Folks who dismiss Wisconsin as a flyover state are missing out on our miles and miles of lakeshore, great and small. With a couple of huge rivers, inland lakes, and two Great Lakes, Wisconsin has a ton of beachfront and waterfront dining. With tundra-like winters, Wisconsinites know we have to treasure every moment of warm weather we’re allotted each year. And we love to eat, drink and gather outside with friends during the summer. Here are 15 of the best beachfront restaurants in Wisconsin where you can soak up some sun, dip your toes, and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
- Blue Bayou - Manitowish Waters
Yelp/Rachel F
Yelp/C.C. A Cajun/Creole restaurant with its own dock, killer cheese curds and super-strong hurricanes? It’s hard to believe this place exists, but it does and it’s perfect. You’ll find Blue Bayou at 5547 US-51, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545.
- Fox Harbor Pub and Grill - Green Bay
Facebook/FoxHarborBarandGrill
Yelp/Keith F Big windows and a gorgeous patio make this place a must stop in Green Bay in the warm months - or when you want to bring a bit of the outside in, but not freeze to death. Visit them at 348 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301. To learn more, visit the official website for Fox Harbor Pub and Grill.
- Loopy’s High Shores Supper Club - Chippewa Falls
Facebook/HighShoresSupperClub
Yelp/Alisa W Everything you love about a classic Wisconsin supper club combined with a truly prime location. Perfection. Located at 17985 Co Hwy X, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. To learn more, visit the website for Loopy’s High Shores Supper Club.
- Jimmy Seas Pub and Grill - Green Bay
Facebook/JimmySeas
Yelp/Todd H Everything from sandwiches to homemade guac and a place to dock your boat. What more could you possibly want? Jimmy Seas Pub and Grill is located at 1330 Marine St, Green Bay, WI 54301.
- Pier 290 - Williams Bay
Facebook/Pier 290
Yelp/Dave S In the trendy Lake Geneva area, this place is upscale and amazing, with a gorgeous outdoor area, a spectacular menu and even fire pits. Visit Pier 290 at 1 Liechty Dr, Williams Bay, WI 53191.
- The Anchor Inn - Edgerton
Facebook/AnchorInnWisconsin
Yelp/Dan H Newly reopened and located right on the Rock River, this place is an absolute favorite among locals. The new building has high ceilings and the same amazing outdoor space. It’s located at 718 WI-59, Edgerton, WI 53534. To learn more, visit the official website for The Anchor Inn.
- Mariner’s - Madison
Facebook/MarinersMadison
Facebook/MarinersMadison Right off the beltline, a short drive from downtown Madison where the Yahara River meets Lake Mendota, Mariner’s is nothing but chill vibes and great food. Located at 5339 Lighthouse Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53704.
- Third Coast Pub and Grill - Racine
Facebook/ThirdCoastRestaurantRacine
Facebook/ThirdCoastRestaurantRacine It doesn’t get much better than wood-fired pizza right on the water. A perfect location, casual but delicious food and a killer deck make this place a local favorite. Located at 207 Gas Light Cir, Racine, WI 53403. To learn more, visit the official website for Third Coast Pub and Grill.
- Loopy’s - Chippewa Falls
Facebook/Loopys
Yelp/Mike K Loopy’s is more of a complex than a restaurant and it’s more corner bar than anything else, but the location right on the river is absolutely amazing. It’s huge, so find a quieter corner and tuck in to some killer bar food. Or use it as a starting point for a tubing trip. Located at 10691 County Hwy X, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
- Harbor House - Milwaukee
Yelp/Harbor House
Yelp/Heather L. Not only do they have the best seafood in the Milwaukee area, but they have the most stunning views of downtown, as well. Make sure you check for their specials and happy hours. Located at 550 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202. For the latest information, visit Harbor House’s website.
- Old Rittenhouse Inn - Bayfield
Yelp/Rittenhouse Inn
Yelp/Old Rittenhouse Inn Set in a gorgeous Victorian guest house, Old Rittenhouse Inn is fine dining meets casual “up north” atmosphere. You’ll get top notch food in a relaxed setting. Visit them at 301 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814.
- The Waterfront Restaurant - LaCrosse
Yelp/Waterfront
Yelp/TheWaterfront Relax on their stellar patio and dine on some truly delectable bites in this upscale-meets-casual restaurant. The Waterfront Restaurant is located at 328 Front St S, La Crosse, WI 54601.
- Milwaukee Ale House - Milwaukee
Facebook/MilwaukeeAleHouse
Yelp/Effie D A lot of restaurants have come and gone along this strip of the Milwaukee Riverwalk, but the The Ale House remains a stalwart of comfort food with great beer, entertainment, and their very own dock. Take a break on the river and settle in for a meal before you’re off on more adventures. You’ll find them at 233 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
- Mama’s Supper Club - Minocqua
Facebook/MamasSupperClub
Facebook/MamasSupperClub When we’ve written about waterfront dining in the past, readers have recommended Mama’s in droves. Mix the charm of a Wisconsin supper club with the warmth of grandma’s Italian kitchen and you’ve got a meal at Mama’s Supper Club. This beloved eatery is located at 10486 WI-70, Minocqua, WI 54548.
- Fred and Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar and Grill - Sister Bay
Yelp/Belinda B
Yelp/Leung T Door County has nothing but amazing waterfront, high-class dining. Fred and Fuzzy’s isn’t that. Instead, it’s like heading to a friend’s for a casual, relaxed meal on a gorgeous stretch of land that has some of the best sunsets in the state. It’s friendly and chill and you won’t regret a meal or three here. Located at 10620 Little Sister Rd, Sister Bay, WI 54234.
Have you been to any of the best beachfront restaurants in Wisconsin? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another beautiful restaurant in the Dairy State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
Yelp/Rachel F
Yelp/C.C.
A Cajun/Creole restaurant with its own dock, killer cheese curds and super-strong hurricanes? It’s hard to believe this place exists, but it does and it’s perfect. You’ll find Blue Bayou at 5547 US-51, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545.
Facebook/FoxHarborBarandGrill
Yelp/Keith F
Big windows and a gorgeous patio make this place a must stop in Green Bay in the warm months - or when you want to bring a bit of the outside in, but not freeze to death. Visit them at 348 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301. To learn more, visit the official website for Fox Harbor Pub and Grill.
Facebook/HighShoresSupperClub
Yelp/Alisa W
Everything you love about a classic Wisconsin supper club combined with a truly prime location. Perfection. Located at 17985 Co Hwy X, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. To learn more, visit the website for Loopy’s High Shores Supper Club.
Facebook/JimmySeas
Yelp/Todd H
Everything from sandwiches to homemade guac and a place to dock your boat. What more could you possibly want? Jimmy Seas Pub and Grill is located at 1330 Marine St, Green Bay, WI 54301.
Facebook/Pier 290
Yelp/Dave S
In the trendy Lake Geneva area, this place is upscale and amazing, with a gorgeous outdoor area, a spectacular menu and even fire pits. Visit Pier 290 at 1 Liechty Dr, Williams Bay, WI 53191.
Facebook/AnchorInnWisconsin
Yelp/Dan H
Newly reopened and located right on the Rock River, this place is an absolute favorite among locals. The new building has high ceilings and the same amazing outdoor space. It’s located at 718 WI-59, Edgerton, WI 53534. To learn more, visit the official website for The Anchor Inn.
Facebook/MarinersMadison
Right off the beltline, a short drive from downtown Madison where the Yahara River meets Lake Mendota, Mariner’s is nothing but chill vibes and great food. Located at 5339 Lighthouse Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53704.
Facebook/ThirdCoastRestaurantRacine
It doesn’t get much better than wood-fired pizza right on the water. A perfect location, casual but delicious food and a killer deck make this place a local favorite. Located at 207 Gas Light Cir, Racine, WI 53403. To learn more, visit the official website for Third Coast Pub and Grill.
Facebook/Loopys
Yelp/Mike K
Loopy’s is more of a complex than a restaurant and it’s more corner bar than anything else, but the location right on the river is absolutely amazing. It’s huge, so find a quieter corner and tuck in to some killer bar food. Or use it as a starting point for a tubing trip. Located at 10691 County Hwy X, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Yelp/Harbor House
Yelp/Heather L.
Not only do they have the best seafood in the Milwaukee area, but they have the most stunning views of downtown, as well. Make sure you check for their specials and happy hours. Located at 550 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202. For the latest information, visit Harbor House’s website.
Yelp/Rittenhouse Inn
Yelp/Old Rittenhouse Inn
Set in a gorgeous Victorian guest house, Old Rittenhouse Inn is fine dining meets casual “up north” atmosphere. You’ll get top notch food in a relaxed setting. Visit them at 301 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814.
Yelp/Waterfront
Yelp/TheWaterfront
Relax on their stellar patio and dine on some truly delectable bites in this upscale-meets-casual restaurant. The Waterfront Restaurant is located at 328 Front St S, La Crosse, WI 54601.
Facebook/MilwaukeeAleHouse
Yelp/Effie D
A lot of restaurants have come and gone along this strip of the Milwaukee Riverwalk, but the The Ale House remains a stalwart of comfort food with great beer, entertainment, and their very own dock. Take a break on the river and settle in for a meal before you’re off on more adventures. You’ll find them at 233 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Facebook/MamasSupperClub
When we’ve written about waterfront dining in the past, readers have recommended Mama’s in droves. Mix the charm of a Wisconsin supper club with the warmth of grandma’s Italian kitchen and you’ve got a meal at Mama’s Supper Club. This beloved eatery is located at 10486 WI-70, Minocqua, WI 54548.
Yelp/Belinda B
Yelp/Leung T
Door County has nothing but amazing waterfront, high-class dining. Fred and Fuzzy’s isn’t that. Instead, it’s like heading to a friend’s for a casual, relaxed meal on a gorgeous stretch of land that has some of the best sunsets in the state. It’s friendly and chill and you won’t regret a meal or three here. Located at 10620 Little Sister Rd, Sister Bay, WI 54234.
Looking for more great waterfront eateries? Check out this gorgeous boathouse restaurant in Wisconsin.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 5547 US-51, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545, USAAddress: Freimann Hotel Building, 348 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301, USAAddress: 17985 Co Hwy X, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, USAAddress: 1330 Marine St, Green Bay, WI 54301, USAAddress: 1 Liechty Dr, Williams Bay, WI 53191, USAAddress: 718 WI-59, Edgerton, WI 53534, USAAddress: 5339 Lighthouse Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53704, USAAddress: 207 Gas Light Cir, Racine, WI 53403, USAAddress: 10691 County Hwy X, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, USAAddress: Harbor House Drive, Harbor House Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53224, USAAddress: Old Rittenhouse Inn, 301 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, USAAddress: 328 Front St S, La Crosse, WI 54601, USAAddress: 233 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USAAddress: 10486 WI-70, Minocqua, WI 54548, USAAddress: 10620 Little Sister Rd, Sister Bay, WI 54234, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best beachfront restaurants in Wisconsin August 10, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin? What’s better than some scrumptious food? Why, eating it in a beautiful setting! If you want to experience some of the best waterfront sights in the state, head over to Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay. This lovely restaurant specializes in seafood favorites like lobster rolls and chowder. No matter what you order, you’ll love every last bite. What are the best places for outdoor dining in Wisconsin? If you’re looking for some places to enjoy outdoor dining in Wisconsin, we know just where you should go. For starters, visit The Nelson Stone Barn. This lovely eatery makes the most mouthwatering wood-fired pizza around. You’ll love munching on their tasty eats in the peaceful setting. For another exquisite experience, visit Campo di Bella in Mt Horeb. This farm-to-table Italian restaurant serves nothing but scrumptious meals. What are the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin? For some of the best seafood in Wisconsin, visit Big Pot and Grill in Appleton. Here, you can create the ultimate seafood boil full of all the tasty eats you crave. Scarf down lobsters, crab, shrimp, and more! You definitely won’t go home feeling hungry.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best beachfront restaurants in Wisconsin
August 10, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin? What’s better than some scrumptious food? Why, eating it in a beautiful setting! If you want to experience some of the best waterfront sights in the state, head over to Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay. This lovely restaurant specializes in seafood favorites like lobster rolls and chowder. No matter what you order, you’ll love every last bite. What are the best places for outdoor dining in Wisconsin? If you’re looking for some places to enjoy outdoor dining in Wisconsin, we know just where you should go. For starters, visit The Nelson Stone Barn. This lovely eatery makes the most mouthwatering wood-fired pizza around. You’ll love munching on their tasty eats in the peaceful setting. For another exquisite experience, visit Campo di Bella in Mt Horeb. This farm-to-table Italian restaurant serves nothing but scrumptious meals. What are the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin? For some of the best seafood in Wisconsin, visit Big Pot and Grill in Appleton. Here, you can create the ultimate seafood boil full of all the tasty eats you crave. Scarf down lobsters, crab, shrimp, and more! You definitely won’t go home feeling hungry.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
What’s better than some scrumptious food? Why, eating it in a beautiful setting! If you want to experience some of the best waterfront sights in the state, head over to Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay. This lovely restaurant specializes in seafood favorites like lobster rolls and chowder. No matter what you order, you’ll love every last bite.
What are the best places for outdoor dining in Wisconsin?
If you’re looking for some places to enjoy outdoor dining in Wisconsin, we know just where you should go. For starters, visit The Nelson Stone Barn. This lovely eatery makes the most mouthwatering wood-fired pizza around. You’ll love munching on their tasty eats in the peaceful setting. For another exquisite experience, visit Campo di Bella in Mt Horeb. This farm-to-table Italian restaurant serves nothing but scrumptious meals.
What are the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin?
For some of the best seafood in Wisconsin, visit Big Pot and Grill in Appleton. Here, you can create the ultimate seafood boil full of all the tasty eats you crave. Scarf down lobsters, crab, shrimp, and more! You definitely won’t go home feeling hungry.
