There's definitely a stereotype that if you want to get a great meal, you should head to one of the bigger cities. And while those big cities have some excellent restaurants, there are actually some fantastic restaurants in small towns. We are profiling some of the very best:
1. Trempealeau Hotel and Restaurant (Trempealeau)
Located in Trempealeau, Wisconsin, this is a wonderful place to eat whether you're staying the night or not. The meal you are going to eat has been made from scratch, and is composed of locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarians and carnivores alike appreciate several dishes that use walnut burgers, a meat-alternative that tastes awesome.
2. Jacobi's of Hazlehurst (Hazlehurst)
People from around the state rave about Jacobi's. They serve up some delicious steak, some great Italian...and did I mention the pie could stand on its own?
3. Wild Tomato (Fish Creek)
When you think Door County, you think touristy joints, fish, etc. Enter Wild Tomato, a restaurant serving AMAZING pizza. I'm partial to the Green and Gold Pizza (Go Pack!), which has CHEESE CURDS ON TOP!!
4. Kounty Quarthouse (South Range)
Kounty Quarthouse is a great place to get a drink. But it's awesome to get drinks and actually have the food be amazing as well. People rave about the sandwiches, like the one seen here. And the picture of the exterior...I think that guy in the middle looks familiar. :)
5. Wild Rice Restaurant (Bayfield)
This restaurant creates eclectic dishes that are sure to please anyone, with locally sourced meats and vegetables whenever possible. With its prime location nestled in the woods, it is great to eat outside here. And to answer your question, yes, wild rice IS on the menu.
6. Kusaka (Mineral Point)
I definitely wouldn't think that one would be able to get a delicious, authentic Japanese meal in Wisconsin. But in Mineral Point, Kusaka is serving up homestyle Japanese food that locals love. Try the ramen!
7. Anvil Pub and Grille (Cedarburg)
The building is truly awesome, as it is in a restored 19th century blacksmith's shop. On Sundays, people go nuts for the Bloody Mary bar (yep, a bar!). They are known for their Forge sandwiches, which are sandwiches made in the Stone Hearth Oven.
8. Chives (Suamico)
It definitely doesn't hurt Chives' business that this is one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite restaurants. But the restaurant can stand on its own laurels, because the food is just really, really good. It's fine dining, but not snotty. There's truly something for everyone, whether you want to be adventurous or just want a hamburger.
9. The Immigrant (Kohler)
Few among us can afford to eat here every day, but this is definitely one you want to get to at some point. The meals are truly gourmet, as the restaurant is a AAA Four Diamond Award Winner. The ambiance is fabulous, with six rooms that are each decorated in the style of some of Wisconsin's earliest settlers.
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10. The Mint Cafe (Wausau)
Talk about old school---these guys have been serving Wausau since 1888. But the menu has evolved. Just check out this beautiful salad, which you can get alongside one of their fantastic sandwiches or burgers. And they serve beer. What more could you want?
Know of another great Wisconsin restaurant in a small town that we missed? Give them a shout out in the comments.
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