With access to so much of the very best and freshest foods in the country, we Wisconsinites are absolutely spoiled for dining out options. So it’s no surprise that the famous restaurants in Wisconsin offer spectacular dining experiences.
Even with an awesome restaurant revolution across the state in recent years, there are still a few places that have stood the test of time and have reputations that more than precede them. But even with those great reputations (and longer wait times) there are some place in town that absolutely and continually live up to their hype. Here are 11 spots across the state that come highly recommended over and over, get great reviews and have awesome word of mouth, but live up to their reputations:
- Kopps Custard - Milwaukee
Yelp/John K
Facebook/KoppsCustard Worth it for the custard alone, but frankly I might love a Kopps burger more than any other burger I’ve ever had. When I lived out of state, Kopps was my first stop whenever I visited home - we stopped directly from the airport. The custard is the gold standard. The Swiss chocolate is a great standby, but they are constantly overloading the flavors each day and a single scoop is still the size of about three scoops everywhere else. And with three Milwaukee-area locations, it’s never been easier to find some delicious desserts. To learn more, visit the official website for Kopps Custard.
- Al Johnson’s - Sister Bay
Facebook/AlJohnsons
Yelp/Krazy Kat M Goats on the roof may be a gimmick and this place may be the poster restaurant for kitschy summer vacations to Door County, but that doesn’t take away the fact that they make amazingly great food consistently year after year. It’s comfort food, made from scratch and a meal here is chock full of flavor memories. Visit them at 10698 N Bay Shore Dr., Sister Bay, WI 54234. To learn more, visit Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant’s website.
- Memorial Union Terrace - Madison
Yelp/Michelle T
Author’s Photo This may be stretching the restaurant definition a little bit, but there’s food, beer and entertainment, so I’ve decided it fits. There’s literally nothing better in Madison than a sunset on the Terrace. It’s cliche and it’s popular, but it’s also amazing. Grab something from the Rathskeller or try one of the newer food options. Either way, the Terrace is all that is great and good about Wisconsin. It is located at 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706. To learn more, visit the official website for Memorial Union Terrace in Wisconsin.
- Frank’s Diner - Kenosha
Yelp/TL
Yelp/Aesha W Featured on more TV shows than I can count and the stuff of actual legend in Kenosha, Frank’s is both the most-recommended place and the one that most lives up to the stories people tell. You think it can’t possibly be that good to be worth standing in line no matter how many people tell you so. But it is. It’s small and you’ll see your food being made right there on the griddle. And then you’ll gorge yourself and not regret a single spoonful. Visit them at 508 58th St., Kenosha, WI 53140. For more information, visit the website for Frank’s Diner.
- The Waterfront Restaurant - La Crosse
Yelp/Manda Bear B
Yelp/Manda Bear B Usually when a place has a few different identities, it ends up being sort of ok at all of them, but not great at any of them. But at The Waterfront, they can hold a fancy wedding, a white tablecloth meal and a pub - and do it well - all at the same time. No matter what you’re looking for, The Waterfront delivers. If it’s burgers and beers, a cheese board and wine or a special night out, they’ve got you covered and it’s going to be great. It is located at 328 Front St S., La Crosse, WI 54601. To learn more, visit the website for The Waterfront Restaurant in Wisconsin.
- Norske Nook
Yelp/Norske Nook
Yelp/Michelle F With multiple locations in the middle part of the state, this is the kind of place that multiple generations have fond memories of. The pie here is legendary for a reason and it never, ever lets you down. Made from scratch by folks that look just like your own Oma, these pies are full of flavor and love and will make you nostalgic. Visit them in Osseo, Rice Lake, Hayward and DeForest. To learn more, visit the official website for Norske Nook.
- Mona Lisa’s - Eau Claire
Facebook/MonaLisa’s
Yelp/Deanna S Locals say this place delivers “big city” dining in small-town setting. They love the vibe and consistently amazing food. Big windows and a cozy fireplace make this spot extra welcoming. Experience it for yourself at 428 Water St., Eau Claire, WI 54703. To learn more, visit the website for Mona Lisa’s Restaurant in Wisconsin.
- Baumgartner’s - Monroe
Facebook/Baumgartners
Yelp/Ris C Fancy? Heck Naw. Delicious? You betcha. This place doesn’t need frills because they’re serving you the very best of fresh ingredients and they want them to shine through. Despite all our cheese, you’ll not find another spot like this anywhere else in the state. Baumgartber’s is an experience, but one worth the wait. Devour delicious cheese at 1023 16th Ave., Monroe, WI 53566. For more information, visit the website for Baumgartner’s Cheese Store in Wisconsin.
- Stockholm Pie Company - Stockholm
John V./Yelp
Yelp/KK Giant servings, interesting flavors, crispy crusts and simple, flavorful ingredients make this pie worth getting up early for. Or lining up down the block. It’s a splurge you won’t regret and then you’ll spend a lot of time trying to recreate something in your own kitchen and you’ll be filled with regret. But at least you’ll have an excuse to go back for more pie. Visit them at N2030 Spring St, Stockholm, WI 54769. Learn more by visiting the website for Stockholm Pie Company.
- Suncrest Garden Farms - Cochrane
Facebook/SuncrestGardenFarms
Facebook/SuncrestGardenFarms Are pizza farms kind of trendy and overdone? Possibly, but that doesn’t mean they’re still not the best place to gather with friends for truly fresh, delicious and innovative pizza and a few drinks. We’re lucky to have lots to choose from, but none can compete with Suncrest Garden Farm. Visit them at S2257 Yaeger Valley Rd, Cochrane, WI 54622. To learn more, visit the website for Suncrest Garden Farm.
- Blue’s Egg - Milwaukee
Yelp/Jeff C
Yelp/Chris H Simply put, I’ve never had a bad or even less-than-great dining experience at Blue’s (Or any of their sister restaurants). The staff is friendly, funny, efficient and great at their jobs. The food is consistently good and you can taste that they love what they do. Folks will tell you it’s overrated or the line is too long, but those people are liars. The not-so-secret is to stop trying to go here with 7 people at 10 am on a Sunday. I’ve never waited more than a few minutes for a table when it’s just for two. When you get the chance to go mid-week it feels like getting away with something. There’s no line and there’s always a drink special to lure you in. The flavored champagnes are decadent, as are the spiked coffee options. Get yourself up early, don’t try to take your whole extended family, and go hungry. And get your browns with cheese, ham and onion. You’ll find this tasty diner at 317 N 76th St., Milwaukee, WI 53213. Visit Blue’s Egg’s website to learn more.
These are definitely not the only wildly popular spots that are worth their hype, but we want to hear from you. Have you been to any of these famous restaurants in Wisconsin? What local eateries get a lot of attention but still manage to be worth whatever effort comes with a visit? Let us know in the comments.
Yelp/John K
Facebook/KoppsCustard
Worth it for the custard alone, but frankly I might love a Kopps burger more than any other burger I’ve ever had. When I lived out of state, Kopps was my first stop whenever I visited home - we stopped directly from the airport. The custard is the gold standard. The Swiss chocolate is a great standby, but they are constantly overloading the flavors each day and a single scoop is still the size of about three scoops everywhere else. And with three Milwaukee-area locations, it’s never been easier to find some delicious desserts. To learn more, visit the official website for Kopps Custard.
Facebook/AlJohnsons
Yelp/Krazy Kat M
Goats on the roof may be a gimmick and this place may be the poster restaurant for kitschy summer vacations to Door County, but that doesn’t take away the fact that they make amazingly great food consistently year after year. It’s comfort food, made from scratch and a meal here is chock full of flavor memories. Visit them at 10698 N Bay Shore Dr., Sister Bay, WI 54234. To learn more, visit Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant’s website.
Yelp/Michelle T
Author’s Photo
This may be stretching the restaurant definition a little bit, but there’s food, beer and entertainment, so I’ve decided it fits. There’s literally nothing better in Madison than a sunset on the Terrace. It’s cliche and it’s popular, but it’s also amazing. Grab something from the Rathskeller or try one of the newer food options. Either way, the Terrace is all that is great and good about Wisconsin. It is located at 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706. To learn more, visit the official website for Memorial Union Terrace in Wisconsin.
Yelp/TL
Yelp/Aesha W
Featured on more TV shows than I can count and the stuff of actual legend in Kenosha, Frank’s is both the most-recommended place and the one that most lives up to the stories people tell. You think it can’t possibly be that good to be worth standing in line no matter how many people tell you so. But it is. It’s small and you’ll see your food being made right there on the griddle. And then you’ll gorge yourself and not regret a single spoonful. Visit them at 508 58th St., Kenosha, WI 53140. For more information, visit the website for Frank’s Diner.
Yelp/Manda Bear B
Usually when a place has a few different identities, it ends up being sort of ok at all of them, but not great at any of them. But at The Waterfront, they can hold a fancy wedding, a white tablecloth meal and a pub - and do it well - all at the same time. No matter what you’re looking for, The Waterfront delivers. If it’s burgers and beers, a cheese board and wine or a special night out, they’ve got you covered and it’s going to be great. It is located at 328 Front St S., La Crosse, WI 54601. To learn more, visit the website for The Waterfront Restaurant in Wisconsin.
Yelp/Norske Nook
Yelp/Michelle F
With multiple locations in the middle part of the state, this is the kind of place that multiple generations have fond memories of. The pie here is legendary for a reason and it never, ever lets you down. Made from scratch by folks that look just like your own Oma, these pies are full of flavor and love and will make you nostalgic. Visit them in Osseo, Rice Lake, Hayward and DeForest. To learn more, visit the official website for Norske Nook.
Facebook/MonaLisa’s
Yelp/Deanna S
Locals say this place delivers “big city” dining in small-town setting. They love the vibe and consistently amazing food. Big windows and a cozy fireplace make this spot extra welcoming. Experience it for yourself at 428 Water St., Eau Claire, WI 54703. To learn more, visit the website for Mona Lisa’s Restaurant in Wisconsin.
Facebook/Baumgartners
Yelp/Ris C
Fancy? Heck Naw. Delicious? You betcha. This place doesn’t need frills because they’re serving you the very best of fresh ingredients and they want them to shine through. Despite all our cheese, you’ll not find another spot like this anywhere else in the state. Baumgartber’s is an experience, but one worth the wait. Devour delicious cheese at 1023 16th Ave., Monroe, WI 53566. For more information, visit the website for Baumgartner’s Cheese Store in Wisconsin.
John V./Yelp
Yelp/KK
Giant servings, interesting flavors, crispy crusts and simple, flavorful ingredients make this pie worth getting up early for. Or lining up down the block. It’s a splurge you won’t regret and then you’ll spend a lot of time trying to recreate something in your own kitchen and you’ll be filled with regret. But at least you’ll have an excuse to go back for more pie. Visit them at N2030 Spring St, Stockholm, WI 54769. Learn more by visiting the website for Stockholm Pie Company.
Facebook/SuncrestGardenFarms
Are pizza farms kind of trendy and overdone? Possibly, but that doesn’t mean they’re still not the best place to gather with friends for truly fresh, delicious and innovative pizza and a few drinks. We’re lucky to have lots to choose from, but none can compete with Suncrest Garden Farm. Visit them at S2257 Yaeger Valley Rd, Cochrane, WI 54622. To learn more, visit the website for Suncrest Garden Farm.
Yelp/Jeff C
Yelp/Chris H
Simply put, I’ve never had a bad or even less-than-great dining experience at Blue’s (Or any of their sister restaurants). The staff is friendly, funny, efficient and great at their jobs. The food is consistently good and you can taste that they love what they do. Folks will tell you it’s overrated or the line is too long, but those people are liars. The not-so-secret is to stop trying to go here with 7 people at 10 am on a Sunday. I’ve never waited more than a few minutes for a table when it’s just for two. When you get the chance to go mid-week it feels like getting away with something. There’s no line and there’s always a drink special to lure you in. The flavored champagnes are decadent, as are the spiked coffee options. Get yourself up early, don’t try to take your whole extended family, and go hungry. And get your browns with cheese, ham and onion. You’ll find this tasty diner at 317 N 76th St., Milwaukee, WI 53213. Visit Blue’s Egg’s website to learn more.
Looking for more wonderful Wisconsin restaurants? Check out our previous article: 19 Irresistible Restaurants That Define Wisconsin.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Kopp’s Frozen Custard, 7631 W Layton Ave, Greenfield, WI 53220, USAAddress: Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, 10698 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234, USAAddress: level 1 and lower level, 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706, USAAddress: Franks Diner, 508 58th St, Kenosha, WI 53140, USAAddress: 328 Front St S, La Crosse, WI 54601, USAAddress: 13804 7th St, Osseo, WI 54758, USAAddress: 428 Water St, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USAAddress: Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern, 1023 16th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566, USAAddress: N2030 Spring St, Stockholm, WI 54769, USAAddress: S2257 Yaeger Valley Rd, Cochrane, WI 54622, USAAddress: Blue’s Egg, 317 N 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53213, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
famous restaurants in Wisconsin August 23, 2020 Elisa Regulski What kind of food is Wisconsin known for? As America’s Dairyland, it’s no surprise that Wisconsin is known for its exceptional variety of cheese, milk, and ice cream. Really – food in Wisconsin is rich, delicious, and absolutely amazing. Want to learn more? Here are 15 foods everyone in Wisconsin loves. What are the most popular restaurants in Wisconsin? The popular restaurants in Wisconsin are beloved for a reason! From the tasty Swedish dishes from Al Johnson’s to the comfort food served at Frank’s Diner, all of Wisconsin’s eateries serve magnificent dishes. People keep coming back for more, and it’s easy to see why. What are the best cheese shops in Wisconsin? There are so many incredible cheese shops in Wisconsin! If you really want to treat your tastebuds, pay a visit to Plymouth, the cheese capital of the world. For more mouthwatering eats, embark on the Wisconsin cheese road trip! This tasty adventure will lead you to some of the most amazing destinations in the state. You definitely won’t go home feeling hungry! Bring your whole family along for the adventure! Everyone loves this weekend excursion.
The OIYS Visitor Center
famous restaurants in Wisconsin
August 23, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What kind of food is Wisconsin known for? As America’s Dairyland, it’s no surprise that Wisconsin is known for its exceptional variety of cheese, milk, and ice cream. Really – food in Wisconsin is rich, delicious, and absolutely amazing. Want to learn more? Here are 15 foods everyone in Wisconsin loves. What are the most popular restaurants in Wisconsin? The popular restaurants in Wisconsin are beloved for a reason! From the tasty Swedish dishes from Al Johnson’s to the comfort food served at Frank’s Diner, all of Wisconsin’s eateries serve magnificent dishes. People keep coming back for more, and it’s easy to see why. What are the best cheese shops in Wisconsin? There are so many incredible cheese shops in Wisconsin! If you really want to treat your tastebuds, pay a visit to Plymouth, the cheese capital of the world. For more mouthwatering eats, embark on the Wisconsin cheese road trip! This tasty adventure will lead you to some of the most amazing destinations in the state. You definitely won’t go home feeling hungry! Bring your whole family along for the adventure! Everyone loves this weekend excursion.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As America’s Dairyland, it’s no surprise that Wisconsin is known for its exceptional variety of cheese, milk, and ice cream. Really – food in Wisconsin is rich, delicious, and absolutely amazing. Want to learn more? Here are 15 foods everyone in Wisconsin loves.
What are the most popular restaurants in Wisconsin?
The popular restaurants in Wisconsin are beloved for a reason! From the tasty Swedish dishes from Al Johnson’s to the comfort food served at Frank’s Diner, all of Wisconsin’s eateries serve magnificent dishes. People keep coming back for more, and it’s easy to see why.
What are the best cheese shops in Wisconsin?
There are so many incredible cheese shops in Wisconsin! If you really want to treat your tastebuds, pay a visit to Plymouth, the cheese capital of the world. For more mouthwatering eats, embark on the Wisconsin cheese road trip! This tasty adventure will lead you to some of the most amazing destinations in the state. You definitely won’t go home feeling hungry! Bring your whole family along for the adventure! Everyone loves this weekend excursion.
