The selection of restaurants in Wisconsin has never been better. The dining out scene has improved so much over the past few years and it’s to the point where most of us can’t even keep up with all the new, delicious spots to try out. Chefs across the state are getting nominations and recognition for making stellar food as people outside the Midwest start to figure out that a state that produces so much of the food we use also knows how to turn that food into mouth-watering meals. We have access to some of the freshest food in the world and our restaurants are taking advantage. Some of these are new spots you have to make it a priority to check out and others are under-appreciated spots that you’ll thank me for sending you to. Here are nine spots you want to make a priority to check out in 2019:
This spot is awesome because while they have an amazing eat-in menu, it's also maximized to provide great grab-and-go options for folks taking advantage of the gorgeous great outdoors in Door County. Fresh ingredients, crisp flavors highlight this menu that pulls in things from the owners' previous home in Austin. They're doing breakfast and lunch for now, with possible changes coming in warmer months.
These folks had lined up to taste the goodies from their pop-ups before the doors ever officially opened. From the folks that do Forequarter, this is a quick, family-friendly spot that suits the young folks in its neighborhood. Looks for fresh ingredients, awesome meats and so much more.
The house special pizza features ricotta cheese in the points that get pulled into the dough of each piece. It's all fresh flavors that meld well and don't get too heavy. This is true, certified Napoletano pizza fresh from a huge wood-fired oven that gives it a ton of flavor. They also have fresh-made pasta and some of the most interesting and potent Italian flavors of anywhere in the city.
This delicious option with the freshest seafood in Madison is actually in a strip mall and you might look right past it, but the line out the door for the Friday fish fry will be a big clue. This is a counter-service spot, so the line moves quickly. You'll love not just the fried cod, but the chowder and walleye, as well. Make sure you plan to take some seafood home with you for another meal, as well.
These folks have a number of Milwaukee-area restaurants and they turned the former Water Buffalo spot into a global street food spot and tequileria right on the river in the Third Ward.
This spot has been named one of the most romantic restaurants in the country and the chef is James Beard nominated. Great food is happening across Wisconsin and if you've not tried this spot, it's to your own detriment.
This is the restaurant at the new giant Milwaukee Brewing Company complex and folks are already raving about the options here. It's great beer now paired with great food.
These folks used to be in Shorewood, just North of Milwaukee and it was a hit, but don't let the short drive up to West Bend keep you from tasting this delicious bowl of yumminess. These folks have perfected ramen and you'll want to try it.
This place is an awesome mix of casual pub fare and interesting mix of flavors that you wouldn't expect. It's the best combination and you'll love tasting all the different things you'd never thought you could find at a spot like this.
Here you'll find small-batch beer along with a wood-fired oven and all kinds of dishes you wouldn't expect from a small brewery kitchen. They list their local farm partners right on their website. While the fire-grilled pizza is never a bad choice, you can also get grilled shrimp, charred broccolini and flat iron steak. It's basically somewhere you will go to and never want to leave.
Which restaurants are on your must-try list this year? Let us know about the spots that we have to discover in the comments!
Did you make your way through our 2018 list? Definitely double-check locations and hours, but if you haven’t tried these spots, you should add them to your to-do list, as well.
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