1. Cheese Makes For The Warmest Hat
Packers over everything! Milwaukeeans will always bleed green and gold. Packers fandom is crazy enough to drive to Lambeau to cheer and shout “Go Pack Go!” with thousands of other screaming fans (even on the coldest days of the year).2. The Bears Will Always Suck
Milwaukeeans hate the Chicago Bears. Bitter rivals with the Packers, nothing makes a Milwaukeean happier than when the Bears lose, especially if it’s by their own hand.3. In Fact, All FIBS Are The Worst
Milwaukeeans really don’t like those Chicago people. The term “FIB” floats around quite a bit, short for “f*ckin’ Illinois b**stards.” It’s a city rivalry for the ages.4. A Brat Is Not A Hot Dog.
Chicago can keep their hot dog, too. Milwaukee brats make for the best snacks around, grilled after being first boiled in beer.5. Our Sausages Are Actually Pretty Athletic
Held before the bottom of the 6th at every Milwaukee Brewers game, people in sausage costumes do whatever it takes to get to the finish line first. Everyone has a favorite, making these tube shaped mascots celebrities on game day.6. They’re Called The Milwaukee BREWERS For A Reason.
Milwaukee, much like the rest of the state has a slight obsession with beer. With tons of awesome breweries and a rich history in the brewing industry, there’s no wondering why.7. Baseball Games Are The Biggest Parties
A trip to a Milwaukee Brewers game brings out the craziest in everyone. With some of the best tailgating around, the game might as well just be a pregame for the rest of the night.8. Yep, That’s Beer You’re Smelling
With so many breweries in Milwaukee, the smell of brewing beer tends to float through the air. Some visitors might find it strange at first, but for every Milwaukeean, it’s a nice reminder that they’re home.9. The Best Cheese Squeaks
Wisconsin may be known for its cheese but it’s the cheese curds that really take the cake, and Milwaukee is one of the best places to get them. Often deep fried and sometimes dipped in sauce, fans of these chewy chunks of dairy know they’re biting into quality when a squeaking sound accompanies their snack.10. Driving Full Speed In 3 Inches Of Snow Is Normal
Snow doesn’t slow down Milwaukee. It’s totally normal to see someone driving down the highway at 65 mph with several inches of powder on the ground.11. Sorry Coachella. Summerfest Will Always Be The Best Festival In The Country.
It’s 11 days long and attracts roughly a million people every year (plus some of the biggest artists around). Summerfest seems to shut down the city and should be on every concert-goers bucket list.12. Everyone Has A Cabin “Up North”
If a Milwaukeean says they’re headed “up north” for the weekend, it means they’re taking a few days to simply get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. They probably own a cabin on a lake or know a friend who’s letting them use theirs.13. Everyone Must Pick A Side In The Frozen Custard War
Milwaukeeans love their custard. A frozen treat that was made famous nationwide by the expansion of Culver’s, locals still swear by the originals like Leon’s and Kitt’s.14. How To Pronounce Milwaukee
It’s “Ma-Wauuu-kee”, not “Mil-wacky”, or any other way an out-of-towners manage to butcher it.15. Harley Davidsons Always Have The Right-Of-Way
Harley Davidson was founded in Milwaukee, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that the bikes are everywhere. No matter how many times you see them, sometimes you just can’t help but to stop and stare.16. Yes, That’s Polka You’re Hearing
Polka music is somehow still huge in MKE. In fact, it’s home to some of the only polka still plated over the airways today.17. Fridays Are For Fish Frys
Much like the rest of Wisconsin, fish frys are a popular tradition throughout Milwaukee, with many bars and restaurants offering up awesome deals around town.18. TYME Machines Are Real
When Milwaukeeans travel, they’re used to getting a shocked look when they ask for a “time machine.” If you hear a Milwaukeean say this, they’re simply referring to a machine put out by the ATM network TYME that operates throughout the state. They spit out dough like any other machine and have yet to transport someone to Medieval times.19. Milwaukeeans Drink From Bubblers
If an out-of-towner tells a Milwaukeean that they want to drink from the water fountain, they’ll be looked at like they’re crazy. In this city, “bubblers” are what people drink out of and fountains are part of a beautification project.20. Bloody Mary’s Can Be An Entire Meal
Milwaukee is a Bloody Mary-crazed city, with tons of the city’s many bars offering their own twist on the drink. It’s not uncommon to see things like burgers and other sandwiches sitting on top of the beverage when it’s delivered to a table. Sometimes, there may even be an entire fried chicken.21. Pabst Blue Ribbon Isn’t Just For Hipsters
A Milwaukee classic, Pabst is the drink of choice for many locals. Every bar will have it, and it’s usually the best deal on the drink menu.22. Buy Your Booze Before 9pm
Throughout the state of Wisconsin, most places won’t allow alcohol sales after 9 pm. If you’re stocking up for a party, make sure to buy your booze early in the day.23. There’s A Secret Love For The Bronze Fonz
Many out-of-towners might know that Happy Days was set in Milwaukee. When you tell them there’s a statue of Fonzie they can get their picture taken with, they’ll probably jump at the chance. It’s a bit touristy, but it’s just one more thing that makes Milwaukee special.24. Cream Puffs Will Ruin Other Desserts For You
Nowhere does a “cream puff” better than the state of Wisconsin. If an out-of-towner is in for a visit, make sure they understand how amazing they are by forcing them to try one firsthand.25. Milwaukee Practically Invented The Polar Bear
First held on Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach in 1916, the Polar Bear Plunge is one tradition that’s still going strong. Every year, brave and/or crazy locals run (or ride) into the lake on one of the coldest days of the year. It’s not for the faint of heart.26. Distance Is Measured In Time, Not Miles
When a Milwaukeean is giving directions, they’ll estimate how long a certain segment of the trip will take instead of technically saying how far you’ll be driving.27. It’s Just “The Lake”
One of the easiest ways to spot an out-of-towner is if they call Lake Michigan by its full name. For Milwaukeeans, it only takes two syllables for everyone to know what you’re talking about: “the lake.” What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Milwaukee? Tell us in the comments below!
