A Foodie’s Guide to the Northeast Wisconsin Dining Scene

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Dining experiences in Northeast Wisconsin are as expansive as the 18-county geographical area that makes up the region.

From classic roadhouse fare (plus fry bread, courtesy of the very first Americans) at War Bonnet Bar & Grill in Keshena to eats at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik in Sister Bay that pay homage to waves of Swedish settlers who arrived in the late 1800s, there’s something for everyone in the region. Here’s a don’t-miss guide that is sure to exceed your food needs and wants.

Asian Cuisine

Enjoy Filipino flavors in the lumpia and chicken adobo at Oshkosh’s Manila, which also serves sushi and a smattering of Japanese dishes. Find other Asian entrees at Plia’s Kitchen in Green Bay, which specializes in Thai classics (pad thai and red, yellow and green curries) along with Lao dishes, stuffed chicken wings and Hmong egg rolls. The ultra-hip Tochi Ramen in Sheboygan serves a selection of noodle bowls, including more unusual versions like butter-corn ramen, that are complemented by a handful of steamed buns and dumplings.

American Favorites

Hamburgers and hot dogs are always a hit, whether you’re feeding picky kids or just yourself on a budget. Grab a brew with your burger at Fat Joe’s Burgers & Brew in Fond du Lac, which also offers shareable snacks and apps. Walk the Dog in Green Lake boasts over 40 toppings to go on its self-proclaimed “gourmet hot dogs and fancy french fries,” and the no-nonsense Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q in Marinette still serves burgers, brats and dogs much the same way it did when it opened in 1942 — and for unbeatable prices that seem like they’re straight out of the 1940s, too.

Must-Try Greek

In Appleton, head to Apollon for a thoroughly Greek dinner. The kitchen turns out the greatest hits of the country’s cuisine, like spanakopita, dolmades and a handful of lamb entrees, including a flaming rack of lamb guaranteed to grab the whole dining room’s attention. Shawano is home to Downtown Gyros, Subs & More. Opt for chicken, shrimp or falafel gyro wraps in addition to the traditional red meat version or go for the “and More” part of the menu that includes salads and sandwiches.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Mexican

The region’s Mexican restaurants offer sunny, south-of-the-border vibes that are especially welcome on overcast days. La Carreta Mexican Restaurant in Manitowoc has a wide-ranging menu that includes a solid list of Mexican beers as well as tacos, burritos, quesadillas and fajitas. Of note are its traditional lengua (tongue) tacos as well as the molcajete (combo of sizzling chicken, steak, chorizo, carnitas and veggies served in volcanic rock). Mexico Grill & Bar in Waupaca opened its doors in late 2024, serving trendy birria tacos, mole enchiladas, chile rellenos and more in a vibrantly decorated dining room.

Southern Fare

Wisconsinites’ love for barbecue and Southern fare isn’t blunted by their location far north of the Deep South. In Montello, Smokin’ Oak BBQ serves hickory-smoked pork, brisket, chicken and Texas-style sausage. Brisket poutine and smoked maple-bourbon ice cream grace the menu, as well. Also in Appleton, check out The Cozzy Corner Southern Food for meat-and-three plates that come with a variety of protein (Cajun catfish, fried chicken and pulled pork, just to name a few) and sides (hush puppies, collard greens, fried okra and more).

Supper Clubs

No guide to Wisconsin cuisine would be complete without a handful of supper clubs. Traditionally destination restaurants located outside of town in a scenic area, supper clubs provide food, drinks and a party in equal amounts.

Schwarz’s Supper Club in New Holstein, The Wildflower Supper Club in Kewaunee and Maiden Lake Supper Club in Mountain all fit the traditional mold, open only for dinner and serving seafood and steak in abundance.

Ash’s Restaurant in Florence is a modernized take on the tradition, and it is known for its monthly wine dinners, which regularly sell out. And while the Moose Inn’s surf-and-turf-centric menu wouldn’t be out of place in a traditional supper club, the addition of lunch service at this Wautoma restaurant is a welcome expansion.