A progressive dinner is traditionally an event where multiple hosts provide different courses at their homes, and attendees travel to each stop as the evening, forgive me, progresses. This is not a new concept, but recently a spin on the idea has gained popularity. Groups are taking the concept and using it for a night on the town.
The new progressive dinner includes a cocktail, an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. They are a great way to explore a new town or to better know your own. Try it for yourself with these three progressive dinners.
Drink - The Libertine
At this craft cocktail bar, you will be a freethinker as well as drinker. With 18 hand crafted cocktails made using only the best ingredients, you’ll be starting your night the old fashioned way.
Appetizer - Chefusion
An eclectic gastropub featuring casual and formal menus, you and your friends will find plenty of small plate fare to go around. Whether you sit in the pub upstairs or restaurant downstairs, you’ll feel right at home.
Dinner - Angelina
Fresh homemade pasta is the perfect entree for your progressive evening. Cozy, exposed brick interior and an outdoor patio lets you choose the best way to enjoy your main course. With an extensive, delicious wine list, you’ll be ordering by the bottle.
Dessert - Monkey Tailz
Back across the river you’ll find this great ice cream shop. Choose from ice cream, non-dairy almond milk ice cream, or frozen yogurt. Their signature monkey tails (frozen bananas) make for a great way to conclude your evening in Green Bay.
Drink - Wickman House
Start your evening with a unique and delicious cocktail from Wickman House. This lovely home features a modern bar and dining room along with plenty of outdoor seating and even a gazebo. Cheers to the start of a great night!
Appetizer - Lure
Locally sourced fish is the name of the game at Lure, a short drive away in Sister Bay. For your starter course, try the smoked whitefish spread or go for oysters on the half shell. You’ll be thinking about them the rest of the evening.
Dinner - Grasse’s Grille
Local, homemade, and delicious entrees await you at Grasse’s Grille. The food gives you that feeling of home, as if you hosted the meal yourself, or maybe that’s just the fireplace.
Dessert - Door County Ice Cream Factory
What better way to end the night than with real, homemade ice cream? How about being able to take that ice and look out to Lake Michigan? All of that is possible just down Highway 42 at the Door County Ice Cream Factory.
Bar - The Dive Bar
Don’t let the name mislead you, this bar is in the place where The Lismore’s pool used to be. Experience Eau Claire from the rooftop at this open-air lounge with spirit. Their cocktails make for a great start to your evening in this vibrant downtown area.
Appetizer - The Informalist
Responsibly sourced and locally inspired dishes are the trademark of The Informalist. Try some great small plates with ingredients from their farmer and forager friends. From grassfed beef poutine to a Wisconsin cheese plate, you’ll get only the best that Wisconsin has to offer.
Dinner - Houligan’s Steak & Seafood Pub
In the heart of downtown Eau Claire, you will find a century old brick building home to the premier steak and seafood restaurant in town. Treat yourself to carefully selected cuts of beef while enjoying the pub atmosphere with your closest friends.
Dessert - Mona Lisa Restaurant
Stop by this modern Italian eatery for great art and some truly amazing desserts. Try the tiramisu, the mixed berry torte, or go with the salted caramel ice cream. There’s no wrong way to conclude your Eau Claire experience at Mona Lisa Restaurant.
The options don't stop there! Check out these Wisconsin Restaurants Worth the Drive or browse our dining directory for more.
