10 Unassuming Restaurants in Wisconsin to Add to Your Dining Bucket List

With its culture of supper clubs and butter burgers, there's no shortage of simple, old-school dining to be found around the beloved Badger State.

Beyond the most popular diners and burger joints, here are a few more unassuming restaurants that might not catch your eye, but are worth adding to your Wisconsin dining bucket list.

1. Larry's Market, Brown Deer

This quaint storefront opened in 1970, but because it's hidden off two main streets on Milwaukee's north side, it tends to be overlooked. But Larry's Market is always bustling, whether the friendly staff is hosting a Friday fish fry or selling new gourmet meats and cheeses in the old-school deli. The pre-made quiches, platters, and desserts are also great catering options for your next event.

Larry's Market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Open until 7 p.m. on Friday.) Closed on Sunday and Monday. Address: 8737 N Deerwood Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53209

2. Nite Owl Drive-In, Milwaukee

Inconspicuously tucked in across the street from Milwaukee's airport, Nite Owl is like the secret password for in-the-know Milwaukeeans. Only open in the spring and summer, and even then with erratic hours, Nite Owl is a trip back in time, complete with handmade malts and scratch cooking. Bring cash and expect a wait at prime times, but know it will be so, so worth it.

Nite Owl Drive-In is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during select spring and summer dates. Address: 830 E Layton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

3. The Pine Cone Restaurant, Johnson Creek

The Pine Cone Restaurant is more than just a dive: It's also a travel plaza and rest stop, and is located near an outlet mall, making it the perfect checkpoint on a road trip between Milwaukee and Madison. The restaurant serves delicious, heaping portions of the best breakfast and lunch comfort foods, like thick waffles, omelettes, and more. There's also a selection of homemade bakery items to grab before getting back on the road.

The Pine Cone Restaurant is open for 24 hours every day. Address: 665 W Linmar Ln, Johnson Creek, WI 53038

4. Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q, Marinette

The search for delicious, inexpensive burgers in Wisconsin is over at Mickey Lu. The hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint serves up charcoal-broiled burgers that drip butter and juice. It's a no-frills place (they only accept cash, and the only side is potato chips), but that's what makes the burgers truly stand out as the star of the show. Locals and first-timers alike are never disappointed.

Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q is open Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Monday. Address: 1710 Marinette Ave, Marinette, WI 54143

5. Holy Hill Cafe, Hubertus

More than 300,000 people a year visit the shrine at Holy Hill, but if they skip out on breakfast or lunch at the church's cafe, they may have missed the best part. Incredibly cheap prices for homemade soups, breads, muffins, and pies, as well as made-to-order sandwiches and griddle specialties, make this a must-stop when you head to Holy Hill. You can even stop in for a cozy coffee or latte.

Holy Hill Cafe and Coffeehouse is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address: 1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033

6. Kurtz's Pub and Deli, Two Rivers

People love Kurtz's for their authentic German sandwiches and great German beers on tap, but they come back again and again for the homemade potato salad and chicken spaetzle soup—better than Oma used to make. The pub is located right in the heart of downtown Two Rivers and has a classic beer hall look.

Kurtz's Pub & Deli is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Address: 1410 Washington St, Two Rivers, WI 54241

7. Stockholm Pie & General Store, Stockholm

Folks in Stockholm line up for the latest daily offerings at Stockholm Pie & General Store. Each slice of signature pie is sold daily until gone, so come early and watch the chalkboard to see what's available. The most popular pies have to be apple, bumbleberry, coconut cream, and lingonberry lemon slice—an ode to the town's Swedish influence. The eatery has expanded to a general store, as well, where you can pick up a variety of Nordic lunch and snack options.

Stockholm Pie & General Store is open Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Wednesday. Address: N2030 Spring St, Stockholm, WI 54769

8. City Bakery, Sheboygan

Locals flock to City Bakery for its brat bun that's hearty enough to hold up to the weight and grease of a traditional Wisconsin bratwurst, but still fluffy and chewy enough to go down smooth. While you wait to get some buns to take with you, pick from the bakery's array of delicious classic donuts or Bavarian pretzels to carry you through your day.

City Bakery is open Monday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Address: 1102 Michigan Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081

9. Kewpee Lunch, Racine

One of five locations left of a small chain that began in the Depression era, Kewpee Lunch is a delightfully quirky and unassuming favorite among Wisconsinites. Stop in for the house-made root beer, thick and creamy milkshakes and floats, and, of course, delectably juicy cheeseburgers that have been attracting customers for decades.

Kewpee Lunch is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Address: 520 Wisconsin Ave, Racine, WI 53403

10. Bayside Tavern, Fish Creek

The epicenter of the social scene in Fish Creek, Bayside Tavern, is where the locals hang out and the Door County tourists come to mingle. Try the flaming Bayside Coffee and enjoy a bit of "up north" Wisconsin on the peninsula.

Bayside Tavern is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight. Address: 4160 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212

Have you ever been to any of these unassuming restaurants in the Badger State? Maybe you heard about more hidden gems through your local supper club, or just by exploring around your town. If you're looking to plan a trip to even more unassuming spots, try out Only In Your State's itinerary planner for the best recs.