The Brat Stop - Kenosha, Wisconsin

One of my close friends made a comment about my blog recently that she used to remember me posting relatively healthy recipes, but about how now all my posts are about bacon, beef, steak, cheese and more cheese.  I kind of chuckled at her observation, but it is so true.  My diet has changed significantly since moving to the midwest.  I used to hate bacon; was never a fan of cheese mixed in with food; probably consumed one steak, if that, a year and thought sausage or any encased meats was gross.  Now, those are the first things I gravitate towards when I open the menu.  lol.   

Case in point, for brunch recently in Napa, my friend, who is vegan and eats raw foods, had a fresh, colorful chopped salad, while I found myself in front of a plate of duck confit with creamy mushroom risotto.  Did I mention, I also consumed an almond and chocolate croissant 30 minutes before our brunch?  A rehaul of my diet will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, I will share with you a fun trip we had to Wisconsin.  I love road trips.  We went hiking at Kettle Moraine State Forest and on the way back, we stopped by the Brat Stop.  A trip to Wisconsin wouldn't be complete without eating a brat, right?  That and fried cheese curds, but I think I'll pass on that one.  

Check out the sign, it just says C-H-E-E-S-E.  I wonder what they have at the Brat Stop?  

 

It's kind of kitchy place but it definitely has character.  Check out their menu, it's in the shape of a beer mug.

It's a pretty big place, where you can have banquets, parties and even come to hear live music.  We came here for the brats though.  There were a group of people playing poker when we were there.

To start, I ordered a cup of chili.

We also got an order of jalapeno poppers.

They have a wide array of brats: pork, veal, cajun and garlic, to name a few.  I got their regular pork brat.

I think Gook tried the garlic and veal.  Susan tried the pork and the garlic.  I think we all agreed the regular pork one was the best.

It comes with your choice of french fries or german potato salad.  You also can get sauerkraut or pickled red cabbage.

I'm not sure if it's because we hiked 7 miles before this meal, but we all devoured our brat sandwiches and downed our pitcher of beer.

I totally did not know this at the time, but they have a store on the side where you can buy some brats and cheese to take home.  Thank goodness I made it out of there without seeing it, otherwise I'd be bringing back a chain of sausages and wheels of cheese back home with me.  

If you ever find yourself in Kenosha, you definitely should stop by.  This might have to be a regular stop for us when we go hiking.  

The Brat Stop

12304 75th Street

Kenosha, WI 53142-7323