7 Wisconsin Restaurants Outside the Big Cities
Wisconsin is full of hidden gem restaurants just outside the big cities. When you’re looking for something new or just delicious, gather your crew and discover these one-of-a-kind eateries together.
Near Madison
The Red Rooster Café – Mineral Point
Drive through Wisconsin’s scenic Driftless Region to head toward this hidden gem. Stop in Mineral Point at the Red Rooster Café, a friendly diner bursting with charm in the heart of historic downtown. The Red Rooster has been a Mineral Point institution for over 30 years. It is known and loved for its Cornish pasties – thick, hearty pastry filled with tender meat and veggies – and other Cornish specialties like figgyhobbin, a sweet pastry with raisins.
After fueling up, explore more of the area’s Cornish culture by visiting Pendarvis, a historical site that celebrates the groundbreaking community of some of the first Wisconsin mining “badgers.”
Norske Nook - DeForest
Dessert after breakfast is acceptable (and encouraged) at the Norske Nook, whose homemade pies have been delighting diners and winning blue ribbons for years. Visitors from near and far make the trip here to sample an incredible assortment of pie flavors, including everything from fresh raspberry to Snickers caramel and pecan fudge. They also come to fill up on home-cooked Norwegian specialties like lefse wraps and Norwegian pancakes with lingonberries.
Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ – Dodgeville
At Bob’s Bitchin’ BBQ, the secret’s in the sauce: the owners have been making their Original sauce for over thirty years, first for family and friends and now for visitors of their restaurant in Dodgeville. Less than an hour drive west of Madison, you and your group can dig into pulled pork sandwiches, slow-cooked beef brisket, St. Louis-style ribs and more. With mouthwatering sides like cornbread, mac n’ cheese and lime cilantro coleslaw, you’ll be planning your next trip here before you’re done with your first. You can also look for their delicious sauce at stores all over the Midwest!
Near Milwaukee
Field to Fork - Sheboygan
If you’re looking for a farm-to-table spot outside the big city, head north towards Field to Fork in Sheboygan. The hour-long drive will take you up Wisconsin’s fresh coast on Lake Michigan before you arrive at a unique cafe with its own in-house coffee roastery, bakery, butcher shop and fresh-pressed juice bar. Enjoy breakfast or lunch here, with dishes that include steak and egg burritos, bison burgers and vegan quinoa bowls.
While in town, take advantage of the incredible (and free!) John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Art Preserve that showcase both local and international artists.
La Estacion – Waukesha
Located inside an 1881 Waukesha railroad station, La Estacion is an under-the-radar gem bringing authentic Mexican flavors to the greater Milwaukee area. The menu is broad, encompassing both traditional Mexican dinner options and a variety of breakfast dishes with a Mexican twist. Enjoy a meal indoors in the elegant dining room, outdoors on the patio (in the summer) or in one of two train cars!
Near the Twin Cities
The Nucleus - Eau Claire
This popular cafe attracts travelers and locals alike, including Eau Claire’s famous native Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Choose between sweet and savory crepes, loaded hashbrown skillets, lunch sandwiches and more; there’s even a separate vegan menu. An extensive coffee menu and fresh-squeezed orange juice are the cherry on top of a perfect meal.
River Inn Bar - Chippewa Falls
This unsuspecting dive bar is famous for its jumbo, all-you-can-eat broasted chicken wings served Mondays through Thursdays. Served with your choice of fries, pair these wings with a local Leinenkugel’s beer for the perfect meal. And be sure to grab a photo with the cast iron rooster statue out front!
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