February 9, 2023
Tasty Burger Diners
Looking for a place to get a quick bite or enjoy a Valentine’s Day lunch? These local diners have inviting environments, authentic meals, and have been serving food for over 75 years! There are many features in common at both diners, including vintage seating with booths, bar stools, burgers, and milkshakes. The atmospheres in the diners sustain their authenticity from displaying old-fashioned photos on the walls to being cash-only diners. I have eaten at both places, and the burgers are savory and the service is fast! 
Al’s Hamburger (Green Bay, 920/437-5114):: Established in 1934, Al’s Hamburger is tucked into a “hole in the wall” location in downtown Green Bay. There are standard burgers and a variety of specialty burgers to choose from, with topping options that include cheese curds, mac and cheese, onion rings, homemade chili, or fried eggs on your burger. If you are looking to switch it up, there are other options such as hot dogs, chicken strips, and sandwiches for those who do not want to choose a burger! Opening every day of the week at 11:00 AM, this is a perfect place whether you are on a lunch break or taking a stroll downtown and looking for somewhere to stop.
Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q (Marinette, 715/735-7721):: Established in 1942, Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q is located on Marinette Avenue in Marinette. This diner is known for their malts, milkshakes, hot dogs, brats, and most of all their char-broiled burgers that start at $3.00. Not only is the food affordable, but the service is also fast, which makes it a great location to enjoy lunch! There are many features that add to the uniqueness of this diner, including menus that are solely posted on the wall, a vintage juke box, and an interesting, framed menu from 1955 that shows the prices of burgers at that time! Although there are no fries, there is an option to enjoy chips with a warm meal at this burger-and-shake diner. All photos in this piece by Kayu Brooks. 
—Kayu Brooks, Local Favorites Editor