9 Places To Eat In Wisconsin That Are Often Overlooked But Absolutely Delicious
Living in Wisconsin means having some of the finest selection of produce and cuisine right at our fingertips. Nowhere is that more apparent than neighborhood restaurants, which create masterpieces from local ingredients and flavors. Even so, you might be surprised by how many places get overlooked due to their location or unassuming appearance. So next time you pass by any of these hole-in-the-wall spots, you will be doing yourself a huge favor to step inside and see what’s cooking.
Believe us, you won’t want to miss out on these 9 overlooked restaurants in Wisconsin. Check them out:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
For authentic Indian cuisine, you'll definitely want to give India Bhavan a try. Full of flavor, all entrees are made from scratch and will not disappoint. For starters, be sure to get an order of naan filled with lamb. Location: 2611 Holmgren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304. To learn more, visit their website here.
Don't be fooled by the fact that Banzo is a food truck; this spot has some of the best falafels in town. All Mediterranean cuisine is freshly prepared and is sure to hit the spot for an on-the-go lunch or dinner. Especially good are the condiments, fresh-made tahini and excellent hummus. Location: 2105 Sherman Ave
Madison, WI 53704. To learn more, visit their website here.
If you've got an appetite, there's nothing that hits the spot quite like a homemade burger and malt. Despite its advertisement for bar-b-q, the charcoal cheeseburger is what you'll want to order when you stop by Mickey-Lu's. Photographed above is the double cheeseburger and butterscotch malt. You can expect speedy service here, too. Location: 1710 Marinette Ave
Marinette, WI 54143. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Wendt's On The Lake is the place to go if you're looking for unbeatable seafood and a little comfort food, too. Set right on the lake, the outdoor seating is beautiful. Some popular orders here include the perch and shrimp. This spot is no secret among locals, so be prepared for a little bit of a crowd and possibly a wait. Address: N9699 Lakeshore Dr. Van Dyne, WI 54979. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
No food list is complete without a fantastic pizza joint, and Hup's Pizza is one of the best. This hole-in-the-wall joint delivers on well made pies that don't waste time with superfluous ingredients. If you're especially hungry, be sure to get an order of the garlic bread, too. This eatery is one of the most delicious underrated restaurants in Wisconsin. Don't pass it by. Address: 5400 W Hampton Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53218. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
The Coffee Pot is a charming and authentic diner with a breakfast that'll make you feel great all day long. Whether you decide to order the homemade corned beef hash or the herbivore omelette (photographed above), you won't be disappointed. When it comes to neighborhood restaurants in Wisconsin, no place beats The Coffee Pot. Be sure to bring cash, as this spot doesn't accept credit cards. Location: 4914 7th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140. To learn more, visit their website here.
Waupaca Woods Restaurant serves Wisconsin food at its finest. This includes phenomenal cheese curds, seafood dishes, and more. Portions are hearty and healthy, and you won't walk away from this place with an empty stomach. Tucked away in a strip-mall, this place is a true gem. Location: 815 W Fulton St., Ste 1 Waupaca, WI 54981. To learn more, visit their website here.
Basil Cafe is an upscale Thai restaurant with a beautiful ambiance and seriously delicious cuisine. All entree items are freshly prepared and the pho is one of the most popular items ordered. Other tasty options include the pad thai and crab rangoon. Address: 1513 N Richmond St. Appleton, WI 54911. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Hiawatha Restaurant is one of the area's best kept secrets. It's a cozy spot that serves a little bit of everything, from fabulous Sunday brunch, to ribs, and incredible fish tacos. You can expect this spot to be crowded, especially on the weekends. Address: 713 Grant St. Wausau, WI 54403.
What are your favorite little-known restaurants in Wisconsin? Did any of your favorites miss the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
If you know about another hidden gem eatery we should feature, let us know in our nomination form.
Address: 2611 Holmgren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304, USA
Address: 2105 Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
Address: 1710 Marinette Ave, Marinette, WI 54143, USA
Address: N9699 Lake Shore Dr, Van Dyne, WI 54979, USA
Address: 5400 W Hampton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53218, USA
Address: 4914 7th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, USA
Address: 815 W Fulton St, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA
Address: 1513 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
Address: 713 Grant St, Wausau, WI 54403, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
overlooked restaurants in Wisconsin
April 13, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best little-known restaurants in Wisconsin?
Just because a restaurant isn’t famous doesn’t mean you won’t find delicious eats. In fact, some of the most scrumptious dishes can be found inside underrated restaurants in Wisconsin! Village Bar, located in Madison, is one of the best places to get a tasty meal. Sure, it may be small, but this eatery really packs in the flavor. Their magnificent burgers will definitely put a smile on your face. For some cozy pub grub, visit Green Dragon in Fond du Lac. This no-frills restaurant is full of friendly atmosphere and good times. In addition to their wonderful dishes, Green Dragon boasts a wide variety of craft beers.
What are the best neighborhood restaurants in Wisconsin?
Lazy Susan, located in the Bay View area of Milwaukee, is one of the best neighborhood restaurants in Wisconsin. People love getting here early for Sunday brunch — it’s the best way to kick off your week! Their epic dishes will keep you smiling all day long. For some tasty comfort food, visit Golden Basket in Green Bay. This family restaurant really has something for everyone. Their classic American dishes never disappoint, and each bite bursts with irresistible flavor. But perhaps the best thing about this cozy restaurant is their breakfast menu. Here, you don’t need to reserve breakfast for the morning. This wonderful eatery serves their scrumptious eggs, bacon, and pancakes all day long.
What are the best diners in Wisconsin?
If you’re hungry for some classic comfort food, visit Frank’s Diner in Kenosha. This humble dining destination has been around since 1926. As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a simpler time. Here, everyone is friendly and the food is cooked to perfection. You can never go wrong with one of their juicy hamburgers and a plate of golden french fries. Delta Diner, located in Mason, is another must-visit eatery in Wisconsin. Whether you’re coming for their tasty breakfast dishes or impressive hamburgers, one thing is certain: You won’t go home hungry.
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
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