Grebe's Bakery

Introduction / Overview: A West Allis Tradition Since 1937

For generations of Wisconsin residents, especially those in the greater Milwaukee area, Grebe's Bakery is more than just a place to buy sweets—it is an enduring local institution. Operating since 1937, this family-owned business in West Allis has perfected the art of baking, successfully evolving to meet the modern demands of the community while staying true to its classic roots. The establishment, located at 5132 W Lincoln Ave, is uniquely categorized as both a traditional Bakery and a full-service Deli, giving it a dual appeal that caters to a wide range of cravings from morning to afternoon.

Grebe's reputation is built on its delicious and extensive array of fresh-baked goods, with a particular emphasis on their donuts, which have earned them regional acclaim and the title of "Milwaukee's BEST DONUTS" in local polls. Customers are greeted with an impressive case showcasing over 30 varieties of donuts and danishes daily, ensuring that whether you crave a classic glazed treat or a specialty bismark, the selection is always fresh and abundant. The commitment to quality is evident in their scratch-made ingredients, such as their famous buttercream and their signature glazes.

Beyond the sweet treats, Grebe's is equally famous for a true Milwaukee staple: Hot Ham & Rolls. Their "Secret-Recipe Baked Badger Ham" is a beloved item, often paired with their freshly baked hard rolls and a side of traditional potato salad, making it a Sunday morning ritual or an ideal option for large gatherings. The fusion of a top-tier bakery and a reliable deli—offering sliced meats, cheeses, and homemade salads—makes Grebe's a unique and essential stop for West Allis and surrounding Milwaukee-area locals.

Location and Accessibility: Easily Accessible on West Lincoln Avenue

Grebe's Bakery is conveniently situated at 5132 W Lincoln Ave in West Allis, WI 53219, USA. This location places it squarely in a central commercial hub, making it easy to access for daily visits and weekend rushes. For local Wisconsin users, this ease of access is a significant benefit, especially when picking up large orders like ham for an event or catering donuts for a celebration.

The bakery is well-designed for a quick and convenient customer experience, despite its size—one customer noted its small, deli-style interior. The available infrastructure ensures a seamless, low-stress visit:

• Free Parking Lot: Direct access to free parking is provided, which is crucial given the high traffic, especially on weekends when the demand for donuts and ham is highest.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The location is inclusive, offering a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, welcoming all members of the community.
• Dedicated Pickup Options: Recognizing the busy schedules of local patrons, Grebe's offers Curbside pickup and In-store pickup, streamlining the process of getting in and out quickly with your order.
• Quick Visit Planning: The setup is geared towards a 'Quick visit,' allowing customers to place their order at the counter, which, despite a typical line on weekends, is noted to move fast.

Services Offered

Grebe's Bakery’s menu and service structure are built around high-quality, freshly prepared goods for both individual enjoyment and group events.

Key services and product categories include:

• Fresh-Baked Donuts: Offers over 30 varieties daily, including the famous Signature Glazed Original Cruller, Glazed Cheese Pocket, various Old Fashioned cake donuts, and specialty Bismarks and Honeymooners.
• Deli and Lunch Items: Specializes in the celebrated Baked Badger Ham (sold hot or cold by the pound or in meal specials with rolls and potato salad), fresh Deli Sliced Meats (including Boar's Head and Usinger's products), Cheeses, and homemade Deli Salads (e.g., Gramma's Potato Salad, German Potato Salad, Pistachio Pineapple Fluff).
• Sandwiches: Offers customizable "Build Your Own" sandwiches, as well as signature options like "The HAM-ATEUR" on a fresh roll.
• Bread and Rolls: Bakes a wide variety of fresh breads and rolls, including Split Top Rolls, Sesame Rolls, Better Butter Rolls, and Homestyle White Bread.
• Cakes and Large Orders: Provides in-store cakes (quarter sheets, 8-inch rounds) and offers large quantities of donuts for events, such as the wedding catering service highlighted in a customer review. They no longer offer custom decorated cakes but can add inscriptions to standard offerings.
• Beverages and Sides: Sells fresh Coffee, assorted Cooler Drinks (soda, juice), and to-go snacks like cookies, Cruller Bites/Nuggets, and jumbo dill pickles.
• Convenient Ordering: Facilitates customer orders through Takeout, In-store pickup, Curbside pickup, and Delivery services.

Features / Highlights

Grebe's Bakery is highlighted by several distinct features that cement its place as a West Allis and Milwaukee favorite.

The top features and highlights for local users include:

• Award-Winning Donuts: Recognized as having "Milwaukee's BEST DONUTS," with the Glazed Cruller and Cheese Pocket being particularly iconic and highly recommended by long-time customers.
• The Badger Ham & Rolls Tradition: The secret-recipe Baked Badger Ham is a genuine regional specialty, an essential part of a traditional Wisconsin weekend breakfast or holiday gathering, available hot and ready.
• Dual Bakery and Deli Concept: The combination of a top-tier bakery and a full-service deli counter—offering fresh, quality sliced meats (like Usinger's) and homemade deli salads—provides a unique, one-stop shop for both sweet and savory needs.
• Event and Catering Experience: The bakery is well-suited for large orders, with positive customer testimonials, such as the wedding where 175 donuts were a hit, confirming its reliability for significant local events.
• Longevity and Local Heritage: Having served the community since 1937, Grebe's holds a deep-rooted place in the West Allis history and culture, offering a nostalgic and dependable experience.
• Seasonal and Specialty Items: The menu frequently features unique, limited-time specialty flavors, such as seasonal Cruller Bites, keeping the offerings exciting for regular patrons.

Contact Information

For West Allis and Milwaukee residents looking to place an order for pickup, inquire about the deli selection, or check for daily specials, here is the direct contact information for the bakery:

Address:

5132 W Lincoln Ave, West Allis, WI 53219, USA

Phone:

(414) 543-7000

What is Worth Choosing: A Slice of Milwaukee Tradition and Versatility

Grebe's Bakery is absolutely worth choosing for any Wisconsin local who appreciates a blend of sweet indulgence and savory deli excellence. What sets Grebe's apart is its versatility and its deeply ingrained status as a local tradition. It excels in two distinct categories that are essential to the Milwaukee palate: unbeatable, locally-famous donuts and the cultural staple of hot ham and rolls.

If your primary goal is a sweet treat, the donuts, particularly the Signature Glazed Original Cruller and the Glazed Cheese Pocket, are a non-negotiable choice. Customer reviews attest to the high quality, with patrons who are "not a big donut person" still finding themselves drawn back by a craving only Grebe's can satisfy. For party planning, the seamless process of ordering a large assortment of donuts for a wedding or event is a testament to the bakery's operational reliability.

Furthermore, the deli side of the business offers tremendous value. The Baked Badger Ham Special—complete with fresh rolls and homemade potato salad—is an ideal, ready-made meal solution for family gatherings, Sunday dinner, or game day tailgates. The ability to grab a dozen of Milwaukee's best donuts, a pound of fresh ham and Usinger's cold cuts, and a side of Gramma's Potato Salad all from one accessible location is the ultimate convenience. While you may encounter a line, especially on weekend mornings, the efficiency of the staff, the promise of a truly fresh, classic Wisconsin treat, and the convenience of curbside pickup or delivery make Grebe's Bakery a must-visit, time-honored West Allis destination.

Grebe's Bakery

5132 W Lincoln Ave, West Allis, WI 53219, USA