custard? yes. hamburgers? yes. do I love it? yes. do yourself a favor and hit it up. you will be saying , "wow yeah that one Dave guy on yelp was really smart to recommend gilles"
(5)
Andrew S.
I have been to basically every custard place possible in Milwaukee more times than I can count. Gilles is up there but not to be outdone by Leon's. Gotta try the BBQ sandwich when it is on special though. Great service and location. Excellent custard quality.
(4)
Bobb S.
The oldest custard stand in the city definitely delivers in the world of frozen treats. Classic 3 choices of flavors: an awesome vanilla, a chocolate and a flavor of the day. You really can't go wrong with any of them. But don't go mucking up something great by getting a sundae with gobs of other toppings. A simple cone or dish (if you are a sloppy eater like me) is just what the doctor ordered. One thing I am not impressed with is their food choices. Their food isn't bad just very very average. You could do much better at other custard stands (Kopp's I'm thinking about you) or any other sandwich/burger joint.
(4)
PJ C.
Needed a quick lunch so stopped for a Gillie burger aka Sloppy Joe. It was just as I expected bringing back childhood memories. The malt was very good as it should be from a custard stand of this vintage.
(3)
George T.
A good stop by anytime especially after a ball game. My favorite is chocolate. The staff here are as fast as Kopp's. servings are significantly smaller. Tastes average. Plenty of seating inside and outside. The restrooms are locked so ask for the key they will give you half a bucket lid chained to a key. Who the heck still does the giant keychain for a RESTROOM? Food 4 Amb 3 Service 4 Location 3 Value 3 60/2014
(3)
Jalaine M.
Was nice to have a old favorite. Lots of choices on what sundae to have. Plenty of places to sit outside.
(4)
Kiki H.
Pretty good custard but not like Leon's! The strawberry was very fresh. Hot dogs were delish and there actually was seating space inside
(3)
Aubrey G.
Best custard stand on the Westside/Tosa. I love the "Turtle" Sundae; served with crispy glazed pecans. Wow! They also have burgers and other "eats" folks swear by, but their forte is custard/ice cream and it is top of the line, as is the counter service.
(4)
Brad K.
Solid Ice Cream / Classic American food stop and a staple in the Wauwatosa community. The food is great, the ice cream is good. Kopps has better custard, but Gillie's doesn't fall too far behind.
(4)
Carrie G.
Chocolate + Mint + Oreo = Pure Bliss, need I say more? The is one of the longest operating custard stands in Milwaukee, one wouldn't have lasted this long if they weren't good at what they do.. Gilles will take you back. Back to your childhood and a preoccupation with this tasty treat. Vanilla and chocolate are offered daily and a flavor of the day rotates. The large, classic sign advertises the FOTD and lures you in from blocks away. Their classic menu also includes burgers, sandwiches and fries, all made to order. So be prepared the wait a bit for your order as they seem to hire the absolute youngest and least experienced members of the workforce. But they execute well and it's worth a little of your time. All of the flavors I've had here are certainly worth the wait and you need to check it out to decide for yourself!
(4)
Lindsay P.
Cute custard shop! Several sundaes and lots of flavors to choose from. They do have food, but we only got custard. The sandwiches did look good. Great place on a hot summer day!
(5)
Bj L.
I gave 5 stars because I have been going to Gilles' since I was 4 yrs old in 1957. I have tried every other custard stand in Milwaukee and the surrounding area and this is by far my favorite. The food is adequate but my 5 stars are for the custard.
(5)
Kelly B.
We had a craving for desert and for once, I wasn't feeling DQ. I pass Gille's all the time and deliberately divert eye contact with their mascots. The sundaes are split up and the ingredients are all individually listed which I appreciate. I got the caramel apple crunch after reading reviews and having it suggested to me by employees. Harvey got an oreo milkshake (the real reason we went in the first place). The kids working were friendly and the service was very quick. There was a lot of staff and on even though it wasn't slammed there was a steady stream of customers coming through. I liked the sundae enough, and Harvey finished his milkshake. I guess that's saying something!
(3)
Rohan D.
It's so hard to decide on the "best frozen custard" in Milwaukee, but this is one of the candidates. A wide selection, both for eating here (always crowded, usually a short wait for a table), or taking home, excellent youthful service, tight parking lot and be careful, some of those with the largest vehicles are the least skillful drivers. Check online ahead of time for specials, and if your diet allows for ridiculous amounts of fat and cholesterol, this is an excellent place for burgers and such.
(4)
Ami R.
I admit it. I am on Weight Watchers. My trip to Gilles was worth every point. I ordered the smallest hot fudge sundae with vanilla ice cream. It really was delicious. I am not a huge custard fan but Gilles reputation couldn't be beat. I had to give it a try and I was not sorry. I won't be back again soon. The reason has nothing to do with the custard, it was excellent. My health and my reflection in the mirror demands that I visit just once a year. But i will be back and may get something even a little bigger. Oh, boy!
(4)
Joanna T.
Gilles is the closest custard stand to our house, but we rarely go here. It's certainly not bad - not at all. It's just not anything special. Like Kopps, Gilles serves food in addition to custard - burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, etc. I'm puzzled by the options of "junior" and "regular" on the food items though - "regular" doesn't seem to come with anything extra and how exactly does one make a bacon double cheeseburger "junior"? Unlike Kopps, the service is not at all efficient, friendly or fast - simple orders seem to take waaaay too long and the servers are sullen Tosa teens who'd rather be checking out the new Abercrombie fragrance being pumped into the Mayfair mall air handling system. If you're planning on dining in, there are a few (3-4) tables but it's probably nicer to eat outside if the weather is decent. Normally, Gilles would be a 2-star kind of place for me except for their malts. They are truly superior to any other malt I've had (and that includes Kopps and Leons). Gilles custard is just okay but they use a shit-ton of malt powder and not too much chocolate syrup and the end result is just delightful. Sure, you'll pay a little too much and it will take a little too long - but aren't you worth it?
(3)
Elijah H.
Love the custard, it tastes really good. I bought the oreo shake regular size, great flavor.but really thick. I Got a bacon cheeseburger which tastes alright and is pretty flat. The fries are okay, id much rather have their cheese curds.
(4)
Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: 50s-era shake-shop. Gimme dat Gilles! When you see the happy custard cones, you know you've arrived. I don't make it to this old-school custard stand much, but I'm never disappointed when I do. One long counter, limited indoor seating, but plenty of heart and deliciousness packed into each scoop of their classic frozen treat. There's only a few of these sorts of joints left in the area, but Gilles will let you know why it's survived with each bite or sip you take.
(4)
Colin A.
Finally made it to Gilles this year after three sunny summers with visits to only Kopp's and Leons. This place is solid -- love the multiple sundae options, and THOSE THINGS...chocolate and ice-cream covered cookies?...sign me up. I could eat five in one sitting with no remorse. Parking can be a bit tricky, especially later into the evening as the crowds descend, but I'd recommend biking out to this location -- pedaling hard makes eating 5 Those Things seem like negative calories :). When you're just not in the mood for Kopp's custard, Gilles hits the spot.
(3)
Rick R.
I've visited Gilles several times for custard. My favorite sundae is the Caramel Apple Pie sundae which is only available in October at Kopp's but available year round at Gilles. Gilles also serves food, so I thought I would give their food a try. The sandwich of the month this month is a pork chop sandwich. The pork chop is boneless, grilled and well-seasoned. It was tender and juicy when I bit into it, and it was delicious. I would certainly order it again, and now I'm willing to try other food items there.
(4)
Erica K.
I have never had anything but custard at Gillies, but that is reason enough to go back. Its always good, but my favorite is the Strawberry Oreo. In the summer, it is always packed, but the wait is usually not too bad. I wish that they had more daily flavor options, but that is typical of a classic drive thru.
(4)
Janos J.
This place rocks, ever since the good old days of the fruit ranch that used to be located across the street. As a child, every Sunday my father took me to church down the street (Calvary Assembly of God), we stopped by the fruit ranch for fresh poppy seed kaiser rolls, then walked across the street and had custard at Gilles. I always have been a fan of their mint custard, the service is always good and they have really good ice cream cookies. Though, I am not sure if they still make them anymore. I remember them very well. I stop here usually once a year in the summer when I visit. Wisconsin to see my family and friends. I was here this past summer with my little niece and she loved it. I grew up eating custard once or twice a week, so I like to think I know custard well. I live in the south, and the custard in the south east is terrible when compared to the good old Midwest. One thing I really like about Gilles is they always make new flavors, which is nice. Of course, usually I only go for the mint.. It brings back memories for me. 5 stars, always had good customer service, friendly staff, got what I asked for, prices are reasonable and I left happy. Come to Gilles, you'll leave happy.
(5)
Justin L.
The service at Gilles is amazing. They managed to clear out nearly 50 people in 15 minutes. The food is always high quality if not a bit overpriced. The custard is top notch and the flavor selection is amazing.
(4)
Kate V.
Excellent custard, average food and average customer service (thus minus one star)--come for the custard! Limited seating inside, but there are a few picnic tables scattered at the edge of the parking lot. Highly recommend getting one of "Those Things"--it's a peanut butter cookie with vanilla custard on top, dipped in delicious milk chocolate, served on a stick. Soooo good!
(4)
Emily M.
"Picture it - Wauwatosa, a 90 degree day in the middle of July..." 5 well-earned, chock full-a' AWESOME stars for Gilles. It's a Milwaukee / Wauwatosa institution. Anytime my husband and I go here, it's either after a long run, or a really LONG-ASS walk. Make sure to get your workout done for the day before going here, because you'll be in a serious food coma after eating one of their delicious grilled items (burgers, chicken, etc) followed up by a delicious custard treat. If it's hot outside, you can sit on the picnic tables outside (just make sure to have some WetNaps on hand to wipe both the table and your hands down). My personal favorite : the Fudge Mellow Mint (a regular size if you want your calories for the week, the Jr if you are content with your days' caloric intake in one sitting). I am really not kidding, I never go here unless I'm sure I've already burned off the calories ahead of time. But it's SOOO worth it. If you're lucky you might run into ol' Bud Selig during your time there, loading up on ketchup packets. Everyone should go to Gilles. You just should.
(5)
Kossa V.
The three stars is for the fact that they are a local small business with a great location and the right staff........ As is Oscars and Kopps....... With much better food and a better value. a steak sandwich that is the most expensive thing on the menu at $7+ is a joke. The desserts are ok but I think kopps and oscars kicks there tail. There's a 50s feel and the fact that they don't offer any type of specials that really draws you in is sad. The specialty sundaes and desserts are pretty conservative on the toppings and any special request like hold that and load this costs you way too much. Great place if you like average, with a. Sweet location and awesome staff. Wish they would redo their menu as well.
(3)
Reagan F.
They have good ice cream but not good food. The only thing that I can say is good is there fries. And I like there turtle sundae the best.
(4)
Elsa M.
Gilles, baby... you are just as great as I remember you! Your custard is choc full of fatty cream and deliciousness and a smoothness that can't be beat. If I could have smuggled you onto the plane back home to Maryland without melting, I would have. I have missed you. Don't ever change. DON'T. YOU. EVER. CHANGE! You are perfect!
(5)
Adam B.
D- Poor service. Old maid servers ignore patrons until they are ready to deal with someone rather than acknowledging them and saying I'll be right with you. The take-out order was incorrect and they offered no resolution other than apology when I called them upon discovering this (15 miles away). NEVER AGAIN.
(1)
Alex C.
This place is so good. My buddy took me here on a recent trip to Green Bay. We ended up spending a day and night in Milwaukee. I really think this was my first time eating custard and I can;t wait to try it again. I found a place out here in Vegas not to far from where I live. Their mint marshmallow cream is so good! I am not big on marshmallows but this was great! Worth the stop to check out this landmark in Milwaukee,
(5)
Brian M.
Contributing to diabetes on the West Side since 1938... Growing up on the South side, I had never experienced Gilles in my younger days. I was brought up on Leon's with the occasional Kopp's experience. Even after we moved to Tosa in 2002, it took us several years to ween us off of Kopp's & Leon's. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," we thought. A few years ago, we finally ventured in for a couple chocolate malts. Woof, holy balls Batman!! They were malt-tacular, malt-tastic, and all full of malty goodness! Gilles has become my favorite malt in town. Leon's is too inconsistent with their malts, and Kopp's is never malty enough. Gilles has been spot on every time! IMO, the quality of their custard is no different than Leon's or Kopp's. I couldn't tell the difference in a blind taste test. If you tell me that you can, I would tell you that you are lying. It's all good. It's just what's in your hood. Gilles could learn a thing or two about high speed scooping from Leon's. Maybe it's the size of their menu that slows them down. Their menu is very similar to Kopp's, but that doesn't slow Kopp's down. A bit of that German production line efficiency would go a long way at Gilles. They know how to take your order quickly, they just don't know how to deliver at the same pace. Gilles is text book vintage drive-in: white tile, white walls, white everything. Greasy food and custard. The foundation which hundreds of thousands of Milwaukee beer bellies are built on. *** NOTE *** The Gilles Frozen Custard available in stores near you has nothing to do with the custard stand. It was sold off as a brand trademark back in the 1970's and is now owned by the Schoepp's company. Truth in labeling.
(4)
Tony K.
Nothing fancy about Gilles... and that's what I like about it. Classic sundaes and super fast service. Mmm... custard.
(3)
Pat E.
This review is a bit overdue, but my best friend visited today and it reminded me of how great this place is and how it fits in perfectly to the dive/local joint/cheap places I love to find! I still remember my order that hot Milwaukee summer day. I went with the Tin Roof because I wanted peanuts. A few of the ladies I went with got some shakes and malts. They are the ones that found this gem since they hail from the wonderful Milwaukee area. I kept on pronouncing it "JILL-EEZ" just to piss them off, but they didn't care because this place tastes so great. They have the typical drive in menu including hot dogs, burgers, chili, and onion rings just to name a few items. I came for the custard. I came, I saw, I custard-ed? Does that work? If you're a history buff, you get it! If you're in the area looking for some place cool (see what I did there?), this is your best bet.
(5)
Jason C.
Had some custard. It was okay. It is a nice place to hit on the way back from the zoo. I prefer Kopps.
(3)
Erik R.
I really like Gilles and have been coming here since I was a little kid. The burgers are served fast and taste good. I'm gonna compare this to Kopps or Oscars and say that it is my favorite out the the 3 as far as food goes. The sundaes are really good are creative but the custard is just better at Kopps. The the inside could be cleaner its not bad but could definitely be a lot better than it is.
(4)
Cranky P.
Yeah, I've seen Bud Selig in here, he gets a burger and a Diet Coke and eats in the parking lot, in his expensive car. Gilles is reliable for large burgers and sides, and custard if that's how you swing. The Gilleburger is actually a sloppy joe, so order a hamburger if that's what you want. The burgers and fries can be a little, I don't know, mechanical? In a way that Kopps are not. So I like it, but if I have time on my hands I'll drive all the way to Kopps. The overt right wing bent of the owners kind of bugs me, but I still go here for a quick lunch if I'm pressed for time and in the neighborhood.
(3)
Mike P.
WISCONSIN WORKS COWS OVERTIME WITHOUT PAY. Seriously Wisconsin, give these cows a break. I knew this was the land of cheese but yall have a custard obsession too? With custard you managed to put chickens to work too. Gilles Frozen Custard Drive-In is Milwaukee's oldest custard stand, operating since 1938. I've had a burger and multiple custard servings here and it's all been REALLY good! My usual order is a junior (5 ounce) vanilla with hot fudge and Spanish peanuts. The service is fast even when Gilles gets slammed. I counted fourteen employees on my last visit. Finding parking can sometimes be tricky. SIDE NOTE: Is Gilles open year round? "CONEY" WITH SCOTT WALKER: gillesfrozencustard.com/… (noted without comment)
(4)
Rachel N.
A little expensive for a burger and fries. But the custard is so good! I am a convert to custard from ice cream because of Gillies. I can't go to Dairy Queen anymore because of how bland the blizzards are compared to a Gillies shake. I would also recommend the cheese curds. During the winter months eating there can be chilly, as people are coming in and out near the tables indoors. Staff is always friendly.
(4)
Burt L.
Frozen custard is just plain better than ice cream. It's denser, creamier, and richer. And Gilles does it best. There's a rivalry between the frozen custard places in Milwaukee, and of course when in Milwaukee you should try all three. But if you're like me, and I know I am, Gilles comes out on top. Its custard is the creamiest, densest, and most flavorful.
(5)
Kyle K.
For some reason when I think about the age old war waged for custard supremacy, "Love is a Battlefield" pops into my head. After punching my diet in the face with a burger across town, I decided it was high time for some custard. My buddy and Tosa OG insisted I check out Gilles. His rationale was that anything good enough for Bud Selig is good enough for me. Anyhow, got in just before close and got the hot fudge sundae with spanish peanuts. The custard was quite good, the hot fudge was fudgey but I'm not sure what made the peanuts spanish. The teenagers left minding the store were very friendly and diligent which made me laugh pretty hard. I guess my only real complaint is that it's kinda expensive. Small sundae and TINY diet coke ran about 7 bucks, but oh well. I'll always be a Leon's man, but Gilles definitely holds it down on Bluemound.
(4)
Phil L.
Without a doubt... my favorite custard place! When i was a kid my family would come here quite often for chocolate cones... so I have fond memories of this place. Sitting on the tailgate of our station wagon one warm summer night, I saw a group of streekers from either Pius or Juneau run through the parking lot with cones... maybe that's why I love this place!?! Nah, the custard is just that good!
(5)
Kristy K.
Honestly, there are way better places to go for custard in town. The best thing going for Gilles' is the sundae selection. The do a nice job with the topping and selection for their custard treats. The burgers are OK, but I have others places that due the custard stand burger better.
(3)
Heather M.
While I echo some of the other reviews that Gilles at the top of my list of favorite burgers like Kopps', it certainly comes close. I've always viewed Gilles as the cross-town rival to Leon's, because it is a very similar atmosphere with killer custard. Except, I don't think Leon's has burgers so I love that Gilles' does. I think there is a sign out there that it is either Milwaukee's first or oldest standing custard stand. If you get the regular sized burger, as opposed to a junior, it is a very good portion size. Again, not the size of a Kopps' burger, but pretty close. The meat is juicy, the bun isn't too dry, but not too soaked in grease either. Instead of mayo, Gilles puts miracle whip on the burger which gives it an interesting tangy taste. (I've uploaded a picture of the burger) The malts here are to die for. Some of the best I've ever had (certainly better than Kopps' malts, which are more like what you'd get a chain restaurant as opposed to a little ma & pa malt shoppe like Gilles' has in their malts (similar to Mazos). This is a great place to come in summer. There isn't much room to eat inside, so people usually congregate on the picnic tables outside when the weather is nice. If you like burgers or custard, Gilles is a must. Even anyone that simply just loves Milwaukee should come check this out. It's a classic. Oh and during baseball season, don't be surprised if you see Bud Selig come in (MLB Commissioner) for a hot dog. This is his favorite stop in town. He used to frequent when he was the Brewers owner but still stops by every now and then when he's in town for a game.
(4)
Mark Y.
I've been going to Gilles ever since I was a little kid. It was always a special place back then and still is. The people of Milwaukee are lucky to have the greatest custard stands (Gilles, Kopp's, Leon's), and each is special in its own way. I do have to give kudos to Gilles for their malts, which in my view are the best around. When you want "heavy," you get what you asked for! It's going to be sad not having Gilles at my disposal once I move out of Wisconsin for good next year.
(5)
Brad S.
Growing up on the south side of Milwaukee, I was mostly a Leon's and Kopp's kid, but Gilles 70-year legacy is as much a part of this custard culture as any other. Everyone has a favorite, and these places are all largely the same. Operated by the local neighborhood teenagers, people come to Gilles when they want to be cheered up. Or want to keep the kids happy. Or are already feeling good and want to celebrate. You can't be sad with a spoonful of custard in your mouth. You just can't.
(4)
Katie C.
I've have nothing good to say about this place. I've found staples in my fries when I went back to tell them all they said was "we are sorry". They've lost my ticket order. After 20 minutes of waiting they said they can't find my ticket. Once they finally found my ticket my food was cold. I've had onion rings taste like they were fried in the same oil as the fish. One of owners who is also the day time manger is very rude. I will never go back. I would rather go to Kopps.
(1)
Chris M.
Okay, you'll need to be familiar with Milwaukee custard shops to fully appreciate this comment. But, I just don't understand why all these custard shops have so many people working behind the counter. Back in the day when I was slinging burgers, we made do with half as many people to keep up with the crowds. Every custard shop I go to in MKE has the same bunch of teenagers mulling around behind the counter in their white shirts and aprons wondering what they should be doing. Well, I'm about to tell you what they should be doing: They should be serving up my custard!! Really, a little cross-training here would go a long, long ways towards improving customer service. Now then, once they finally serve the custard...pure bliss and happiness. It is everything frozen custard should be: rich, creamy and smooth. Very, very smooth.
(4)
Pete J.
Great custard. This place is all about the custard. If you want great burgers, go somewhere else. If you want to take home a pint, quart or half gallon, you can get the flavor of the day, chocolate or vanilla "fresh packed" scooped directly into the containers so it is not rock hard. A variety of other flavors of the day may be available in various sizes, check the board on the east wall. They always have music playing in the parking lot, so in the summer it is really nice to savor a cone while you sit on the north ledge watching the cars stream by on Bluemound, listening to good music. One food I know to be pretty good here is their fish fry, which is tasty, not greasy and a bargain. I hear Bud Selig likes their hotdogs.
(4)
Hayley H.
Their Mint-Chocolate Chip Custard is my favorite mint-chocolate, although I would be amazed if there was a flavor at Gilles that I didn't like. My cousin swears by their Grilled Ham and Cheese, but I go for their custard alone. I'm notorious for thawing out a 1/2 pint for breakfast.
(5)
Courtney H.
By far the BEST turtle sundae in the world!!!!!
(5)
Ryan D.
Like Kopps, this is a classic Milwaukee establishment. I actually only discovered it in my early 20's, because for most of my life I lived in a different part of Milwaukee. Definitely some good greasy American food, but maybe a bit too greasy for my tastes. It is also a little difficult to eat inside as there are roughly 4 tables. Get it to go if you can. I would say that this place isn't at the same level as Kopps but I would still suggest Gillies over many other places if you're looking for a burger or some frozen custard. Try Gillies burger and custard at least once in your lifetime!
(4)
Olivia P.
YAY frozen custard with neighborhood charm.
(4)
Kopy K.
This might be completely shocking but ice cream in Milwaukee is fantastic. I have had an opportunity to try ice cream and custard all over the country and the world even. And Gilles honestly has something that I think is better than anywhere else I have ever tried it. To me, that alone is worth a 5 star. Now please, no one give me the ice cream, custard, frozen yogurt argument, ice cream is flippin' ice cream. Gilles offers all sorts of stuff just like most places. They have a full food menu and varities of different ice creams and ways to prepare it. But what I just have to have from Gilles is the Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie. Wow man. The ice cream and the cookie, and the deliciousiness that ensues.... this is worth a review, a yippee, and a you must try it. I just plain love it.
(5)
Natalie F.
Nothing fancy, but they have great custard!
(4)
Barbra I.
Been getting tasty custard treats from here since childhood. I rarely eat anything but custard from Gille's, so I can't really comment on food. If you want the full burger/fries/custard experience I'd say go to Kopp's. In my book, tho, Gille's has the best custard. Hubs and I like to share the Zombie or Lalapalooza as it's a better value than getting our own sundaes. Aaaannnd more romantic.
(5)
Julie M.
Gillies' custard is okay in my opinion... Their food is good, although expensive for a drive in...
(3)
Judy A.
The custard was not as creamy as the best in town, Leon's. it was runny and I felt as though ingredients had been skimped on. The hamburger I had was cold, I couldn't believe it. I asked for raw onions, which to me means a slice of onion. In this case the onions were chopped up into tiny pieces. While I was waiting, and this was not a busy time of day, the person that gave me my ice cream also took the bathroom key from a patron. The key was on something like 1/2 of a white plate, anyway she took a hold of the plate and went on to serve food. The place doesn't look clean. I threw my hamburger and "custard" away and this will be my last trip.
(3)
Brian M.
We stopped here after a not so great dinning experience at the Pasta Tree & needless to say it was a better time than it was there. It wasn't very busy obviously because it's FEBRUARY & not Summer yet unfortunately lol. We ordered a few Ice Cream Cones & found out that their special of the month is buy 2 cones & get the third free Yee Haa what a deal but really it was. You pay a little more for the Ice Cream here than you would say Kopp's or Oscar's but it's definitely good.
(4)
Abe S.
Not as good as Leon's but pretty good still as far as custard goes. It is a convenient place to go to if you're in the tosa area.
(4)
Patrick M.
My Milwaukee Custard Rankings 1) Kopps / Gilles Vanilla 2) Gilles 3) Leons I stopped by Gilles on a warm summer's day and was hoping to bump into Bud Selig. Sadly, I did not see him. However, I did have a incredible flavorful vanilla custard. I know it almost sounds paradoxical for vanilla to be that flavorful, but it was. I also really liked the texture of Gilles custard. It's not as creamy as Kopps (which I prefer). I would rate this place better than Kopps if they had more variety but they simply rock - vanilla, chocolate and one rotating flavor a day. Dislike: The place smelled like cat pee, but it apparently I was the only one to notice.
(4)
Gfiddy F.
Great burgers & ice cream treats - beg your pardon, custard treats.
(5)
Aaron S.
Great space but, well, I just don't think custard is that much better than decent ice cream to justify the hype, although it could be the fact that the toppings-to-custard ratio at Gilles approaches 3.0
(3)
Stephanie L.
Gille's is a special place, because my husband and I have always made special trips here when it is just he and I. It's a treat not just for dessert, but because it's often times a date night spot. I have even paid Gille's a visit solo , because I just needed to have "one of those things." So good! It is all of my favorite things:: cookie, custard, and chocolate. The 3 C's. If I don't get that for a frozen treat, I go for a Gille's cookie, sometimes with mint custard. If I am [surprisingly] not in the mood for either, I have fun selecting a junior sundae from the enormous list of fantastic choices (tin roof, razanna, etc.). For the first time EVER, I went with the Flavor of the Day. Today was "Monkey Madness." I like the combination of banana, chocolate, and cashews. However, the employee on the scoop greatly disappointed someone who normally screams for ice cream. Perhaps my cone would have been better filled had I screamed. Instead, as I ate the custard from the top of the cone, and made my way around the protruding portion of it, I came to find an empty trunk. There was zero custard in the handheld part of the cone. Nothing. I ended up throwing that part out. I should have just ordered the custard in a dish. It was presented in the same fashion. Maybe, I should just stick to my faves, because that is what really keeps me coming back.
(3)
Christian W.
My local custard stand, and when its within walking distance, you can't go wrong. I enjoy a Gilles' burger once in a while, but mainly it is my stop for sundaes. Here are my knocks on Gilles: 1. I always end up with salad dressing instead of mayo on my sandwich, which brings back terrible memories of egg salad and Miracle Whip from childhood. 2. There is not enough stuff in their flavor of the day custard or it is chopped to small. 3. The custard is too cold and hard. Just a few degrees warmer and the smoothness of the custard really would shine. Service is always great. I love the call in service. The sundaes are outstanding. The chocolate custard is always supreme.
(4)
Brian C.
I've been visiting this place for about as long as I've been going up to the Milwaukee area to visit my grandparents. I know that people will always argue that Kopp's is better, but the character of this place really adds a lot to the experience. If Richie and Fonzie ever went out for custard, this is where they would have gone, without a doubt.
(5)
Steve G.
I live so close to this place that it's becoming dangerous to my health. Burgers, onion rings, and custard are all so appealing. Even the lactose intolerant should accept the stomach pains and gas in exchange for eating this delicious custard.
(4)
David B.
Great custard and great burgers. Sure, you'll raise your cholesterol a point or two, but who's counting? Grill time is a little slow, but you wait for quality. This place is the real deal.
(4)
Barca F.
Ahhh, highschool memories of getting a turtle here...It was always here or Kopp's...But every now and then, nothing else could substitute for the turtle sundae at Gille's...Yummm
(4)
Noelle B.
By far the best custard in Milwaukee! Nothing else compares. If you want to take it to the next level of artery clogging goodness, order french fries and dip them in custard. I swear this is really good, just don't eat the whole thing yourself, this delicacy is best shared.
(5)
Mike W.
Gillies has been around since 1938, and has changed owners a few times, but has stayed excellent. My parents and grandparents both agree that this is the best burger in Milwaukee. Excellent quality buns and excellent quality burgers. Their custard is great, their shakes are the best, and their turtle sundaes rock. Really this is the only place that comes close to being as good as Kopp's.
(5)
Laura F.
Gilles is not Kopp's, like Mike W. commented, but they do have a rockin' sundae and a great location on Bluemound in Wauwatosa.
(4)
Stephen S.
Good. But NO WHERE near as good as Kopp's!
(3)
Katie W.
I'm just going to leave you with this one thought. If you like cheese curds, you MUST try these. They're probably my favorite cheese curds out of anywhere in Milwaukee. I would come here just for the cheese curds, and the rest of the good makes it double worth it because it's all delicious.
(5)
Brad O.
Milwaukee has a love affair with frozen custard. Who has the best? One can only decide by trying them all.... Challenge accepted! I was brought to Gilles' by an affliction that only ice cream can cure, but thankfully I live in Milwaukee where frozen custard is our drug of choice. After a night of drinking and bad decisions, I spent the next morning praying to the porcelain god. I went back to sleep hoping the hung over feeling would disappear, but when I awoke I found myself trying to swallow my uvula, that little hangy thing in the back of your throat. Gross. Mine was so swollen it was sitting on the back of my tongue (!) and swallowing was incredibly difficult. Luckily, this has happened before, so I calmed myself down and remembered that frozen custard and staying in bed feeling sorry for yourself is the best cure. So, I gathered all my energy and made it to Gilles. I bought two pints of custard and home I went to let the healing begin and within hours I was back to normal. Now, to the review. Gilles frozen custard is like any other frozen custard - awesome and delicious. I actually gave my family in Tennessee quarts of it last time I went home for the holidays. The location is great being right off of Bluemound and 76th. The inside is small, but there is ample space outside to accommodate crowds. It smelled wonderful in there, and if I was able to eat a burger or three I would have... If you are looking for a reputable, clean, delicious place to enjoy a burger and some frozen custard, Gilles has got you covered.
(4)
Mike S.
A Milwaukee Classic. Great food and frozen custard.
(4)
Jimmy L.
Great Ice Cream Custard and burgers on 76th and Bluemound Road.
(4)
Catherine G.
A single scoop vanilla cone is what I love most from Gilles. I've tried their junior sundaes and feel like they give you wayyy too much topping in proportion to the custard. The junior sundaes don't allow you to appreciate the creamy goodness of the custard, but maybe a larger size sundae would?? *shrug* Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of their burgers and sandwiches. It just tastes meh to me. However, I will admit that when I lived 2 blocks from here, I would make my own burgers at home and pick up some fries and custard from Gilles to complete the meal. But hey, in the end, if the food is good enough for Bud Selig - it's good enough for me ;) There has been a handful of times where I've seen him eating in his car. I feel like I am unintentionally stalking him...oops. Seriously though, Gilles is always bumpin and is the place to BE on a warm evening.
(3)
Darleen V.
Good food and prices. If I was anywhere else in the world it would get five stars. Unfortunate for Gilles it ranks below Leon's and Kopp's....
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dessert Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
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David A.
custard? yes. hamburgers? yes. do I love it? yes. do yourself a favor and hit it up. you will be saying , "wow yeah that one Dave guy on yelp was really smart to recommend gilles"
(5)Andrew S.
I have been to basically every custard place possible in Milwaukee more times than I can count. Gilles is up there but not to be outdone by Leon's. Gotta try the BBQ sandwich when it is on special though. Great service and location. Excellent custard quality.
(4)Bobb S.
The oldest custard stand in the city definitely delivers in the world of frozen treats. Classic 3 choices of flavors: an awesome vanilla, a chocolate and a flavor of the day. You really can't go wrong with any of them. But don't go mucking up something great by getting a sundae with gobs of other toppings. A simple cone or dish (if you are a sloppy eater like me) is just what the doctor ordered. One thing I am not impressed with is their food choices. Their food isn't bad just very very average. You could do much better at other custard stands (Kopp's I'm thinking about you) or any other sandwich/burger joint.
(4)PJ C.
Needed a quick lunch so stopped for a Gillie burger aka Sloppy Joe. It was just as I expected bringing back childhood memories. The malt was very good as it should be from a custard stand of this vintage.
(3)George T.
A good stop by anytime especially after a ball game. My favorite is chocolate. The staff here are as fast as Kopp's. servings are significantly smaller. Tastes average. Plenty of seating inside and outside. The restrooms are locked so ask for the key they will give you half a bucket lid chained to a key. Who the heck still does the giant keychain for a RESTROOM? Food 4 Amb 3 Service 4 Location 3 Value 3 60/2014
(3)Jalaine M.
Was nice to have a old favorite. Lots of choices on what sundae to have. Plenty of places to sit outside.
(4)Kiki H.
Pretty good custard but not like Leon's! The strawberry was very fresh. Hot dogs were delish and there actually was seating space inside
(3)Aubrey G.
Best custard stand on the Westside/Tosa. I love the "Turtle" Sundae; served with crispy glazed pecans. Wow! They also have burgers and other "eats" folks swear by, but their forte is custard/ice cream and it is top of the line, as is the counter service.
(4)Brad K.
Solid Ice Cream / Classic American food stop and a staple in the Wauwatosa community. The food is great, the ice cream is good. Kopps has better custard, but Gillie's doesn't fall too far behind.
(4)Carrie G.
Chocolate + Mint + Oreo = Pure Bliss, need I say more? The is one of the longest operating custard stands in Milwaukee, one wouldn't have lasted this long if they weren't good at what they do.. Gilles will take you back. Back to your childhood and a preoccupation with this tasty treat. Vanilla and chocolate are offered daily and a flavor of the day rotates. The large, classic sign advertises the FOTD and lures you in from blocks away. Their classic menu also includes burgers, sandwiches and fries, all made to order. So be prepared the wait a bit for your order as they seem to hire the absolute youngest and least experienced members of the workforce. But they execute well and it's worth a little of your time. All of the flavors I've had here are certainly worth the wait and you need to check it out to decide for yourself!
(4)Lindsay P.
Cute custard shop! Several sundaes and lots of flavors to choose from. They do have food, but we only got custard. The sandwiches did look good. Great place on a hot summer day!
(5)Bj L.
I gave 5 stars because I have been going to Gilles' since I was 4 yrs old in 1957. I have tried every other custard stand in Milwaukee and the surrounding area and this is by far my favorite. The food is adequate but my 5 stars are for the custard.
(5)Kelly B.
We had a craving for desert and for once, I wasn't feeling DQ. I pass Gille's all the time and deliberately divert eye contact with their mascots. The sundaes are split up and the ingredients are all individually listed which I appreciate. I got the caramel apple crunch after reading reviews and having it suggested to me by employees. Harvey got an oreo milkshake (the real reason we went in the first place). The kids working were friendly and the service was very quick. There was a lot of staff and on even though it wasn't slammed there was a steady stream of customers coming through. I liked the sundae enough, and Harvey finished his milkshake. I guess that's saying something!
(3)Rohan D.
It's so hard to decide on the "best frozen custard" in Milwaukee, but this is one of the candidates. A wide selection, both for eating here (always crowded, usually a short wait for a table), or taking home, excellent youthful service, tight parking lot and be careful, some of those with the largest vehicles are the least skillful drivers. Check online ahead of time for specials, and if your diet allows for ridiculous amounts of fat and cholesterol, this is an excellent place for burgers and such.
(4)Ami R.
I admit it. I am on Weight Watchers. My trip to Gilles was worth every point. I ordered the smallest hot fudge sundae with vanilla ice cream. It really was delicious. I am not a huge custard fan but Gilles reputation couldn't be beat. I had to give it a try and I was not sorry. I won't be back again soon. The reason has nothing to do with the custard, it was excellent. My health and my reflection in the mirror demands that I visit just once a year. But i will be back and may get something even a little bigger. Oh, boy!
(4)Joanna T.
Gilles is the closest custard stand to our house, but we rarely go here. It's certainly not bad - not at all. It's just not anything special. Like Kopps, Gilles serves food in addition to custard - burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, etc. I'm puzzled by the options of "junior" and "regular" on the food items though - "regular" doesn't seem to come with anything extra and how exactly does one make a bacon double cheeseburger "junior"? Unlike Kopps, the service is not at all efficient, friendly or fast - simple orders seem to take waaaay too long and the servers are sullen Tosa teens who'd rather be checking out the new Abercrombie fragrance being pumped into the Mayfair mall air handling system. If you're planning on dining in, there are a few (3-4) tables but it's probably nicer to eat outside if the weather is decent. Normally, Gilles would be a 2-star kind of place for me except for their malts. They are truly superior to any other malt I've had (and that includes Kopps and Leons). Gilles custard is just okay but they use a shit-ton of malt powder and not too much chocolate syrup and the end result is just delightful. Sure, you'll pay a little too much and it will take a little too long - but aren't you worth it?
(3)Elijah H.
Love the custard, it tastes really good. I bought the oreo shake regular size, great flavor.but really thick. I Got a bacon cheeseburger which tastes alright and is pretty flat. The fries are okay, id much rather have their cheese curds.
(4)Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: 50s-era shake-shop. Gimme dat Gilles! When you see the happy custard cones, you know you've arrived. I don't make it to this old-school custard stand much, but I'm never disappointed when I do. One long counter, limited indoor seating, but plenty of heart and deliciousness packed into each scoop of their classic frozen treat. There's only a few of these sorts of joints left in the area, but Gilles will let you know why it's survived with each bite or sip you take.
(4)Colin A.
Finally made it to Gilles this year after three sunny summers with visits to only Kopp's and Leons. This place is solid -- love the multiple sundae options, and THOSE THINGS...chocolate and ice-cream covered cookies?...sign me up. I could eat five in one sitting with no remorse. Parking can be a bit tricky, especially later into the evening as the crowds descend, but I'd recommend biking out to this location -- pedaling hard makes eating 5 Those Things seem like negative calories :). When you're just not in the mood for Kopp's custard, Gilles hits the spot.
(3)Rick R.
I've visited Gilles several times for custard. My favorite sundae is the Caramel Apple Pie sundae which is only available in October at Kopp's but available year round at Gilles. Gilles also serves food, so I thought I would give their food a try. The sandwich of the month this month is a pork chop sandwich. The pork chop is boneless, grilled and well-seasoned. It was tender and juicy when I bit into it, and it was delicious. I would certainly order it again, and now I'm willing to try other food items there.
(4)Erica K.
I have never had anything but custard at Gillies, but that is reason enough to go back. Its always good, but my favorite is the Strawberry Oreo. In the summer, it is always packed, but the wait is usually not too bad. I wish that they had more daily flavor options, but that is typical of a classic drive thru.
(4)Janos J.
This place rocks, ever since the good old days of the fruit ranch that used to be located across the street. As a child, every Sunday my father took me to church down the street (Calvary Assembly of God), we stopped by the fruit ranch for fresh poppy seed kaiser rolls, then walked across the street and had custard at Gilles. I always have been a fan of their mint custard, the service is always good and they have really good ice cream cookies. Though, I am not sure if they still make them anymore. I remember them very well. I stop here usually once a year in the summer when I visit. Wisconsin to see my family and friends. I was here this past summer with my little niece and she loved it. I grew up eating custard once or twice a week, so I like to think I know custard well. I live in the south, and the custard in the south east is terrible when compared to the good old Midwest. One thing I really like about Gilles is they always make new flavors, which is nice. Of course, usually I only go for the mint.. It brings back memories for me. 5 stars, always had good customer service, friendly staff, got what I asked for, prices are reasonable and I left happy. Come to Gilles, you'll leave happy.
(5)Justin L.
The service at Gilles is amazing. They managed to clear out nearly 50 people in 15 minutes. The food is always high quality if not a bit overpriced. The custard is top notch and the flavor selection is amazing.
(4)Kate V.
Excellent custard, average food and average customer service (thus minus one star)--come for the custard! Limited seating inside, but there are a few picnic tables scattered at the edge of the parking lot. Highly recommend getting one of "Those Things"--it's a peanut butter cookie with vanilla custard on top, dipped in delicious milk chocolate, served on a stick. Soooo good!
(4)Emily M.
"Picture it - Wauwatosa, a 90 degree day in the middle of July..." 5 well-earned, chock full-a' AWESOME stars for Gilles. It's a Milwaukee / Wauwatosa institution. Anytime my husband and I go here, it's either after a long run, or a really LONG-ASS walk. Make sure to get your workout done for the day before going here, because you'll be in a serious food coma after eating one of their delicious grilled items (burgers, chicken, etc) followed up by a delicious custard treat. If it's hot outside, you can sit on the picnic tables outside (just make sure to have some WetNaps on hand to wipe both the table and your hands down). My personal favorite : the Fudge Mellow Mint (a regular size if you want your calories for the week, the Jr if you are content with your days' caloric intake in one sitting). I am really not kidding, I never go here unless I'm sure I've already burned off the calories ahead of time. But it's SOOO worth it. If you're lucky you might run into ol' Bud Selig during your time there, loading up on ketchup packets. Everyone should go to Gilles. You just should.
(5)Kossa V.
The three stars is for the fact that they are a local small business with a great location and the right staff........ As is Oscars and Kopps....... With much better food and a better value. a steak sandwich that is the most expensive thing on the menu at $7+ is a joke. The desserts are ok but I think kopps and oscars kicks there tail. There's a 50s feel and the fact that they don't offer any type of specials that really draws you in is sad. The specialty sundaes and desserts are pretty conservative on the toppings and any special request like hold that and load this costs you way too much. Great place if you like average, with a. Sweet location and awesome staff. Wish they would redo their menu as well.
(3)Reagan F.
They have good ice cream but not good food. The only thing that I can say is good is there fries. And I like there turtle sundae the best.
(4)Elsa M.
Gilles, baby... you are just as great as I remember you! Your custard is choc full of fatty cream and deliciousness and a smoothness that can't be beat. If I could have smuggled you onto the plane back home to Maryland without melting, I would have. I have missed you. Don't ever change. DON'T. YOU. EVER. CHANGE! You are perfect!
(5)Adam B.
D- Poor service. Old maid servers ignore patrons until they are ready to deal with someone rather than acknowledging them and saying I'll be right with you. The take-out order was incorrect and they offered no resolution other than apology when I called them upon discovering this (15 miles away). NEVER AGAIN.
(1)Alex C.
This place is so good. My buddy took me here on a recent trip to Green Bay. We ended up spending a day and night in Milwaukee. I really think this was my first time eating custard and I can;t wait to try it again. I found a place out here in Vegas not to far from where I live. Their mint marshmallow cream is so good! I am not big on marshmallows but this was great! Worth the stop to check out this landmark in Milwaukee,
(5)Brian M.
Contributing to diabetes on the West Side since 1938... Growing up on the South side, I had never experienced Gilles in my younger days. I was brought up on Leon's with the occasional Kopp's experience. Even after we moved to Tosa in 2002, it took us several years to ween us off of Kopp's & Leon's. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," we thought. A few years ago, we finally ventured in for a couple chocolate malts. Woof, holy balls Batman!! They were malt-tacular, malt-tastic, and all full of malty goodness! Gilles has become my favorite malt in town. Leon's is too inconsistent with their malts, and Kopp's is never malty enough. Gilles has been spot on every time! IMO, the quality of their custard is no different than Leon's or Kopp's. I couldn't tell the difference in a blind taste test. If you tell me that you can, I would tell you that you are lying. It's all good. It's just what's in your hood. Gilles could learn a thing or two about high speed scooping from Leon's. Maybe it's the size of their menu that slows them down. Their menu is very similar to Kopp's, but that doesn't slow Kopp's down. A bit of that German production line efficiency would go a long way at Gilles. They know how to take your order quickly, they just don't know how to deliver at the same pace. Gilles is text book vintage drive-in: white tile, white walls, white everything. Greasy food and custard. The foundation which hundreds of thousands of Milwaukee beer bellies are built on. *** NOTE *** The Gilles Frozen Custard available in stores near you has nothing to do with the custard stand. It was sold off as a brand trademark back in the 1970's and is now owned by the Schoepp's company. Truth in labeling.
(4)Tony K.
Nothing fancy about Gilles... and that's what I like about it. Classic sundaes and super fast service. Mmm... custard.
(3)Pat E.
This review is a bit overdue, but my best friend visited today and it reminded me of how great this place is and how it fits in perfectly to the dive/local joint/cheap places I love to find! I still remember my order that hot Milwaukee summer day. I went with the Tin Roof because I wanted peanuts. A few of the ladies I went with got some shakes and malts. They are the ones that found this gem since they hail from the wonderful Milwaukee area. I kept on pronouncing it "JILL-EEZ" just to piss them off, but they didn't care because this place tastes so great. They have the typical drive in menu including hot dogs, burgers, chili, and onion rings just to name a few items. I came for the custard. I came, I saw, I custard-ed? Does that work? If you're a history buff, you get it! If you're in the area looking for some place cool (see what I did there?), this is your best bet.
(5)Jason C.
Had some custard. It was okay. It is a nice place to hit on the way back from the zoo. I prefer Kopps.
(3)Erik R.
I really like Gilles and have been coming here since I was a little kid. The burgers are served fast and taste good. I'm gonna compare this to Kopps or Oscars and say that it is my favorite out the the 3 as far as food goes. The sundaes are really good are creative but the custard is just better at Kopps. The the inside could be cleaner its not bad but could definitely be a lot better than it is.
(4)Cranky P.
Yeah, I've seen Bud Selig in here, he gets a burger and a Diet Coke and eats in the parking lot, in his expensive car. Gilles is reliable for large burgers and sides, and custard if that's how you swing. The Gilleburger is actually a sloppy joe, so order a hamburger if that's what you want. The burgers and fries can be a little, I don't know, mechanical? In a way that Kopps are not. So I like it, but if I have time on my hands I'll drive all the way to Kopps. The overt right wing bent of the owners kind of bugs me, but I still go here for a quick lunch if I'm pressed for time and in the neighborhood.
(3)Mike P.
WISCONSIN WORKS COWS OVERTIME WITHOUT PAY. Seriously Wisconsin, give these cows a break. I knew this was the land of cheese but yall have a custard obsession too? With custard you managed to put chickens to work too. Gilles Frozen Custard Drive-In is Milwaukee's oldest custard stand, operating since 1938. I've had a burger and multiple custard servings here and it's all been REALLY good! My usual order is a junior (5 ounce) vanilla with hot fudge and Spanish peanuts. The service is fast even when Gilles gets slammed. I counted fourteen employees on my last visit. Finding parking can sometimes be tricky. SIDE NOTE: Is Gilles open year round? "CONEY" WITH SCOTT WALKER: gillesfrozencustard.com/… (noted without comment)
(4)Rachel N.
A little expensive for a burger and fries. But the custard is so good! I am a convert to custard from ice cream because of Gillies. I can't go to Dairy Queen anymore because of how bland the blizzards are compared to a Gillies shake. I would also recommend the cheese curds. During the winter months eating there can be chilly, as people are coming in and out near the tables indoors. Staff is always friendly.
(4)Burt L.
Frozen custard is just plain better than ice cream. It's denser, creamier, and richer. And Gilles does it best. There's a rivalry between the frozen custard places in Milwaukee, and of course when in Milwaukee you should try all three. But if you're like me, and I know I am, Gilles comes out on top. Its custard is the creamiest, densest, and most flavorful.
(5)Kyle K.
For some reason when I think about the age old war waged for custard supremacy, "Love is a Battlefield" pops into my head. After punching my diet in the face with a burger across town, I decided it was high time for some custard. My buddy and Tosa OG insisted I check out Gilles. His rationale was that anything good enough for Bud Selig is good enough for me. Anyhow, got in just before close and got the hot fudge sundae with spanish peanuts. The custard was quite good, the hot fudge was fudgey but I'm not sure what made the peanuts spanish. The teenagers left minding the store were very friendly and diligent which made me laugh pretty hard. I guess my only real complaint is that it's kinda expensive. Small sundae and TINY diet coke ran about 7 bucks, but oh well. I'll always be a Leon's man, but Gilles definitely holds it down on Bluemound.
(4)Phil L.
Without a doubt... my favorite custard place! When i was a kid my family would come here quite often for chocolate cones... so I have fond memories of this place. Sitting on the tailgate of our station wagon one warm summer night, I saw a group of streekers from either Pius or Juneau run through the parking lot with cones... maybe that's why I love this place!?! Nah, the custard is just that good!
(5)Kristy K.
Honestly, there are way better places to go for custard in town. The best thing going for Gilles' is the sundae selection. The do a nice job with the topping and selection for their custard treats. The burgers are OK, but I have others places that due the custard stand burger better.
(3)Heather M.
While I echo some of the other reviews that Gilles at the top of my list of favorite burgers like Kopps', it certainly comes close. I've always viewed Gilles as the cross-town rival to Leon's, because it is a very similar atmosphere with killer custard. Except, I don't think Leon's has burgers so I love that Gilles' does. I think there is a sign out there that it is either Milwaukee's first or oldest standing custard stand. If you get the regular sized burger, as opposed to a junior, it is a very good portion size. Again, not the size of a Kopps' burger, but pretty close. The meat is juicy, the bun isn't too dry, but not too soaked in grease either. Instead of mayo, Gilles puts miracle whip on the burger which gives it an interesting tangy taste. (I've uploaded a picture of the burger) The malts here are to die for. Some of the best I've ever had (certainly better than Kopps' malts, which are more like what you'd get a chain restaurant as opposed to a little ma & pa malt shoppe like Gilles' has in their malts (similar to Mazos). This is a great place to come in summer. There isn't much room to eat inside, so people usually congregate on the picnic tables outside when the weather is nice. If you like burgers or custard, Gilles is a must. Even anyone that simply just loves Milwaukee should come check this out. It's a classic. Oh and during baseball season, don't be surprised if you see Bud Selig come in (MLB Commissioner) for a hot dog. This is his favorite stop in town. He used to frequent when he was the Brewers owner but still stops by every now and then when he's in town for a game.
(4)Mark Y.
I've been going to Gilles ever since I was a little kid. It was always a special place back then and still is. The people of Milwaukee are lucky to have the greatest custard stands (Gilles, Kopp's, Leon's), and each is special in its own way. I do have to give kudos to Gilles for their malts, which in my view are the best around. When you want "heavy," you get what you asked for! It's going to be sad not having Gilles at my disposal once I move out of Wisconsin for good next year.
(5)Brad S.
Growing up on the south side of Milwaukee, I was mostly a Leon's and Kopp's kid, but Gilles 70-year legacy is as much a part of this custard culture as any other. Everyone has a favorite, and these places are all largely the same. Operated by the local neighborhood teenagers, people come to Gilles when they want to be cheered up. Or want to keep the kids happy. Or are already feeling good and want to celebrate. You can't be sad with a spoonful of custard in your mouth. You just can't.
(4)Katie C.
I've have nothing good to say about this place. I've found staples in my fries when I went back to tell them all they said was "we are sorry". They've lost my ticket order. After 20 minutes of waiting they said they can't find my ticket. Once they finally found my ticket my food was cold. I've had onion rings taste like they were fried in the same oil as the fish. One of owners who is also the day time manger is very rude. I will never go back. I would rather go to Kopps.
(1)Chris M.
Okay, you'll need to be familiar with Milwaukee custard shops to fully appreciate this comment. But, I just don't understand why all these custard shops have so many people working behind the counter. Back in the day when I was slinging burgers, we made do with half as many people to keep up with the crowds. Every custard shop I go to in MKE has the same bunch of teenagers mulling around behind the counter in their white shirts and aprons wondering what they should be doing. Well, I'm about to tell you what they should be doing: They should be serving up my custard!! Really, a little cross-training here would go a long, long ways towards improving customer service. Now then, once they finally serve the custard...pure bliss and happiness. It is everything frozen custard should be: rich, creamy and smooth. Very, very smooth.
(4)Pete J.
Great custard. This place is all about the custard. If you want great burgers, go somewhere else. If you want to take home a pint, quart or half gallon, you can get the flavor of the day, chocolate or vanilla "fresh packed" scooped directly into the containers so it is not rock hard. A variety of other flavors of the day may be available in various sizes, check the board on the east wall. They always have music playing in the parking lot, so in the summer it is really nice to savor a cone while you sit on the north ledge watching the cars stream by on Bluemound, listening to good music. One food I know to be pretty good here is their fish fry, which is tasty, not greasy and a bargain. I hear Bud Selig likes their hotdogs.
(4)Hayley H.
Their Mint-Chocolate Chip Custard is my favorite mint-chocolate, although I would be amazed if there was a flavor at Gilles that I didn't like. My cousin swears by their Grilled Ham and Cheese, but I go for their custard alone. I'm notorious for thawing out a 1/2 pint for breakfast.
(5)Courtney H.
By far the BEST turtle sundae in the world!!!!!
(5)Ryan D.
Like Kopps, this is a classic Milwaukee establishment. I actually only discovered it in my early 20's, because for most of my life I lived in a different part of Milwaukee. Definitely some good greasy American food, but maybe a bit too greasy for my tastes. It is also a little difficult to eat inside as there are roughly 4 tables. Get it to go if you can. I would say that this place isn't at the same level as Kopps but I would still suggest Gillies over many other places if you're looking for a burger or some frozen custard. Try Gillies burger and custard at least once in your lifetime!
(4)Olivia P.
YAY frozen custard with neighborhood charm.
(4)Kopy K.
This might be completely shocking but ice cream in Milwaukee is fantastic. I have had an opportunity to try ice cream and custard all over the country and the world even. And Gilles honestly has something that I think is better than anywhere else I have ever tried it. To me, that alone is worth a 5 star. Now please, no one give me the ice cream, custard, frozen yogurt argument, ice cream is flippin' ice cream. Gilles offers all sorts of stuff just like most places. They have a full food menu and varities of different ice creams and ways to prepare it. But what I just have to have from Gilles is the Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie. Wow man. The ice cream and the cookie, and the deliciousiness that ensues.... this is worth a review, a yippee, and a you must try it. I just plain love it.
(5)Natalie F.
Nothing fancy, but they have great custard!
(4)Barbra I.
Been getting tasty custard treats from here since childhood. I rarely eat anything but custard from Gille's, so I can't really comment on food. If you want the full burger/fries/custard experience I'd say go to Kopp's. In my book, tho, Gille's has the best custard. Hubs and I like to share the Zombie or Lalapalooza as it's a better value than getting our own sundaes. Aaaannnd more romantic.
(5)Julie M.
Gillies' custard is okay in my opinion... Their food is good, although expensive for a drive in...
(3)Judy A.
The custard was not as creamy as the best in town, Leon's. it was runny and I felt as though ingredients had been skimped on. The hamburger I had was cold, I couldn't believe it. I asked for raw onions, which to me means a slice of onion. In this case the onions were chopped up into tiny pieces. While I was waiting, and this was not a busy time of day, the person that gave me my ice cream also took the bathroom key from a patron. The key was on something like 1/2 of a white plate, anyway she took a hold of the plate and went on to serve food. The place doesn't look clean. I threw my hamburger and "custard" away and this will be my last trip.
(3)Brian M.
We stopped here after a not so great dinning experience at the Pasta Tree & needless to say it was a better time than it was there. It wasn't very busy obviously because it's FEBRUARY & not Summer yet unfortunately lol. We ordered a few Ice Cream Cones & found out that their special of the month is buy 2 cones & get the third free Yee Haa what a deal but really it was. You pay a little more for the Ice Cream here than you would say Kopp's or Oscar's but it's definitely good.
(4)Abe S.
Not as good as Leon's but pretty good still as far as custard goes. It is a convenient place to go to if you're in the tosa area.
(4)Patrick M.
My Milwaukee Custard Rankings 1) Kopps / Gilles Vanilla 2) Gilles 3) Leons I stopped by Gilles on a warm summer's day and was hoping to bump into Bud Selig. Sadly, I did not see him. However, I did have a incredible flavorful vanilla custard. I know it almost sounds paradoxical for vanilla to be that flavorful, but it was. I also really liked the texture of Gilles custard. It's not as creamy as Kopps (which I prefer). I would rate this place better than Kopps if they had more variety but they simply rock - vanilla, chocolate and one rotating flavor a day. Dislike: The place smelled like cat pee, but it apparently I was the only one to notice.
(4)Gfiddy F.
Great burgers & ice cream treats - beg your pardon, custard treats.
(5)Aaron S.
Great space but, well, I just don't think custard is that much better than decent ice cream to justify the hype, although it could be the fact that the toppings-to-custard ratio at Gilles approaches 3.0
(3)Stephanie L.
Gille's is a special place, because my husband and I have always made special trips here when it is just he and I. It's a treat not just for dessert, but because it's often times a date night spot. I have even paid Gille's a visit solo , because I just needed to have "one of those things." So good! It is all of my favorite things:: cookie, custard, and chocolate. The 3 C's. If I don't get that for a frozen treat, I go for a Gille's cookie, sometimes with mint custard. If I am [surprisingly] not in the mood for either, I have fun selecting a junior sundae from the enormous list of fantastic choices (tin roof, razanna, etc.). For the first time EVER, I went with the Flavor of the Day. Today was "Monkey Madness." I like the combination of banana, chocolate, and cashews. However, the employee on the scoop greatly disappointed someone who normally screams for ice cream. Perhaps my cone would have been better filled had I screamed. Instead, as I ate the custard from the top of the cone, and made my way around the protruding portion of it, I came to find an empty trunk. There was zero custard in the handheld part of the cone. Nothing. I ended up throwing that part out. I should have just ordered the custard in a dish. It was presented in the same fashion. Maybe, I should just stick to my faves, because that is what really keeps me coming back.
(3)Christian W.
My local custard stand, and when its within walking distance, you can't go wrong. I enjoy a Gilles' burger once in a while, but mainly it is my stop for sundaes. Here are my knocks on Gilles: 1. I always end up with salad dressing instead of mayo on my sandwich, which brings back terrible memories of egg salad and Miracle Whip from childhood. 2. There is not enough stuff in their flavor of the day custard or it is chopped to small. 3. The custard is too cold and hard. Just a few degrees warmer and the smoothness of the custard really would shine. Service is always great. I love the call in service. The sundaes are outstanding. The chocolate custard is always supreme.
(4)Brian C.
I've been visiting this place for about as long as I've been going up to the Milwaukee area to visit my grandparents. I know that people will always argue that Kopp's is better, but the character of this place really adds a lot to the experience. If Richie and Fonzie ever went out for custard, this is where they would have gone, without a doubt.
(5)Steve G.
I live so close to this place that it's becoming dangerous to my health. Burgers, onion rings, and custard are all so appealing. Even the lactose intolerant should accept the stomach pains and gas in exchange for eating this delicious custard.
(4)David B.
Great custard and great burgers. Sure, you'll raise your cholesterol a point or two, but who's counting? Grill time is a little slow, but you wait for quality. This place is the real deal.
(4)Barca F.
Ahhh, highschool memories of getting a turtle here...It was always here or Kopp's...But every now and then, nothing else could substitute for the turtle sundae at Gille's...Yummm
(4)Noelle B.
By far the best custard in Milwaukee! Nothing else compares. If you want to take it to the next level of artery clogging goodness, order french fries and dip them in custard. I swear this is really good, just don't eat the whole thing yourself, this delicacy is best shared.
(5)Mike W.
Gillies has been around since 1938, and has changed owners a few times, but has stayed excellent. My parents and grandparents both agree that this is the best burger in Milwaukee. Excellent quality buns and excellent quality burgers. Their custard is great, their shakes are the best, and their turtle sundaes rock. Really this is the only place that comes close to being as good as Kopp's.
(5)Laura F.
Gilles is not Kopp's, like Mike W. commented, but they do have a rockin' sundae and a great location on Bluemound in Wauwatosa.
(4)Stephen S.
Good. But NO WHERE near as good as Kopp's!
(3)Katie W.
I'm just going to leave you with this one thought. If you like cheese curds, you MUST try these. They're probably my favorite cheese curds out of anywhere in Milwaukee. I would come here just for the cheese curds, and the rest of the good makes it double worth it because it's all delicious.
(5)Brad O.
Milwaukee has a love affair with frozen custard. Who has the best? One can only decide by trying them all.... Challenge accepted! I was brought to Gilles' by an affliction that only ice cream can cure, but thankfully I live in Milwaukee where frozen custard is our drug of choice. After a night of drinking and bad decisions, I spent the next morning praying to the porcelain god. I went back to sleep hoping the hung over feeling would disappear, but when I awoke I found myself trying to swallow my uvula, that little hangy thing in the back of your throat. Gross. Mine was so swollen it was sitting on the back of my tongue (!) and swallowing was incredibly difficult. Luckily, this has happened before, so I calmed myself down and remembered that frozen custard and staying in bed feeling sorry for yourself is the best cure. So, I gathered all my energy and made it to Gilles. I bought two pints of custard and home I went to let the healing begin and within hours I was back to normal. Now, to the review. Gilles frozen custard is like any other frozen custard - awesome and delicious. I actually gave my family in Tennessee quarts of it last time I went home for the holidays. The location is great being right off of Bluemound and 76th. The inside is small, but there is ample space outside to accommodate crowds. It smelled wonderful in there, and if I was able to eat a burger or three I would have... If you are looking for a reputable, clean, delicious place to enjoy a burger and some frozen custard, Gilles has got you covered.
(4)Mike S.
A Milwaukee Classic. Great food and frozen custard.
(4)Jimmy L.
Great Ice Cream Custard and burgers on 76th and Bluemound Road.
(4)Catherine G.
A single scoop vanilla cone is what I love most from Gilles. I've tried their junior sundaes and feel like they give you wayyy too much topping in proportion to the custard. The junior sundaes don't allow you to appreciate the creamy goodness of the custard, but maybe a larger size sundae would?? *shrug* Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of their burgers and sandwiches. It just tastes meh to me. However, I will admit that when I lived 2 blocks from here, I would make my own burgers at home and pick up some fries and custard from Gilles to complete the meal. But hey, in the end, if the food is good enough for Bud Selig - it's good enough for me ;) There has been a handful of times where I've seen him eating in his car. I feel like I am unintentionally stalking him...oops. Seriously though, Gilles is always bumpin and is the place to BE on a warm evening.
(3)Darleen V.
Good food and prices. If I was anywhere else in the world it would get five stars. Unfortunate for Gilles it ranks below Leon's and Kopp's....
(4)