Wisconsin boasts no shortage of spectacular locations to drink and dine. Sip and taste your way through Spring Green, dig into some truly special plates in La Crosse, and journey out to Washington Island for a taste of history and local island fare. No matter which direction your Wisconsin road trip takes you this summer, these drinking and dining experiences are not to be missed.
HEDGE MEADOW HERBS • SPRING GREEN
Far more than solely an herb shop, Hedge Meadow Herbs is your Spring Green stop to find everything from bulk organic herbs and their small-batch herbal teas to thoughtful homeware and local art. Cozy up in their sun-filled tearoom cafe and enjoy a pot of Hedge Meadow tea or sip from a seasonal menu of herbal elixirs, house-made sodas, matcha, traditional espresso drinks and more. Not to be missed are their popular schizandra rose matcha latte, cardamom burdock steamer, and perfectly spiced hot chocolate.
RIVERVIEW TERRACE CAFE • SPRING GREEN
Surrounded by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture and expansive views of the Wisconsin River, dining at Riverview Terrace Cafe is a culinary experience like no other. As the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed restaurant in the world, this cafe offers a unique dining experience in scenic Spring Green. Riverview Terrace Cafe is a nonprofit restaurant, allowing proceeds to support the mission of Taliesin Preservation to conduct tours, public programs and preservation of the Taliesin property.
BRANDING IRON ROADHOUSE FARM-TO-FORK EATERY • LIME RIDGE
An adventure into Wisconsin’s Driftless wouldn’t be complete without a stop at this unique country roadhouse serving up locally raised beef, consciously sourced ingredients, Wisconsin microbrews and more. Fish fry every Friday and wood-fired oven pizza the first and third Saturdays of the month are just some of the highlights at this farm-to-fork eatery. Make it a full Driftless weekend and stay for their Sunday open mic afternoons. Gather with family and friends to enjoy small-town charm alongside some of southern Wisconsin’s most satisfying fare.
HORSERADISH KITCHEN + MARKET • PRINCETON
Whether traveling five minutes or five hours, it’s worth a drive to Princeton just to visit Horseradish Kitchen + Market. Restaurant, music venue, store, Airbnb and total vibe—Horseradish sparks creativity and connection all while serving up craft cocktails and elegant sandwiches made with local ingredients from their friends and neighbors. Their deck overlooking the Fox River will become your new summer hot spot as you take in this small-town gem with its scenic views, photo-worthy food and welcoming community.
SAGRA FOOD AND WINE • LA CROSSE
A meal at SAGRA is a celebration of the seasons and some of the best ingredients Wisconsin’s Driftless region has to offer. Inspired by rustic Italian classics and Roman street food, you’ll find house-made pastas, charcuterie and more on SAGRA’s seasonally changing menu. Weekly trips to Harmony Valley Farm means chef and owner, Mitchel Weber, is featuring produce at its absolute peak which make appearances in everything from the whipped ricotta antipasto to their “Meatball Monday” special—all making SAGRA an essential stop on your next La Crosse adventure.
OSTERIA EMILIA • LA CROSSE
A red sauce supper club, Osteria Emilia beautifully marries the bold flavors of the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy with the storied traditions of the Midwest supper club. The folks behind La Crosse’s SAGRA Food and Wine bring you a dining experience with no pretense, just generous portions, familiar flavors and a space that feels both special and comforting. The menu features everything from house-made meatballs to ice cream drinks, all with the goal of having you leave full, happy and already planning your next visit.
CENTRAL STANDARD CRAFTHOUSE & KITCHEN • MILWAUKEE
Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee you’ll find the perfect spot to gather with friends over a seasonal cocktail or weekend brunch. Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen is where you can find the award-winning creations of Central Standard Distillery crafted into classics like their Wisconsin Brandy Old-Fashioned or new favorites like their Ginger Turmeric Gin & Tonic. Soak in the summer on their rooftop bar and patio, or dive into a variety of shareable plates like their brat board or house-made focaccia during their Monday through Friday happy hour.
CATHRYN’S MARKET • DODGEVILLE
A stop in Dodgeville isn’t complete without a visit to Cathryn’s Market for a coffee and bite of breakfast or lunch and classic soda fountain drink. Located in the former historical corner drug store, the market is where you can also find everything from local grocery staples to specialty baked goods and desserts all made in-house. Owners Cathryn and Cliff Gonyer are proud to highlight produce and products from neighboring small farms and businesses, including from their own farm Rockwell Ridge Farm. Small-town comfort and high-quality food go hand-in-hand at this southern Wisconsin gem.
HOTEL WASHINGTON • WASHINGTON ISLAND
A 30-minute boat ride takes you to Washington Island and a trip back in time as you settle into the historic 1904 hotel nestled amongst acres of pines and oaks, steps away from Lake Michigan. Dining at Hotel Washington is a celebration of all things local and seasonal, featuring produce from their favorite island farms, whitefish from the big lake, island-raised beef and goodies from their on-site bakery. This season, Hotel Washington welcomes chefs Jennifer Lee Jackson and Justin Tootla. Watch them on season 23 of “Top Chef” then come visit them on Washington Island!
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