The south tends to have a reputation for having amazing restaurants in unexpected and unusual places, but they don’t have a monopoly on it. Here in Wisconsin we love a good small-town airport restaurant, and we’ve got some amazing food hiding in gas stations and strip malls. You have to be a bit adventurous – or maybe have a friend who will test things out before reporting back and recommending spots. Lucky for you, we’ve got amazing readers always looking to suggest new places and turn us on to their favorite hidden gems. Here are 12 little-known restaurants in Wisconsin that you should definitely make a point to visit.
- The Launching Pad - Shawano
Yelp/Sara R
Facebook/TheLaunchingPad The last time we did a piece similar to this, I had more than a dozen comments recommending the Launching Pad. Folks love their burgers, so I think we all need to check it out. Located at 221 Airport Rd Shawano, WI 54166. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for The Launching Pad in Shawano.
- Z’s Fork Horners - Gleason
Facebook/ZsForkHorners
Facebook/HometownFun There are not a lot of options in this area, but that’s not what keeps people coming back to Z’s. They love the atmosphere as much as they love the food. Be sure to order a basket of fried shrimp for the table – this meal is absolutely scrumptious. And check out their specials! This small town restaurant in Wisconsin always has something new in store. Located at N4291 Co Rd X, Gleason, WI 54435. Check out the website for Z’s Fork Horners to learn more.
- Hometown Grill - Shiocton
Facebook/Hometown.grill
Facebook/Hometown.Girll Huge portion sizes, low prices and a super staff keep locals flocking to Hometown Grill. After devouring their fried chicken dinner, you’ll see what the fuss is all about. Located at W7711 WI-54 Trunk, Shiocton, WI 54170. For the latest information, visit the website for Hometown Grill in Shiocton.
- Wayne’s Pizza - Genoa City
Facebook/Wayne’s Pizza
Yelp/Wayne’s Pizza Pizza in a gas station has never tasted so good. Order a pie or just nab a slice. They’ve nailed both deep dish and thin crust. Located at 100 Elizabeth Ln, Genoa City, WI 53128. Check out the website for Wayne’s Pizza to learn more.
- Oink’s - Neenah
Trip Advisor/Jeff B
EatAtOinks.com Oink’s Restaurant feels like it’s from another era, with locals lining the tables and a sassy waitstaff who tease and love everyone. The food is elevated greasy spoon fare, and you’ll never leave hungry. Located at 8386 WI-76, Neenah, WI 54956. Visit the website for Oink’s Restaurant to learn more.
- Garden of Eatin’ - Galesville
Yelp/Laura D
Google/Samuel Higgins Don’t head here expecting a salad - this is a retro little dinner with big portions, delicious meals and awesome music-themed decor. It’s small-town diner at its finest. You’re going to love their home-cooked comfort food. Located at 19847 E Gale Ave, Galesville, WI 54630. For more information, visit the website for Garden of Eatin’ in Galesville.
- Landreman’s Family Restaurant - Kaukana
Yelp/Landremans
Yelp/Landreman’s Everything you remember about a big family restaurant but with small-town charm and an awesome staff. Their breakfast and lunch dishes are always amazing, but don’t leave without ordering dessert. This hidden gem restaurant in Wisconsin is known for whipping up mouthwatering sundaes and cakes. Located at 2300 E. Main St Kaukauna, WI 54130. To learn more, visit the website for Landreman’s Family Restaurant in Kaukana.
- Chicken Palace - Menasha
Yelp/Steven T
Yelp/DuelFood R. Yes, the Chicken Palace serves Mexican food. No, I don’t understand either. But yes, you should definitely go. Eating here feels like getting to dine in someone’s grandma’s kitchen in the very best way. Get ready to chow down on some epic tacos. Located at 1550 Appleton Rd., Menasha, WI 54952. Visit the website for Chicken Palace to learn more.
- Butch’s Pizza - Kimberly
Yelp/Cale G
Yelp/Michelle L They’ve absolutely nailed Wisconsin cracker-thin pizza. Perfect snap on the crust and no soggy bits under the toppings. Located at 510 W Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, WI 54136. To learn more, visit the website for Butch’s Pizza in Kimberly.
- Pat O’Malley’s Jet Room - Madison
Yelp/Jeannette W.
Yelp/Casey D I have no idea why Wisconsin seems to have a proliferation of great food at small airports, but here we are. The Eggs Benedict is the star here, but watching kids see the planes take off and land is good pre-meal entertainment. Located at 3606 Corben Ct., Madison, WI 53704. Visit the website for Pat O’Malley’s Jet Room to learn more.
- Eagle Waters Resort - Eagle River
Yelp/Eagle Waters
Facebook/EagleWatersResort This gorgeous resort’s restaurant is open to the public and has one of the most amazing outdoor areas I’ve ever seen. The perfect place for a relaxing Northwoods meal. Located at 3958 Eagle Waters Rd., Eagle River, WI 54521. For more information, visit the website for Eagle Waters Resort.
- Imperial Garden - Middleton
Yelp/DergMarq M
Yelp/Imperial Garden Plan to take a big group of friends, then sit at one of the huge tables with a lazy susan built in so you can order half the menu and keep on sharing. Totally worth the small trek outside of Madison. Located at 2039 Allen Blvd., Middleton, WI 53562. Visit the website for Imperial Garden to learn more.
Have you been to any of these little-known restaurants in Wisconsin? Which ones should we add to the list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Yelp/Sara R
Facebook/TheLaunchingPad
The last time we did a piece similar to this, I had more than a dozen comments recommending the Launching Pad. Folks love their burgers, so I think we all need to check it out. Located at 221 Airport Rd Shawano, WI 54166. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for The Launching Pad in Shawano.
Facebook/ZsForkHorners
Facebook/HometownFun
There are not a lot of options in this area, but that’s not what keeps people coming back to Z’s. They love the atmosphere as much as they love the food. Be sure to order a basket of fried shrimp for the table – this meal is absolutely scrumptious. And check out their specials! This small town restaurant in Wisconsin always has something new in store. Located at N4291 Co Rd X, Gleason, WI 54435. Check out the website for Z’s Fork Horners to learn more.
Facebook/Hometown.grill
Facebook/Hometown.Girll
Huge portion sizes, low prices and a super staff keep locals flocking to Hometown Grill. After devouring their fried chicken dinner, you’ll see what the fuss is all about. Located at W7711 WI-54 Trunk, Shiocton, WI 54170. For the latest information, visit the website for Hometown Grill in Shiocton.
Facebook/Wayne’s Pizza
Yelp/Wayne’s Pizza
Pizza in a gas station has never tasted so good. Order a pie or just nab a slice. They’ve nailed both deep dish and thin crust. Located at 100 Elizabeth Ln, Genoa City, WI 53128. Check out the website for Wayne’s Pizza to learn more.
Trip Advisor/Jeff B
EatAtOinks.com
Oink’s Restaurant feels like it’s from another era, with locals lining the tables and a sassy waitstaff who tease and love everyone. The food is elevated greasy spoon fare, and you’ll never leave hungry. Located at 8386 WI-76, Neenah, WI 54956. Visit the website for Oink’s Restaurant to learn more.
Yelp/Laura D
Google/Samuel Higgins
Don’t head here expecting a salad - this is a retro little dinner with big portions, delicious meals and awesome music-themed decor. It’s small-town diner at its finest. You’re going to love their home-cooked comfort food. Located at 19847 E Gale Ave, Galesville, WI 54630. For more information, visit the website for Garden of Eatin’ in Galesville.
Yelp/Landremans
Yelp/Landreman’s
Everything you remember about a big family restaurant but with small-town charm and an awesome staff. Their breakfast and lunch dishes are always amazing, but don’t leave without ordering dessert. This hidden gem restaurant in Wisconsin is known for whipping up mouthwatering sundaes and cakes. Located at 2300 E. Main St Kaukauna, WI 54130. To learn more, visit the website for Landreman’s Family Restaurant in Kaukana.
Yelp/Steven T
Yelp/DuelFood R.
Yes, the Chicken Palace serves Mexican food. No, I don’t understand either. But yes, you should definitely go. Eating here feels like getting to dine in someone’s grandma’s kitchen in the very best way. Get ready to chow down on some epic tacos. Located at 1550 Appleton Rd., Menasha, WI 54952. Visit the website for Chicken Palace to learn more.
Yelp/Cale G
Yelp/Michelle L
They’ve absolutely nailed Wisconsin cracker-thin pizza. Perfect snap on the crust and no soggy bits under the toppings. Located at 510 W Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, WI 54136. To learn more, visit the website for Butch’s Pizza in Kimberly.
Yelp/Jeannette W.
Yelp/Casey D
I have no idea why Wisconsin seems to have a proliferation of great food at small airports, but here we are. The Eggs Benedict is the star here, but watching kids see the planes take off and land is good pre-meal entertainment. Located at 3606 Corben Ct., Madison, WI 53704. Visit the website for Pat O’Malley’s Jet Room to learn more.
Yelp/Eagle Waters
Facebook/EagleWatersResort
This gorgeous resort’s restaurant is open to the public and has one of the most amazing outdoor areas I’ve ever seen. The perfect place for a relaxing Northwoods meal. Located at 3958 Eagle Waters Rd., Eagle River, WI 54521. For more information, visit the website for Eagle Waters Resort.
Yelp/DergMarq M
Yelp/Imperial Garden
Plan to take a big group of friends, then sit at one of the huge tables with a lazy susan built in so you can order half the menu and keep on sharing. Totally worth the small trek outside of Madison. Located at 2039 Allen Blvd., Middleton, WI 53562. Visit the website for Imperial Garden to learn more.
Looking for more great hidden gems? Check out our previous article: 13 Under The Radar Restaurants In Wisconsin That Are Scrumdiddlyumptious
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 221 Airport Rd, Shawano, WI 54166, USAAddress: N4291 Co Rd X, Gleason, WI 54435, USAAddress: W7711 WI-54 Trunk, Shiocton, WI 54170, USAAddress: 100 Elizabeth Ln, Genoa City, WI 53128, USAAddress: 8386 WI-76 suite a, Neenah, WI 54956, USAAddress: 19847 E Gale Ave, Galesville, WI 54630, USAAddress: 2300 E Main St, Kaukauna, WI 54130, USAAddress: 1550 Appleton Rd, Menasha, WI 54952, USAAddress: 510 W Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136, USAAddress: Pat O’Malley’s Jet Room, 3606 Corben Ct, Madison, WI 53704, USAAddress: 3958 Eagle Waters Rd, Eagle River, WI 54521, USAAddress: 2039 Allen Blvd, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
little-known restaurants in Wisconsin October 16, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin? There are so many amazing hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. All you do is journey off the beaten path! For some comforting American fare, visit Village Bar in Madison. Pair your tasty eats with an old fashioned, and you’ll be in heaven. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to visit Flying Hound in Fitchburg. This under-the-radar tavern has all of the delicious food you crave. It’ll soon become your go-to watering hole. What are the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin? Looking for fresh seafood in Wisconsin? Search no further. All you have to do is go to Salty’s Seafood in Fond du Lac. This little fish shack serves mouthwatering meals that you won’t be able to get enough of. Be sure to kick off your meal with a hearty bowl of clam chowder. This creamy and flavorful dish is so good, you’ll have dreams about it. For more tasty eats, visit check out Barnacle Bud’s in Milwaukee. In addition to their mouthwatering fried fish, this amazing eatery serves refreshing cocktails in a laid-back setting. Eating here feels like a mini vacation! What are the best supper clubs in Wisconsin? Wisconsin is known for its supper clubs, and there are so many amazing places to discover. While you can never go wrong with the famous places like Black Otter, we always recommend people check out the little-known supper clubs tucked inside Wisconsin’s small towns.
The OIYS Visitor Center
little-known restaurants in Wisconsin
October 16, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin? There are so many amazing hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. All you do is journey off the beaten path! For some comforting American fare, visit Village Bar in Madison. Pair your tasty eats with an old fashioned, and you’ll be in heaven. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to visit Flying Hound in Fitchburg. This under-the-radar tavern has all of the delicious food you crave. It’ll soon become your go-to watering hole. What are the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin? Looking for fresh seafood in Wisconsin? Search no further. All you have to do is go to Salty’s Seafood in Fond du Lac. This little fish shack serves mouthwatering meals that you won’t be able to get enough of. Be sure to kick off your meal with a hearty bowl of clam chowder. This creamy and flavorful dish is so good, you’ll have dreams about it. For more tasty eats, visit check out Barnacle Bud’s in Milwaukee. In addition to their mouthwatering fried fish, this amazing eatery serves refreshing cocktails in a laid-back setting. Eating here feels like a mini vacation! What are the best supper clubs in Wisconsin? Wisconsin is known for its supper clubs, and there are so many amazing places to discover. While you can never go wrong with the famous places like Black Otter, we always recommend people check out the little-known supper clubs tucked inside Wisconsin’s small towns.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many amazing hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. All you do is journey off the beaten path! For some comforting American fare, visit Village Bar in Madison. Pair your tasty eats with an old fashioned, and you’ll be in heaven. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to visit Flying Hound in Fitchburg. This under-the-radar tavern has all of the delicious food you crave. It’ll soon become your go-to watering hole.
What are the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin?
Looking for fresh seafood in Wisconsin? Search no further. All you have to do is go to Salty’s Seafood in Fond du Lac. This little fish shack serves mouthwatering meals that you won’t be able to get enough of. Be sure to kick off your meal with a hearty bowl of clam chowder. This creamy and flavorful dish is so good, you’ll have dreams about it. For more tasty eats, visit check out Barnacle Bud’s in Milwaukee. In addition to their mouthwatering fried fish, this amazing eatery serves refreshing cocktails in a laid-back setting. Eating here feels like a mini vacation!
What are the best supper clubs in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is known for its supper clubs, and there are so many amazing places to discover. While you can never go wrong with the famous places like Black Otter, we always recommend people check out the little-known supper clubs tucked inside Wisconsin’s small towns.
