#94 – Milwaukee Delicatessen
101 W 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Cost: $$
Cuisine: Milwaukee-style German cuisine.
Good for: Great food in a relaxed, historic setting.
Tip: Ask for the mustard on the side – it’s hot.
The Milwaukee Delicatessen is great spot to grab drinks and delicious food in downtown Kansas City. Near the Downtown Public Library, the Milwaukee Delicatessen has roots in the area since 1900.
About Milwaukee Delicatessen
The Milwaukee Deli’s history begins in 1900, when German-immigrants, Albert and Laura Ladzinski, moved to Kansas City. The Deli found quick success and became a favorite spot for professionals by day and celebrities and politicians by night.
The Deli remained successful through the prohibition and Albert’s death in 1934. However, when the Deli passed to Albert’s son-in-law, he changed the name to The New Yorker Restaurant and moved locations.
The Milwaukee Deli would remain empty for 20 years before the building was purchased and converted into a blueprint company. Rather than demolishing the Deli’s beautiful ceilings and floors, the company carefully covered it all, including a thin layer of concrete over the hand-cut marble floor.
From 1981 – 2010, the building was abandoned. Days before its demolition date, a local group of developers purchased the historic building and brought it back to life, Milwaukee Delicatessen included. The painted ceiling, handcrafted balcony, beautiful floor and layout were all restored to be original.
Today, the first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Milwaukee Delicatessen is a huge, old photo blown up on the wall. The photo shows Albert Ladzinski in front of a huge team of Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales pulling the first beer delivery after the repeal of prohibition. It’s a wonderful way to show the long history of the Deli.
Milwaukee Delicatessen Favorites
I’ve been to Milwaukee Delicatessen a few times, and loved everything I’ve had. They smoke and brine their own meats, make their own sauerkraut, pickles and more. Their sandwiches steal the show, but it’s hard to pass up with calzones and pizzas.
- Turkey Panini – House-roasted turkey breast, mozzarella, marinated tomatoes, greens, house dressing with garlic mayo on sourdough. (My absolute favorite thing to get here. So so good).
- Central Branch Reuben – American Kobe corned beef, house-made sauerkraut, marinated tomatoes, Russian dressing with Swiss on rye.
- Milwaukee Style Corned Beef Reuben – American Kobe corned beef, house kraut, grain mustard with Swiss on rye. If you don’t like spicy mustard, be sure to ask for it on the side!
- Calzones (Build your own).
For something a little different with amazing history and atmosphere, head to Milwaukee’s Delicatessen. xx, Libbie.
