One of the best parts of writing about small, out of the way, hidden gem restaurants are the comments, where you all share even more amazing spots that you love. Every restaurant on this list was reader-suggested and you all have really good taste. There is some really great cooking happening in Wisconsin’s big cities, but some of the very best meals can be found in small towns, on out-of-the way streets and off the beaten path. They’re the kind of places you might drive right on by without looking twice, but if you do, you’re totally missing out. Here, in no particular order, are 9 of the best unsuspecting restaurants in Wisconsin.
- Greece E Spoon - Sheboygan
Facebook/Greeceespoon
Facebook/Greeceespoon You’ve never had Greek food like this. The gyros are amazing, but step outside of the box for some of the most interesting, unique flavors you’ve ever imagined. Come see why it’s one of the most delicious unsuspecting restaurants in Wisconsin! Located at 1217 N 8th St., Sheboygan, WI 53081. To learn more, visit the website for Greece E Spoon.
- Chet and Emil’s - Birnamwood
Chet and Emil’s
TripAdvisor/ChiKid60035 The broasted chicken here is actually legendary. Add in the house-made fries and broasted potatoes and you’ll never want to get chicken anywhere else. It’s a Northwoods gem. Located at 388 Main St, Birnamwood, WI 54414. For more information, check out the website for Chet and Emil’s Restaurant.
- Homemade Cafe - Pepin
TripAdvisor/DeanR
Facebook/HomemadeCafe Most well-known for their breakfast, but just as delicious for lunch and dinner, Homemade Cafe lives up to its name. Not only is there an interesting and thoughtful menu, but they’re always adding specials as unique as they are. Located at 809 3rd St, Pepin, WI 54759. Visit Homemade Cafe’s Facebook page to learn more.
- Butch’s Pizza - Kimberly and Eagle River
Butch’s Pizza
Facebook/Butch’sPizza Butch’s not only delivers stellar and cracker-crispy pizza, but they do it with the kind of small town prices that make you look twice because you can’t believe they’re correct. One of the best bits of advice you’ll ever receive - get your pizza with a mix of red and white sauces. Located at 510 W Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, WI 54136220 E Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521. Check out the website for Butch’s Pizza to learn more.
- Jimmy’s Grotto - Waukesha
Facebook/Jimmy’s Grotto
Facebook/Jimmy’sGrotto Jimmy’s looks like nothing to write home about, but their ponza rottas are actually famous in Lake Country. This giant, football-sized pocket of pizza goodness is deep fried. The outside is crispy, the inside is ooey-gooey and the result is unlike anything else you’ve ever had. Located at 314 E Main St., Waukesha, WI 53186. To learn more, visit the website for Jimmy’s Grotto.
- Rocky’s Roadhouse - Rhinelander
Facebook/Rocky’sRoadhouseRhinelander
Facebook/Rocky’sRoadhouseRhinelander This place is amazing year round, but it’s a particularly popular spot to stop and fuel up when out on the local snowmobile trails. That folks go out of their way to pause here says a lot about how great the food is. Located at 4293 County Rd P, Rhinelander, WI 54501. To learn more, visit the website for Rocky’s Roadhouse.
- Plia’s Kitchen - Green Bay
Facebook/Plia’sKitchen
TripAdvisor/Elkdar2 One of our only stops in one of the bigger cities, Plia’s can get lost among bigger-name spots, but those who know the wonder of their stuffed wings will tell you it’s worth forgoing other spots to head here. They serve southeast Asian food in the most interesting combinations. The Hmong egg rolls are a revelation. Located at 1300 S Webster Ave., Green Bay, WI 54301. For the latest information, visit the Facebook page for Plia’s Kitchen in Green Bay.
- Cafe 213 - Waterford
Facebook/Cafe213
Facebook/Cafe213 This cute and cozy cafe serves the best coffee in the area. Breakfast is delicious, but come back for the flavorful and interesting sandwiches and salads for lunch. Located at 213 E Main St., Waterford, WI 53185. To learn more, visit Cafe 213’s website.
- Dari-Made - Land O’ Lakes
Facebook/DariMaid
Facebook/DariMaid Well known as a Northwoods spot for soft serve, they also make great burgers and sandwiches. The perfect little spot Up North. Located at 6527 Pine St., Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540. For the latest information, visit the Facebook page for Dari-Made Drive In.
Have you been to any of these unsuspecting restaurants in Wisconsin? Which one is your favorite? We love when you tell us about the best eats in your own small towns. Let us know where you love to go in the comments!
Facebook/Greeceespoon
You’ve never had Greek food like this. The gyros are amazing, but step outside of the box for some of the most interesting, unique flavors you’ve ever imagined. Come see why it’s one of the most delicious unsuspecting restaurants in Wisconsin! Located at 1217 N 8th St., Sheboygan, WI 53081. To learn more, visit the website for Greece E Spoon.
Chet and Emil’s
TripAdvisor/ChiKid60035
The broasted chicken here is actually legendary. Add in the house-made fries and broasted potatoes and you’ll never want to get chicken anywhere else. It’s a Northwoods gem. Located at 388 Main St, Birnamwood, WI 54414. For more information, check out the website for Chet and Emil’s Restaurant.
TripAdvisor/DeanR
Facebook/HomemadeCafe
Most well-known for their breakfast, but just as delicious for lunch and dinner, Homemade Cafe lives up to its name. Not only is there an interesting and thoughtful menu, but they’re always adding specials as unique as they are. Located at 809 3rd St, Pepin, WI 54759. Visit Homemade Cafe’s Facebook page to learn more.
Butch’s Pizza
Facebook/Butch’sPizza
Butch’s not only delivers stellar and cracker-crispy pizza, but they do it with the kind of small town prices that make you look twice because you can’t believe they’re correct. One of the best bits of advice you’ll ever receive - get your pizza with a mix of red and white sauces. Located at 510 W Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, WI 54136220 E Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521. Check out the website for Butch’s Pizza to learn more.
Facebook/Jimmy’s Grotto
Facebook/Jimmy’sGrotto
Jimmy’s looks like nothing to write home about, but their ponza rottas are actually famous in Lake Country. This giant, football-sized pocket of pizza goodness is deep fried. The outside is crispy, the inside is ooey-gooey and the result is unlike anything else you’ve ever had. Located at 314 E Main St., Waukesha, WI 53186. To learn more, visit the website for Jimmy’s Grotto.
Facebook/Rocky’sRoadhouseRhinelander
This place is amazing year round, but it’s a particularly popular spot to stop and fuel up when out on the local snowmobile trails. That folks go out of their way to pause here says a lot about how great the food is. Located at 4293 County Rd P, Rhinelander, WI 54501. To learn more, visit the website for Rocky’s Roadhouse.
Facebook/Plia’sKitchen
TripAdvisor/Elkdar2
One of our only stops in one of the bigger cities, Plia’s can get lost among bigger-name spots, but those who know the wonder of their stuffed wings will tell you it’s worth forgoing other spots to head here. They serve southeast Asian food in the most interesting combinations. The Hmong egg rolls are a revelation. Located at 1300 S Webster Ave., Green Bay, WI 54301. For the latest information, visit the Facebook page for Plia’s Kitchen in Green Bay.
Facebook/Cafe213
This cute and cozy cafe serves the best coffee in the area. Breakfast is delicious, but come back for the flavorful and interesting sandwiches and salads for lunch. Located at 213 E Main St., Waterford, WI 53185. To learn more, visit Cafe 213’s website.
Facebook/DariMaid
Well known as a Northwoods spot for soft serve, they also make great burgers and sandwiches. The perfect little spot Up North. Located at 6527 Pine St., Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540. For the latest information, visit the Facebook page for Dari-Made Drive In.
Looking for more great dining options? Check out these scrumptious hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 388 Main St, Birnamwood, WI 54414, USAAddress: 809 3rd St, Pepin, WI 54759, USAAddress: 510 W Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136, USAAddress: 314 E Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186, USAAddress: 4293 County P, Rhinelander, WI 54501, USAAddress: 1300 S Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301, USAAddress: 213 E Main St, Waterford, WI 53185, USAAddress: Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540, USAAddress: 1217 N 8th St, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
unsuspecting restaurants in Wisconsin December 15, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best hole in the wall restaurants in Wisconsin? LD’s BBQ, located in East Troy, is one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Wisconsin. Go ahead and stroll up to the counter at this gas station restaurant and indulge a little. Everything, from the oak-smoked pork to the homemade sides, will put a smile on your face. Just don’t forget to come hungry! You’ll want to stuff your face full of delicious eats at this small town BBQ joint. If you’re looking for some delicious chicken wings, visit River Inn Bar. This neighborhood eatery, nestled in Chippewa Falls, is a great place to relax with friends after a long day. What are the best upscale restaurants in Wisconsin? L’Etoile, located in Madison, is one of the best upscale restaurants in Wisconsin. This farm-to-table eatery specializes in French cuisine. No matter what you order, you’ll be impressed. It’s an excellent place to go when you want to celebrate! If it’s an elegant steak you’re after, visit Carnevor in Milwaukee. The romantic atmosphere will make you feel dreamy, and the impressive wine list will certainly catch your attention. What are the best supper clubs in Wisconsin? For some of the best steaks you’ve ever eaten, visit Black Otter Supper Club in Hortonville. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel right at home. Whether you indulge in a gigantic prime rib dinner or light and healthy seafood plate, you’ll leave feeling full and happy. Come see why this local institution has impressed diners since 1972! If you want to visit another beloved restaurant, check out Ishnala Supper Club in Lake Delton. Nestled inside a log cabin on Mirror Lake, this gorgeous destination will give you a memorable meal. Make sure to order an old fashioned cocktail. Their drinks can’t be beat.
The OIYS Visitor Center
unsuspecting restaurants in Wisconsin
December 15, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best hole in the wall restaurants in Wisconsin? LD’s BBQ, located in East Troy, is one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Wisconsin. Go ahead and stroll up to the counter at this gas station restaurant and indulge a little. Everything, from the oak-smoked pork to the homemade sides, will put a smile on your face. Just don’t forget to come hungry! You’ll want to stuff your face full of delicious eats at this small town BBQ joint. If you’re looking for some delicious chicken wings, visit River Inn Bar. This neighborhood eatery, nestled in Chippewa Falls, is a great place to relax with friends after a long day. What are the best upscale restaurants in Wisconsin? L’Etoile, located in Madison, is one of the best upscale restaurants in Wisconsin. This farm-to-table eatery specializes in French cuisine. No matter what you order, you’ll be impressed. It’s an excellent place to go when you want to celebrate! If it’s an elegant steak you’re after, visit Carnevor in Milwaukee. The romantic atmosphere will make you feel dreamy, and the impressive wine list will certainly catch your attention. What are the best supper clubs in Wisconsin? For some of the best steaks you’ve ever eaten, visit Black Otter Supper Club in Hortonville. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel right at home. Whether you indulge in a gigantic prime rib dinner or light and healthy seafood plate, you’ll leave feeling full and happy. Come see why this local institution has impressed diners since 1972! If you want to visit another beloved restaurant, check out Ishnala Supper Club in Lake Delton. Nestled inside a log cabin on Mirror Lake, this gorgeous destination will give you a memorable meal. Make sure to order an old fashioned cocktail. Their drinks can’t be beat.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
LD’s BBQ, located in East Troy, is one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Wisconsin. Go ahead and stroll up to the counter at this gas station restaurant and indulge a little. Everything, from the oak-smoked pork to the homemade sides, will put a smile on your face. Just don’t forget to come hungry! You’ll want to stuff your face full of delicious eats at this small town BBQ joint. If you’re looking for some delicious chicken wings, visit River Inn Bar. This neighborhood eatery, nestled in Chippewa Falls, is a great place to relax with friends after a long day.
What are the best upscale restaurants in Wisconsin?
L’Etoile, located in Madison, is one of the best upscale restaurants in Wisconsin. This farm-to-table eatery specializes in French cuisine. No matter what you order, you’ll be impressed. It’s an excellent place to go when you want to celebrate! If it’s an elegant steak you’re after, visit Carnevor in Milwaukee. The romantic atmosphere will make you feel dreamy, and the impressive wine list will certainly catch your attention.
What are the best supper clubs in Wisconsin?
For some of the best steaks you’ve ever eaten, visit Black Otter Supper Club in Hortonville. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel right at home. Whether you indulge in a gigantic prime rib dinner or light and healthy seafood plate, you’ll leave feeling full and happy. Come see why this local institution has impressed diners since 1972! If you want to visit another beloved restaurant, check out Ishnala Supper Club in Lake Delton. Nestled inside a log cabin on Mirror Lake, this gorgeous destination will give you a memorable meal. Make sure to order an old fashioned cocktail. Their drinks can’t be beat.
