Mars Cheese Castle
Mars Cheese Castle Photos
Business Info
You might also consider
Recommended Reviews - Mars Cheese Castle
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
If you're driving into Milwaukee, WI, a stop at Mars Cheese Castle is a must do. This place is more than just a cheese shop. They have a deli, bakery, ice cream shop, and tons of cheese themed snacks and Wisconsin goodies to explore. It's the kind of pit stop where you'll want to get out, stretch your legs, grab a bite, and probably leave with a few things you didn't plan on buying.
Visited Mars Cheese Castle while travelling through Wisconsin. Let's give credit where credit is due -- this is better than your average highway rest stop. Is it a bit of a tourist trap? Sure. But then again, so is Buc-ee's, and people flock to those. Mars Cheese Castle has its place: a convenient spot to take a washroom break, stretch your legs, and browse for some Wisconsin goodies. Would I go out of my way to stop here? No. But it worked perfectly for us on this trip, and sometimes that's exactly what you need when you're on the road. Overall, a worthwhile highway stop if you're passing by -- just don't make it the destination. Saluti.
Stopped at the famous Mars Cheese Castle to check out what they had to offer. This place is huge and definitely a tourist trap but that was okay with me! They had a huge selection of wine, beer, cheese, crackers, meats, etc. They also have a bakery, deli, bar, and restaurant. I picked up some pretzels, honey mustard dipping sauce, a few bottles of wine from wineries in Wisconsin (including Door County and Prairie du Sac), Wisconsin beer, a variety of cheeses and crackers. Overall, a great stop! And a nice sized parking lot with plenty of spaces.
Who knew? First time in Wisconsin for a Brewers game, and hit this place entering and exiting the state. "Had" to get a bunch of things both times, and got some awesome food items ( popcorn seasoning, spicy microwave popcorn packets), and cheese curds with the assistance of Caday. Great pretzels, fun photo ops, and unique merch. Had Jamir at the register/ check out both times, really friendly. So much fun; you don't know what you're missing!!
Had to check this place off my Wisconsin bucket list and I'm so glad I did. The cheese selection alone is worth the stop, picked up several kinds to bring home and ended up snacking on some right there in the store. Also grabbed a pint of a beer that's only brewed in Wisconsin, which felt like the right move for a place like this. Fun stop, good food, and a true local landmark. Would definitely swing by again next time I'm in the area.
Great place to stop by for lunch, drinks, or cheese curds! Plenty of high chairs, booster seats, cheese options, and things to look around. Cheese curds were fried to order and are super crispy. Crown, crayons, balloons available for toddlers and for adults with kids hearts!
Located on the Wisc- Illinois boarder this definitely qualifies as a tourist trap... but a pretty good one! Of course when you come to Wisconsin you are going to want to find some cheese. Why wouldn't you pick a place that is shaped like a castle? This place does a great job of having it all... above and beyond cheese! A restaurant/bar, a snack counter, ice cream, candy, bakery, liquor section, tee shirts and all types of local foods from other Wisconsin business. And FREE SAMPLES! I've been here many times because it's a great place to pull over and take a break and shop for some cool foods while on my way home from a trip to Illinois or other places south of me. Pro tip: find the bakery products in the frozen section from the Elegant Farmer, everything they make is great.
We had no idea what to expect when we saw the cheese castle off the side of the highway. When we walked in, we were greeted by a woman in a princess gown and all given crowns and balloons. It was so exciting! We had baked goods samples and cheese samples. They had a deli, bakery, cafe, gift shop and mini market in the castle. We had such a great time!
Loved it!! Literally a "must" for all cheese lovers It looks like a castle from the outside but the inside is a cheese haven!!! There's a tavern, a quick eats restaurant, gift shop, bakery, snacks, and LOTS of CHEESE The guy at the cheese counter was AMAZING!! He talked about everything from aging to flavor, he literally could've sold me a cow because I spent about $30 on cheese that day Everyone enjoyed their meal because a grilled cheese at the cheese castle just hit different...lol! My teens and young adult went with the burger and fries, which they also enjoyed. This was literally a quick trip from Chicago and I'd definitely do it again but I'd make sure to bring a cooler and lots of ice packs (which they have available for purchase).
We were coming back from a trip to Wisconsin and I'd heard of the Mars Cheese Castle a few times now, so we decided to stop on our way back to Chicago. I loved the stop because it looks like a castle outside and they have cheese samples inside (also bakery samples, which were also yummy). I wasn't planning on buying anything but I wanted to try the world's best cheese curds and I was skeptical, but honestly as a non-cheese curd expert, I could see this place potentially being the world's best cheese curds. They were so good and better than cheese curds we had in Madison. I would stop by again if I was passing through just for these. Also the store has fun cute silly cheese merch.
Wow - Mars Cheese Castle's Irish Reuben is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had! I've been coming to Mars Cheese Castle for years, and it never disappoints. But yesterday was the first time I ever ordered the Irish Reuben. My wife and I were trying to decide what to have, when Louis (our favorite bartender) gave us the details on the Irish Reuben. This is not a traditional Reuben (there is no Sauerkraut or Thousand Island Dressing). The Corned Beef is baked in brown sugar consommé, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, and Guinness Stout. It is served with Guinness Braised Cabbage, Caramelized Onions, and Swiss Cheese. It is incredible. This is on my Mt. Rushmore of sandwiches. It is that good. It is a seasonal sandwich that is only available around St. Paddy's Day...so get it while you can. Thanks Louis!
Is there anything not great about The Mars Cheese Castle? If you're looking for cheese and/or beer and you've just arrived in the great state of Wisconsin, this is the place! Great for souvenirs, alcoholic beverages and....drum roll...the best grilled cheese sandwich known to me. Wow. Perfectly toasted. Perfectly buttered. And stuffed with the stretchiest, most delicious cheddar I could imagine. It is the platonic ideal of a grilled cheese and this is essentially a Grilled Cheese Mecca!
We've driven by literally hundreds of times, but this was the first time we stopped in. Lots of Wisconsin products to choose from. They also have a bar and a cafe, so you can have lunch, too. They were offering samples of some of the products, which is always a bonus. We picked up a few items we needed for our weekly grocery shopping. Glad we finally stopped in. read more
Please tell me how the Mars Cheese Castle is not 5 stars? I thought it was phenomenal. We bought several kinds of cheese curds, cheese dip, beer, chocolates, kringles, and even clothing. We prob bought more too but I can't think right now. I seriously wished I had driven all the way to Wisconsin so I could buy more stuff and get it back to my home. The store has lots of samples and even a little restaurant/place to order hot food plus it has a bar. There was also a man who asked my sister if she ever had this certain well known local beer (well, prob just well known to WI people). When she said no the man then walked her over to the bar and got her a glass of the beer. We prob spent 90 min in this castle. (It even look like a castle.) If you are in the area do not miss this awesome stop. read more
2 months ago
If you're driving into Milwaukee, WI, a stop at Mars Cheese Castle is a must do. This place is more than just a cheese shop. They have a deli, bakery, ice cream shop, and tons of cheese themed snacks and Wisconsin goodies to explore. It's the kind of pit stop where you'll want to get out, stretch your legs, grab a bite, and probably leave with a few things you didn't plan on buying. read more
Visited Mars Cheese Castle while travelling through Wisconsin. Let's give credit where credit is due -- this is better than your average highway rest stop. Is it a bit of a tourist trap? Sure. But then again, so is Buc-ee's, and people flock to those. Mars Cheese Castle has its place: a convenient spot to take a washroom break, stretch your legs, and browse for some Wisconsin goodies. Would I go out of my way to stop here? No. But it worked perfectly for us on this trip, and sometimes that's exactly what you need when you're on the road. Overall, a worthwhile highway stop if you're passing by -- just don't make it the destination. Saluti. read more
2 months ago
Stopped at the famous Mars Cheese Castle to check out what they had to offer. This place is huge and definitely a tourist trap but that was okay with me! They had a huge selection of wine, beer, cheese, crackers, meats, etc. They also have a bakery, deli, bar, and restaurant. I picked up some pretzels, honey mustard dipping sauce, a few bottles of wine from wineries in Wisconsin (including Door County and Prairie du Sac), Wisconsin beer, a variety of cheeses and crackers. Overall, a great stop! And a nice sized parking lot with plenty of spaces. read more
Who knew? First time in Wisconsin for a Brewers game, and hit this place entering and exiting the state. "Had" to get a bunch of things both times, and got some awesome food items ( popcorn seasoning, spicy microwave popcorn packets), and cheese curds with the assistance of Caday. Great pretzels, fun photo ops, and unique merch. Had Jamir at the register/ check out both times, really friendly. So much fun; you don't know what you're missing!! read more
Had to check this place off my Wisconsin bucket list and I'm so glad I did. The cheese selection alone is worth the stop, picked up several kinds to bring home and ended up snacking on some right there in the store. Also grabbed a pint of a beer that's only brewed in Wisconsin, which felt like the right move for a place like this. Fun stop, good food, and a true local landmark. Would definitely swing by again next time I'm in the area. read more
Great place to stop by for lunch, drinks, or cheese curds! Plenty of high chairs, booster seats, cheese options, and things to look around. Cheese curds were fried to order and are super crispy. Crown, crayons, balloons available for toddlers and for adults with kids hearts! read more
Located on the Wisc- Illinois boarder this definitely qualifies as a tourist trap... but a pretty good one! Of course when you come to Wisconsin you are going to want to find some cheese. Why wouldn't you pick a place that is shaped like a castle? This place does a great job of having it all... above and beyond cheese! A restaurant/bar, a snack counter, ice cream, candy, bakery, liquor section, tee shirts and all types of local foods from other Wisconsin business. And FREE SAMPLES! I've been here many times because it's a great place to pull over and take a break and shop for some cool foods while on my way home from a trip to Illinois or other places south of me. Pro tip: find the bakery products in the frozen section from the Elegant Farmer, everything they make is great. read more
We had no idea what to expect when we saw the cheese castle off the side of the highway. When we walked in, we were greeted by a woman in a princess gown and all given crowns and balloons. It was so exciting! We had baked goods samples and cheese samples. They had a deli, bakery, cafe, gift shop and mini market in the castle. We had such a great time! read more
Loved it!! Literally a "must" for all cheese lovers It looks like a castle from the outside but the inside is a cheese haven!!! There's a tavern, a quick eats restaurant, gift shop, bakery, snacks, and LOTS of CHEESE The guy at the cheese counter was AMAZING!! He talked about everything from aging to flavor, he literally could've sold me a cow because I spent about $30 on cheese that day Everyone enjoyed their meal because a grilled cheese at the cheese castle just hit different...lol! My teens and young adult went with the burger and fries, which they also enjoyed. This was literally a quick trip from Chicago and I'd definitely do it again but I'd make sure to bring a cooler and lots of ice packs (which they have available for purchase). read more
3 months ago
We were coming back from a trip to Wisconsin and I'd heard of the Mars Cheese Castle a few times now, so we decided to stop on our way back to Chicago. I loved the stop because it looks like a castle outside and they have cheese samples inside (also bakery samples, which were also yummy). I wasn't planning on buying anything but I wanted to try the world's best cheese curds and I was skeptical, but honestly as a non-cheese curd expert, I could see this place potentially being the world's best cheese curds. They were so good and better than cheese curds we had in Madison. I would stop by again if I was passing through just for these. Also the store has fun cute silly cheese merch. read more
19 days ago
Wow - Mars Cheese Castle's Irish Reuben is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had! I've been coming to Mars Cheese Castle for years, and it never disappoints. But yesterday was the first time I ever ordered the Irish Reuben. My wife and I were trying to decide what to have, when Louis (our favorite bartender) gave us the details on the Irish Reuben. This is not a traditional Reuben (there is no Sauerkraut or Thousand Island Dressing). The Corned Beef is baked in brown sugar consommé, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, and Guinness Stout. It is served with Guinness Braised Cabbage, Caramelized Onions, and Swiss Cheese. It is incredible. This is on my Mt. Rushmore of sandwiches. It is that good. It is a seasonal sandwich that is only available around St. Paddy's Day...so get it while you can. Thanks Louis! read more
Is there anything not great about The Mars Cheese Castle? If you're looking for cheese and/or beer and you've just arrived in the great state of Wisconsin, this is the place! Great for souvenirs, alcoholic beverages and....drum roll...the best grilled cheese sandwich known to me. Wow. Perfectly toasted. Perfectly buttered. And stuffed with the stretchiest, most delicious cheddar I could imagine. It is the platonic ideal of a grilled cheese and this is essentially a Grilled Cheese Mecca! read more
So many questions? The cheese part is obvious (how many types of cheese can I sneak into this review?) ...But why Mars? Moon would make more sense since it has holes like swiss cheese. And why a Castle? Is it all of the cream colored brick? Maybe a cottage makes more sense. Whatever the reason, it's worth a stop if you're in the area, but not worth a special trip, if you ask me. It's a cheese store, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a beer/liquor store. I'm sure there's something to cheer you up if you're feeling blue (like the bar). As far as the restaurant goes, they say they have the best cheese curds and I disagree. They were good but not the best I've had. Probably not even in my top 5. The Kings Ransom sandwich was gouda but nothing out of this world. Everything was edible, just not the GOAT of cheesy goodness. I was hungry, so I decided to Edam anyway. Prices aren't bad, either. They had some local beers (Spotted Cow seems to be popular), but not sure if the hops are gruyere or some other part of the country. They even had some whiskeys as well. And don't forget samples (of cheese, not alcohol). In the "deli" area, there were some freebies. This is nacho average rest stop, but it does have easy off, easy on to the highway. And some grassy areas to walk your chihuahua. read more
Impromptu stop while in Wisconsin. I've been coming here for years. My favorite place for cheese. Such a huge variety. I always try something different. That's what's to cool about Mars. They always have different samples of cheese to try. Or if not already available, they will give you a slice you are wanting to taste. Today's purchase was Smoked Mozzarella, Bellavitano Cheese, Sartori Sharp Cheddar, Havarti, and the all time famous WI String Cheese. Yummy Such a cool spot. It also has a deli and a bar- restaurant. A nice selection of WI specialty beers and sodas too. A must check out spot, right off interstate. Definitely a 10 out of 10! read more
21 days ago
We stopped in here on our way home from a fantastic bestie weekend getaway. Although I've passed this cheese capital many times in my travels, this was my first time stopping here. It is a huge venue with a lot of options of cheeses to choose between - and ever so much more. From meats, crackers/munchies, or ice cream to clothes, magnets, and kitchen gadgets - you will be guaranteed to leave with a new item. They had some sampling of cheeses which was really nice. I loved the horseradish spread cheese. It was slightly on sale so that was nice, but I noticed that cheese spread expired in under two months. Knowing that, this seems like a place you may want to double check expiration dates on. There was a few items I passed on, but next time I travel through town, I'm sure I'll stop again for another item. Before we left, we tried the onion rings and cheese curds. They were tasty, but definitely nothing too memorable for me. read more
Growing up we went on many roadtrips, and going to the Mars Cheese Castle no doubt helped me fall in love with cheese. Since we are headed to some national parks in South Dakota and Wyoming, I requested we make a stop in Wisconsin so I could introduce my husband to this marvelous cheese filled building. Founded in 1947, the Mars Cheese Castle has been around almost 75 years and drawing in cheese loving crowds. Being the first official place on our "to-go" list, we were delighted to be free from our car and able to explore a place with tasty treats. My husband hadn't been here yet so it was fun for me to watch him experience it for the first time. Loads of meat and cheese to choose from, they have a tavern as well as a restaurant, and they have non food souvenirs as well. Employees are helpful in guiding you to new cheeses that are comparable to what you already enjoy. I had a specific memory of fresh cheese curds from here and learning of the "squeak" sound they make, so I decided to grab a bag today. Thankfully we have a cooler and are planning on going to hotels with mini fridges to store some things. Overall I would most definitely recommend stopping by, whether you are local or are road tripping like my husband and I. Any Wisconsin trip will only be complete with a visit to Mars Cheese Castle from here on out. read more
Came in over the weekend. Had seen many of my friends post from out front but it's different actually going. Sooo much cheese. Little overwhelming. They were out of Cabot when I went. So ended up going with a hatch chili cheese, garlic cheese. Got some coffee Stout from New Glarus brewing. I've had the moon man before and Spotted Cow but I really love stouts. There's also little cheese samples they offer in the store with some crackers. After dropping purchases in car came back inside and there's a bar!! Got a few beers. Raspberry Tart from New Glarus & Up all night coffee milk stout from public brewing. Was here with girlfriend and we shared a small cheese plate. Excellent. There were also some free samples of cheese in the bar area. Talked with other customers in the bar area. Welcoming+ friendly. Offered some other Kenosha suggestions. read more
1 month ago
4 months ago
Mars Cheese Castle boasts an extensive inventory of delectable items, making it challenging to depart without a cart brimming with delectable treats. During my recent visit, I indulged in an ice cream cone and departed with a bag brimming with cheese curds and pastries from the bakery. Mars Cheese Castle consistently provides an enjoyable experience. read more
I don't enough words to explain how awesome this place is. An incredible variety of not only cheeses but so many other things: candy, shirts, snacks, condiments, goofy stuff, cards and stickers, beer and alcohol, fresh bakery items. In addition, they have a bar area and a little restaurant. I got the "classic "grilled cheese, which had actual cheddar cheese in it, not American, and when I did the cheese pull, it was about 2 feet long, which was cool. It came with fries that were perfect and I ordered a side of bacon, which was thick and crispy, just how I like it. You can have your picture taken with a cow, a mouse and on a throne! Fun place, even if you don't like cheese! read more
2 months ago
I do love the mars cheese castle and the place holds a special place in my heart! Unfortunately we had a less than stellar experience in the bar area today. The server was pretty cold and unfriendly towards us. It was a bit busy but the server was chatting and making drinks slowly. The bloody itself was very delicious and for that reason we were going to stay for a second drink but he never came back to us in over 30 min. Luckily a friendly gentleman next to us bought our first round or else I'm not sure how long it would have taken to get our bill and pay! Bad experience but we will try again because it's the mars cheese castle of course. :) the curds were decent, but you have to order and pick them up in another area which was a little confusing. read more
Definitely expected a bigger variety of cheese options and availability tastings. We tried 2 types of cheese and one cracker with ham. Unfortunately they were not serving soup until 12 and we were not aware until waiting through long lines. The bakery however offered a variety of yummy, freshly made treats. The gift shop is bigger than the areas actually serving the cheese which seems odd in my opinion. read more
4 months ago
We loved it! We are huge cheese people so the selection was overwhelming in a good way. Lots of cute merch to pick from and the most delicious samples ever! So glad we stopped. read more
Got any cheese? Someone show Urkel this castle please. There are several cheese samples among other things you can find that range from a tavern, BBQ sauce, convenience store, bakery, ice cream, and restaurant. My family ate at the restaurant and overall, it was better than expected. My wife and I got the Reubens which came with the choice of pastrami and corned beef. We both received one of each and split the half. I liked the pastrami one a little more because of the black pepper to it. Both were satisfactory and I would eat them again. We chose German potato salad with our Reubens and it was a nice, vingery, and warm potato salad. We could not leave this castle without ordering cheese curds. The cheese curds were solid and they offered a different sauce outside of your normal cheese curds choices of ranch and marinara. I can't remember the name of the sauce but it was a thin BBQ sauce with worchestershire mixed in according to an employee. I really enjoyed the sauce! Stop at Mars for plenty of cheese and other goodies! read more
Page 1 of 24
Ask the Community - Mars Cheese Castle
Is there still a medical office in this building?
I've toured the building and back of the house areas with a manager - I didn't see a medical room. Maybe but unlikely.
Review Highlights - Mars Cheese Castle
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
36 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
13 years ago
8 years ago
13 years ago
17 years ago
2 years ago
11 years ago
3 years ago
10 years ago
6 years ago
8 years ago
2 years ago
11 years ago
10 years ago
2 years ago
6 years ago
4 years ago
11 years ago
5 years ago
8 years ago
