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

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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

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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

Mars Cheese Castle - The Irish Reuben is incredible. - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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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

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Very cool stop in Wisconsin. Very much worth your time if you want to stop for a drink at their bar or peruse the many gifts or cheese on display. My favorite thing was that there were many tasting stations to sample the cheese. We ended up not buying anything, but I sure did enjoy trying so many of their offerings. read more

I loved it. There is so much to see ...so many foods and gifts to choose from. The restaurant food was delicious. Staff was great. Plenty of parking. Definitely worth stopping in for a visit. read more

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Great spot that has a wide variety of cheese and local items. The cheese curds from the restaurant were amazing! It is a bit touristy- but it's worth the stop. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

What a cool place, they have a full bar, food counter and everything cheese related! The next time I go back, I will take a cooler to take cheese back to Illinois. read more

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

Mars Cheese Castle - The best cheese spread I've ever had - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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

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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

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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

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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

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Came to Wisconsin today for the first time the wife found a cheese castle so when I got here, I thought it was gonna be made out of cheese or look like cheese but no the inside is full of cheese and it's wonderful. They also have all kinds of beers root beer they have a restaurant inside. They have a bunch of interesting Wisconsin knickknacks it is one of the most impressive gift shops I've seen other than being in Vegas, which if you know, then you know, I got some smoked cheese. I got some super sharp cheddar, which I never heard of. It did taste good. They let us taste some of it. The family got some cheese curds fried. I did not eat that. We also got a corn beef sandwich a couple pastrami some chicken strips we got to taste some of their ice cream creams. They have a Superman ice cream like I said there's a bunch of interesting things inside of the shop or Castle I am glad that I came here. I don't I know for a fact I won't be coming back, but I'm glad I did. Btw the potato salad is different than any potato salad I've ever tasted and I've made German potato salad. I think the Balance is off. It's not good at all. I would not get that if I were you unless you like strong potato salad. The four s is for the castle itself not the restaurant I would give the restaurant a two maybe a three because the french fries were good. read more

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Mars Cheese Castle has always been high on my list. I have been going here before the castle was built! I usually try to visit one a year since around 2004 when I discovered it. It is a huge tourist trap but I love it! The location is very easy to find. And there are plenty of parking. The building is really a castle! Inside, there place is separated nicely. There is a big cheese section with a huge variety of types and flavors. I got some spicy cheeses for my father. And I got my Kings of Queen (or something like that) cheese spread. This has always been my favorite and only reason to come here. I also had to buy some cheese curds for fried cheese curds and/or poutine. In the back, they have a small beer section and of course Spotted Cow that everyone seems to love. Then they have some souviniers and touristy stuff like clothing and things to hang around the house The staff here has always been friendly to talk to. They love talking about the cheeses and giving you recommendations. They gave my 2 year old daughter a few things like balloons, a crown and crayons. Overall, I love this place and will always return! 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

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Loved stopping here on my way into Milwaukee. Plenty of different food items, souvenirs, and cheese curds. Stopped in for some fried curds and a beer. Everything was tasty. Wish I lived closer. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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The Bloody Mary and fried cheese curds were delicious. Highly recommend trying. The service was definitely slow. It almost seemed intentionally slow. I mean my bartender made a great Bloody Mary, but it took a minute a and he seemed annoyed to do it. They could maybe benefit from more efficient process of making Bloody Marys since they definitely appeared to be the most common drink! read more

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

Mars Cheese Castle - Bloody and curds - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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

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This place is FULL of cheese the best cheese in my opinion like there are so many strange cheeses too read more

Mars Cheese Castle - This is literally a castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

I have lived and worked in Wisconsin for 79 years and spent 4 years in the military I find it very hard to believe that they do not honor veterans with any discount, read more

Very rude person came to the closed locked door. Screamed at me "we are closed, the system is down" no apology, she proceeded to scream at another potential customer. Management needs to coach employees! read more

We stopped at the Castle to get a little cheese. We ended up buying a half dozen packages of differently flavored cheese curds and a few other types of cheese. We also got a couple of souvenir t-shirts just for grins! Once we paid for our purchases and took them to the car, we went back in to try out their lunch offerings. My wife had a Grilled Cheese sandwich, and I got the Liverwurst sandwich. We both had the Warm German Potato Salad for our side. While she got a fountain Coke, I opted for an adult beverage. I had the Potosi IPA, a brand that I had never tried. We were both pleasantly surprised at the flavor of the sandwiches. I am in love with the IPA! For anyone traveling up I-94/I-41 in southeastern Wisconsin, it would behoove you to stop in and explore the available selections of cheese, crackers, meats, souvenir items, t-shirts, etc. It's definitely on my list of places to go now! read more

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Was told the cheese castle is a must see when I moved to the area. It was very touristy and felt more like a huge souvenir shop. I would go back to buy gifts for out of town family but not to make a special trip to see. Tried the Mac and cheese which was soupy and kind of bland. A fun stop along the way from Chicago to Milwaukee area. read more

Did this place is amazing. It has everything, I went In thinking I would not get anything and then I came home with a whole bunch of fun stuff. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - The sign an the castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

This place is incredible with an assortment of most everything you would want in a stop off the freeway in a castle none the less! Bakery, bar, hot food to order, cheese samples, sausages and meats, wine, snacks, sweets, preserves, souvenirs - very entertaining!! read more

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This place having anything less than 5 stars is egregious. What else could you want? Tons of beer, insane amount of cheese and anything you would want to pair with your cheese and beer. Anytime I'm remotely near this place (and by remote, I mean a 250 mile radius), I make sure to stop in! read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Not sure how you can top this - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Mars Cheese Castle is an iconic place to stop at. The inside is decked out with everything cheese. It's a great place to buy souvenirs, beer, clothes, and fresh cheese to take home. They have a small little restaurant in there with very reasonable pricing. The egg sandwiches were really good. If you ever drive by this place, it's worth a stop in. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Cheese curds, Mac n Cheese, and Egg Sandwiches. - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Mars Cheese Castle is a very interesting spot that has tons of cheese and New Glarus Brewing Company Beer. Beer that is only made in Wisconsin. Was very tempted to buy a cheese head but decided against it. Overall, what a fascinating themed Cheese and Beer Shop. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

We popped in to the Cheese Castle because we were exactly what this place is for - tourists! There are a bunch of free samples, which is great, but the prices are tourist trap elevated - not outrageous, but a bit more than you'd pay at a well socked grocery store in the area. My almost 7yo was rolling his eyes and complaining as we exited the highway, but pretty happy by the time we left. You can even grab a beer in there - full bar! read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Bloody Mary smaller than it used to be which fine, understood prices have gone up but the service was not good. No acknowledgement for a good amount of time sitting at the bar. It wasn't busy, and they were slow. Even after I finished my drink and sat there for 10 minutes, I had to ask for the bill. Again, not busy. Very disappointing as this used to be top on my list to go. read more

Heading back to Chicagoland and had to stop to stock up. I'm originally from WI and even though I literally have 12 kinds of cheese at home I had to stop for fresh cheese curds. Also got a black truffle Gouda. There's a cafe, a bar, a bakery, a deli and an ice cream stand inside, too. Plus lots of cool gifts, cheesehead gear, beer and snacks. Just stop and check it out! read more

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Popular tourist spot. It's fun when they have cheese tasting, just don't come when it's closing. Prices are on the higher side since it's a tourist spot. There's a restaurant inside which I have not tried. They sell Racine's Kringle for around $12. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Outside - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Been here a couple times now. The first time was to take some cheese only and the second time I ate here and took some more cheese home. The food is very inexpensive and the selection of cheeses is amazing. Will definitely make sure I stop here every time I'm in Wisconsin. I ordered their Brat which came with fries and an order of cheese curds. All so very delicious and filling. read more

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Right off of the highway. Good amount of parking. Just perfect for a quick pit stop on a road trip. So many different layers to it. A whole bar/restaurant area, a quick walk up food counter, souvenir area, custard and fudge, snacks, and of course cheese! Cheese samples too. We opted for a quick bite. The cheese curds were honestly some of best I've had! The alcohol choices were quite impressive as well. read more

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Stopped on my way up to Milwaukee, to get some cheese curds. This place was cool! Its a castle, with lots of cheese inside. Free samples, cheesehead gear, drinks, its own bar, ice cream, more cheese, sausages etc. It was a cool place. The cheese curds I had were bomb! Lightly battered, super crunchy yet soft and chewy. Some of, if not the best curds I've ever encountered. Would definitely stop by again if in the area. read more

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We stopped on our way back from a conference in Green Bay, and loaded up on cheese (and some dry sausage)! We also ended up grabbing a sandwich from the sandwich shop in the back, as well as some cheese curds. Food was good and price was decent. read more

Mars Cheese Castle - Bakeries Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin