Return to the Scene of the Krime - Kewpees and Kringle

Surely, a place called Kewpee's possesses a child like quality. That is a reminding of child like quality. Kewpee's gleaming tile floor remind me intensely of school cafeterias, and the stainless steel trimmed formica tables existed in everyone's kitchen once upon a time. The effect was so profound that my Dad exclaimed how much the burgers reminded him of when he was a kid before taking one single bite. Mom at least waiting to sample her Kewpee burger, said it reminded her of McDonalds when it first got started.

The Kewpee burger gets started as one big kewpie loaf of meat. One grill man begins the kooking process by hacking off chunks of meat, then whacking, turning it into a patty. He retains responsibility for the burger for a few more columns, flipping and a-pounding. A second grill man takes over for the last two columns. By keeping a couple of kids busy, the burger is well cooked but NOT over cooked by the time it ends up in your bun. It gets a strong dose of catsup, and here is a case where the maligned condiment acts more as a sauce. The pickles were inside the bun but my heart went flippity-flop nonetheless. Fries are crinkle cut but nothing special, but the homemade rootbeer is nicely dry the way I like it (although not nearly as complex or medical as modern yuppie root beers). With a kringle, it makes a fine lunch.

But where to kringle. It was a decision vexing me all day. I so had loved Bendsten's. Yet, I was a connoisseur. Should not I take in another kringle to compare. Surefire pleasure or chow-science. I went back and fourth. Finally, I decided I had to try Larsen's kringle just to see. And it is a story with a happy ending. Larson's had a strawberry kringle out to sample. And it aint Bendsten's. Too much shortening coffeecake and not enough sucrose injected crust. I got a few donuts so as not to hurt their feelings and headed back to Bendsten's. Of course, now I had to ruminate a long time over which variety. Pecan it was.

Kewpee's
520 Wisconsin Ave
Racine, WI

Bendtsen's Bakery
3200 Washington
Racine, WI

Larsen Bakery
3311 Washington
Racine, WI

Vital Information wrote:Surely, a place called Kewpee's possesses a child like quality.

Hadnt realized Kewpee's was right there the last trip - will stop by on the next
trip.

As for Larsen's and Bendtsen's, with the few times Ive tried Bendtsen's was
clearly the better. And its always the Pecan for me.

BTW, on your n ext trip there you might try Irene's Carry Outs - some pretty
decent Southern/Soul food. At least their PorkChop sandwich is very
southerns and pretty good (fried right there while you wait, and fresh
seasoned fries that you also have to wait for).

c8w

Other chowish places in Racine....

Chubbies - Greasy spoon place. Monsterously huge burgers and sandwiches. Buns are literally dinner plate size. Bring your appetite. Tasty fries in a steak fry style...espcially good with chili and cheese.

Toteros Bar for lunch. They only serve one item per day, red sauce Italian. You go to the kitchen to and the cook dishes you up a plate. Wednesday (lasagna day!) is my favorite. Mostacioli on Tuesday is also worthwhile.

I live here and burned out on Kringle years ago...but I find L&H to be better than Bentsens.

Hi,

Quite likely influenced by Rob's Wisconsin highlights and my desire to drive around more than walk around, we went to Kenosha and Racine today. From the number of closed businesses, including bakeries, I was wondering if this wee excursion was going to be a bust. Fortunately, I did phone in advance to learn Kewpee's was open until 6 PM.

We started in Kenosha where my Mom wanted to retrace the steps of a long ago lost friendship. She was going to attempt to do this by feel, which usually I am pretty good at. However her last visit to this friend was roughly 40 years ago and much of the terrain has changed. She remembered a place called Andrea's where her girlfriend worked. Driving around we found nothing, though I located Andrea's easily once I was home.

Mother remembered there were street trolleys near her job. My immediate reaction was not very favorable since street trolleys seemed to have been decommissioned almost everywhere. Low and behold, we found trolley tracks with overhead electric to power them. We followed them to where they are stored the trolley cars. While they were not working today due to the holiday, these are working trolleys with working hours:

Winter Hours: (January 5th - April 4th)
- Monday through Friday: 10:05 a.m. until 2:05 p.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays: 10:05 a.m. until 5:35 p.m.
- Fare: 25¢

While Andrea's will be my Mother's destination, I passed by The Coffee Pot Diner and dreamed of a visit someday soon:



We proceed north on Sheridan Road to Racine passing 1960’s signage relics like the HobNob overlooking the lake. It gave all the appearances of being still in operation though closed because of the holiday or perhaps because it’s Monday.

Kewpees is dead easy to find in its one-story tiled building.



If you happen to be a Martian hovering above, then be assured they have made finding this piece of Americana easy to locate for you as well. There is a large Kewpee painted on the parking lot surface:



I’m not quite sure this was the original location. There was a letter on display from a woman who recalled her initial visits after Sunday afternoon drives in her Father’s Model T in the 1930’s. She has subsequently brought her children and grandchildren to Kewpee’s. She was quite pleased Kewpee’s had reopened allowing her family to continue their traditional visits.



There are no menus, you are directed to the posted menu. Mother choose a double hamburger with the works, which arrived as two hand formed patties:



I ordered the chili, which is sweet and maybe too sweet to many people’s tastes, though fine with me. When the chili arrived there was an excess of sauce. I ate down the sauce to reveal the chili’s constituent parts before taking a picture. Otherwise it may have looked vaguely similar to tomato soup.



I ordered a toasted cheese sandwich, which I guestimated was really a grilled cheese. It really was a toasted cheese sandwich. Both pieces of bread were toasted and a slice of American inserted between which melted. I wished now I sat at the counter to see how they processed the cheese sandwich.



We both had their homemade root beer, which was refilled without additional cost. Given the total cost of our meal was a mere $8.88, which is bargain for such a time traveling experience, I would have paid for refills!



Unless one has forgotten or unaware what a Kewpee may be. There is a wall of Kewpee doll memorabilia through the years including magazine articles, letters and a pamphlet from Jell-O. Amusingly they also had their first dollar: a Liberty dollar coin.



It has taken us forever to visit this charming hamburger stand though we’ll return again with the younger members of our family.

Andrea's
2401 60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 657-7732

Hobnob Restaurant
277 Sheridan Road
Racine, WI 53403
262-552-8008

Jj's Coffee Pot On 7th
4914 7th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-653-8849

Kewpee Sandwich Shop
520 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
http://www.kewpee.com
262-634-9601

If you'd been there six hours earlier, we would have run into you. I think, in fact, we even sat in pretty much the same place. I'm a sucker for plastic angel bands, so I greatly admired this one

.

I also was captivated by the parking lot image, though I hadn't thought of your alien angle.

But what I really liked was the sign on this Racine emporium, which I confess I did not try.


I agree that it was a great adventure--in our case after a trip to the Milwaukee airport and the discovery that the Milwaukee Public Market is closed Mondays. We also admired this yard in Bay View on our route south on Hwy 32.

All in all a great rainy day excursion.

Since our last visit to Kenosha and Racine was on a holiday when almost everything was closed. We returned yesterday to check out all the interesting places that intrigued us though inaccessible.

We began by revisiting my Mother’s past: Jack’s lunchroom and soda fountain at Andrea’s gift’s and cigar store. When my Mother was young she had a friend who moved to Kenosha who worked the soda fountain. For pure nostalgia we lunched there just to soak up what was left. My Mother recollected the soda fountain being more up front and not in the rear corner. From reading Andrea’s history, she was absolutely correct though the store had been remodeled. Where she once chatted up her friend is now where the humidor resides.

While this small restaurant inside a gift shop was full of nostalgia and old time ice cream parlor atmosphere, the food was simply serviceable. Rather than describe food you will never find interest in, I will highlight what did excite me. Reading the menu they laid claim to something I found quite interesting:

Jack's at Andrea's history wrote:During the day, children would rush in to buy penny candies and sugar cones filled with the rich ice cream that was now being made on the premises. In fact, it was at Andrea’s that the rippling process was invented (fudge-ripple ice cream), as Antonio “Tony” Giantonio brought artistry to the manufacture of ice cream.

Fudge ripple is one of my all time favorite ice creams. Oddly the cheaper the ice cream, the more fudge rippling I observe. Being at the (alleged) home of fudge ripple, I looked forward to trying some from the real source. When the waitress came by with our bill, I told her I would be interested in dessert if it was fudge ripple ice cream. “We don’t have fudge ripple ice cream.” “What the home of the fudge ripple ice cream has none?” Deer in headlights look from waitress, then more firmly, “We have no fudge ripple.” “You do know your menu claims to have invented fudge ripple right here.” The waitresses congregated together to discuss the news. The youngest waitress advised they used to make ice cream on the premises, though she was unaware of the (historic importance) fudge ripples birth at this location. The difference between them and I is my reading the menu.

After lunch, I retraced our steps a few miles because we had passed a business, which might be of interest to some here:



Kenosha Steam Baths or old fashioned saunas is open to men, women and children since 1926. They feature all private dressing, steam and shower rooms for a total relaxing experience according to their information. Usually when I have heard of steam baths, it seems to be an adult experience with no mention of children. For a 90 minute experience, the cost of a single person is $10, for two people: $7.50 each and children are $3. There is a men’s ‘Public Room,’ where the cost is $14 per visit with unlimited time. I did check, there is no food available.

I returned to The Coffee Pot, whose menu reads, “A Modern Classic re-established 2004.” Rather than Jack’s at Andrea’s, The Coffee Pot would be better choice for breakfast or lunch. They make their own breads and corned beef hash. Reading their specials board they offered a Lithuanian breakfast which included kuegeli and bacon buns. Taking one for the team, I purchased two bacon buns for a dollar each:



While small they had a very nice bacon flavor, which I am sure complimented the breakfast. Curious to find a Lithuanian breakfast in Kenosha, I inquired if there was a Lithuanian community located there. I learned the Lithuanian presence is due to the owner’s husband being a Lithuanian. I like the atmosphere and personality of this breakfast and lunch only diner and will make an effort to return soon.

Driving north to Racine, we stopped at Southern Foods, which I reported in another thread. We did find a soulfood source in Racine via Catfish City, which used to have an outpost on Washington Street in Waukegan:



Their daily offerings are fresh or fried catfish, ocean perch (cod), buffalo, shrimp and whiting. They have a smoker on the premises for rib tips. There sides are onion rings, fries, hush puppies, coleslaw with desserts of sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and banana pudding. They also offer grilled foods. What is of high interest is Sunday a soul food menu is offered. There is no eating in, for those passing through it is eat in the car or find a place to picnic.

We returned to Kewpee where we learned of a service idiosyncrasy: all regular burgers are served wrapped in paper regardless whether you eat in or take out. A cheeseburger eaten in the restaurant comes on a plate. When I inquired with the waitress, she advised this is the way it is always done.



While we did pass several Kringle bakeries, we returned home without buying any. We want to save something fun to investigate for a future visit.

Jack’s at Andrea's
2401 60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 657-7732

Jj's Coffee Pot On 7th
4914 7th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-653-8849

Kenosha Steam Baths
3504 6th Street
Kenosha, WI
262-657-9277
Wed – Sat: Noon to 9 PM
Sunday: Noon to 6 PM

Kewpee Sandwich Shop
520 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
http://www.kewpee.com
262-634-9601

Southern Foods
777 Sheridan Road
Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: 262-522-9015
Open 6 AM – 6 PM
Closed Tuesday.

Wilson’s Catfish City
2305 Racine Street
Racine, WI 53405
262-635-1995
262-635-0007

While we did pass several Kringle bakeries...

You mean, like this one?



We were in Kenosha yesterday (actually I see it is now the day before yesterday) as well and saw a couple of the things you name. We were mainly there for the natural and/or history museum (a nice little museum though a nicer building than collection, which seems to be the way of mid-sized towns; my hometown of Wichita is constantly building facilities and then wondering what the hell to put in them) and the streetcar ride*, so we didn't intend to go for the food, but when I see a sign like this, well... the kringle wasn't bad. It was, actually, exactly like every other kringle I've ever had.

Oliver's Bakery
3526 Roosevelt Rd, Kenosha, WI 53142

* I was a bit startled to see that the transit center for the streetcar was named for Joseph McCarthy, thinking that that was the Wisconsin senator of that name. Turns out, it's just the head of the transit authority, who has the same name. Now my question is, is anything named for the most famous Kenoshan?

Mike G wrote:... the kringle wasn't bad. It was, actually, exactly like every other kringle I've ever had.

Then, clearly, you've been eating the wrong kringles. Or, more appropriately, you've never tried the kringle of Mrs. JiLS's grandmother. Neither have I, though I've had one from her recipe (more or less) made by Mrs. JiLS's uncle, and let me tell you, there are substantial differences, at least among some kringle recipes. This was brought home Saturday, when Mrs. JiLS and I made a day trip to Racine. Our dining experiences included both Kewpees (short story: it's everything Steak & Shake wants to be, and maybe used to be 30 to 50 years ago) and kringle from Bendtsen's. We picked up a cheese kringle there, which while gooey and delicious, was just missing "something" and just wasn't like grandma's. (Mrs. JiLS's matrilineal kin descend from a Danish couple who settled on a farm near Racine three generations ago. I guess they knew their way around a kringle). The same trip included a stop at the Mars Cheese Castle, where the kringles at least looked (a) quite different (far less icing, drier looking pastry) and (b) decidedly inferior to the Bendtsen's (or the family recipe, which is somewhere in the middle in the "buttery goo factor"). I couldn't jusify the purchase of two kringles in one day for two people, so we did not do a taste test.

A fortuitous but unlikely series of events found me in Racine yesterday close enough to lunch time. Kewpee's burger was heavenly, so much so that I wish I had not washed my hands and lost that lingering smell. If this joint wasn't 10+ slow miles off 94, I could find more excuses to "pop" by.

I had not had a kringle in years and have had a persistant craving since Christmas time. Picked up a pecan at Bendsten's. The kringle's of my past were always sales gifts from I forget where, and I always had a hard time sharing them. I can barely eat the Bendsten one -- after two bites my mouth is burning from cloying sweetness and salt and I must vigorously brush my teeth immediately. I will cut the kringle into wedges and serve it at a party this evening, otherwise it will go to waste.

-ramon

HI,

We picked up two kringles at Oliver's on our way home. The first was a cherry, which had cherry pie filling wrapped inside an almost strudelish dough. Our other kringle was date-nut in the classic flat shape, which we like much better than the cherry.

I think I have to carefully take notes from what JiminLoganSquare got last time because he seemed pretty happy. Next time it will be a kringle from from Bendtsen's.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:Driving north to Racine, we stopped at Southern Foods, which I reported in another thread. We did find a soulfood source in Racine via Catfish City, which used to have an outpost on Washington Street in Waukegan:

Their daily offerings are fresh or fried catfish, ocean perch (cod), buffalo, shrimp and whiting. They have a smoker on the premises for rib tips. There sides are onion rings, fries, hush puppies, coleslaw with desserts of sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and banana pudding. They also offer grilled foods. What is of high interest is Sunday a soul food menu is offered. There is no eating in, for those passing through it is eat in the car or find a place to picnic.

There is at least one other Soulfood outpost in Racine, probably a couple
more. Ive tried one of them, Irene's Carryouts, which has a very nice
sandwich (Ive had it 2 or 3 times now - have always stuck with the
sandwich, its very good; and also one doesnt want a full meal of
meat-and-three etc in Racine IMHO, because that would leave no
room for Kewpies cheeseburger and a piece of kringle at Bendtsens,
followed by a side-trip up to Milwaukee for Mazo's cheeseburger with
a dessert of Kopp's custard).

Have mentioned Irene's before on this group - an extract is posted
below:

-----------------
Also, on 2 occasions now, Ive actually had Soul Food in Racine.One wouldnt
suspect such a creature existed, but it does - and its not bad at all (though
we're probably spoiled here in Chicago anyway, with so many good
places). This place is called "Irene's Carry Outs"- it is a combination
carry-out place and convenience store of sorts (they have no tables
to eat at, a couple of chairs to sit on and wait - and a few rows of
convenience-store items for sale). Has an extensive menu, of the
Meat-n-two variety (Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, Pork Shoulder, Smothered
Pork Chops, Whiting, Perch, BBQ Chicken, Steak etc). Also have Ribs,
Tips etc (but I dont believe its smoked). The usual sides too - Fried Okra,
Pinto Beans, Collards, Mac-n-cheese, Candy Yams, Baked Beans etc.
Plus Fried Chicken, Wings, Catfish, Perch etc. And Subs too (Ham
and Cheese, Pepperoni and Salami) etc. Desserts are Banana Pudding,
Peach Cobbler, Carmel Cake etc. There was a new menu being
prepare4d, so aid the guy behind the counter (apparently they have
special stuff on Sundays anyway, and are going even more into the
family-food-style for Sundays; lots of baked and smothered stuff
then apparently).

Anyway. I havent bothered to try the BBQ - its not smoked, so there
isnt a reason to. Not even so much the Soul Food, just a little bit of
the sides. But Ive done their Pork Chop Sandwich, which was very
very good (or maybe I just got lucky). Simple bread toasted on a
griddle, mayo/butter, lettuce, tomato, and freshly battered and
fried chop. Maybe it was just the freshness of the battering and
frying - it was prepared right there while you waited for a while - but
it actually tasted great both times. That (with seasoned fries) for
5 bucks was a pretty good lunch.

Irene's Carry-Out is at 2051 Mead Street, but they apparnetly deliver
north and south in Racine. This seemed to be the "other" area in
Racine, BTW - sort of similar in look to the SouthSide of Chicago.
Appeared to have at least a few places that looked quite
Chow-worthy if one explored a bit - while getting to Irene's, only a
block or two away, I passed a place that advertised "Southern Style
Soul Food" or some such and also appeared to be carryout. And
there were at least a couple of Mexican restaurants that looked
very insteresting from the outside (one a half-block from Irene's
was called Tapatia something - and at least from the few people I
saw walking out of it, it looked quite authentic; this as opposed to
the "Blue Sombrero" on the main stretch of Washington Street in
Racine, which looked about as authentic as Taco Bell from the
outside

--------------

Damn, damn, DAMN. After a hearty buffet lunch and apple picking at Apple Holler yesterday, what better way to annoy your entire family by dragging them through Racine to find that KEWPEE'S IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS.

edited to correct spelling of subject

-ramon

Just an interesting side note on Kewpie's. They may be the smallest, most geographically diverse chain in America with an additional two locations (possibly three, if memory serves) in Lima, Ohio.

Same decor, same kewpie doll icon, same "Hamburg-pickle-on-top, makes your heart go flippity-flop" motto on the burger wrapping paper. It's been a number of years since I've been, but as I recall, the burgers in Lima were bigger than the ones pictured in Cathy's pictures.

We were told by a local to order the burger "de-greased". I thought this must be some complicated culinary process. Nope, they put two paper towels on the bottom of the burger, and two paper towels above, and squeeze 'em together before placing your burger on the bun. I decided to go with the regular "house" version. Dang good burger!

Buddy

P. S. Based on age and appearance, it's my guess that the downtown Lima location is the original Kewpie. All others sprouted from there.

B.

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:
P. S. Based on age and appearance, it's my guess that the downtown Lima location is the original Kewpie. All others sprouted from there.

B.

There are also a couple of Kewpees in Lansing, MI that I have visited on numerous occasions. According to the "History of the Kewpee", The company started in the 20's in Lima, OH

All together the Kewpee has been in operation for over 70 years. It is part of a small franchise. It is one of the oldest franchises in the country and had over 200 restaurants east of the Mississippi before WWII. That's 25-30 years before the first McDonald's opened it's doors. Most of those Kewpee's closed during the war when ground meat was so hard to get. There are only six Kewpee's left now. The headquarters is located in Lima, Ohio which is the site of three Kewpee's. The other two Kewpee's are in Lansing, Michigan

Kewpee's in Racine purchases their meat from R&S Foods. Their small retail store is open to the public and one can purchse the "Kewpee" hamburger meat both fresh and frozen. The hours vary, so call first.

R&S Foods
1839 State Street
Racine, WI
262-633-7785

Ramon, if you're ever in the area on a Sunday, visit "The Spot Drive-In" in Kenosha for a good greasy cheeseburger, that's on par with Kewpee's. The Spot has very late evening hours, 7 days a week.

The Spot Drive-In
2117 75th Street
Kenosha, WI
262-654-9294

fishie wrote:Other chowish places in Racine....

Chubbies - Greasy spoon place. Monsterously huge burgers and sandwiches. Buns are literally dinner plate size. Bring your appetite. Tasty fries in a steak fry style...espcially good with chili and cheese.

Sounds interesting, kind of like Illinois Bar & Grill, is this place still around?

My new excuse for driving around exploring and eating the Kenosha/Racine/Milwaukee area are clothes shopping at the outlets in Pleasant Prairie. I had a nice coupon for the Nike outlet Presidents day wkd sale and rode out yesterday for some klothes, Kringle's and Kewpee's. OK I'm sorry.

I always drive by Oliver's when I'm taking my favorite drive in the country, Sheridan Road all the way to Milwaukee along the lake. Yesterday since we were so close to Racine being in Pleasant Prairie we went to Kewpee's because my buddy wanted to try it because the last two times we took a ride it was Sunday and they were closed. I drove by Oliver's en route except this time hooked a left immediately after passing and did a u-turn back into the spot.


This place reminds me of a old neighborhood favorite, Schmeissings Bakery that sat on Lincoln and Seminary back in the day. Where Pat's pizza is currently located.


Call ahead and Olivers will have any Kringle you need ready when you get there. I asked about the Pizza. Its a bunch of different fruits on top like pizza toppings.


Kringle case with todays selection


The donuts were the best I have ever had. I'm not big on sweets so I am by no means an expert but I know that the Boston Cremes and Bismarck's were out of this world. There is also a cookie case ala Schmeissings and a refrigerated case with all sorts of cakes and pies.


Pure Wisconsin

I picked up a blueberry cream cheese kringle ($7 each) to drop off at my moms and took a nice chunk home. I like kringle, might be my favorite pastry or dessert/breakfast sweet. This is probably a result of always getting one for late night munchies at the grocery store when shopping in Madison when I lived there. I think it was called Racine Kringle co. This was so much better than any Kringle I have had and Woodman;s carries quite a few, I'm no expert on pastry's or desserts but this was mighty tasty. They are taking orders for Fat Tuesday Paczki's as I type, the flavor list was extensive. I'm so glad I finally tried this spot and so happy I don't live next door.

Kewpee's has been one of my favorite burger spots I have been to for both ambiance and flavor. It also might be one of the most eerie. Those dolls are weird. I love the history behind the place and the fact that it is one of a few left of a once thriving chain. Its one of those burger joints you can taste the history. As far as the burger goes you cant find a better deal then a double cheese for $3 tax included. I wouldn't say its better than Carl's in STL but its right there as one of the tastiest old school style burgers. It tasted like...fresh meat.

Is the 30's style burger a Midwest thing?




Kewpee double Cheese with mustard, onions and pickles

As always happens when I'm in the area, I saw the sign for Milwaukee (22 miles) and I said to my friend "eh its only 22 miles were basically there, might as well go get some more food" I had plans to get back to Sollyes for a butter burger documentation but it wasn't listed on Google text and I know how to get to McBob's by heart now so we settled for that. I love this Irish style Wisconsin pub, another mighty find by ReneG. Its my favorite corned beef sandwich to eat even if its on the white bread its so rich and tender and it melts on my tongue every time. Paired with a fresh pint of Guinness it was better than any fine dining wine and food pairing in my book. It had me thinking about St. Patty's day which is just around the corner, too bad I'll be in Jamaica but luckily they brew the real Guinness on the island. Poor me I wish I could of ate better somehow. Wisconsin is really lousy for eating...I keed.

A new fascination of mine is the tied-houses around Chicago. I remember seeing a bunch on my drives around Racine and Milwaukee but couldn't find any in Racine yesterday. Does anyone from the area know where some of the remaining Racine County tied-houses are?

Oliver's Bakery
3526 Roosevelt Rd
Kenosha, WI 53142
(262) 652-3984

Kewpee Sandwich Shop
520 Wisconsin Ave
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-9601

Is the 30's style burger a Midwest thing?

Exclusive to the midwest? Probably not. Very common in Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and California (brought there by Okies in the 30s?) Yes, I think so.

Next time you're up in Milwaukee, check out Three Brothers Restaurant and Sobelman's Bar. Both have origins as "tied-houses", and both serve excellent food within their genres.

Three Brothers serves Serb and other Eastern European foods, while Sobleman's dishes dishes up a great burger that I think you will appreciate.

For info on Sobelman's: http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/
For Three Brothers: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=558

Buddy

P.S. I didn't realize that Kewpee Burger was ever a "thriving" chain. I'm only aware of the Racine location and a few in Lima, Ohio. Do you have any more information on their history?

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:P.S. I didn't realize that Kewpee Burger was ever a "thriving" chain. I'm only aware of the Racine location and a few in Lima, Ohio. Do you have any more information on their history?

They have outpostsin Michigan, too. I eat at one of the two in East Lansing every time we go to visit the Chow Poodle's family.

stevez wrote:

BuddyRoadhouse wrote:
P. S. Based on age and appearance, it's my guess that the downtown Lima location is the original Kewpie. All others sprouted from there.

B.

There are also a couple of Kewpees in Lansing, MI that I have visited on numerous occasions. According to the "History of the Kewpee", The company started in the 20's in Lima, OH

All together the Kewpee has been in operation for over 70 years. It is part of a small franchise. It is one of the oldest franchises in the country and had over 200 restaurants east of the Mississippi before WWII. That's 25-30 years before the first McDonald's opened it's doors. Most of those Kewpee's closed during the war when ground meat was so hard to get. There are only six Kewpee's left now. The headquarters is located in Lima, Ohio which is the site of three Kewpee's. The other two Kewpee's are in Lansing, Michigan

Buddy I read it from here but theres a whole story on it at this link. Interesting that each Kewpee had their own unique hamburger style before they went to chains.

Thanks for the link Beefy! I love the vintage photos, but the best part of that website is how it turns your cursor arrow into a kewpee doll image.

Buddy

Why I live in Racine:

1. View of Lake Michigan from the back of my house
2. Kringle 7 days a week
3. Farm & Fleet
4. Kewpee's is five minutes from my house and they serve cheeseburgers for breakfast.

Da Beef wrote:[
I picked up a blueberry cream cheese kringle ($7 each) to drop off at my moms and took a nice chunk home. I like kringle, might be my favorite pastry or dessert/breakfast sweet. This is probably a result of always getting one for late night munchies at the grocery store when shopping in Madison when I lived there. I think it was called Racine Kringle co. This was so much better than any Kringle I have had and Woodman;s carries quite a few, I'm no expert on pastry's or desserts but this was mighty tasty.

Thanks for the Oliver's report - have never been, it sounds closer and more convenient, will stop in the next time Iam up there.

However, if you like kringles... I find it hard to believe anything can match up to Bendtsen's (especially their pecan, or their turtle). I havent tried Oliver's obviously, but Ive tried Racine Kringle Company, and its not in the same ballpark IMHO - the difference between fresh hand-made and not. If youre up in Racine anyway, you really ought to try it (if you havent already, that is
Bendtsen's is my #1 stop in Racine - even ahead of Kewpee's (which I also love, really good and really cheap burger, Ive tried a couple of the places in Kenosha that were mentioned but I didnt find them nearly as good as Kewpee's myself).

c8w

O&H Bakery is the number one selling Kringle in Racine. Lines form daily at 5:30am at both locations. http://www.ohdanishbakery.com

chicagostyledog wrote:O&H Bakery is the number one selling Kringle in Racine. Lines form daily at 5:30am at both locations. http://www.ohdanishbakery.com

I've got to agree that O&H makes a respectable product, but I think part of the reason they sell so much is that they are located just off the Interstate and set up as somewhat of a tourist stop catering to busses, etc.

Bendsten's, which IMO makes a superior product, is more of a small town bakery located near downtown on a commercial street. I think a Kringle-off is in the cards. I've already done this once, but I'm up for a road trip as soon as the weather clears.

stevez wrote:

chicagostyledog wrote:O&H Bakery is the number one selling Kringle in Racine. Lines form daily at 5:30am at both locations. http://www.ohdanishbakery.com

I've got to agree that O&H makes a respectable product, but I think part of the reason they sell so much is that they are located just off the Interstate and set up as somewhat of a tourist stop catering to busses, etc.

Bendsten's, which IMO makes a superior product, is more of a small town bakery located near downtown on a commercial street. I think a Kringle-off is in the cards. I've already done this once, but I'm up for a road trip as soon as the weather clears.

Steve, what bakery are you referring to? O&H has two Racine locations and both are in the city, no where near the interstate. One is located at 1841 Douglas Avenue, 8 miles east of 94 and the second is located at 4006 Durand, 6 miles east of 94.

chicagostyledog wrote:
Steve, what bakery are you referring to? O&H has two Racine locations and both are in the city, no where near the interstate. One is located at 1841 Douglas Avenue, 8 miles east of 94 and the second is located at 4006 Durand, 6 miles east of 94.

I'm talking about the one further south (is that Durand?). I didn't realize it was that far off the interstate. I thought it was much closer (their slick brochure makes it look like it's just off the exit). In any event, it's much more of a volume business than Bendsten's. Don't get me wrong, I like both O&H and Bendsten's. I like Bendsten's much better, though. I just don't want sales volume confused with quality. It's a false measure. McDonalds sells more burgers than Paradise Pup, but which one do you want to eat?

Lehmann's and Racine Kringle are large Racine bakeries. Lehmann's has a small store on Durand, 5 minutes off 94. They provide product to Sam's Club. They have a second store on Green Bay Road & Spring Street. Racine Kringle provides retail product to many large food stores. Bendsten's, O&H, and Larsen's are small family bakeries. O&H has two bakeries and provides more product to the local population. Volume vs quality don't enter the equation comparing O&H to Bendsten's. Both are great, offering excellent product from different flavor profiles. Comparing the two IMO is like comparing a cheddar burger from Paradise Pup to Poochie's. Because Bendsten's is a smaller bakery, it can only produce a limited amount of product, so get there early.

I wouldn't argue with the consensus re: Bendtsen's being the best, but I've picked up Lehmann's at Woodman's several times recently, popping a couple of them in the freezer for future use (like Old-Fashioned Donuts, they're an all-fat product that freezes perfectly) and I have to say, there's nothing wrong with them at all.