Many in Milwaukee know Cedarburg for its main street, listed on the National Register of Historic places, its country craft shows and let's face it, some darn good antiques.

But Cedarburg, a town with about 11,000 people, located 20 minutes north of Milwaukee, is home to more than just small-town charm and cute old stuff. Cedarburg has folks who know how to kick back a beer and eat heartily; this love of food and drink is a prevailing theme in the pubs and taverns dotted along its main street and beyond.

If you're looking to break out of the box and enjoy a little pub crawl in small-town Wisconsin, gather some friends, and head north on I-43 (with a designated driver, of course).

For this little adventure you must be two things: thirsty and hungry. With those two provisions you should fare just fine. The following guide will help you navigate and prepare for some of the many establishments purveying the grandest of Wisconsin traditions.

C. Wieslers Saloon & Eatery
W61 N493 Washington Ave., (262) 377-8833

See and be seen at Cedarburg's premier weekend hang-out . The atmosphere is roomy yet comfortably intimate with wood furnishings and an ornate tin ceiling. A large deck is available during the warmer months. Wiesler's affordable grill menu is a local favorite, especially the hefty burgers. This place gets packed on the weekends with locals and is a great place to start or end your night.

RJ Thirsty's
W62 N559 Washington Ave., (262) 377-7820

Located on Cedarburg's main street, the small bar and grill serves burgers, pork, steak and grilled chicken sandwiches, appetizers and an all-you-can-eat cod fish fry on Fridays to a crowd of local regulars. You'll also find a pool table, darts and three TVs for watching the game. Before Packers games there are half-priced Bloody Marys.

TJ Ryans Tavern
W62 N599 Washington Ave., (262) 376-0007

Along with the usual beer and drinks, this pub serves deli sandwiches and many homemade soups made by owner Tim Ryan. A local blue grass band, Pike Creek, plays on some evenings. Hours are 11 a.m. until the "bar calms down."

Mortons' Wisconsin Inn
N56 W6339 Center St., (262) 377-4779

Hailed as a place for drinks and some good eats by the locals, Morton's features full-service tavern dining. On the menu is such hearty cuisine as steaks, seafood and Mexican specials. Don't miss out on Mortons' famous Surf n' Turf Bloody Mary served with shrimp and kippered beef. Morton's has, "good food, good drinks and good people," says co-owner Chris Morton.

Maxwell's Tavern
W63 N699 Washington Ave., (262) 377-7025

Maxwell's is one of Cedarburg's most popular nightspots with daily drink specials. The tavern is also known for its bar food, including Wednesday night $1.25 soft tacos and Friday fish frys. Karaoke brings in a large crowd on Wednesday nights. Sports fans are welcome to watch the games on several TVs or partake in pool, darts and other bar-friendly games.

"Lots of tourists come in here," says Dan Bourbanais, bar manager, who notes that the building dates back to 1888. "It's one of the first stops they make." Bourbanais says that Maxwell's prides itself on friendliness and says the crowd is a mixture of visitors and local Cedarburg residents.

Silver Creek Brewing Company
N57 W6172 Portland Rd., (262) 375-4444

This place serves up five of its own brews as well as eight rotating specialty beers. While sipping on any of the wide selection of beers, snack on fine cheeses, smoked sausages, fresh baked rolls and (soon) smoked fish.