Archie's Flat Top — Restaurant in West Allis

I have a black belt in eating. That said, my first trip to Archie’s Flat Top was a step over their threshold into how things used to be. Being almost 60, growing up in Milwaukee I remember the diners, taverns, ice cream shops of past days. Now living out in the country of Jefferson Co, a drive must be made to get back to the city I grew up in. Six different times I have eaten at AFT. Every one was met with a service staff that was as friendly and welcoming as my old Milwaukee neighbors of days gone. A simple space that is very clean and bright. A bar that runs the length of one side with high top pub tables stationed at all available areas. Local brews on tap but likened to the menu’s 7 selections, there are 8 tap choices with some flavors that I was weaned on, like Pabst & Schlitz. With back bar coolers filled with other flavors for all. Including the option of An Archie Old Fashioned which I have not tried due to my hour ride back home. The menu is as simple and straightforward as possible. A good thing. A great thing actually. 7 items which include their fries and onion rings as two of the seven. Both can stand alone as their own menu item. Betsy was behind the bar this day. We have met before on my previous visits. She welcomes and invites you in like a neighbor. The order is placed, your beverage is there right away, a few sips and my basket of nostalgic heaven gets set in front of me. Local beef from the butcher shop, cheeses from cheese shop, both you could throw a stone and hit from AFT. These are Smash burgers that can bring together a community. I will continue my hour long trek one way to sit at AFT’s bar, sipping a Schlitz, waiting the two minutes it takes to get my order and listening to the vinyl records on an actual turntable playing songs of my youth. The laughter, the smells, the smash, & the Schlitz. I’m 18 again. Thank you Miles. Sean & Tammy from Sullytown. PS. I will pen another review or more of a “how to” video on eating The Archie burger. Beginners tip: don’t set...

First time here and we were not disappointed.

Came on a Thursday, right as they opened at 11:30. The place has an nostalgic feel to it. Everything from the neon signs, the checkerboard tile floor, vinyl seats and formica tops, makes you feel like you stepped back 70 years (before my time). Big windows on the front for lots of natural light. The restaurant is also connected to "Scratch" Ice Cream, and they share the dining rooms (separate review for that).

Got greeted right away, and help with the menu. (Thanks Betsy). There are plenty of great sounding items on the menu, ranging from burgers, to sausage and chicken breast sandwiches. They even have a black bean burger if you're vegetarian.

I settled on the Archie Burger, two smashburger patties with the the fixings, and a potato bun. OMG! I could not believe how good the burgers were. They smashed it so much that there were an incredible amount of caramelized lacy edges that were extremely flavorful. The onions, cheese and chipotle sauce were a perfect accompaniment. I wanted to eat the entire thing, but with the order of onion rings and the promise of ice cream for dessert, I had to take some leftovers home. That was a very difficult decision.

By the time we finished the meal, the rest of the place had filled up. By the looks (and pleasant sighs) you could tell that everyone else was enjoying their meals.

Definitely jumped to the top of my "must have"...

Went with a friend, split a burger (the Archie, a fully dressed smash burger) and a Schlitzwurst between us so we could both try each, along with some onion rings as a side.

Portions were large enough that the burger, dog and single side of rings filled the two of us to satisfaction.

Despite the fantastic beer list, opted for an Archie’s Old Fashioned, press. A rare treat!

One of the best smash burgers I’ve ever had, exceptional. No “gimmicks” just fresh quality ingredients, well seasoned and prepared with skill and pride.

Great onion rings. I enjoyed the Shlitzwurst as well—it reminded me a.bit of a Maxwell Street Polish, but I liked it a touch better—perhaps Maxwell’s richer, better-looking cousin…

The food was very reasonably priced, and while the old fashioned was a couple of bucks more than I would have expected, it was—in my opinion—worth it. Fun to watch the bartender make it, too—properly muddled and well poured, no fancy side show, just a tasty beverage well crafted by a professional with just the right ingredients to make it a standout.

Did not opt for ice cream from the next door (attached, indoor access) dairy parlor, but the ice cream treats I saw on other people’s tables looked very tempting, and everyone seemed to be enjoying them very much.

I drove 1-1/2 hours to try this place (I’m a flatlander—drove up from the Chicago ‘burbs), it was well worth the trip, and I will...