Winona’s hometown bakery since 1924 featuring original recipes. Famous for doughnuts, rolls, breads. Try the maple long john, with or without bacon! Step inside and step back in time to handmade goodness.

http://www.bloedows.com/

Lovechild Restaurant in La Crosse is a 100-seat restaurant and bar offering uncomplicated food with intriguing ingredients and big flavors – locally sourced and seasonally driven. Lovechild is a modern mashup of influences and passions. It’a mix of accumulated wisdom, global forays and a very specific set of gifts and values.

http://lovechildrestaurant.com/

The Root Note provides locally sourced, organic options to the La Crosse area. Known for their coffee, crepes, and entertainment stage, The Root Note offers a unique menu and atmosphere.

https://therootnotewi.com/

Grace Meat + Three is a new restaurant in St.Louis. My wife and I decided to check it out and we’ll definitely be back. Loved the food, great pulled pork and they offer good deals/specials during the week. The staff was really friendly and the owner even checked in to see how the meal was.

Best. Ribs. In. The. World

The Crow is an American Gastropub And Bourbon Bar. Voted 2015’s Best New Restaurant in La Crosse, they earn their reputation through their commitment to excellent food, rare and unique spirits, quality craft beer and good ol’ Wisconsin hospitality.

Located downtown La Crosse, the restaurant features over a dozen different specialty and gourmet burgers that are made fresh to order, and the area’s largest bourbon selection and specialty bourbon cocktails. They have a large and rotating craft beer selection with some of Wisconsin’s finest.

www.theoldcrow.com

An authentic 1930s soda fountain and confectionery, The Pearl offers great homemade ice cream, sweets, and a full coffee bar. The fresh waffle cones are a must! Over 20 flavors of ice cream are available, so there’s something for everyone! I would definitely recommend the Snappin’ Turtle!

1/3 lb beef patty with bacon, deep fried onion straws, A-1 sauce and 4 pepper mayo with your choice of cheese served on a toasted brioche or pretzel bun.
It’s been nominated for 2018’s best burger in WI.

Pan-fried walleye is a favorite on the menu of the Hillside Fish House in Marshland WI, located on the Wisconsin Great River Road.

Built in 1855 and rebuilt in 1900, the Marshland House Railroad Junction Hotel owned by the Herek family traded goods with the local Winnebago tribe for walleye and other game. Today they still serve fresh walleye!

With only three owners in its history, the Hillside Fish House focuses on seafood but also offers steak and pasta. This Wisconsin supper club provides the obligatory relish tray, great cheese bread and Old-Fashion cocktails. Reservations are encouraged.

“La Crosse’s must visit.”

The Freight House Restaurant is La Crosse’s premier steak and seafood restaurant, known for it’s fabulous staff, great food, and beautiful atmosphere! They offer live entertainment Friday through Saturday and three private banquet rooms.

http://www.freighthouserestaurant.com/

The Sample Room is a super cool eatery in historic Minneapolis. It’s perfect place to get a taste of locally produced food in the form of delicious, new-American cuisine while enjoying the ambience of the old brick building. The menu offers familiar dishes with a modern twist and a dash of local flavor. Order anything on the menu – you really can’t go wrong!

Piggy’s Restaurant and Blues Lounge is nationally famous for BBQ baby back ribs, the America’s Cut Pork Chop, hickory-smoked prime rib and exclusively cut and aged USDA Prime steaks. A hardwood smoker on property is always stoked with hickory and Minnesota applewood from the surrounding hills and bluffs. Prime Rib, Pork Back Ribs, Pork Chops, Swordfish and Chicken are a few of the menu entrees that are smoked to perfection. Recently, Piggy’s was recognized by Wine Spectator magazine for its extensive wine cellar. It is a must!

http://www.piggys.com/

In the Midwest, we fully take advantage of our summer season because sometimes the winters can just feel long. Come and relax at Suncrest Gardens Farm in Yeager Valley and experience their farm while enjoying Pizza On The Farm on Friday and Saturday evenings.

During the summer, Suncrest Gardens regularly hosts pizza nights on the farm. Live music is scheduled to play several Friday evenings, weather permitting, in their outdoor setting.

The casual on-farm dining experience offers a menu featuring wood-fired pizzas (the crowd favorite) and other seasonal creations such as farm burgers, gyros, grilled kabobs, and featured vegetarian dishes. Choose from a variety of appetizers, side dishes, and desserts to satisfy your appetite during your evening at the farm.

A majority of ingredients come from their farm fields. Naturally raised vegetables, meats, and fruits are staples of their on-farm restaurant. The farmers that sow the seeds and tend the animals utilize the harvest to inspire the menu and prepare simple, wholesome food.

Visit with friends, check out the farm animals, simply slow down and enjoy life at a slower pace. The farm is a family friendly place where kids can explore the playground, spill some food, and run around while out to eat. Play a yard game, enjoy some live music, and experience the splendor of eating out on the farm.

Brooklyn Park, MN, just north of the Twin Cities, is known for being a cultural hub for delicious food you typically wouldn’t find in area. Lemongrass Thai is just a mile from the river. Randomly in a strip mall but food is amazing!

Best BLT in the country…
A unique dining experience. A wide range menu of
American food. A great produce stand and a freezer full of fruit smoothies (select one and its blended for you). It should be a stop on your trip along the Mississippi River and Great River Road or when your in the Vicksburg, MS area.

Web site: thetomatoplace.com

3229 Hwy 61 South, Vicksburg, MS 30180

Pickerman’s Soups & Sandwiches is located in downtown La Crosse. Their signature bread is baked fresh every day from a secret family recipe. They use the finest meats, savory cheeses and fresh, crunchy vegetables to create their sandwiches. They also have a wide selection of delicious soups. Offering gourmet soups, unique salads and oven-fresh cookies, its the superior taste found only at Pickerman’s. Beer and wine also available.

http://www.lacrossepickermans.com

Have mercy! The perfect ending to a loooong Monday, meeting day, no less. Acapulco offers a bevy of authentic Mexican cuisine. Their salsa packs a punch and pairs perfectly with their Margarita menu. I had a chalupa but ate it before I thought to take a photo. Mmmmm! Satisfaction!

www.facebook.com/AcapulcoPDC/

When USA Today says it’s legendary and a gourmet magazine said its one of the best things they ate… it might be worth a visit. But its more than the pie.. the awesome lunch menu is stellar… so much made from scratch and local here its all kinda like grandma made it kinda stuff. The whole experience is like stepping back into grandma’s house. Comfort, real and handmade. Then there is the General Store! Adorable and packed with fun, chocolate and nostalgia. A major don’t-miss in charming Stockholm.

Chef Kate Gerrard and her culinary team bring the classic taste of Italy to the heart of historic downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. Start with a fantastic selection of antipasto and salads, then finish with one of our classic entrées or unique pizzas. Choose from Kate’s crafted pizza menu or create your own from a variety of our freshest ingredients. The pizza is delicious and gluten free pizza crust (and gluten free beer!) is available. Kate’s Pizza Amore features a wide selection of beer, wine and spirits. Kate’s Pizza Amore is the perfect place for happy hour, a date, or that special dinner!

Touristy but worth it!! Waited for 40 minutes in the rain for beignets and coffee. 10/10 would do it again.

Shogun is an authentic Japanese steakhouse in Onalaska, WI! Open for brunch on weekends, and always offering great selections including sushi, sashimi, and hibachi menus!

The Mint in La Crosse is a neighborhood craft bar & eatery providing locally sourced, consciously prepared food & craft cocktails. They use the bounty of their backyard paired with multicultural culinary expertise to provide customers with a consistent rotation of delectable dishes.

https://themintwi.com/

This restaurant has been a favorite forever!
Whenever our families come from the Twin Cities it’s the first place we have to go.
Tony (the owner) is so fortunate that we have put his family through college with all of our visits!!!

https://sammyspizzagrandrapids.com/

What better way to enjoy the lunch hour than a delicious meal over the Mississippi River in Princeton, IA. The Go Fish Marina and Bar has knockout fish tacos, but today I tried the Southwest Burger and battered fries. It was a winner!!!

www.gofishmarinabarandgrill.com/

Delicious sandwiches! Dine in or take it to go for the picnic or the river. Fresh made bread, Iowa Ham, Iowa Turkey, Swiss, Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato between rye and Katie’s basil aioli.

www.itsbythespoonful.com

Fayze’s is a local tradition!

Located right in the heart of historic downtown La Crosse, Fayze’s has created a tradition of mouthwatering recipes and flavors to suit any style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Fayze’s Restaurant and Bakery. Experience the comfortable, casual atmosphere while catching up with friends or dining with family. Order your favorite cocktails from the full service bar.

Before you leave, check out homemade bakery treats and a variety of sourdough breads, along with their signature Talame buns!

http://www.fayzes.com/

Bodega Brew Pub was named the Best Bar in La Crosse County in 2018 and also won awards for its expansive bottled beer and tap selection. With 400 bottled beers and 20 taps, Bodega is a place to visit again and again!

https://bodegabrewpublax.com/

The Charmant Hotel marks the transformation of an 1898-built Candy Factory into a culturally relevant and locally inspired hub of activity for visitors and locals alike. The property is the first independent luxury hotel in the area, and includes a restaurant with ample outdoor seating, a lounge, and a rooftop bar.

Enjoy coffee in The Parlour, handmade chocolate from the Sweets Bar, and rustic French cuisine in the restaurant!

“JP” (Jimmy) and Kim Stewart opened this restaurant up in 2017 after years of offering catering. Some of the best BBQ in The Mississippi valley. Located on the Great River Road between Montrose, IA and Keokuk, IA.

www.facebook.com/fatjimmyscateringandsmokehouse/

Broasted chicken is a local Wisconsin favorite. Broasting is a method of cooking chicken using a pressure fryer. The technique was invented in the early 1950s by L. A. M. Phelan of Beloit, Wisconsin.

This chicken is delicious! It tastes like fried chicken, but there is no grease and it’s so tender and juicy! Broasted chicken is made using special equipment that combines deep-fat frying and pressure cooking. The chicken is marinated, covered with a special coating and cooked in the broaster. Deep-fat frying produces a crispy coating on the chicken, while the high pressure holds in the moisture and juices without allowing the fat to penetrate.

The Alma Hotel, Restaurant & Bar in Alma WI serves broasted chicken as part of their evening menu and on special every Thursday. The Waumandee House in Waumandee WI serves all-you-care-to-eat broasted chicken buffet with the fixings on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month. Including sweet corn when it’s in season.

The Crane & Pelican Cafe is so unique. It’s located in an old house right on the river and offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. If you have the chance to check it out, make sure you have a camera ready because you’ll want to get some pictures of this beautiful location!!

GREAT FOOD! Vino Over The Valley is an al fresco Italian eatery offering great appetizers, huge salads, gourmet pizzas and pasta. The local hickory smoked trout plate was delicious! Pasta dishes are fabulous with homemade marinara sauce. Check out their Sunday Buffet featuring several of their menu entrées, salads, fresh seasonal veggies and the Chef’s Special of the day!

GREAT VIEW! Located on Wisconsin State Highway 95 between Fountain City and Arcadia, the main attractions are the backroad drive and the view overlooking Doelle Valley when you arrive. From the Ridge there’s a breathtaking view of the peaks and valleys of what is arguably one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Wisconsin, Buffalo County, in the heart of the Driftless Area.

GREAT WINE! Of course a glass of wine is in order to go along with the Great Food and the Great View. The extensive wine list ranges from local/private label to American to International.

GREAT VIEW! Located on Wisconsin State Highway 95 between Fountain City and Arcadia, the main attraction is the view overlooking Doelle Valley. From the Ridge there’s a breathtaking view of the peaks and valleys of what is arguably one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Wisconsin, Buffalo County, in the heart of the Driftless Area.

OPEN Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, as well as Sunday afternoons, May through September. Weather permitting there will be additional weekends in October. Enjoy live music by local musicians on some weekends.

Go Fish Marina and Restaurant is PERFECT for enjoying a meal with the Mighty Mississippi alongside your table in the sweet small town of Princeton!

www.gofishmarinabarandgrill.com/

This place would be Sammy’s Pizza and Restaurant. They treat you like family and will strive to make your food to your specifications.

https://sammyspizzagrandrapids.com/

Nestled on the shores of picturesque Lake Onalaska, the Red Pines Bar & Grill is a destination location. A casual restaurant delivering high quality pub fare, they are known for a cozy, rustic atmosphere, hand-prepared walleye, lake perch, in-house smoked ribs, half-pound burgers and brisket as well as delicious homemade pizzas, soups, sides, dressings and sauces. People come from far and wide for the Shrimp & Fish Fry on Friday nights. They provide the perfect atmosphere for a delicious meal with a full menu, daily specials and fully stocked bar that includes a wide selection of craft beers.

Come for live music on Saturday nights and enjoy two-for-one Bloody Marys and breakfast options every Saturday and Sunday 11-2. They have a beautiful view with outdoor patio seating available during the warmer months of the year as well as a sand volleyball court and a giant block game enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

http://www.redpinesbarandgrill.com/

The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern offers supreme product and hospitality, they have become a favorite of locals and a travel destination all in the same. Their menus highlight seasonal American cuisine that includes USDA Prime beef and fresh day-boat seafood. With a focus on the freshest foods of each season, their culinary team allows the ingredients to speak for themselves. Every detail is appreciated in everything they do – enjoy the results of hard work and high standards.

The Tavern enjoys live entertainment weekly with a historic, prohibition era, antique bar. Features a tavern-only menu of appetizers and light fare.

Enjoy the patio on the banks of the Mississippi River, whether meeting friends for a drink, or for a full meal experience. The Patio is La Crosse’s best riverfront hot spot.

www.thewaterfrontlacrosse.com