Northpoint Custard

A lot of highs and lows on this experience but nothing bad to say related to the food. The environment on a non-​weekend day is probably the best setting if you are trying to avoid all the hustle of obnoxiously drunk people. Truly a great experience on a sunny, slightly windy, beach day, leaving this environment very tough to beat.
I truly believe the food is just alright. It is good but i did have a little higher expectation based off of the Bartolotta name. For the most part the food was classic and barely seasoned which was kind of nice in our world of constantly changing and building unique flavors. They definitely let the food speak and the ingredients stand out.
The line was pretty short when I arrived but the wait was definitely long. Seemed like a good 25 minute wait with no line to order food. That worried me a bit and will make me much more picky about what day and time I go to Northpoint Custard in the future.
An ok experience with good food. The location alone is reason to visit but the food will not blow your mind. Just cooked well with good ingredients.

You know that John Legend song «All of Me»? Well, I just heard it on the radio and the first thing I thought of was the burger at Northpoint. That’s how much I love that burger.
Sometimes I just want to call the burger on the phone just to say hi and listen to its sizzle.
I want to pick this burger up around seven, hold doors open for it, take it to see a romantic comedy starring Matthew Mcconaughey and Kate Hudson and offer it my coat on the walk home.
Then I want to take this beautiful beef sandwich back to its place, walk it to the front door, sheepishly smile at it, lean in slowly, and try to shove the entire thing in my mouth at once, making a shameless mess of myself.
The custard is really good too.

Descriptive phrase: lakeside custard stand.
Northpoint Custard is a Milwaukee lakefront staple, located in the parking lot immediately next to Bradford Beach. Only open during the summer and usually staffed by high school kids, you’re gonna get what you expect from an old-​style custard stand: slow service but decent comfort foods.
I wish they had more than one size of shake, as mine was much too large (but decently-​priced at $ 4.50). I’m really not a fan of their style, though, as their custard is thicker and richer than most. It was not an easy feat to finish it all. Boo-​hoo, amirite?

AWEFULL! TERRIBLE! The best, most delicious burgers in town for $ 4 or $ 5 bucks and they’re only open during summer…

It used to be our favorite summer burger spot. This season things have really gone down hill. The burgers went from tastey handmade type patties, to generic mass produced blah. Last night was definately our last visit, this being our third bad experience this year. My burger was dry and sloppily assembled. The cheese curds were an exploded mess in the container, and the onion rings were unusually greasy. The employees attitudes have really gone downhill too.

Firstly: this place has Mountain Dew icees, which is enough to keep me coming back all summer long. I felt like a teenager again, and it was magical.
The burgers are tasty, classic beach fare. I’m a fan of the Seagull (mmm Merkt’s!), and the onion rings and cheese curds are both plenty tasty. This place is understandably popular, so it can take a while to get your food if you go during a rush, but when you’re sitting at a picnic table next to the lake on a beautiful day… well, it doesn’t seem so long after all.

I remember when I was at the airport looking for somewhere quick to eat, but I didn’t want to eat somewhere that I had tried before. We were almost at the gate when we spotted this place. I wasn’t sure what to expect since it looked like a basic burger joint. I ordered the regular cheeseburger and the waiter suggested that I try some Northpoint Sauce so I did. When I bit into the burger, my mouth was in heaven! I was so shocked when I tasted a toasted buttered bun and fresh handmade patties (or at least the patties appeared that way). Our order was definitely cooked to order so that was a plus! The Northpoint Sauce was delicious and added that extra «umph» to the sandwhich. The sauce was their version of Thousand Island dressing, but with a little kick to it. It was DELICIOUS!
So excited about this experience, I had to find out if this restaurant existed in Milwaukee. Come to find out we did have one here, but I didn’t realize that it was only open during the summer. I also didn’t realize that I drive past it everyday on my way to the university. This was even better news for me! The sad part is that a few years went by before I actually stopped at the restaurant.
So recently, while I was driving, I saw that it was open and decided to give it a try. I ordered the LMD Burger that came with 2 patties, Thousand Island Dressing, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, and Cheese on a toasted buttered bun. It was probably one of the best burgers that I’ve eaten at a fast food place! I ordered a Chocolate Malt, but I wasn’t so pleased with the taste or appearance. The taste was awful, but I’m not sure if it is me and I don’t know what a real malt tastes like or that it’s naïve of me to think that all Chocolate Malts should taste like a Wendy’s Chocolate Malt. The appearance and texture was a bit gritty and I’m not sure what was the case with that either. I hear that their custard looks like soft serve so maybe they didn’t monitor the machine correctly?
Now, the cost was a bit pricey, but the burger was worth it. Maybe I’ll skip the malt next time.
Side note: Did you know that Bartalotta Restaurant Group owns this restaurant? I had to do some research because that name appeared on my transaction history instead of Northpoint.

I’ve been a real fan and repeat visitor of Northpoint since the day it opened. I’m constantly on the lookout, in particular, for a great burger and on a good day this is one of the best, if not the best in the city. The problem is quality control. Some days you’ll get a great burger, other days you’ll get a dry briquette served on a dry bun. It seems to depend on how busy the place is. There is a pretty good menu outside the burgers including some really delicious frozen custard that is in the Kopp’s vein, but for the most part this is a burger stand.
I was there on Sunday and had an almost perfect burger. To give you an idea I really love the In-​n-​Out burger of Southern California. That, to me, as opposed to a giant patty, is the perfect burger. This place has a bit of that going on. The burgers are a nice size with a thin (the way it should be) patty. The burgers are grilled on a gas fired grill so they have a nice, char flavor (more on that in moment). The buns are from Peter Sciortino and are just perfect (unless they grill them on the flat top too long). They have a large selection of specialty burgers or you can build your own. Sadly, they discontinued two of the best things there — the namesake Northpoint burger, and the thing that made it amazing — Northpoint sauce which was something akin to sciracha mayo. I go for a mock In-​n-​Out which is a cheeseburger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and the closest I can get to «animal» sauce, 1000 Island. They have great wavy fries which are always hot, crispy and plentiful. Regrettably they serve Pepsi products as opposed to Coke.
The location is fabulous — right at the beach.
So I was there today and ordered the exact same burger. What a difference. The thing was cooked beyond recognition and dry as a bone. The toppings and condiments on the burger were sloppy and uneven, and the bun was also dry as a bone.
One day while waiting for my number at the window, I noticed a sign telling the story of Northpoint. Apparently Joe Bartolotta (the potentate of the most significant restaurant group in Milwaukee that owns Northpoint as well as eminent eateries such as Bacchus and Lake Park Bistro) and I had a common passion — a place called The Charcoal Pit which was for decades located in the dicey neighborhood of 27^th and Fond du Lac. Back in the day John F. Kennedy stopped in at the charcoal pit for burgers. It was a tiny dump that when I went there was owned by a guy named Eddie who cooked the burgers on an actual charcoal burning grill with real charcoal. The small burgers were then served to you, usually in multiples, on a piece of wax paper as you sat along the dingy serpentine counter that hadn’t been replaced since the 40’s. The place was about as dirty as it could get but oh my, those burgers! What I wouldn’t give for one now. The sign indicates that Northpoint’s burgers were fashioned after that approach. While I’m ALL for an homage to the Charcoal PIt, I think Eddie would agree that these fall far short because they are not cooked over a charcoal flame which was the whole point at «The Pit», and they are terribly inconsistent.
At any rate, with a little quality control like exactly how long to leave the burgers on the grill, this place could definitely have the best burger in town. A consistent burger, even at high volume, is completely possible. In-​n-​Out does it everyday. And Joe, if you’re reading — a tribute burger to the In-​n-​Out animal style would be a Godsend!

Fun hangout on a hot summer night. I’ve only tried their ice cream but it has yet to disappoint! The banana split is pretty massive and scrumptious I also enjoy to feast upon their Elvis sundae!

We have been wanting to come out for years for the free hamburger on opening day. Today was the first time and we happened to be the first ones in line. We got there at 9am and were the only ones out. It was a bit chilly and the May files were out in full force. The cheeseburgers were awesome! They had a nice charred grilled taste to them. We also purchased a diet soda to cancel out the calories and some tater tots. I can’t wait to come for lunch during the summer!

I just think this place should be a fish taco stand. They could also have a token burger and curds, but I think the location demands fish tacos. That there is a nondescript burger stand on Milwaukee’s lakefront just kills me every time I go by.
That said, the curds are pretty damn good. But my friend who ordered the burger and said, «Everything about this burger is really good except for the meat». How’s that for damning with faint praise.

Man, location location location… and ice cream!!! Whoever thought it would be a good idea to have an ice cream establishment right next to a beach was a genius. They give you gigantic portions (careful though ladies, I gotta watch my girlish figure), and it’s very rich and thick. My boyfriend and I have come here a couple of times for something sweet before we take a walk by the water.
Even when they have a really long line, it doesn’t seem to take them very long at all to get your order out to you. And did I mention how delish their ice cream AND malts are?! I highly recommend visiting here at least once (unless you’re lactose intolerant, and I feel for you if you are), because this is a really good fixture of Milwaukee. :)

Northpoint Custard
This is a convenient place to pick up a snack or meal. While enjoying Lake Michigan near Bradford beach.
They have plenty of tables to share or take your meal closer to the water.
Plenty of bike parking. Car parking can be tight on the weekends but not impossible. Just be patient. Lines move quickly and food comes out hot on the east side of the building listen for your name or number on the receipt. Seinfeld… Four!
I love turtles… sundae.
Food 4
Amb 4
Ser 5
Loc 5
Val 4
⁶⁴⁄₂₀₁₄

Custard… burgers (lots o’ varieties)…the lake… there’s only one thing that would make this picture better — cheese fries! Luckily, they have cheese fries AND cheese tater tots. (The tracks also makes a mean basket of cheese tater tots but I’ll save that for another review.)
Northpoint is a well run little seasonal custard/​burger fast food stand right on the lake next to Bradford beach. Our own little Shake Shack on the water.
In addition to custard, burgers, and the evil, irresistible cheese fry, you can also get your shake fix here, (or if you prefer, add that nasty yeast-​y powder to it and call it a malt – no judgment, of course!) Speaking of things to pass judgement on, I wanted a dish of vanilla custard with two toppings — strawberry and coconut. That somehow translated into a giant little sundae with whipped cream and a cherry. It was good but a lot of ice cream in one sitting. I also got a grilled cheese that as I hoped, folded up into a neat little package I could shove in my purse. (It was still delicious later on.)
You can pick up a plastic glass of water at the pickup window if you want to– just ask, they are lined up waiting to go
We came on opening day in spring. The line may look long but it moved really quickly, and despite the fact that the tables looked full we managed to snag two.
Oh, sure its hard to run by here and smell the burgers and keep going. But once in a while its ok to stop.

A prime spot overlooking the nice part of Lake Michigan, North Point delivers tons of good eats. Burgers and custard are their specialty and they are excellent at both. The burgers could make the claim as best in the city, and I’ve recently fell in love with their Beach Burger (it’s amazing what a little fresh avocado does for a burger), but have had a few different ones and have never been disappointed. Their custard, while simple, is also delicious.
All in all, it’s a wonderful place to go to if one wants to eat outside and lakeside!

Old school burgers + custard right on the lake? Yes please!
I’m right in line w/​everyone else here, pretty much. Solid food that tastes fresh, yes. Standard but good, yes. The custard IS more like ice cream and less like custard, yes… but it’s still good! Northpoint is cheap-​ish, cute, and convenient if you’re down near the lakefront.
L and I split a single cheeseburger and a small swirl cone since neither of us were terribly hungry. (I think I was probably hungrier than him since I made him finish the egg/​soy chorizo breakfast burrito I made earlier in the day, but whatever.) It was a solid amount of food and it ran us about nine bucks for both items.
Service was friendly and the staff definitely had their act together for being so busy. Will definitely return for more bad for me yet delicious summertime eats when near the lakefront on bike or foot or whatever!

I usually don’t eat burgers.
Don’t get me wrong, they’re meaty, greasy, thick patties of delicious, but the older I get, the less I’ve been able to eat them without feeling like laying down and doing nothing for 5 – 72 hours.
I stopped here during an afternoon bike ride with some friends, and figured… Why the hell not? I have to keep biking, so I won’t have a chance to get lethargic and kill the rest of my day.
I am so glad I did.
I tried the «Q», which is a basic burger, with onions, BBQ, bacon, and cheese. Oddly enough, this burger is the same price as a regular burger without cheese or bacon… but if you want the regular burger with cheese, and bacon, it’s a few bucks more… So it’s financially irresponsible NOT to get this burger.
The bacon was crisp, and the burger tasty, even though the grease had made the bottom bun pretty soggy.
It’s a typical custard/​burger joint burger, and it gets right to the point. That point is: Shove it in my mouth now because I want it.
The ice cream looked fantastic and rich, and they’ve got other fare too, like grilled mushrooms and other sandwiches… I’ll definitely be trying the grilled portobello next time I’m riding past.

This place was a bit of a surprise, but it was a good one. Located right on the lake net to the beach, I have no doubt that it gets PACKED when the sun is shining and the beach is busy. On this particular evening, it was the perfect nightcap and dessert after a great dinner and a long walk along the lakeside.
I had a small vanilla custard with strawberries and it completely filled the small cup. You’ll want to grab a few napkins and look out for the drips.
Custard was good and flavorful. The smell of the burgers on the grill… mmmm…

A beautiful August day, husband and son in tow and the open road. Went for a lovely drive up to Milwaukee. This «back in time» beach snack shack was the perfect place for a bite.
We started our «snack» with burgers. My husband and I had the «Q» burger («BBQ, sautéed onions, bacon, cheddar) and the son the LMD (2 patties, American cheese, 1000 Island, onions, tomato, lettuce). These burgers were incredible. Believe it or not the buns were standout, all toasty and delicious. Not really sure how they did it — probably extra grease added.
Then my husband and I moved on to custard while the son went got and Italian beef and a chocolate malt. The Italian beef looked minimal at first but once he got into it the sandwich was actually stuffed with meat. He said it was excellent. The custards were fantastic. The husband had all chocolate and I had swirl. I think he was jealous. I highly recommend the swirl. Beware though we were unaware of the actual sizes, the large should actually be called the humongous!

Supergood.
The burgers here are too-​die-​for. I had the «Q» and it was exactly what I wanted, no modifications needed. Burger, bacon, sauteed onions, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce. The burgers aren’t huge, which is actually a good thing — it was just enough to fill up (although my tastebuds wanted me to continue tasting that burger forever)
Hubby got the «Old School», which is your standard burger, and he enjoyed it. The burgers are just so yummy — charred just enough and served on a perfect bakery bun that is a little crispy because it is toasted, but still nice and soft and not too tall to chomp into. The flavor combo of it all together gives you the perfect bite each time as you make your way through.
We also ordered Yukon-​gold crinkle fries, which were a salt-lover’s dream, plus the cheese-​sauce which was sticky, creamy goodness. I will say that we could have done with another order of fries — one was not enough for us to share, in my opinion. The portion of cheese could easily have gone much further, so I’d recommend only one order of cheese for every two orders of fries, FYI.
To drink, I got the «Bedhead» Pomegranate lemonade, which was delish as well. If you enjoy tart lemonade, it isn’t for you — the pomegranate is sweet and definitely takes the edge off of the lemoniness. The size of the lemonade is generous (my husband got a Dr. Pepper and it was probably 2/​3s the size) Also, part of the proceeds from the Bedhead are put toward charity, which is nice!
We finished by sharing frozen custard: one vanilla/​chocolate twist cone for myself, my husband, and my son. It was a messy proposition on this warm day, but we all made it through unscathed and satiated :) The custard is good: thick but not too thick and very refreshing.
The stand itself is cute; covered in cow spots, there are several large windows that you can walk up to to place your order. Menu signage is plentiful and very clear (although the add-​ons for your burger and toppings for the custard are on the counter as you order, not posted on the signs, so if you’re going the custom route, you have to wait to see your options) The proximity to Lake Michigan is both a blessing and a curse — lovely setting, but tough parking. Service was polite and efficient, no complaints here!
Seating is at picnic tables in the grassy area adjacent to the stand. The picnic tables are nicely painted and have big, bright red umbrellas providing shade. The tables were all a bit dirty when we sat down. I understand that it is outdoor seating, so I can give some leeway, but it would be nice if they had an employee circulating and wiping tables down — instead I grabbed some napkins and water from my car to neaten up the table myself prior to getting our food.
Loved it! Perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

Until further notice, Northpoint gets only 2 stars for a very serious mistake.
My partner and I went for lunch on this past Tuesday because it was so nice outside. We got tater tots, pom. lemonade, and burgers. Everything was fine, but my partner revealed to me that he had a very raw burger. I thought maybe he was just being whiny and it was maybe medium, but he had a flat-​out pink, raw burger. It was so raw that it didn’t even appear the center ever hit the grill. Disgusting.
But what to do on a day that is 85 degrees? Wait in line for another 15 minutes to complain? I’m not sure if they would have replaced it. Maybe if they had someone other than 15 year olds that don’t appear to even be the slightest bit excited about being there, there’d be more of a serious approach to the food.
He had never eaten there either. I assured him it would be delicious because it was a Bartolotta restaurant. Maybe I jinxed us, who knows…
I almost don’t even want to risk buying burgers there anymore… we might be sticking to ice cream after this.

What kind of hot dog stand is this? What kind of beach side grill asks you how you would like your burger done, and with a smile? Northpoint has great burgers. Period.
–Q with grilled onions, BBQ sauce, and bacon and cheddar was uh. mazing! (Too bad my son’s smart and I couldn’t wheedle it away from him.)
–Seagull. I didn’t leave any of this fab burger for its circling namesakes! With grilled onions and Merkt’s melted cheddar cheese, this burger was finger lickin’ good!
Plenty of worker bees, families, and lazy Parks District guys were here for lunch on a weekday. Picnic tables are painted like pink cows, festive. Did I mention that the kids working here were really nice? Like, super nice!
I haven’t tried the custard, but will definitely not be shy when driving past Bradford Beach to make another pit stop at Northpoint.