Eau Claire, Wisconsin’s Best Burger Bar Opened in a Former Sawmill and Earned the State’s Top Spot Fast

Valley Burger Co. opened in the spring of 2022 at 1004 Menomonie Street in Eau Claire, in a building that served as Kaiser Lumber Company's office in the early 1900s.

The smash burger format, local and organic ingredient sourcing, Wisconsin craft beer, and the historic sawmill atmosphere earned Valley Burger Co. recognition from It made a list of 50 burgers that make the case for road trips.

A second location has since opened in Chippewa Falls in a historic brick building at Market on River. The team's commitment to scratch cooking and local ingredients has built a following that extends well beyond Eau Claire.

The building at 1004 Menomonie Street carries more than 100 years of Eau Claire history. The exposed brick, original structural details, and corner positioning at the end of Water Street give the restaurant a visual identity that no new construction could replicate.

What to Order

The O.B. Burger is the most-reviewed item: a smash patty with house sauce and the kind of crispy-edged, juicy result that makes a second visit feel mandatory.

The pink slaw, a zesty cabbage in vinegar dressing, is the definitive side. It contrasts with the richness of the burger in a way that fries don't. Order it.

The Wisconsin Whiz adds Wisconsin cheese sauce. Brussels sprouts with bacon and pickled onions earn their own praise as a standalone order. Rotating Wisconsin craft beers and a solid bourbon old fashioned make the drink program worth exploring. For more on the food scene nearby, see Eau Claire restaurants worth the visit.

A Lumber Office Reborn as an Eau Claire Landmark

Carson Park and the Chippewa River trail are nearby for a post-lunch walk. The neighborhood around the restaurant has been developing, and Valley Burger Co. arrived early enough to anchor the commercial block.

The Chippewa Falls location at Market on River opened in a historic brick building that carries the same design sensibility as the Eau Claire original. Both locations maintain the same sourcing standards and menu.

Eau Claire's food scene has been recognized regionally as one of the more vibrant in Wisconsin outside of Milwaukee and Madison. Valley Burger Co. has been part of building that reputation since it opened in 2022.

The Chippewa Falls location at Market on River opened in a historic brick building that carries the same design sensibility as the Eau Claire original. Both locations maintain the same sourcing standards and menu.

Eau Claire's food scene has been recognized regionally as one of the more vibrant in Wisconsin outside of Milwaukee and Madison. Valley Burger Co. has been part of building that reputation since 2022. For more of the state's dining history, see the best burger spots in Wisconsin.

Plan Your Visit

Valley Burger Co. is at 1004 Menomonie Street in Eau Claire. Hours run Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Call (715) 514-0498. While you're planning the trip, check out Wisconsin restaurants set in historic buildings.