A Foodie's Guide to Eau Claire
Typically when one thinks of food in Wisconsin, cheese and beer come to the top of mind. In Eau Claire, you can get just that on your plate plus a whole lot more. We strongly value our state's long-standing agricultural economy and in Eau Claire, it is made known with the farm-to-table food many of our restaurants serve and the unmatchable hospitality you get as soon as you step through their door. Embark on your journey to try all of Eau Claire's tastiest eats with this itinerary that serves as a Foodie's Guide to Eau Claire.
Photo: Chick-A-Dee's
Places to Get Breakfast in Eau Claire
The Nucleus
The Nucleus is consistently raved about by both locals and visitors coming from out of town. Enjoy classic breakfast favorites here along with vegetarian and vegan options included on their extensive menu. Read "5 Tips for Dining at The Nucleus" to help plan your visit.
Grand Avenue Cafe
If you want to feel like you're dining at grandma or grandpa's, grab breakfast at Grand Avenue Cafe. This charming little cafe is sure to win you over with its fluffy pancakes, hot coffee, and quaint atmosphere.
The French Press
The French Press is a top choice for breakfast in Eau Claire if you appreciate variety. Their menu offers a wide variety of breakfast options and their pastry case is always filled with a wide array of seasonal treats.
Randy's Family Restaurant
Sometimes cravings for breakfast foods come in the later part of the day. If that happens, make it over to Randy's Family Restaurant for their all-day breakfast. You'll feel right at home as soon as you're seated.
29 Pines
29 Pines Family Restaurant & Lodge Bar is located at the Sleep Inn Suites & Conference Center right off Highway 29, but it's open to all visitors, not solely hotel guests. Plan a visit on a Sunday when they have their breakfast buffet available.
Chick-A-Dee's
For a breakfast with old-time, diner vibes, grab breakfast at Chick-A-Dee's. This nostalgic little nook slings up some serious omelets, pancakes, bacon, and other breakfast favorites.
Altoona Family Restaurant
When you need a place that will make sure your coffee cup is always full and that you walk out with a meal that will fuel the rest of your day, give Altoona Family Restaurant a try.
Photo: Mogie's Pub
Places to Get Lunch in Eau Claire
44 North
44 North in River Prairie is known for their modern twist on classic comfort foods and drink flights. Grab everything from a big, juicy burger to a creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese or a flight of margaritas. On the first floor of the restaurant, you'll also find a large arcade where all ages are welcome to play!
Northern Tap House
Northern Tap House is the type of place where you can't go wrong ordering anything off their menu. If you need a tip for where to start, the locals rave about their wings and cheese curds. They also have an impressive variety of craft beers on tap.
Thai Orchid
Dine in or carry out for your next lunch with Thai Orchid. This downtown Eau Claire restaurant serves up, fresh, authentic Thai cuisine and their motto is "Thai it; you'll like it!".
Valley Burger Company
Looking for quite possibly one of the best burgers you'll ever have? Valley Burger Company in Eau Claire will serve you just that. Their 5-star menu also includes a variety of beers, wines, ciders, craft cocktails and mocktails.
Court'n House
There is more than one place to get a good burger in Eau Claire; Court'n House is one of them. This charming little bar knows exactly what they're doing when it comes to cooking up Wisconsin classics like burgers, fish fries, and Bloody Marys.
Amber Inn
Welcome to Amber Inn - the oldest bar in Eau Claire! This building was built in 1881 as a place for Walter's Brewery to sell its beer and is one of the few historical buildings in the area that has remained a bar ever since. This cozy little nook is laid laid-back bar to come grab a good bite and have a cold one with some good company. Insider tip: their Peanut Butter and Bacon Burger claims a spot on Eau Claire's "10 Iconic Eats" list so consider giving it a shot!
Mogie's Pub
Mogie's Pub is the perfect spot to unwind over dinner with friends or grab a beer while catching a sports game. Experience its friendly atmosphere and delicious pub fare the next time you're looking for a place to get lunch in Eau Claire!
Reboot Social
Dine AND play at Reboot Social, located in downtown Eau Claire! This restaurant features an incredibly unique food and drink menu along with 4 duckpin bowling lanes, 30 vintage arcade games, 15 pinball machines, darts, billiards and much more!
Madden
Madden's authentic ramen is a true delight for the taste buds. Find different ramen offerings on Madden's menu along with more international fare like poké and boba teas.
The District
The District's phenomenal menu and premiere downtown location make this restaurant quite the hot spot when comes to places to eat in Eau Claire. Find hard-to-beat weekday specials and a long list of tap beers that will leave you wanting to come back again.
River Inn
6 words - all-you-can-eat chicken wings! These are not your run-of-the-mill chicken wings either. First off, they're giant. And secondly, these broasted chicken wings might be some of the best you've ever had! Pop into River Inn in the Town of Wheaton for your next lunch.
Ray's Place
Get a taste of one of Eau Claire's most iconic eats - a Ray's Place hot beef sandwich. Locals and frequent bargoers here swear by them. Don't expect anything fancy, but remember that sometimes the simplest things in life bring us the most joy.
Egg Roll Plus
Need something quick and on the go? Try Egg Roll Plus. This restaurant is carryout only, but every single one of their appetizers and dishes makes for the perfect picnic food.
Photo: Draganetti's Ristorante
Places to Get Dinner in Eau Claire
Mona Lisa's
For contemporary Italian and Mediterranean food, fine dine at Mona Lisa's! Find delicious pasta, seafood, steak, pizza and much more on their menu.
The Informalist
Located inside of the The Lismore Hotel is The Informalist. Their menu consists of a wide variety of plates including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Grab a delicious brunch on the weekend or plan a night out for dinner here followed by cocktails at The Dive, also located at the Lismore Hotel.
Foster's Fireside
Foster's Fireside near Osseo, WI is one of the best places in the area to get a wood-fired pizza! Along with several of their other menu items, their pizza is made from scratch, so you know they're made with a whole lot of love! This cozy spot is totally worth the short drive south of Eau Claire.
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
Steaks take center stage at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse. It's the go-to spot for celebrating special occasions, wining and dining business clients or just grabbing dinner after checking into your hotel in Eau Claire. Johnny's is located at the Holiday Inn South hotel and welcomes both hotel guests and non-hotel guests to stop in for a fine dining experience.
Together Farms
Together Farms serves a dinner like none other. This farm in Mondovi, WI is known for their burger nights. Instead of eating dinner within 4 walls, you're dining right out on the farm with dogs and little piglets roaming around your feet. Plus, their sustainably raised cows make burgers that are to die for.
Ninja
Plan a dinner at Ninja in downtown Eau Claire the next time you're craving Chinese or Japanese food. Their menu includes a wide array of Asian dishes along with an extensive sushi bar.
The Good Wives
Good Wives likes to say their restaurant is "classic, interesting and creative but not trendy." This restaurant keeps things fresh and interesting as they like to change their menu up with the seasons. Despite all the changes, the one thing that always stays the same is the customers' rave reviews.
Tacos Juanita
When you're craving Mexican cuisine, have dinner at Tacos Juanitas in River Prairie! This family-owned restaurant will have you finding room for that one extra taco or burrito in your stomach no matter how full you think you might be.
Tokyo
At Tokyo, your authentic Japanese fare is prepared right in front of your eyes at your table. Make your next dinner in Eau Claire one filled with tons of international flare!
Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub
Consider Houligans one of the best supper club dining experiences you can get in Eau Claire. Their menu includes premium-cut steaks and some of the freshest seafood you can find in the area. Don't forget to order a classic Wisconsin Old-Fashioned while you're here!
Photo: Ramone's Ice Cream Parlor
Places to Get Dessert in Eau Claire
Nostalgic Bean
Transport yourself to a cute little cafe in Paris, France by visiting the Nostalgic Bean in Altoona, WI! Nostalgic Bean specializes in fresh-roasted coffee and made-from-scratch, authentic baked goods. Indulge in one of their chocolate croissants or lavender vanilla shortbreads - that doesn't even scratch the surface of the plethora of sweet treats they produce here!
Norske Nook
When you need pie, head over to the infamous Norske Nook in Osseo, WI! This sweet little Scandinavian restaurant has won a pile of awards for its scrumptious pies. Their pie flavors change with the seasons, so come year-round for your favorite flavors like rhubarb, pumpkin, or pecan!
Olson's Ice Cream
Olson's has been dominating hand-made ice cream in the Chippewa Valley since 1944. Visit their downtown Eau Claire location when you need something cold to cool off or just when you're craving a sweet treat!
La Michoacana
The possibilities for desserts at La Michoacana are endless! They offer over 100 cold treats like ice cream, popsicles, mangonadas, frescas, and so much more!
Xavier Artisan
Xavier Artisan is one of the few places in the Eau Claire area where you can get gelato! Find this cute little restaurant inside of the River Prairie Wellness Center.
Ice Cream and Bakery Shop
When you're on the lookout for Mexican baked goods like conchas, churros, rosca and more, pay a visit to The Ice Cream and Bakery Shop on Birch St.! This sweet little store also has ice cream and more to cure your sweet tooth.
Ramone's Ice Cream Parlor
This little old-fashioned ice cream parlor always has kids and families screaming for ice cream. Ramone's is the perfect pit stop when you're out and about exploring downtown Eau Claire on a hot summer day!