If you’ve ever stood on the corner of Holmgren Way and Armed Forces Drive in October, you know the smell. It’s a mix of charcoal, cheap beer, and anticipation. Most people just follow the crowd toward the stadium, but the locals? They're usually heading somewhere else first. They’re heading to Burkel’s One Block Over.
It’s exactly what the name implies. It’s a block over from Lambeau Field. But honestly, it feels like a different universe compared to the corporate-sponsored "fan zones" that have popped up around the Titletown District lately. Burkel’s is raw. It’s loud. It’s quintessentially Green Bay.
The Reality of Burkel’s One Block Over
Let’s be real for a second. Green Bay isn't a massive city. It’s a town of 100,000 people that happens to host the most storied franchise in the NFL. Because of that, the bar scene can get a bit... repetitive. You see the same green and gold banners everywhere. But Burkel’s (formerly known as many things, but now firmly established under the Burkel name) manages to balance that "hometown dive" feel with the capacity to handle thousands of people.
The place is huge. You walk in and it’s a sea of jerseys.
You’ve got the main bar, the dining area, and then the massive "Event Center" or back room area that turns into a full-blown party on Sundays. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s a staging ground. People meet here at 8:00 AM for a noon kickoff because, well, that’s just how we do things in Wisconsin.
What actually happens on a Sunday?
It’s chaos. Controlled, beautiful, beer-soaked chaos.
- The breakfast crowd hits early. We’re talking bloodies and eggs.
- The pre-game surge. This is when the DJ usually starts or the live band kicks in.
- The "I don't have tickets" crowd. A significant portion of people at Burkel’s Green Bay WI never actually step foot inside Lambeau. They stay for the game, watching it on the massive screens because the atmosphere is almost as good as the stadium—and the beer is way cheaper.
The Food: More Than Just "Bar Grub"
You can’t talk about a Green Bay institution without talking about the curd.
I’ve had cheese curds all over the state. Some are too breaded. Some are too greasy. Burkel’s gets it right. They use real Wisconsin white cheddar, and they’re served piping hot. If they don't squeak, they aren't real, but when they’re fried, it’s all about the melt.
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But look beyond the appetizers. They do a Friday Night Fish Fry that is as "Northeast Wisconsin" as it gets. Perch, walleye, or cod. If you aren't eating fish on a Friday in Green Bay, are you even really here? Probably not. Honestly, the burgers are the sleeper hit. They’re thick, juicy, and don't taste like they came out of a frozen box. They taste like they were patted out by someone who actually cares about your arterial health—or lack thereof.
The Atmosphere Factor
There’s this thing about the "Stadium District." It’s becoming very polished. You’ve got the Lodge Kohler and the fancy skating rinks. And that's cool, don't get me wrong. But Burkel’s Green Bay WI feels like it belongs to the fans, not the investors.
It’s got that "built over time" aesthetic. Autographed photos on the walls that aren't perfectly aligned. Neon signs that have a slight hum. The staff is used to the madness. You’ll see a waitress carrying a tray of twenty shots of RumChata through a crowd of people wearing giant foam hats, and she won't spill a drop. It’s a professional sport in its own right.
Why Location is Everything
Think about the geography. You are literally a three-minute walk from the Tundra Tailgate Zone. You can park your car (if you’re lucky enough to find a spot or rich enough to pay for one in a nearby yard), hit Burkel’s, get a good base layer of food in your stomach, and be in your seat before the national anthem.
A lot of visitors make the mistake of staying too far away. They think they’ll just "grab an Uber" to the stadium. On game day? Good luck. The traffic patterns around Holmgren Way turn into a labyrinth. Being "One Block Over" isn't just a catchy name; it’s a strategic advantage.
What most people get wrong about Burkel's
People think it’s only a game-day spot. That’s a mistake.
If you go there on a Tuesday night in February, you’ll see the real Green Bay. It’s quiet. You can actually hear the TV. You can talk to the bartender about the draft or the Bucks game. It’s a community hub. They host benefits, local parties, and weddings. Yeah, people get married in the shadow of Lambeau, and honestly, it’s pretty great.
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Survival Tips for the First-Timer
If you’re planning a trip to see the Frozen Tundra, and you’ve got Burkel’s on your list, keep these things in mind:
- Bring Cash: While they take cards, the "beer tubs" and outdoor bars during big events often move much faster if you have five-dollar bills ready to go.
- Dress in Layers: Even inside, the temperature fluctuates. When 500 people are cheering, it gets hot. When the door opens and a Wisconsin gale blows in, it’s freezing.
- The Bathroom Situation: Be prepared for a line. It’s a high-volume bar. Plan accordingly.
- Pace Yourself: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The "Green Bay Double" (a drink with twice the booze) is a real thing, and it will end your day early if you aren't careful.
The Evolution of the Neighborhood
Over the last decade, we’ve seen the Rise of Titletown. It’s changed the skyline of the district. Some old-school bars didn't survive the transition or got bought out by developers. Burkel’s Green Bay WI survived because it has an identity. It didn't try to become a high-end bistro. It stayed a sports bar.
There's something respectable about that. In a world of rebranding and "concept" restaurants, a place that just wants to give you a cold Miller Lite and a solid burger is a rare breed.
Beyond the Packers
While the NFL is the engine that drives the city, Burkel’s is also a prime spot for Resch Center events.
Whether it’s a concert, a circus, or a Blizzard (indoor football) game, the proximity to the Resch makes it the logical "before and after" spot. You’ll see a completely different crowd during a country concert than you will during a divisional playoff game, but the vibe remains surprisingly consistent. People are just there to have a good time.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you want the authentic experience, don't just show up and stand in the corner.
Order the Booyah. If it's on the menu or being served as a special, get it. It’s a traditional Belgian-American stews indigenous to Northeast Wisconsin. Everyone has their own recipe, and Burkel’s version is a solid representation of the culture.
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Check the live music schedule. They often have local bands that play "traditional" Wisconsin party music—lots of 80s rock and contemporary country. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a Saturday night in Brown County.
Walk the block. After you leave Burkel’s, take the walk toward the stadium. Even if there isn't a game, the sheer scale of the stadium from that vantage point—coming from a neighborhood bar—gives you a sense of why this city is obsessed with its team. It’s a church in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
Don't be a jerk. This is the most important rule. Green Bay fans are notoriously "Midwest Nice." Even if you’re wearing the opposing team's colors, you’ll be welcomed at Burkel’s as long as you aren't looking for a fight. You might get some friendly ribbing, but you’ll probably also get offered a cheese curd.
Next Steps for Planning Your Trip
Don't wait until the week of a game to figure out your logistics. If you're coming from out of town, look for lodging near the Ashwaubenon area.
- Map it out: Confirm the walking distance from your hotel. If you’re at the Hyatt or the Hilton Garden Inn, you’re in prime walking territory.
- Follow their social media: Burkel’s often posts daily specials or specific game-day event details on Facebook. It’s the most reliable way to know what’s happening.
- Prepare your stomach: Seriously. The portions are "Wisconsin sized."
Green Bay is a place that rewards those who lean into the local culture. Don't look for a wine bar with a charcuterie board. Look for the neon sign that says Burkel’s One Block Over. Order a drink, find a spot at a high-top table, and just watch the world go by. It’s the best seat in the house, even if you can’t see the 50-yard line from it.
The reality is that places like this are the backbone of the fan experience. The stadium is the stage, but the bars are the heart. And in Green Bay, the heart beats a little louder one block over.