This Wisconsin Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

Here at Only In Wisconsin, we're bonafide foodies who know better than to judge a book by its cover. Gas station BBQ? That's our kind of fuel up! Homemade cinnamon rolls from a service station? Absolutely.

Personally, I seek out pub food -- the kind of fare that often plays second fiddle to what's on tap. Especially when I know there's a chef who truly loves food working in the kitchen. These places tend to have some of the most well-crafted, thoughtful dishes I've eaten.

The focus at restaurants that serve elevated pub food is on just that: the food. The decor is secondary. In fact, you might not know what a culinary treat you're in for when you pull up to a simple brick building. That treat? One of the best meals of your life.

Ryan's on York is no exception to this rule. The simple brick exterior of this incredible restaurant does not give away the treasures that lie inside: a standard menu of heightened pub eats utilizing some of the freshest ingredients around.

About 40 miles from Green Bay, you'll find Ryan's in Manitowoc, one of the most criminally underrated cities in Wisconsin. In addition to some tasty food, you'll also find an adorable harbor town with an art museum, a zoo, and a maritime museum that houses many artifacts about Great Lakes' maritime history.

No matter what else you do while there, you will want to eat at Ryan's. Their regular menu is full of pub fare, with a focus on burgers, sandwiches, and bowls. Redditors say that the standard burger is among the best they've ever eaten.

The standard burger comes with a quarter-pound patty with ketchup, mustard, onion, pickle, and cheese. If a quarter pound isn't enough for you - don't worry! You can add another... and another... and another... all the way up to four! Yep, that's right - you can get a whole pound of burger at Ryan's on York in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

However, what makes this unassuming restaurant unique is its monthly specials. Each month, the chef creates a new burger of the month. The one pictured above is the Apple Butter Burger, a 1/3 pound patty with muenster cheese, apple butter, arugula, maple bourbon reduction, and a slice or two of peppered bacon.

In addition to burger specials, Ryan's also offers monthly noodle and fry specials. I fear if I lived near this Wisconsin gastropub, I'd find myself a seat at the bar a few times a month so that I could try all their specials.

These specials lean heavily on seasonal ingredients, like a fall special featuring pumpkin coconut noodles, a combo I never knew I needed in my life.

With each of Ryan's on York's dishes, lots of love and care has gone into the customer experience. The meals are adaptable to fit any dietary restrictions you may have. For example, if you're not eating red meat but you still want to try one of the burgers offered, you have the option for a chicken breast or vegetarian patty.

Don't even get me started on this Wisconsin pub's Fry of the Month specials... I would be here forever. In my eyes, there is no more perfect food than the humble potato. It's the perfect vehicle for toppings, like the maple bacon fries pictured above.

The cocktail program at Ryan's on York is stellar as well, with a heavy focus on mules and classic drinks.

However, if you're looking for a glass of wine to enjoy with your meal, I recommend taking a short walk to Waterfront Wine Bar - it's just three minutes away on foot and boasts an incredible selection of vintage wine.

Hmm, sounds like an overnight trip might be in order, doesn't it? Our partner, Intercontinental Hotel Group, has a cute property just a short drive away. I say park at the hotel and grab an Uber to explore the town after you eat, with no worries about driving back to the hotel.

Have you eaten at a spectacular Wisconsin restaurant? I'd love to hear about in the comments!