While Wisconsin is known for its award-winning cheeses and welcoming supper clubs, you can also find plenty of surprising flavors throughout the state. From board game-themed cafes to Instagrammable bars and an on-site restaurant with sunset views, read on to discover your fresh favorite place to dine.
Door County
The Door County The peninsula has been a favorite Wisconsin vacation spot for generations. With a mix of delicious traditions and creative dishes, you’re sure to discover restaurants that everyone in your group will love.
Gnoshery – Sturgeon Bay
You’ll find more than just tasty plates at The Gnoshery in Sturgeon Bay. In addition to dishes like red velvet pancakes and pepperoni “Gnoshbread,” this one-of-a-kind cafe specializes in bringing people together for board games. Browse their huge game library for your favorite board and card games, or choose a fresh game and learn together.
With a packed schedule of events including role play, knitting nights and more, this is a great place to stop and spend some quality time together. The best part? While playing, you can enjoy a snack of chips and pretzels.
Green Bay
Green BayUnexpected culinary skills make a shared meal especially memorable. Visit the city in July to take part in Restaurant Week and taste specialties in even more captivating places.
Eat
Sister restaurant with a high rating Republic Chophouse, Eat serves genuine Italian cuisine in a family atmosphere. Guests love Mangiare’s top-class service, and the dishes feature fresh ingredients and oils sourced directly from Italy. Build your own pasta dish and enjoy time spent with good friends and family.
Clean water
Heading to the independent capital of the Midwest? Try this fun eatery in Eau Claire. Plan your trip in September to take advantage of the city’s restaurant week, during which many restaurants offer special deals.
Karl’s Bar-BQ Express
Karl’s Bar-BQ is elementary, simply tasty barbecue at its best. Enjoy Karl’s locally smoked meats and “stuffed” potatoes at the restaurant, or take them on a picnic to one of Eau Claire’s parks with friends.
Lake Superior
Vacation adventures around Lake Superior, including the Apostle Islands, are as spectacular as the water. Refuel at these fun restaurants on the Great Lake.
Cranberry Over Superior
This special one bar and restaurant overlooking the Cranberry River and Lake Superior Herbster specializes in unique dishes prepared from local ingredients. On Saturday, try their marinated buttermilk fried chicken and enjoy an unexpectedly delicious dish – you can even order a whole bucket to go! Follow their social media to see innovative evening specials made with the freshest ingredients of the day.
Miijim
Visit Madeline Island to find this culinary gem whose name means “food” in Ojibwe. Miijim is an indigenous restaurant serving contemporary Ojibwe cuisine with a French twist, reflecting the history of Madeline Island (or Mooningwanekaaning, as it was named by the Ojibwe people who originally inhabited the island). Chef Bryce Stevenson is a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Open from May to mid-October, Miijim’s menu features local, seasonal produce, often including mushrooms, potatoes, berries and more. Try appetizers such as bison heart steak with vegetables or whitefish liver hash with wild rice, and pair with one of the French wines or local beers. Whatever you choose, it’s a special meal you’ll remember long after your last bite.
Madison
Madison The animated restaurant scene offers something for everyone. Add these special restaurants to your itinerary to try something fresh.
The Harvey House
This stylish top-shelf restaurant redefines—and celebrates—Wisconsin’s iconic supper club traditions. Inside the renovated platform, Harvey House takes you back to the heyday of massive band jazz and doo-wop and has been recognized as one of New York Times’ 50 favorite restaurants of 2022. Enjoy fresh takes on dinner club classics like Applewood Smoked Short Rib with Grits and Grasshopper Baked Alaska for dessert.
Botanical Community
This run, dinner and evening hangout specializes in gin cocktails and fine dining. Atmosphere: Think leather couches, green plants and candlelight. Conveniently located on bustling State Street, The Botanist Social is located in the heart of downtown Madison and a perfect place to meet in good company.
The Northwoods
It’s a enormous area dotted with Wisconsin’s gems, and vacationing here is quickly becoming a family tradition. Check out these one-of-a-kind spots the next time you’re up north.
Northfork fin and fillet
At Arbor Vitae, Northfork Fin & Filet uses local ingredients for its steak and seafood menu. It is family amiable and the patio pavilion is perfect for al fresco dining in the Northwoods. Once inside, try to find a spot under the hanging wooden kayak, lit by Edison bulbs.
Portage
Find your favorite bar food at The Portage at Cable, a stylish indoor/outdoor bar and casual restaurant designed to bring people together over music, dancing, games and drink specials. The menu is compact but mighty, and the Instagrammable room finger carving makes this place even sweeter.
Wisconsin Dells
Trips to the Water Park Capital of the World have been a family favorite for generations, and these fun restaurants can add some freshness to your next trip.
Boat dock at the VUE Hotel
The restaurant at the VUE Hotel offers some of the best river views and dinnertime sunsets in the Dells. The menu offers unexpected variety, from a delicious double cheeseburger to chicken marsala to miso ramen. Stay overnight at Wisconsin Dells’ first boutique hotel or simply stop for a meal on the water. You can even moor here and have lunch!
Lake City Community
Lake City Social offers a enormous menu of comfort food and Wisconsin classics in a casual atmosphere. Located in the city center, the restaurant is close to many of the largest water parks and attractions.
Order the Wisconsin Standard for a great taste of the state, which includes a pint of New Glarus Spotted Cow, a glass of brandy or bourbon from Milwaukee’s Central Standard Distillery, and an order of tasty cheese curds. They also have a location on Lake Geneva – check it out!
Still wanting more? There are more captivating restaurants and classic dishes to discover in Wisconsin. Discover your next delicious adventures.
