It’s not difficult to imagine if you’ve lived in Wisconsin for any amount of time, but it turns out a lot of our “best kept secret” restaurants are actually kitchens tucked away in an abundance of interesting bars. It seems every smaller city or town has a selection of quirky little pubs that are churning out some of the best food in their respective areas. From overseas fare to simple burgers, these under the radar restaurants in Wisconsin have it all and can’t wait to prepare you a plate of something delicious.
In no particular order, here are 13 of the most underrated Wisconsin restaurants to add to your dining bucket list.
- Village Bar - Madison
Yelp/Brad K.
Yelp/Millie M. The kitchen is almost so small as to be nonexistent but the food coming out of it is mouthwatering. This is definitely one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. Village Bar is located at 3801 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
- Green Dragon - Fond du Lac
Yelp/Jef T.
Yelp/Jef T. This little pub is hiding a menu of European style fare that’s simple but filling and delicious. Located at 156 Western Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Flying Hound - Fitchburg
Yelp/Flying Hound
Yelp/Kelly F. You might drive right by it with its strip mall-chic facade, but it’s worth making sure you find it. People rave about the fish fry and every food review seems to include a picture of the sweet potato fries. Located at 6317 McKee Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53719. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Cheeze Factory - Baraboo
Yelp/Jen P.
Yelp/ J F. In the middle of tons of drinks and fried food, Cheeze Factory is an oasis. The food is 100% vegan and non-GMO, but don’t let that fool you. Folks love to keep this place a secret as they can get delicious food without worrying about lifestyle or preferences. Cheeze Factory is located at 618 Oak St, Baraboo, WI 53913. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Pine Ridge - Stone Lake
Yelp/Pine Ridge
Yelp/Pine Ridge On Lake Sissabagama just 20 minutes south of Hayward, Pine Ridge is a log building from the 1920s that serves all the “up-north” fare you’d expect, as well as “supper club” rack of lamb, prime rib and scallops. You’ll find it at 16618W N Sissabagama Rd, Stone Lake, WI 54876. To learn more, visit their website here.
- McBob’s - Milwaukee
Yelp/George T.
Yelp/Jolie S. It’s no-frills and so nondescript that you’ve probably never noticed it before, but McBob’s is authentic. A long time sponsor, McBob’s is actively involved in the Milwaukee Irish community. People come for the reubens, but stay for the craic! Located at 4919 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208. Click here to learn more.
- Pioneer Pub - Wild Rose
Yelp/Pioneer Pub
Yelp/Deb T Not only is the food delicious, but the outdoor deck sits on Wild Rose pond and makes for the ideal dining spot. Located at 480 Main St, Wild Rose, WI 54984. Click here to learn more.
- Christiano’s - multiple locations
Yelp/Todd K.
Yelp/Matt M Locals love the friendly, family-owned restaurant vibe, but they say they keep coming back for the pizza. And with several locations scattered across Wisconsin, it’s never been easier to dig into some scrumptious eats. Click here to learn more.
- Freddy Valentine’s - Spring Green
Yelp/Dennis K
Yelp/Ted T Located in a converted bank, the architecture and setting are enough to set this place apart, but the food keeps people coming back. Watch the chef from the dining room and enjoy new twists on classic recipes. Freddy Valentine’s is located at 134 W Jefferson St, Spring Green, WI 53588. Click here to learn more.
- White Dog Black Cat Cafe - Green Bay
Yelp/Sticky E
Yelp/Kristin M Locals say the flat iron steak might be the best meal bargain in town. Other nightly specials keep costs down while the kitchen churns out flavorful and interesting plates every day. White Dog Black Cat Cafe is located at 201 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
- Bona Casa Foods - Cumberland
Yelp/John C.
Yelp/Megan S. This place is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so plan ahead. The food is authentic Italian like grandma used to make, but updated to include things like the raisin ravioli. Don’t pass up the garlic breadsticks. They’re so worth the need to run a few extra miles at the gym later. Bona Casa Foods is located at 754 21st Ave, Cumberland, WI 54829. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Three Brothers - Milwaukee
Yelp/John D.
Yelp/Peter C. Three Brothers is located in a historic 1897 building that was once used by Schlitz Brewery. Long ago, the only way to distribute beer was to open your own bar. This is one such building that now serves amazing, unique, comfortable and filling Serbian fare. Visit Three Brothers at 2414 S St Clair St, Milwaukee, WI 53207. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Launching Pad - Shawano
Yelp/Sara R.
Facebook/The Launching Pad From a fabulous fish fry to great seafood and burgers, the Launching Pad offers it all. Locals say you are always welcomed inside and treated like family. The homemade french fries keep people coming back. Launching Pad is located at 221 Airport Rd, Shawano, WI 54166. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
These are some of the most delicious under the radar restaurants in Wisconsin. Which one is your favorite? If you know another amazing hidden gem restaurant, nominate it for a chance to be featured!
Yelp/Brad K.
Yelp/Millie M.
The kitchen is almost so small as to be nonexistent but the food coming out of it is mouthwatering. This is definitely one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. Village Bar is located at 3801 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Yelp/Jef T.
This little pub is hiding a menu of European style fare that’s simple but filling and delicious. Located at 156 Western Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/Flying Hound
Yelp/Kelly F.
You might drive right by it with its strip mall-chic facade, but it’s worth making sure you find it. People rave about the fish fry and every food review seems to include a picture of the sweet potato fries. Located at 6317 McKee Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53719. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/Jen P.
Yelp/ J F.
In the middle of tons of drinks and fried food, Cheeze Factory is an oasis. The food is 100% vegan and non-GMO, but don’t let that fool you. Folks love to keep this place a secret as they can get delicious food without worrying about lifestyle or preferences. Cheeze Factory is located at 618 Oak St, Baraboo, WI 53913. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/Pine Ridge
On Lake Sissabagama just 20 minutes south of Hayward, Pine Ridge is a log building from the 1920s that serves all the “up-north” fare you’d expect, as well as “supper club” rack of lamb, prime rib and scallops. You’ll find it at 16618W N Sissabagama Rd, Stone Lake, WI 54876. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/George T.
Yelp/Jolie S.
It’s no-frills and so nondescript that you’ve probably never noticed it before, but McBob’s is authentic. A long time sponsor, McBob’s is actively involved in the Milwaukee Irish community. People come for the reubens, but stay for the craic! Located at 4919 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208. Click here to learn more.
Yelp/Pioneer Pub
Yelp/Deb T
Not only is the food delicious, but the outdoor deck sits on Wild Rose pond and makes for the ideal dining spot. Located at 480 Main St, Wild Rose, WI 54984. Click here to learn more.
Yelp/Todd K.
Yelp/Matt M
Locals love the friendly, family-owned restaurant vibe, but they say they keep coming back for the pizza. And with several locations scattered across Wisconsin, it’s never been easier to dig into some scrumptious eats. Click here to learn more.
Yelp/Dennis K
Yelp/Ted T
Located in a converted bank, the architecture and setting are enough to set this place apart, but the food keeps people coming back. Watch the chef from the dining room and enjoy new twists on classic recipes. Freddy Valentine’s is located at 134 W Jefferson St, Spring Green, WI 53588. Click here to learn more.
Yelp/Sticky E
Yelp/Kristin M
Locals say the flat iron steak might be the best meal bargain in town. Other nightly specials keep costs down while the kitchen churns out flavorful and interesting plates every day. White Dog Black Cat Cafe is located at 201 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Yelp/John C.
Yelp/Megan S.
This place is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so plan ahead. The food is authentic Italian like grandma used to make, but updated to include things like the raisin ravioli. Don’t pass up the garlic breadsticks. They’re so worth the need to run a few extra miles at the gym later. Bona Casa Foods is located at 754 21st Ave, Cumberland, WI 54829. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/John D.
Yelp/Peter C.
Three Brothers is located in a historic 1897 building that was once used by Schlitz Brewery. Long ago, the only way to distribute beer was to open your own bar. This is one such building that now serves amazing, unique, comfortable and filling Serbian fare. Visit Three Brothers at 2414 S St Clair St, Milwaukee, WI 53207. To learn more, visit their website here.
Yelp/Sara R.
Facebook/The Launching Pad
From a fabulous fish fry to great seafood and burgers, the Launching Pad offers it all. Locals say you are always welcomed inside and treated like family. The homemade french fries keep people coming back. Launching Pad is located at 221 Airport Rd, Shawano, WI 54166. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Looking for more little known restaurants in Wisconsin? Check out these scrumptious, but often overlooked, restaurants in America’s Dairyland.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 3801 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705, USAAddress: 156 Western Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935, USAAddress: 6317 McKee Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53719, USAAddress: 618 Oak St, Baraboo, WI 53913, USAAddress: W Sissabagama Rd, Wisconsin, USAAddress: 4919 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208, USAAddress: 480 Main St, Wild Rose, WI 54984, USAAddress: 200 W Main St, Wautoma, WI 54982, USAAddress: 1964 S Koeller St, Oshkosh, WI 54902, USAAddress: 134 W Jefferson St, Spring Green, WI 53588, USAAddress: 201 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303, USAAddress: 754 21st Ave, Cumberland, WI 54829, USAAddress: 2414 S St Clair St, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USAAddress: 221 Airport Rd, Shawano, WI 54166, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
under the radar restaurants in Wisconsin June 15, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin? Sometimes, the most amazing eateries aren’t the most famous. If you want to get off the beaten path, check out our list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. From authentic Indian cuisine to delectable comfort food, this list has it all. What are the most famous restaurants in Wisconsin? Wisconsin may be known as America’s Dairyland, but that’s not all we have to offer. In fact, some of our most famous restaurants don’t specialize in cheese at all. If you need some dining inspiration, check out our list of the most famous restaurants in Wisconsin. Each and every eatery is known for serving mouthwatering meals. What kind of food is Wisconsin known for? From fried fish to tasty bratwurst, there’s a number of magnificent eats Wisconsinites can’t get enough of. Check out our list of the 15 foods every Wisconsin local loves.
The OIYS Visitor Center
under the radar restaurants in Wisconsin
June 15, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin? Sometimes, the most amazing eateries aren’t the most famous. If you want to get off the beaten path, check out our list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. From authentic Indian cuisine to delectable comfort food, this list has it all. What are the most famous restaurants in Wisconsin? Wisconsin may be known as America’s Dairyland, but that’s not all we have to offer. In fact, some of our most famous restaurants don’t specialize in cheese at all. If you need some dining inspiration, check out our list of the most famous restaurants in Wisconsin. Each and every eatery is known for serving mouthwatering meals. What kind of food is Wisconsin known for? From fried fish to tasty bratwurst, there’s a number of magnificent eats Wisconsinites can’t get enough of. Check out our list of the 15 foods every Wisconsin local loves.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Sometimes, the most amazing eateries aren’t the most famous. If you want to get off the beaten path, check out our list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. From authentic Indian cuisine to delectable comfort food, this list has it all.
What are the most famous restaurants in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin may be known as America’s Dairyland, but that’s not all we have to offer. In fact, some of our most famous restaurants don’t specialize in cheese at all. If you need some dining inspiration, check out our list of the most famous restaurants in Wisconsin. Each and every eatery is known for serving mouthwatering meals.
What kind of food is Wisconsin known for?
From fried fish to tasty bratwurst, there’s a number of magnificent eats Wisconsinites can’t get enough of. Check out our list of the 15 foods every Wisconsin local loves.
