Wisconsin food is some of the best in the midwest. From the casual spots to the more upscale places that have been delighting tourists for years, you can come here and simply eat your way through the state. While we love the culinary scene that’s emerged in some cities, the best spots are the ones that have stood the test of time. These classic Wisconsin restaurants have been around for years and they just keep getting better!
- Robin’s Nest Cafe, Hayward
The Robin’s Nest / Facebook
The Robin’s Nest / Facebook This delightful spot serves breakfast all day. They’ve got a screened-in area for dining, which is wonderfully welcoming. Get the blintzes, they’re amazing! Find them at: 11014 Co Rd B, Hayward.
- Al Johnson’s, Sister Bay
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik / Facebook
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik / Facebook Head to Door County for an iconic meal at Al Johnson’s. Growing up, everyone was thrilled about the goats on the roof - and all that whipped cream? FOR BREAKFAST?! This place is a classic and it’s not to be missed. Find it at 10698 N Bay Shore Dr., Sister Bay.
- Pete’s Hamburger Stand, Prairie du Chien
Pete’s Hamburger Stand / Facebook The history of this beloved spot goes back more than 100 years. And, as a kid, waiting outside to get one of these burgers is what summer vacation is all about. The western part of the state does a lot of things well, and this is certainly one of them! Find them at: 118 W Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien.
- Pine Cone Restaurant, Johnson Creek
rxman502001 / TripAdvisor
JDawan / TripAdvisor This gas station-adjacent restaurant can be found just off the interstate exit that’s primarily used for shoppers. But, before this place was an outlet shopper’s dream, people stopped here as a halfway point between Milwaukee and Madison. They knew great food awaited them and today folks still flock here for things like the BLT and Chicken Dumpling Soup. Find them at: 665 Linmar Ln., Johnson Creek.
- Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty, Wisconsin Dells and Minocqua
lencho_79 / TripAdvisor
Andrea S / TripAdvisor If it’s hearty food you’re looking for, this is the spot! No trip to the Dells is complete without a stop for food and browsing through the incredible amount of fun things to buy in the gift shop. They’ve got any breakfast food you could possibly want, so come hungry! Find them at: 411 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells.
- Sam’s Diner, Waterford
Sam’s Diner / Facebook
Sam’s Diner / Facebook While the outside might look generic, that also might be what makes it so special. Totally unassuming, but serving up some of the best diner staples in the state! Find them at: 28432 N Lake Dr, Waterford.
- Shorty’s Pizza & Smoked Meat, Superior
Shorty’s Pizza & Smoked Meat / Facebook
J B / TripAdvisor The best smoked meat and pizza? In one restaurant? Yep! And it’s amazing! Things feel very Wisconsin at this classic spot in Superior and you need to check it out. Find them at: 1015 Tower Ave., Superior.
- Schubert’s Diner and Bakery, Mt. Horeb
Schubert’s Diner & Bakery / Facebook
Schubert’s Diner & Bakery / Facebook This Mount Horeb institution has been known for their incredible Swedish bakery for more than 100 years. On the menu you’ll find things like their classic Lefse Omelet and the more universal Reuben on signature Swedish rye. Find them at: 128 E Main St., Mt Horeb.
For more great food in Wisconsin, check out these 12 places for incredible wings.
The Robin’s Nest / Facebook
This delightful spot serves breakfast all day. They’ve got a screened-in area for dining, which is wonderfully welcoming. Get the blintzes, they’re amazing! Find them at: 11014 Co Rd B, Hayward.
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik / Facebook
Head to Door County for an iconic meal at Al Johnson’s. Growing up, everyone was thrilled about the goats on the roof - and all that whipped cream? FOR BREAKFAST?! This place is a classic and it’s not to be missed. Find it at 10698 N Bay Shore Dr., Sister Bay.
Pete’s Hamburger Stand / Facebook
The history of this beloved spot goes back more than 100 years. And, as a kid, waiting outside to get one of these burgers is what summer vacation is all about. The western part of the state does a lot of things well, and this is certainly one of them! Find them at: 118 W Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien.
rxman502001 / TripAdvisor
JDawan / TripAdvisor
This gas station-adjacent restaurant can be found just off the interstate exit that’s primarily used for shoppers. But, before this place was an outlet shopper’s dream, people stopped here as a halfway point between Milwaukee and Madison. They knew great food awaited them and today folks still flock here for things like the BLT and Chicken Dumpling Soup. Find them at: 665 Linmar Ln., Johnson Creek.
lencho_79 / TripAdvisor
Andrea S / TripAdvisor
If it’s hearty food you’re looking for, this is the spot! No trip to the Dells is complete without a stop for food and browsing through the incredible amount of fun things to buy in the gift shop. They’ve got any breakfast food you could possibly want, so come hungry! Find them at: 411 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells.
Sam’s Diner / Facebook
While the outside might look generic, that also might be what makes it so special. Totally unassuming, but serving up some of the best diner staples in the state! Find them at: 28432 N Lake Dr, Waterford.
Shorty’s Pizza & Smoked Meat / Facebook
J B / TripAdvisor
The best smoked meat and pizza? In one restaurant? Yep! And it’s amazing! Things feel very Wisconsin at this classic spot in Superior and you need to check it out. Find them at: 1015 Tower Ave., Superior.
Schubert’s Diner & Bakery / Facebook
This Mount Horeb institution has been known for their incredible Swedish bakery for more than 100 years. On the menu you’ll find things like their classic Lefse Omelet and the more universal Reuben on signature Swedish rye. Find them at: 128 E Main St., Mt Horeb.
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