When that wanderlust hits this fall why not satisfy your craving for adventure by making your next dining experience into a destination? Whether it’s a quick scenic jaunt or a road trip-worthy trek across the Mississippi, Wisconsin’s oldest restaurant or a modern piano bar, there is something on this unique list for everyone. And whichever path you choose, the journey’s end is guaranteed to be delicious.
Branding Iron Roadhouse | Lime Ridge, WI
A unique farm-to-fork eatery in a small-town setting, the Branding Iron Roadhouse serves Angus beef they raise themselves alongside other locally produced ingredients. With burgers, sandwiches, wood-fired pizza and, of course, a Friday night fish fry, there’s something for everyone. On the second Thursday of the month, check out the local talent at their original works open mic night. Enjoy a community atmosphere at this unique country roadhouse deep in the Driftless, complete with a stunning, scenic drive to get you there.
Red Circle Inn | Nashotah, WI
Grab a brandy old-fashioned and settle in for a fresh take on supper club classics at Wisconsin’s oldest restaurant. Nestled in the remarkable landscape of Nashotah, Red Circle Inn combines the perfect measure of nostalgia with ambiance, top-notch service and thoughtfully crafted dishes. This historic restaurant also features their acclaimed Sunday Suppers, a chance for guests to gather and enjoy supper, family-style, where no one leaves hungry or without a story to tell. With its storied past and exquisite present, the dining experience at Red Circle Inn is a journey worth taking.
Seven Acre Dairy | Belleville, WI
This close-to-home gem is a lovingly restored 1888 dairy listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reimagined as a restaurant, cafe, and boutique hotel highlighting the growers and artisans of the Sugar River Valley. Order a salad or sandwich from the charming Dairy Cafe, or enjoy an elevated burger, pasta or steak from The Kitchen paired with a selection from their thoughtfully curated beer, wine and spirit collection. With features like Old-Fashioned Friday, weekend Jazz Brunch, and monthly seasonal soft-serve flavors (think strawberry rhubarb and toasted coconut), you won’t want to miss a trip to this enchanting destination.
Sobie's Restaurant | Oconomowoc, WI
Set in downtown Oconomowoc in charmingly scenic lake country, this family-owned restaurant focuses on approachable fine dining with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and from-scratch fare. Sobie’s farm-to-table menu feels both comfortingly familiar yet enticingly new with offerings like Friday fish fry and broasted chicken alongside Quebecois poutines and brown butter scallop risotto. Relax with a local craft brew, a selection from their extensive wine list, or a handcrafted cocktail and enjoy the community feel of this sophisticated yet unpretentious gathering place.
The Drake Piano Bar | Prairie Du Chien, WI
Take a winding journey along the Wisconsin River until you meet the Mississippi and you will find Prairie du Chien, a historic Driftless community, and The Drake Piano Bar. This elegant yet relaxed eatery showcases a locally sourced and innovatively presented menu. Try The Omnivore or The Undone Nacho “food flight,” or go for something gluten-free like the The Friday Night flight. Visiting for brunch? The Breakfast Club food flight serves up various delectable breakfast favorites. Pair these inventive spreads with a handcrafted cocktail and enjoy an on-site rotating exhibition of local fine art and year-round live music.
Toppling Goliath Brewery | Decorah, IA
Ready to take your next dining experience a little farther afield? Try a picturesque road trip to the world-renowned Toppling Goliath Brewery in the beautiful Driftless area of Decorah, Iowa. Not only does Toppling Goliath feature 25+ taps featuring IPAs, stouts, sours, and Bavarian-style beers, they also serve delicious food that pairs wonderfully with their incredible beer selection. Relax in the taproom or on the patio with a salmon BLT, Goliath burger or ribeye tacos with sweet Thai chili sauce. When you’re done visiting the taproom, explore the waterfalls, hiking, biking and camping that surrounding Decorah has to offer.
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