Nite Owl, Wayne's and more: Here's when Milwaukee-area drive-ins open for the summer

Claire Reid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Temperatures may be back in the 40s this week, but there are other signs that summer is on its way.

For decades, one of the tastiest indicators of summer in Wisconsin has been the opening of drive-in hamburger and frozen custard stands for the season.

Many local favorites opened or announced their opening dates this month. Here's a list:

The Nite Owl Drive-In, Milwaukee

The Nite Owl Drive-In on Milwaukee's south side near the airport has been a fan favorite since 1948. The family-owned business is now in its third generation. Recently, Journal Sentinel readers even named Nite Owl's hamburger among the best in Wisconsin. "I think about them all winter long," one reader wrote of the burgers.

According to its website, Nite Owl makes its burgers fresh daily. So, the restaurant closes once it runs out of meat for the day. "We physically can't hold any more meat than we get daily. The earlier you come, the better chance you have."

Nite Owl opened for the 2024 season on Tuesday, March 26, and closes for the season in November. In addition to burgers, the menu features fish sandwiches, fries, onion rings, shakes, malts, sundaes and ice cream.

  • Where: 830 E. Layton Ave., Milwaukee

  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: about 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Learn more:niteowlmke.com

Wedl's Hamburger Stand has been operating at this spot on the corner of Racine and Center streets in Jefferson since the early 20th century.
Wedl's Hamburger Stand has been operating at this spot on the corner of Racine and Center streets in Jefferson since the early 20th century.

Wedl's Hamburger Stand, Jefferson

Wedl's Hamburger Stand and Ice Cream Parlor is a tiny, red-and-white shack in Jefferson, Wis. (between Milwaukee and Madison). It's been serving burgers with the same "secret recipe" the previous owners whipped up in 1916.

In addition to its signature slider-style burgers, Wedl's serves locally-made, deep-fried cheese curds and Madison's popular Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.

Wedl's opened for the 2024 season on March 12, according to the hamburger stand's website. The shop will be open every day this summer except Monday ― holidays and weather permitting.

  • Where: 200 E. Racine St., Jefferson

  • Hours: Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Learn more:wedlshamburgerstand.com

The Janik family, from left, Nate Janik, Danette Bugs-Janik and Nikolas Janik stand outside Lee's Dairy Treat in Brookfield.
The Janik family, from left, Nate Janik, Danette Bugs-Janik and Nikolas Janik stand outside Lee's Dairy Treat in Brookfield.

Lee's Dairy Treat, Brookfield

Lee's Dairy Treat was established in Brookfield in 1971 by married couple Leander and Clarice Bugs. Before the couple purchased the unique, octagon-shaped building, it was a Boy Blue ice cream franchise. Today, it's still a family business with daughter Danette Bugs-Janik as CEO.

Lee's opened for the 2024 season on March 2, according to its Facebook page. It stays open through the end of October.

The ice cream shop features a fun, nostalgic vibe including hand-painted menu illustrations, 6-foot ice cream cone-shaped trash cans, a neon sign, and indoor and outdoor seating areas. According to Lee's website, the menu includes over 40 flavors for sundaes, shakes, malts and blitzes. It also serves lunch and dinner options, including homemade chili, Bar-B-Que beef sandwiches and made-to-order fries.

  • Where: 14040 W. Greenfield Ave., Brookfield

  • Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Learn more:leesdairytreat.com

Wayne's Drive-In, 1331 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg.
Wayne's Drive-In, 1331 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg.

Wayne's Drive-In, Cedarburg

Wayne's in Cedarburg will open for its 26th season on Tuesday, April 2, according to its Facebook page. The restaurant will host a season opener event at 11 a.m. on April 2, featuring sweet treats along with '50s and '60s music.

Wayne's extensive menu features a variety of hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hotdogs, brats, fish and chicken sandwiches, chili, ice cream, shakes, sundaes and other sweet treats.

Gus's Drive-In, East Troy

Located about 40 minutes from Milwaukee and just outside Lake Geneva, Gus's Drive-In in East Troy is all about nostalgia. Saturdays are "Cruise Nights," where classic car enthusiasts pull up in hot rods, rare cars and more.

Due to the unseasonably warm winter, Gus's opened early this year on Jan. 31, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.

Gus's menu features burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, shakes and malts, and a frozen custard flavor of the day. Flavors in the upcoming "Flavor Forecast" include chocolate peanut butter, caramel cashew, butterscotch pecan and blueberries & cream.

  • Where: 3131 Main St., East Troy

  • Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Learn more:gussdrivein.com

If you don't see your favorite drive-in on the list, don't worry. Some don't open until much later in the season. We'll update as more information becomes available. Feel free to email your suggestions to CEReid@gannett.com.

More: Aug. 8 is National Frozen Custard Day. You can celebrate it at these 10 shops in the Milwaukee area.

More: Stingl: The world record musky photo that got away

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: When do Nite Owl, other Milwaukee drive-ins open for summer 2024?

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