight is steep. Three of the four drums had broken bones, so I had to eat those extra carefully, and the wings were HEAVY on the sauce. The BBQ was ok, but too much by the end. I recommend having the sauce on the side and using as much or little as you prefer. The mozzarella wraps are from a frozen bag and not homemade. Still good and worth getting, but not unique. As I mentioned in my review from 2015, the Major (double) cheeseburger is larger than burgers from other places around downtown, but unlike in 2015, I thought the burger was bland. I didn't notice a hint of seasoning and the cheese wasn't large enough to cover the patties, so some bites were just plain, bland burger. I've had worse burgers, but I've also had way better burgers. I got down here around 4:15pm and the place was half full, mostly due to the opening round of the NCAA tournament being on each of their large number of TVs. By the time I was done with dinner around 5:30pm the place looked full. I don't know how busy they get on game days when their isn't a TV spectical like the NCAA tournament drawing out extra customers, so you may be fine if you arrive closer to 5:30pm for a 7pm weekday Bucks tipoff. read more

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Stopped in for a bite before catching the Bucks game. Had a single cheeseburger and an order of fries. Washed it down with a nice cold beer. No complaints! We just missed the rush so it was packed like it normally is. Food was great, our server was super attentive and nice! read more

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I always felt like I had missed out on never having stopped at Major Goolsby's in The '90's. What a major disappointment! It's a circus in there! You can keep your burnt onion rings and thanks for replacing the beer you bussed off my table while I wasn't looking. No thanks, I'll eat at the game! read more

It's a bar with basic bar food. It has a convenient location near Fiserv Forum and UWM Panther Arena. Food wise, pretty simple menu. They have burgers and other sandwiches and loads of fried food options. Would like to see a few basic salads or something not deep fried. Service was good. Food was a bit pricier than other places in the area for what you get. $7-8 for a hot dog, a la carte. No sides. I would recommend stopping in for a quick drink and appetizer before a game, but if you're going for an amazing food experience I'd try somewhere else. read more

First time here before an Admirals game. Jess, our server, made us right at home. The ambiance is wonderful. Admirals fans getting together before a hockey game should be wonderful! The menu is basic - burgers, hot dogs, wings, etc., and there is something nice about that. Are they the best burgers? No. But when you consider the comfort of the establishment, and the family atmosphere, there's something nice about that worth much more. read more

Neat place to grab some drinks and easy bites. Our server was fun and attentive. Only issue is the price of cheese curds here is ridiculous for the amount you get. read more

For whatever reason I've always been a fan of hitting up Major Goolsby's when I go to the State Fair. Up until a few years ago the Fair is where I'd get my burger fix on. I guess I graduated to actually going to the restaurant now and again as well. The location is perfect if you are going to a nearby game or show at one of multiple venues within walking distance. The prices are typical of the area. The restaurant is large and can accommodate groups of people. The burgers are pretty good size for the price and have decent flavor. Definitely not fine dining, but a solid sports bar atmosphere. read more

Major Goolsby's - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Service was on point, the food is as to be expected, cheese curds were good. I stoped for a bite before an Admirals game good place to pregame. read more

We (group of 5) went here prior to a show at the Miller High Life Theater on a Wednesday. It was packed, but the server (Jessica) was killing it. Every table in their section was being taken care of continuously. I ordered before everyone else at the table and could not believe how quick the wings came out. They were fantastic. Another person at the table ordered wings because I liked them so much. I timed it. 2:51 from order to table. My expectations were vastly exceeded. read more

Food is awful! Kids chicken tenders, a breakfast Bucky, cheese curds and a hamburger. Not one of us could finish their food. Just terrible! The service is fast but the food is a waste of money. read more

I'm so glad this car still open during Covid. This place has amazing food. JUST BE AWARE: the beer is really expensive. A Lakeshore tap is over $10.00!! Crazy price for a tap. Especially in the size of class they give you. The service is great. Our waitress continued to check on us every 5-7 minutes. The beer is wonderful. The lighting and atmosphere is awesome too! This is a great place to go with friends and with one other person. You've got to come on in and try some of this ranch. The sweet potato tots are the bomb! You can see the game anywhere you sit in there. The walls are lined with TVs. read more

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Went here for a quick drink and a bite before a show at The Miller High Life Theater (The Milwaukee Theater), and Goolsby's did not fail us. We sat ourselves and "boom", server was right there to bring drinks. We ordered off the expedited menu and again food was up in a couple minutes plus they bring your bill right away so there is no waiting. This is not 5 star dining by any means bur more like typical sports bar food. They got five stars for doing what they promised, get you in and out in time for the show read more

Major Goolsby's - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Food was delicious and Jason and Drew were great at serving me! Such a cool place!!!! read more

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Terrible restaurant! Awful service and the food was not good. Charged 20% tip for terrible service and gross food.

In ordering twice weekly lunches for my staff of essential workers, I totally forgot about Major Goolsby's! I've always liked their food, even when the service can be spottier than a dalmatian. And since this would be a take-out order, I could negate that issue entirely. Things started out well; the online ordering system through the third-party was slick and easy to use. Given that Major's is just a few blocks away, I waited a bit and about 5 minutes before the order time I selected, I strolled down 4th street to collect my food. I don't like to be "that guy" and having not received a confirmation email a minute past the time my food was scheduled to be ready, I checked the order status online and it told me that my food had been ready for over 20 minutes! Adding insult to injury, the bacon cheeseburger someone ordered was missing the bacon... read more

Hell yeah. Never visit Milwaukee and not have a beautifully grilled Brat at iconic sports bar, Major Goolsby! read more

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Friendly, bar food is just ok except for the chicken tenders-they're awesome. Super place to watch a game.

Ok went here for lunch the other day. It's more like a big bar then a restaurant so for sports fans you will love this place!!! The service was fast and food. Food came quick and they keep it simple. I had a Milwaukee root beer that was tasty and the famous burger!! Fries were a delight. Overall I and my tummy were satisfied!! I was still on the work clock so I didn't get emit try out any cocktails. I have a feeling they've got whatever you want!! read more

Major Goolsby's - Teresa is drinking beer!!! LOL. Root Beer that is !! - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I haven't been here in ages and we stopped here after a concert. I had gone to the restroom and my hubby had ordered drinks before I got back. Two bottles of Miller Lite and a Sprecher root beer $12.00. We had just appetizers: Chicken wings, cheese curds, and onion rings. The wings were larger than I've seen at other places. A batter was on them and then the sauce was poured on them. The onion rings were cold and the cheese curds weren't a golden brown but pale. We got these small round paper plates that were barely big enough to put two wings on. The bill came to $42.00! For just apps and drinks! We came in about 10:30PM. I am not sure if that had something to do with the quality? Our server was extremely friendly. That's the only plus. read more

Major Goolsby's - Still the same. - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

HOLY WORL FAMOUS BURGER!! Threaded lettuce side?!! Top 5 Best Burger I've had EVER! I'm an In-n-Out fan and this blew it out of the water! Conveniently located to Bucks arena?! You know I'm coming back! read more

Major Goolsby's - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Went here to enjoy wings and drink. The wings were okay but a lot of spice on the outside but not the actual wing. If you get past the sauce and spice that's sprinkled on the fried wing it's not that spicy. I also ordered the strawberry margarita and it was okay they may have used house liquor. We also got hamburger and that was delicious, this is more of a sports bar hang out and the crowd was loud meanwhile the Wisconsin game was going on. If your into sports this is the place to be because there's lots of TV and different games on read more

Stopped in here twice in the last few months while in the area for events. On the plus side, they got us in and out quickly before our basketball game across the street, everyone is friendly, and every server was wearing our team's t-shirts. On the down side, the food isn't that great, verging on poor, actually. On my first visit the chicken sandwich was so plain, and the bread it was served on was falling apart. If I went to a friend's BBQ they wouldn't serve me something this sad. This past weekend I had their wings which seem to get good write ups, but they were just okay. Not as good as TomKen's or BWW. You have to ask for celery for the wings, and it came with two small sticks- as if it was going to break their bank...Doing the bare minimum, it seems. Drinks are served in plastic cups, like at a kegger. Really brought out the flavors in my beer! My family thought their dishes were just mediocre. My mom had the BBQ rib sandwich and the bread kept falling apart- invest in better bread, Major! My dad did like the cheeseburger, and the sweet potato tots were actually really good, so there's that. This place is an institution because of its prime location near the Arena, but I wouldn't steer out of town friends here, and people's tastes have changed to wanting quality food even in a sports bar environment. Even my easy to please family said they'd prefer to check out a different place nearby on our next foray downtown. read more

My expectations were sky-high based on advertising and general reviews. Voted "Best sports bar in the country" by Sports Illustrated? How can you go wrong? It was late, and we were able to seat ourselves. Service was quick and friendly. My wife got a cheeseburger. I had eaten earlier, but we split a cheese curds (because that's what you do - you get cheese curds). The food was a mixed bag. The burger was not good. The outer edges were overcooked (and tasted like carbon). It was dry - like someone pressed all the juice out of the poor thing. It was thin, too (again - like someone pressed it badly). Disappointing. It could have been so much better - it looked nothing like what they had on their menu. The curds were very good - fresh and tasty. For what we got for our money (burger, curds, 2 sodas - for $25 out the door), it was incredibly disappointing. The environment looks like it could be a great time for a sporting event. It's quite large, and being close to three large sports venues, I'm sure the place gets packed often. Perhaps the food can be better (by coming back a different day, having a different chef, or ordering something else), but I'll be hard pressed (like their burger - haha!) to come back to take that risk. I hope your experience is better than mine. read more

I love stopping at Major Goolsby's before events at the Bradley Center! My first time at Major Goolsby's was as a kid before my first Buck's game with my dad. In more recent times I have grabbed something to eat before Admiral's games and WWE Live events. Service is always great no matter how crowded it gets in there. I like the menu options as there is always something that jumps out at me. The burgers are absolutely fantastic, and on my most recent visit I tried the Ham and Cheeseburger. You can't go wrong with putting more meat on a burger, lol! I would definitely recommend giving Major Goolsby's a try, especially before an event downtown! read more

Major Goolsby's - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

All I can say is this place is as solid as their burgers. And their cheeseburger was quite solid (and much larger than I expected!). The bacon burger is loaded with bacon so much that you are going to need water. Or beer. This place is a great sports bar. Plenty of TVs, good atmosphere, and beer on tap. It has street parking and parking lots nearby. Excellent option for sports bars downtown. read more

Major Goolsby's - Major Goolsby himself? - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It was okay. It's a good place for a drink and a quick bite to eat before any games. The best part was we had an awesome waitress. But the food was a little bit overpriced for what we actually got. Also, we sat at a high top table but next time we opt for a booth because the table was not big enough for our food and drinks. read more

This is an icon in Milwaukee, popular amongst sports fans and entertainment-goers attending events at the nearby BMO-Harris and Panther arenas. Above average bar food, I clouding burgers, brats, wings, tots, and more. They have a pretty decent fish fry on Fridays. Their burgers are their best offering though. Thick cut bacon and cheese on a Major Burger are where it's at. Order a side of their thin fries, too. Atmosphere is great. Always filled with people going to the same event you are! Definitely sports bar decor. read more

Major Goolsby's - Sports Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin