Dine At These 18 Extremely Tiny Restaurants In Wisconsin That Are Actually Amazing

Sometimes, the smaller the place, the better the food. If a tiny restaurant has stood the test of time, it's a good sign the food more than makes up for any time you might spend waiting. These tiny restaurants in Wisconsin might not be able to offer you immediate seating, but they do have unique, hearty, comforting, and delicious food. So plan ahead, bring some entertainment and settle in for some of the best food in the state.

In no particular order, here are some of the best tiny restaurants Wisconsin has to offer:

1. Crave - Campbellsport

This converted bar has about four tables and 15 seats at the bar. The self-proclaimed trendy gastropub prides itself on an extensive beer list and tasty locally-sourced bites. This is the ideal local destination to grab a few drinks and catch up with old friends. Find Crave at 128 E Main St, Campbellsport, WI 53010.

2. Dorine's Family Inn - Sparta

Nothing quite compares to small town dining. There's something indescribably charming about a diner where experiences are intimate, and this family restaurant offers just that. Dorine's Family Inn consists of just a handful of tables and a seven-person staff serving up comfort food right in downtown Sparta.

Located at 110 S Water St, Sparta, WI 54656.

3. Charcoal Inn South - Sheboygan

With two locations, Charcoal Inn has a loyal following, and it's plain to see why. This incredible old school diner and counter-service cooks their burgers over fiery coals and you can see - and smell - it. Cash only, this charming eatery is simplicity and goodness at it's finest.

Located at 1313 S 8th St, Sheboygan, WI 53081.

4. Paul's Pel'meni - Madison

If you're a fan of steak and potatoes-style comfort food, you are sure to love the decadent selections at Paul's Pel'meni. Though the room itself isn't exactly tiny, there's not a lot of seating here as the restaurant's modest menu offerings - both dumplings - are often taken to-go. Conveniently located, this place is open til 2 am on the weekends and Paul's fills up with students looking for delicious dumplings before bed.

Located at 203 West Gorham St.

Madison, Wisconsin.

5. The Noble - Milwaukee

Craving something colorful and quirky? The Noble might not be wider than the average house, but they pack an amazing meal in a tiny space - and seating doubles out on the patio in warmer weather! Chefs are at their best when they have the freedom to play, and The Noble embodies and celebrates this principle. You might not know what's on the menu until the afternoon - but that's only because the chefs think on their feet and craft menus around the freshest available ingredients. The freshest ingredients make for innovative plates. Don't forget to play hooky for the Monday service industry brunch.

Located at 704 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53205.

6. Al's Hamburgers - Green Bay

Nothing compares to an old-school atmosphere, especially if you're a long timer in the Green Bay area. There are new owners at Al's, but otherwise not much has changed in about 80 years. There's a $4 lunch burger, a counter and a handful of booths. But the locals continue to line up and plan a trip here and its not just nostalgia. Al's should be a part of any Wisconsinite's Green Bay itinerary.

Located at 131 S Washington St, Green Bay, WI 54301.

7. Blue Bear - Racine

Appropriately named and eye-catchingly playful, Blue Bear is an interesting local landmark. Since they're only open from 7 am to 2 pm, Blue Bear is usually packed from open to close. With just 45 seats, it's not unheard of for this eatery to be filled to the brim. In warmer weather, they add another 20 seats outside. Breakfast is served from 7 am to 11 am and lunch from 11 am to 2 pm. The food is all made from scratch, and customers can't stop raving about the customer service and attention from the owner.

Located at 2920 Taylor Ave, Racine, WI 53405.

8. The Dump - Cambria

While its name may not exactly beckon to hungry diners, there's a reason locals absolutely adore trips to The Dump. This coveted local eatery doesn't exactly buy in to a lot of marketing, but locals say it's the place to be for wings and burgers. Simple, hearty and delicious food from a bar with a gimmicky name, but don't let that deter you.

Located at 105 W Edgewater St, Cambria, WI 53923.

9. South Point - Stevens Point

South Point is cozy in the sense that it feels instantly familiar, and as soon as you settle in you'll find that the staff feels like old friends. The counter dominates the inside of this small building, though there are a few tables scattered around the perimeter. This place is open 24 hours serving exactly the kind of American diner food you expect - and long for. The chicken dumpling soup is better than Oma's and the homemade pies are worth a stop alone.

Located at 3057 Church St, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

10. Schubert's - Mount Horeb

Craving a dose of local history? Schubert's is a Mount Horeb institution. For more than a century, they've been known for their Swedish and Norwegian bakery and using their awesome products to create delicious dishes like a Lefse Omelet. You won't be disappointed if you treat yourself to a Reuben on their signature Swedish Rye. It's worth it to go out of your way just to stop here.

Located at 128 E Main St, Mt Horeb, WI 53572.

11. Greenbush Bar - Madison

There's something inexplicably charming about subterranean wonders, and Greenbush Bar captures that same mystique by transporting diners to another world. This charming bar is located in the basement of the Italian Workman's Club just steps from the Kohl Center. The room is dark, with short ceilings and you will wait for a table crowded near the front of the room with a lot of other folks. Enjoy a surprisingly well-curated beer list and check out the Christmas lights before sharing a Sicilian pizza or devouring simple but rich and flavorful pasta the way it was meant to be made. There's probably less than a dozen tables and the bar seating, so don't bring a crowd.

Located at 914 Regent St, Madison, WI 53715.

12. Jimmy's Grotto Pizza - Waukesha

Since 1946, locals have adored the delicious flavors of Jimmy's Grotto Pizza. There's some tables that look like they were borrowed from an Elk's club fish fry, but most folks just place their order here and take it to go. In the summer, watch folks walk out with boxes stacked high as they take Jimmy's with them out to lake country. Their signature is the ponza rotta, which is a version of a calzone that's stuffed to the gills and will feed the hungriest clan.

Located at 314 E Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186.

13. Pete's Hamburger Stand - Prairie du Chien

With a name like Prairie du Chien, you might expect fancy dining to be locally abundant. However, this community is the best place to go for an old fashioned burger. There is no "inside" at Pete's Hamburger Stand. There's two windows and usually a long line and delicious, nostalgia-inducing burgers at the end of your wait. For more than a century, Pete's has been a Prairie du Chien institution and a sign we're headed for summer.

Located at 118 W Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821.

14. Hup's Pizza - Milwaukee

Compact is perhaps the best word to describe this modest pizza joint with incredible flavor. I'm not convinced anyone has ever actually seen the inside of Hup's, but that doesn't stop folks from returning to this unpretentious "closet" to slide some cash to the workers and get slid a classic, cracker-thin, square-cut pizza.

Located at 5400 W Hampton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53218.

15. Mihm's Charcoal Grill - Menasha

Old-school, simple burgers, fries and malts seem to be a common theme on this list. If you're making them right, people don't care where you're serving them from - they'll line up and wait. Mihm's is another charcoal-fired grill, and locals swear by their delicious eats. Order a malt and sip on that at the counter while you wait for your smoky, delicious burger. Old school vibes abound at this enchanting local eatery.

Located at 342 Chute St, Menasha, WI 54952.

16. Wedl's Hamburger Stand - Jefferson

Since 1916, locals have adored the big flavors served up at this modest hamburger stand. One of the best things about Wedl's is how you'll look right past it if you see pictures of it next to the farmhouse that shares the street. For more than a century, people have come from all over the greater Milwaukee area to get a Wedl's burger. Open seasonally, it's an institution. There's no shortage of great, iconic burgers in the Milwaukee area, so you know Wedl's must be doing something right.

Located at 200 E Racine St, Jefferson, WI 53549.

17. St. Paul Fish Company - Milwaukee

Craving something different? Stray away from the traditional comfort food our state specializes in and dig into a seafood entree. A sort of unconventional member of the list, St. Paul's is located on the far east side of the Milwaukee Public Market. There's about 10 counter seats and then same number of tables set up on the other side of the walkway and they're always full of people taking advantage of the freshest fish in the city. These guys are constantly flying in fresh product - go on an off-peak time and get someone at the counter to talk oysters with you. You'll learn a bunch and leave incredibly happy and full. The lobster roll is one of the better one's I've had this side of New England and they have an incredible lobster dinner. There are a lot of options at the market, but even locals make the trek to the Third Ward for this treat.

Located at 400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

18. Fred's Parkview - Burlington

Burgers are practically the heart and soul of our state, and this local eatery serves up a dose of culture with every single meal. Fred's gains a few more tables with it's corner location, but the burgers are so good that you'll still struggle to find a seat. Make sure you order a round of homemade seasoned potato chips to share.

Located at 596 N Pine St, Burlington, WI 53105.

Have you eaten at any of these awesomely small places? Where else do you find great food in tiny restaurants in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments!

Keep in mind that some of these eateries are open seasonally, so be sure to check before you visit!

Looking for more amazing Wisconsin food? Check out These 11 Restaurants In Wisconsin Don’t Look Like Much… But WOW, They’re Good