There might not be anything that can more instantly trigger a memory than food. The taste, the smell and even the feeling of a meal can provide the best wave of nostalgia you’ve ever experienced. Most everyone has childhood memories of gathering together and spending time in the kitchen with our parents, grandparents and assorted family members. There’s just nothing quite like a filling, delicious meal in a cozy, welcoming environment to make us feel cared for and content. These spots may not have the exact recipes you remember, but they do a pretty amazing job of recreating that nostalgic feeling. These folks invite you in to share a meal and a good time and you’ll leave feeling like you’re family.
Please note, Schubert’s Diner and Bakery is temporarily closed.
I truly love the story of this place as the woman who opened it was looking for a way to provide for her family. Now two more generations of her family run the joint and are still cooking up favorites like their grandma used to make. Lucky for us, they share.
This place does double duty because not only do some of the foods here remind us of stuff we remember eating when we were younger, but many folks have been visiting here for generations, as well. There's more nostalgia here than you can even comprehend and the food is just so, so good.
This is one of those places where you close your eyes and the smell takes you back in time. You'll find all kind of fresh-baked goodies, including the bread, as well as some European pastries that make you feel like you're still a kid again.
Most folks only tend to think of this spot in the fall, but they're actually an awesome place to stop for a meal year round and the whole menu reads like it was meant to provide comfort. From fried chicken to grilled cheese and biscuits and gravy, these are hearty, filling meals that you remember from your youth. It's basically like getting a hug.
These folks have prospered and it's partly because there actually are grandma's in the kitchen creating pies and meals that are as full of love as they are of flavor.
Located at 13804 7th St., Osseo, WI 54758, 2900 Pioneer Ave., Rice Lake, WI 54868, Hwy. 27 South, Hayward, WI 54843 and Corner of Main and Holum, DeForest, WI 53532.
Run by the folks that run the Trailside Bed and Breakfast next door, not only do you get to dine in a historic schoolhouse, but you feel like you're been invited into their kitchen as they serve up cozy comfort food. Their motto is "There are no strangers at our house, only friends we haven't met yet."
Any place that's hand-making ravioli and other pastas is treating you like family. Using passed-down recipes and fulfilling all the nostalgia you've ever had about Italian comfort food. They grow herbs out back and use vegetables from their father's nearby farm. You can feel the love in every bite.
If you spent hours in the kitchen with Oma making spaetzle, stuffed cabbage and more, this is the place for you. You'll find all kinds of German favorites, including dessert, at this wonderful, welcoming spot.
Don't let the small store-front or paper plates fool you, the setting may be no frills, but the food is as delicious as you can imagine. You know these are recipes that have been passed down and stood the test of time.
