Mickey-Lu's

Last night I ate at a local Marinette, WI institution, Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q. Walking into Mikey-Lu's is a trip to the past. The interior is classic 1950's-60's diner with booths and a counter with fixed stools. There's a jukebox loaded with 45's that cost 25 cents for 3 songs. For those not old enough to know, a jukebox is a record player containing 45 RPM vinyl records (one song on each side). There's a pie rack on the counter. The menu is posted on a board and is very simple. The atmosphere is friendly and controlled chaos.

Mickey-Lu's specialty is hamburgers. But not just any hamburger, they make hamburgers just like we do on the backyard BBQ grill. Behind the counter is the open grill, which is constantly fed with charcoal briquettes. The grill is filled with delicious hard rolls being warmed and made ready for the hamburger patties. The patties themselves are fresh ground and hand patted and grilled just -in-time for your order.

There is constant activity in the place. The wait staff is always tending to the needs of the customers, cleaning tables for the next group, and making the terrific milk shakes/malts (using real ice-cream). The grill is typically staffed by the owner, who keeps a line of buns and patties moving on and off the grill.

If you go to Mickey-Lu's, order a double hamburger or cheese burger, a milk shake/malt, and a bag of chips if you wish. The burgers come hot off the grill with everything (mustard, ketchup, raw onions, and a pat of butter), or however you like them. You will not be disappointed!