10 Wisconsin restaurants that are worth road-tripping to
The food at these 1o Wisconsin restaurants is worth traveling across the state for (trust us).
When the weather’s nice, the best pairing with a good meal just might be a long, leisurely drive. In Wisconsin, that might mean cruising past fall foliage and gorgeous lakes.
Here are 10 road-trip-ready restaurants across the state that are easily worth the trek—particularly for autumn when you can have the car windows down, feel that cool breeze, and not be sweating or chilly.
1. HOBNOB, Racine
Perched above Lake Michigan in Northern Racine, not far from the Kenosha border, this supper club is a true throwback, dating back to 1954 with few décor changes made since (which we think is a good thing!). Start with a cocktail at the bar (perhaps a Brandy Old-Fashioned) and then sink into a booth in the easternmost room (pending availability) and enjoy piano music (weekends only) as you dig into surf and turf along with the requisite sides like a salad or soup, baked potato, and bread basket.
2. L’Etoile, Madison
To experience one of Wisconsin’s first farm-to-table restaurants, book a table at this fine-dining establishment on Madison’s Capitol Square. For dinner, you can choose from a tasting menu or à la carte selections. Odessa Piper launched the “local first” concept when she opened it in 1976, purchasing from farmers at the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the square. Chef-owner Tory Miller, a James Beard Award winner, continues that tradition.
3. Ishnala Supper Club, Lake Delton
Because this supper club’s only open seasonally (between April and late October), you may want to arrive for dinner early—before sunset, if possible—to enjoy the view of Mirror Lake. Perhaps with a Tipsy Canoe or Totem Pole Bloody Mary, as a nod to the Winnebago Tribe who once lived on the land? Inside is a lot of camp-y, North Woods-like décor, including the stone fireplace, log walls, and staircase of a home formerly on the site. From escargot and cheese curds to prime rib and butterflied prawns, this is supper-club fare at its finest.
4. Al Johnson’s, Sister Bay
The goats munching on grass atop this Norwegian-style restaurant might be worth the drive alone. In recent years, the restaurant added an outdoor beer garden called Stabbur but the lingonberry pancakes, pickled herring, Swedish meatballs, and other Swedish eats indoors remain fan favorites. At the family-friendly Stabbur are lawn games, Malmo Mule (a signature cocktail featuring vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and blueberry simple syrup), and Swedish food that includes Swedish shrimp roll, and grilled brie and turkey sandwich with lingonberries.
5. Kelley Country Creamery, Fond du Lac
While not technically a restaurant, this farm’s 22-flavor ice cream roster won’t leave you hungry. That’s because the flavors are so unique that a three-scoop order isn’t out of the question: among the flavors are Bleu Cheese Pear and Chocolate Covered Potato Chip, proving that sweet isn’t the only ingredient that needs to go into ice cream. Savory is just as decadent.
6. Miijim, La Pointe
Located on Madeline Island just north of Bayfield on land that’s sacred to Ojibwe tribes and also the largest of the Apostle Islands, this new restaurant by chef-owner Bryce Stevenson is a love letter to his heritage. Stevenson comes from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and reflects this passion on the menu, where dishes feature rabbit, elk, mushrooms, ramps, and more. Art by local indigenous artists is hung in the dining space.
7. Franks Diner, Kenosha
It doesn’t get any more vintage than eating inside a decommissioned rail car—which is exactly the vibe at this downtown Kenosha diner. It’s been on the same site since 1926. Among the most unique and most ordered dishes is the Garbage Plate: three or five eggs (your choice) along with a selection of meat, cheese, and veggies. A vegetarian version is also available.
8. Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar, Lake Geneva
Even though Lake Geneva’s on Geneva Lake, not every restaurant boasts waterfront seating. Barrique offers sidewalk seating as well as a few tables on its patio—with the lake right across the street. Although their strength is the wine list and appetizers, which makes this a fun place for groups, the menu also features vegan and gluten-free options.
9. Red Eye Brewing Company, Wausau
A brewery in Wisconsin with a food menu is nothing new, but what this one does differently is partner with local farmers on a menu that changes daily. This results in dishes like summer risotto and summer’s harvest succotash. That said, you can still order a pint of beer any day and also burgers, salads, and woodfired pizzas.
10. Barnacle Buds, Milwaukee
This is so tucked away behind a marina that’s a 10-minute drive south of downtown Milwaukee that it’s difficult to find but that’s precisely what makes it worth the hunt. Located along the Kinnickinnic River, this is a veritable slice of Key West with seafood, beachy cocktails, and picnic-table seating outdoors, with twinkling lights that come on at dusk. You can still grab a table indoors, where sea-inspired relics are the décor and there’s a fish-shack-like vibe.
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