Emerging Destinations

“The biggest change is the number of locally owned dining options that source Janesville or Wisconsin ingredients,” says Susan Melton, marketing director for the Janesville Convention & Visitors Bureau and local foodie. She adds that areas like Janesville and Beloit had to do some soul-searching as they evolved from their industrial and manufacturing roots.

Savannah Schindler, public relations specialist with Visit Beloit and lifelong Beloit resident, attributes this evolution to a focus by community and business groups, both large and small. “We’ve had to focus on progress as a community and it’s allowed many unique restaurants and bars to find a home here.”

Embark on a gastronomic adventure with a delicious day trip to these emerging Wisconsin destinations. Here are a few of our favorite spots to add to your itinerary.

Start your day trip with a quick breakfast bite and a caffeine kick!

Nordskov Coffee at the Janesville Farmers Market
Danish for “northwoods,” Nordskov is owned by native midwesterners and coffee-roasting fanatics, Sheryl Rosa and Ryan Rouse. The line for their unique craft coffee drinks at the Janesville Farmers Market often stretches across the sidewalk. Try the Cold Fashioned, a play on the classic Wisconsin old-fashioned, with cold brew, oat milk and simple syrup made with orange, cherry and vanilla bitters.

Havana Coffee | 1250 Milton Ave., Janesville
Away from the bustle of downtown, Havana Coffee hides behind a lush patio bursting with plants and flowers. Inside is a cozy space with fireplaces and nooks for gathering and enjoying a variety of Colectivo coffee, tea, boba tea, smoothies and made-from-scratch sandwiches and baked goods. The cranberry-orange scone is a morning must-have.

Bagels & More | 324 State St., Beloit
With a rotating menu of quiche and seasonal soups, Bagels & More is the spot in Beloit for gathering with friends over breakfast or lunch. A variety of latte combinations and bagel flavors make each visit unique, and with a range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, there is something for everyone.

Spend the day pursuing the markets and shops, then bring a taste of your travels home with you.

Janesville Farmers Market | Town Square, 221 Dodge St., Janesville
Sprawling along the revitalized riverfront area of downtown Janesville known as Town Square, the farmers market runs every Saturday from May to October and offers everything from coffee, pastries, cut flowers and produce, to a Mexican taco truck featuring karaoke. With plenty of seating to take in the sculptural artwork over the pedestrian bridge that connects the two sides of the market, it’s a great way to spend a weekend morning.

Lark Market | 56 S. Main St., Janesville
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Joan and Richard Neeno saw an opportunity to use their passionate (and unemployed due to COVID-19) kitchen team from Lark Restaurant to add heat-and-eat meals to the diverse selection of locally sourced food and hard-to-find wine at Lark Market. In the post-pandemic era, you can still find to-go dishes and pizzas in their coolers, as well as great suggestions for charcuterie boards and wine pairings.

808 Cheesecake | 119 W. Milwaukee St., Janesville
Lori Reyes never thought that her passion would be a combination of lilikoi (Hawaiian for “passion fruit”) and cheesecake, but after starting a small shop in Hawaii in 2015 offering that combo, she decided to bring the flavors back to her home state of Wisconsin. From her signature lilikoi cheesecake to a variety of macarons (look for the lavender lemon or peach cobbler), Reyes strives to bring the taste of the Big Island to Wisconsin.

Bushel & Peck’s | 328 State St., Beloit
With locally sourced goods and handcrafted foods made from their own farm in Monroe, Bushel & Peck’s brings farmers and artisans directly to the Beloit community and beyond. Spice up snacks and dips with their range of hot sauces like Friendly Ghost or the popular Cherry Bomb; season soups and meats with their chili crisp oil; or bring brunch together with the Bloody Mary mix and pickles.

Relax with a happy hour sip and snack.

G5 Brewing Company 1895 Gateway Blvd., Beloit
Inspired by breweries visited by the five members of the Gunderson family (hence the G5) in Montana, G5 is a modern yet welcoming space. Brunch and elevated pizzas and burgers pair perfectly with “beermosas” and a wide craft beer selection. On a warm day, head to the beer garden with a crisp and refreshing Hindenburg In A Lightning Storm, a kölsch-style beer with a twist of Centennial hops.

Rock County Brewing Company | 10 N. Parker Dr. Suite 160, Janesville
Built on a passion for homebrewing, Rock County Brewing Company opened in 2019 in the historic Carriage Works building in downtown Janesville, offering food, a beer garden and award-winning beers. Try a Prickleberry Sour with flavors of prickly pear and raspberries for a summer-into-fall vibe, or a Schwarzbier for something more roasty and chocolatey.

Cap off your day with unique and chic eats.

Timber Hill Winery | 8220 N. John Paul Rd., Milton
Timber Hill Winery, owned by Amanda Stefl, a Janesville-area native and one of the youngest female winery owners and winemakers in the country, is nestled near the scenic Ice Age Trail. Behind the large front doors adorned with deer antlers is a bustling tasting bar. Sample from Timber Hill’s 40 wines, ranging from sweet and dry reds, to blush wines and specialty wines such as the spicy jalapeno. Or take a glass of the Marquette Rosé to the back deck overlooking the vineyard and pair it with a brick-oven pizza or cheese board for a perfect late summer snack.

Lark Restaurant | 60 S. Main St., Janesville
One of Susan Melton’s favorite locales in Janesville is Lark Restaurant, owned by Joan and Richard Neeno. “There's always something to discover with Lark’s inventive menu of food, craft cocktails and wine,” she says. “Menu staples include a cider-brined pork chop served with Brussels sprouts, sage, apple-cider pan sauce, and mac and cheese with fried chicken made with cavatappi, gouda cheese sauce, bacon-onion jam, fried chicken and pork rind crumble.”

Sandwich Bar | 54 S. Main St., Janesville
The floor-to-ceiling murals of Anthony Bourdain and Julia Child inside Sandwich Bar pay homage to owners Joan and Richard Neeno’s love of all things food. Favorites on the menu include The Jolene, a country-fried chicken sandwich with pimento cheese, Alabama white sauce and lettuce. Or the Tommy Salami with fried bologna, salami, butterkäse cheese, pickled onion and mustard aioli. Be sure to indulge in the fries served with Parmesan aioli and a side of deviled eggs.

Velvet Buffalo | 500 Public Ave., Beloit
The self-described “Modern Italian” offerings at Velvet Buffalo include a rotating seasonal menu highlighting the best of local ingredients in spins on bruschetta and panna cotta. For something more classic, try the butter-poached lobster or a housemade pasta dish. The rooftop patio is a perfect spot
for a glass of a bold red wine and city views.

Tilley’s Pizza House | 900 4th St., Beloit
Since 1955, Tilley’s has been a staple in Beloit for pizza and sandwiches. According to Savannah Schindler, once you’ve had a small square of Tilley’s Pizza House pizza, you’ll be hooked. “From the specialty homemade thin crust and pizza sauce to the wide selection of toppings, including sausage with fennel seeds, your mouth will be watering for your next trip to Tilley’s.”