A RICH & STORIED PAST - KEGEL’S INN
Kegel’s Inn, a beloved fixture in West Allis, Wisconsin, has a storied history that dates back to the era of Prohibition. Established in 1924 by Austrian immigrant John Kegel, the business began as a speakeasy, concealed as a “soda pop parlor.” With stained glass windows to keep onlookers out, Kegel's Inn thrived as one of the best spots in West Allis to get your "prescription filled".
Known for its European-inspired architecture, Kegel’s Inn was a classic example of a German beer hall with its hand-painted murals, woodwork and ornate details evoking a European ambiance that transported guests to the heart of Germany.
Kegel’s Inn transitioned to a legal tavern after Prohibition, embracing its German roots by serving classic Bavarian food like schweinshaxen, goulash, schnitzel, rouladen, sausages and sauerbraten. Over the years, the Inn has maintained a commitment to these traditional recipes, making it a go-to spot for authentic German cuisine and keeping its family-friendly atmosphere intact. This loyalty to tradition, paired with a welcoming environment, has been key to the restaurant’s longevity and charm.
The Beginnings & Prohibition Era: 1924-1933
John & Anna open up “Kegel’s Place” in Dec 1924. and continue to thrive through prohibition and through the end of WWII until it passes to his eldest son, John Jr in 1947.
Cementing The Family Legacy: 1945-1981
John & Anna Kegel's son, John Jr. ran the establishment from 1947-1955. His brother George & wife Audrey operated the restaurant from 1955-1966. John Kegel Jr. and his wife Ruth, came back to run the place from 1966 until they retired in 1981.
3rd Generation Legacy: 1981-2016
Rob & Jim Kegel worked to keep the integrity of the building and the business that their father John Kegel Jr. left for them.
4th Generation Operators: 2016-Present
Julian Kegel and his wife Stephanie are mission driven to keep the German restaurant open & operating under the same standards and traditions bestowed upon them.
As the decades passed, Kegel’s Inn saw several updates to meet modern dining expectations without compromising its historic character. The current generation of the Kegel family has carefully expanded its kitchen, gone back to scratch with it's gravies and flavors, adding seasonal beer gardens, hosting community events, collaborating with breweries, and providing special dinners that celebrate German culture in Milwaukee. These changes have transformed Kegel’s from a neighborhood bar to a dynamic hub of cultural celebration, attracting both loyal locals and tourists who appreciate its old-world atmosphere.
Today, Kegel’s Inn stands as a piece of living history, bridging Milwaukee's German heritage with contemporary dining. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an institutional landmark where generations have gathered to share meals, stories, and memories, embodying a nearly 100-year tradition of community and warmth.
The 1933 Building
In truly remarkable fashion, nearly everything inside our restaurant remains original, standing as a testament to the craftsmanship of the carpenters who hand-carved the woodwork and hung the stained glass windows, preserved just as they were in 1924.
Busted - 1927 & Saved - 1928
Once you ordered your lunch, Anna Kegel wasn’t shy about slipping a little of her homemade whiskey, tucked away in flasks inside her jacket, right into your glass. That bold move eventually earned her a prohibition ticket when the place got raided in the 1927. A year later, Wisconsin official ended its enforcement of prohibition and Kegel's was spared.
The menu at Kegels has remained remarkably consistent over the years, with many dishes dating back to the 1956 menu. You’ll find classic German specialties like boneless duck, goulash, sauerbraten, and rouladen, as well as steaks and seafood options such as fried perch and broiled walleye. Throughout its history, Kegels has seamlessly blended elements of a traditional supper club, steakhouse, and Old-World German cuisine with American flair.
Today, while we continue to honor our roots with beloved dishes like our Friday fish fry and classic German specialties, we’ve also embraced new trends to stay connected with the vibrant Wisconsin festival and beer garden scene. Our updated menu features exciting additions such as loaded brats, currywurst, and duck gravy poutine—innovative ways to engage a new generation of guests.
Despite these modern twists, we remain committed to traditional methods in preparing our German specialties, from slow-cooking dishes to perfection and hand-pounding schnitzels to making gravies from scratch. Our commitment to quality and tradition ensures that every dish stays true to the flavors and techniques that have made us a local favorite for decades.
Hidden Gem
Discover for yourself why generations of families have chosen Kegel's Inn for their most special occasions.
Community Heritage
Experience the warmth of our Milwaukee community through decades of shared meals and memories.
At least some of the family stories we've heard, say that if you wanted to talk to a West Milwaukee or West Allis Police Officer, you'd have to go to Kegel's Inn. Maybe more so the officers liked Kegel's Inn as a place to grab an after-shift beer, but the stories also allude to the attitudes of the Wisconsin drinking culture and give the impression of prosperous times for the restaurant during prohibition. For several years good times were had until one day on the First of May, 1927 State Agents raided Kegel's Inn and busted Anna Kegel with "several ounces of intoxicating liquor". With a little bit of luck and an expensive lawyer, Anna, and the future of Kegel's Inn was saved from the fate of so many of the other soda pop parlors in the area. As luck would have it, Wisconsin ended its official enforcement of prohibition in 1928 and their establishment was spared.
With the lawsuit thrown out, and the restaurant operating smoothly, John & Anna started putting their money back into the business. Shortly before prohibition was officially repealed by the Federal Government in April 1933, John Kegel unveiled his grand plans to include a restaurant and 5 apartments upstairs. Construction took a little over a year, and the renamed "Kegel's Inn" opened on Aug. 26, 1933, to a warm celebration. Almost immediately, German-born artist Peter Gries started on the wall murals which took more than 7 years to complete. Known as "the largest tavern built since the return of beer" Kegel's Inn quickly became one of the most popular places to get married in Milwaukee. Today, Kegel's Inn continues to serve its rich heritage through delicious German food to customers looking for a warm & friendly atmosphere.
Prost!
Having a great time is cemented in our fabric, it's even on the side of the building in stained glass. Of course inside, their are several hand painted murals, heck, even our mascot is raising a stein to your happiness! So get in here!
Community Heritage
Since 1924, Kegel's remains the locals go-to for Authentic German Cuisine and tops the charts as Milwaukee's Best Friday Fish Fry.
