Yes, we know, Chicago is pretty great, but the city's neighbor to the north is not without its charm. Milwaukee has been praised by travel bloggers and publications for its top-notch food, art, festivals and (of course) beer scene. People in "the good land" generally have a deep love for their I-94 brethren, but nothing will make Brew City hospitality go flat faster than being big-timed by a Chicagoan. If you live in Chicago and aren’t sure what it feels like to be taken down a peg by a visitor, just ask a New Yorker to compare your two respective cities and you’ll get the gist faster than Jay Cutler can throw a pick-six. If you want to be viewed by Milwaukee natives as an of extension Chicago's self-aware, sophisticated persona and not as just another garden-variety Dick Butt-Kiss, avoid these four phrases during your visit.
“I’ll have a Budweiser.”
Not only is Milwaukee home to Miller Brewing, it also boasts a keg-load of craft breweries, so branch out a bit. Take a tour of Lakefront Brewery or MKE Brewing and discover what it's like to see the world through someone else's beer goggles!
"This would cost exponentially more in Chicago."
That makes sense... also, no one cares.
"There's a place just like this, only better, in Chicago."
This is the equivalent of going to the Cell in a Cubs jersey and holding up your middle finger during a Jumbotron appearance. You might think it’s cool, but everyone around you would rather hang out with Steve Bartman than look at you for another second. Think about that.
"Milwaukee is ACTUALLY pretty cool. It's like a mini-Chicago."
No, it's not—and it's not trying to be. We love Chicago, but this is the kind of oblivious, back-handed compliment we'd expect from a Minneapolis native. C'mon Chicagoans, you're better than that!
