West Allis Cheese and Sausage Shop: Location and Details

West Allis Cheese and Sausage Shop is a family-owned specialty food store located at 7310 W Forest Home Avenue in West Allis, Wisconsin. Established in 1978, this Wisconsin tradition offers handmade sausages, imported and domestic cheeses, and regional specialty foods with authentic European preparation methods.

Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee's historic German-American community, West Allis Cheese and Sausage Shop has served cheese and meat enthusiasts for over four decades. The shop maintains its reputation as one of southeastern Wisconsin's premier destinations for artisan food products through careful attention to traditional preparation methods and quality ingredients.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Founded during Wisconsin's culinary renaissance of the late 1970s, this family-operated establishment began as a small storefront catering to local German and Polish communities seeking authentic Old World flavors. Third-generation owners now maintain the same commitment to quality that established the shop's reputation. Unlike commercial producers, they still prepare many items in-house using recipes passed down through generations.

Historical Evolution in Wisconsin's Food Landscape

The shop's journey reflects broader shifts in Wisconsin's artisanal food ecosystem. Key developments contextualize their enduring relevance:

Era	Industry Transformation	Shop Adaptation
1970s-1980s	Decline of neighborhood butcher shops (source: Wisconsin Historical Society)	Preserved traditional sausage-making during industry consolidation
1990s-2000s	Rise of industrial cheese production (source: WI Department of Agriculture)	Expanded imported cheese selection while maintaining Wisconsin classics
2010s-Present	Artisanal food movement growth (source: USDA Economic Research Service)	Implemented modern food safety protocols without compromising traditional methods

Product Selection and Specialties

Visitors to the West Allis cheese and sausage shop discover an impressive array of carefully curated products:

Product Category	Specialty Items	Preparation Method
Cheeses	Brick, Limburger, Butterkäse, aged Cheddars	Aged in-house, imported European varieties
Sausages	Bockwurst, Thuringer, Kielbasa, Mettwurst	Hand-stuffed, natural casings, traditional smoking
Specialty Foods	Mustards, pickles, sauerkraut, baked goods	Small-batch production, family recipes

Traditional vs. Industrial Production Comparison

Critical differences between heritage methods and mass production impact flavor and safety profiles:

Production Element	West Allis Method	Industrial Standard
Meat Handling	Small batches processed within 24 hours of butchering	Centralized processing with extended transport times
Preservation	Natural curing salts (source: USDA FSIS Guidelines)	Synthetic preservatives (BHT, sodium erythorbate)
Quality Control	Sensory evaluation by master sausage maker	Automated pH/moisture testing

The shop's brick cheese, a Wisconsin original, receives particular attention with proper aging techniques that develop its distinctive flavor profile. Their sausage makers follow traditional European methods, using natural casings and carefully balanced spice blends without artificial preservatives.

Customer Experience and Community Role

Walking into this West Allis specialty food store feels like stepping into a different era. The shop maintains a no-frills, authentic atmosphere where customers interact directly with knowledgeable staff who can explain production methods and suggest pairings. Regular patrons often arrive early to secure limited-production items that sell out quickly.

As a cornerstone of the West Allis food community, the shop participates in local events including the annual West Allis Polish Festival and Milwaukee's Great Circus Parade. They've received recognition from Wisconsin food publications for maintaining traditional preparation methods in an era of industrial food production.

Practical Information for Visitors

Those planning to visit the West Allis cheese and sausage shop should note these essential details:

• Location: 7310 W Forest Home Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214 (easily accessible from I-41)
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Parking: Ample free lot parking directly adjacent to the store
• Payment: Cash, major credit cards, and Wisconsin EBT accepted
• Special Services: Custom cheese trays, holiday sausage platters, and catering options

The shop experiences highest traffic during holiday seasons when specialty sausages and cheese gift boxes become popular. Visitors seeking the full experience should arrive before 11:00 AM on weekends to avoid longer lines and ensure availability of popular items.

Contextual Value and Limitations

While the shop's traditional approach creates exceptional products, specific context boundaries define optimal usage. These heritage sausages require refrigeration within 2 hours of purchase per USDA food safety protocols, making them unsuitable for extended outdoor events without cooling. The natural fermentation process creates batch variations appreciated by connoisseurs but may disappoint those seeking industrial-standard consistency. Additionally, the absence of artificial extenders limits shelf life to 7-10 days, contrasting with commercial products lasting 30+ days. These characteristics position the shop ideally for discerning home cooks and cultural tradition seekers, rather than convenience-focused consumers.

Planning Your Visit

First-time visitors to the West Allis cheese and sausage shop should consider these tips for the best experience:

• Ask about the day's fresh sausage offerings, as production varies based on availability of quality ingredients
• Sample before purchasing - the shop encourages tasting to find preferred varieties
• Inquire about seasonal specialties that may not appear on regular shelves
• Check their social media for weekly specials and limited-production announcements
• Allow extra time during holiday seasons when the shop becomes a community gathering place

The shop's location in West Allis places it within easy reach of Milwaukee residents and visitors exploring Wisconsin's culinary traditions. Many food enthusiasts combine a visit with nearby attractions including the Milwaukee County Zoo and historic downtown West Allis.

What are the most popular sausages at West Allis Cheese and Sausage Shop?

Their Thuringer sausage consistently ranks as the top seller, followed by Boerewors and traditional Polish Kielbasa. The shop produces several seasonal varieties including a popular bratwurst with cranberries during fall months.

Do they offer cheese tasting samples before purchase?

Yes, the shop encourages customers to sample cheeses before purchasing. Staff will provide small portions of most cheeses upon request to help customers find their preferred varieties.

Can I order specialty items in advance for holidays?

Yes, the shop accepts advance orders for holiday sausage platters and custom cheese trays. They recommend placing orders at least one week before major holidays due to high demand for their specialty items.

Are their products available for shipping outside Wisconsin?

The shop does not currently offer shipping services due to the perishable nature of their products and USDA food safety requirements for temperature-controlled transport. Customers must pick up all orders in person at their West Allis location to ensure product quality and freshness.

Do they accept Wisconsin EBT for cheese and sausage purchases?

Yes, the shop participates in the Wisconsin EBT program for eligible food items. Most cheese and sausage products qualify for EBT payment under SNAP regulations, making their specialty foods accessible to more community members.