If there’s one thing that shines as brightly as the glittering snow in Wausau, Wisconsin, it’s the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Nestled in the heart of Marathon County, Wausau offers a diverse array of dining options that will allure any food lover. From the aroma of sizzling bratwurst wafting from lively beer gardens to the exotic fragrances of international cuisines at local ethnic spots, the city’s restaurants are as varied as the people who call it home. As a Food Blogger, I’ve been lucky to bite my way through Wausau, and I’m thrilled to guide you on this gastronomic journey through this surprising Midwest culinary gem.
Whether you’re a fervent foodie seeking the perfect gourmet experience, a hungry traveler on the hunt for a hearty American meal, or someone with a sweet tooth looking for a homemade dessert to delight in, Wausau does not disappoint. The city is a melting pot where traditional meets modern, where local farm products turn into innovative dishes at the hands of skilled chefs. So, put on your explorer’s hat (and your stretchy pants) and let’s dig in!
Embarking on a tasty exploration of Wausau is like opening a delicious present that keeps on giving. Every restaurant, every dish, every bite is a testament to the city’s deep-rooted love for food, and an invitation to a culinary adventure you won’t forget. So, hold on to your forks, ladies and gentlemen. The Wausau food tour is about to begin!
Most Popular Restaurants in Wausau
Experience a culinary treat like no other as you journey through some of the top eateries in Wausau, Wisconsin. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual diner, there’s something for everyone in this quaint Midwestern city.
Let’s begin our food adventure with The Thirsty Fisherman. Located at 2201 Sherman St, Wausau, WI 54401, this seafood gem has an array of mouthwatering dishes sure to satiate a seafood lover’s cravings. The fish and chips are a must-try, with flaky fish encased in a golden, crispy crust. Their clam chowder steals the show too, a creamy concoction brimming with tender clams and vibrant vegetables.
Next on the list is the charming Back When Cafe. Situated at 606 3rd St, Wausau, WI 54403, this historic venue offers an intimate dining experience. Their revolving menu features upscale spins on classic American comfort food, like their succulent braised short ribs or the beautifully seasoned grilled salmon.
Craving for some Italian fare? Head over to Fazoli’s. This restaurant at 3815 Rib Mountain Dr, Wausau, WI 54401, is known for its fast-casual Italian offerings. From spaghetti to lasagna, and don’t forget their signature garlic breadsticks, it’s a little slice of Italy right here in Wisconsin.
For a more exotic twist, try Chang Garden. Located at 102 Jefferson St, Wausau, WI 54403, it is a sanctuary of Asian cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a steaming bowl of Pho, tantalizing sushi, or a hearty plate of fried rice, you’re sure to be enchanted by the quality and authenticity of their dishes.
If you’re in the mood for a cheesy indulgence, look no further than Pizza Hut. Situated at 304 S 17th Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, this renowned pizza chain offers not just pizzas, but also pastas, wings, and desserts. Don’t miss their signature stuffed crust pizza – a delight that boasts a perfectly baked crust stuffed with melty cheese.
These are just a few of Wausau’s culinary highlights, offering a gastronomic adventure that spans the globe. Good company, delicious food, and the charm of Wausau make each dining experience memorable. We invite you to explore these eateries and more, as you discover the vibrant food scene of Wausau, WI.
Most Unique Restaurants in Wausau
Being the largest city in North Central Wisconsin, Wausau is a rich culinary hotspot. Its local restaurants offer a plethora of unique delicacies and adventures that every foodie should experience. Besides the tantalizing tastes, these establishments impress with their creativity and cultural diversities. Let’s dig into some of the most unique restaurants in Wausau, Wisconsin!
Red Eye Brewing Company
612 Washington Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Artistically designed with a modern industrial vibe, Red Eye Brewing Company is a craft beer gem in Wausau. This unique restaurant serves delicious, locally sourced food with an emphasis on organic and sustainable ingredients. The menu changes with the season, ensuring fresh and quality dishes all year round. Their ‘Pulled Pork Pizza’ and ‘Walleye Tacos’ are a must-try. The sparkling craft beers that are brewed onsite enhance the dining experience, providing a zest that leaves every customer yearning for more.
Back When Café
606 3rd Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Located in Wausau’s historic downtown district, Back When Café is an upmarket restaurant that offers a vintage dining experience. Housed in a charming 19th-century building, the café serves exceptional home-style dishes with a modern twist. They have a reputation for their delectable desserts and hearty breakfasts. The menu includes traditional favorites like ‘Grilled Rib Eye Steak’ and innovative dishes like ‘Blackberry Balsamic Chicken’. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch meeting, Back When Café offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Thrive Foodery
2105 N 2nd Street, Wausau, WI 54403
One look at Thrive Foodery and you know you’re in for a treat. This vibrant and trendy restaurant is renowned for its innovative menu which prominently features locally-sourced fresh ingredients. Combining American-style cuisine with contemporary culinary techniques, Thrive Foodery offers intriguing meals like ‘Smoked Brisket Poutine’ and ‘Crab Rangoon Flatbread’. Accompanied by their handcrafted signature cocktails and a range of craft beers, the dining experience is indeed memorable.
City Grill
203 Jefferson Street, Wausau, WI 54403
City Grill, an eatery tucked away in the heart of Wausau, is an upscale bistro that features an eclectic menu. Walking in, you’re greeted by stylish modern décor, an enchanting outdoor patio, and soothing jazz music that sets a relaxing ambiance. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes from ‘Seafood Paella’ to ‘Roast Duck’. City Grill’s extensive wine selection from around the globe adds to the restaurant’s exquisite culinary scene. This place is a haven for wine lovers and food aficionados alike!
These are just a few examples of the unique and diverse dining options available in Wausau. Each of these restaurants offers a distinctive flavor and dining experience that makes Wausau a food adventurer’s delight.
Best Casual Restaurants in Wausau
If you’re craving a mouthwatering brunch or lunch, look no further than The Main Grain Bakery. Located at 1009 1st St, Stevens Point, WI 54481, it’s renowned for its artisan sourdough bread made from locally-sourced grains. But bread’s not their only specialty. Try their indulgent pastries, scrumptious sandwiches, and decadently delicious cookies. Their menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try, making each visit unique and refreshing.
Moving on to dinner, a must-visit restaurant in Wausau is The Back When Cafe, nestled in the heart of downtown at 606 3rd St, Wausau, WI 54403. This established local favorite offers an intimate and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for date nights or catching up with old friends. Their menu is a fusion of traditional and innovative dishes, ranging from Lobster Bisque to Duck Confit. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, their curated list won’t disappoint, with classics like the Old Fashioned and fun concoctions like the Honey Pear Margarita.
For those who are fans of Asian cuisine, Sawadee Thai Restaurant at 2018 County Rd, Schofield, WI 54476, is the place to go. With a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes, you can find classics like Pad Thai and Green Curry, along with less familiar dishes that are equally delightful. The ambiance is relaxed and the staff are always welcoming, making it a great place for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Last but certainly not least, pizza lovers should make a beeline for Red Eye Brewing Company, situated at 612 Washington St, Wausau, WI 54403. Not only do they serve some of the best pizzas in town, crafted with locally-sourced ingredients and a tremendous amount of care, but they also offer an impressive selection of craft beers, brewed in-house. For meat lovers, the Slaughterhouse Five pizza is a must-try, and vegetarians will delight in the Beyond The Garden pizza.
Best Family Restaurants in Wausau
When you’re thinking about the best family restaurants in Wausau, Back When Cafe certainly stands out. This delightful eatery is situated at 606 3rd Street, Wausau and has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1990. The Back When Cafe offers a warm, casual dining experience in a beautifully restored historic building, with a well-crafted menu that’s perfect for diners of all ages.
Featuring a combination of classic Midwestern fare and innovative specials, the menu provides something for everyone in the family. Their flavorful chicken cordon bleu is always a hit with the kids, while parents often rave about the seafood linguini and the restaurant’s signature ‘Back When’ burger. Vegetarian options are also available, ensuring everyone is catered to.
Another star of the Wausau dining scene is The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. located at 2305 Sherman Street. Offering an impressive selection of house-brewed beers alongside a mouth-watering family-friendly menu, The Great Dane presents a unique dining experience.
The wide range of food options at The Great Dane includes traditional pub fare like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, along with American classics like steaks, burgers, and pizza. The restaurant also has an extensive kid’s menu, making it a perfect choice for a family meal. Along with great food and drinks, The Great Dane also offers an inviting atmosphere complete with a game room, making it a fun, relaxed, and enjoyable place for families to dine.
If you’re in the mood for some really good pizza, Red Eye Brewing Company at 612 Washington Street should be your go-to. An innovative restaurant and brewery, Red Eye prides itself on using local, organic ingredients to serve up artisan pizzas and other comfort foods. Their unique topping combinations are sure to delight the taste buds of the young and old alike.
Among the more popular options are the haymarket pizza – a divine mix of sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and mozzarella. Their veggie pizza loaded with spinach, tomatoes, peppers, and onions is a favorite among the vegetarian crowd. In addition, Red Eye offers a rotating selection of craft beers, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts as well.
All these restaurants offer high chairs, children’s menus, and a welcoming ambiance for families, making them some of the best family restaurants in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Best Takeout Food in Wausau
Hardly any culinary trail in Wausau, Wisconsin would be complete without a stop at the legendary Red Eye Brewing Company. Located at 612 Washington Street, this restaurant ensures you remain in the comfort of your home while enjoying a variety of meticulously created, mouth-watering dishes.
Their diverse takeout menu is aimed at satisfying any palette, with options ranging from specialty wood-fired pizzas to gourmet sandwiches. A standout is the Truffle Mushroom Pizza, featuring a delicious combination of cremini mushrooms, mozzarella, truffle oil, and a hint of fresh arugula. The Smoked Duck Grilled Cheese is also an excellent choice, offering a unique blend of flavors with smoked gouda, duck confit, and sour cherry gastrique on multigrain bread.
No takeout order is complete without their handcrafted beers, with a line-up that changes seasonally. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA or a dark, rich stout, Red Eye Brewing Company has you covered.
Another popular takeout option in Wausau is the Nawal Restaurant at 337 4th Street. This East African eatery is a must-visit for anyone craving the flavors of Kenya and Tanzania. Their takeout menu offers a range of dishes that are not only delicious but also healthy, using spices and cooking techniques that have been passed down over generations.
A must-try dish is the Goat Pilau, a spiced rice dish packed with tender goat meat, peas, and potatoes. Or try the Chicken Biryani, an aromatic dish layered with basmati rice, chicken, and plenty of fragrant spices. Vegetarian options are also available, with the Beans Stew and Chapati being a perennial favorite.
With their emphasis on quality and flavor, Nawal Restaurant ensures you get a taste of East Africa without leaving Wausau.
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the Hiawatha Restaurant & Lounge. At 713 Grant Street, this family-owned institution has been serving Wausau with delectable takeout since 1952.
Walk down memory lane with their classic American comfort food options. The Roast Turkey Dinner, tender slices of turkey served with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, is an absolute delight. The Fish Fry, available every day, includes haddock, perch, or shrimp, served with coleslaw and fries. And don’t forget to add a slice of homemade pie to your order – the perfect sweet ending to your takeout meal.
While these are just a few of the best takeout options in Wausau, they perfectly demonstrate the diverse culinary landscape of this Midwestern city. From gourmet pizzas and craft beers to classic comfort food and unique East African cuisine, Wausau’s takeout scene is a true food lover’s paradise.
What Foods is Wausau Known For?
One cannot talk about Wausau, Wisconsin without touching on the unforgettable delicacy that has graced the city and beyond. Wausau is famously known for its robust and vibrant food culture, with a standout being the traditional Wisconsin Cheese Curds.
These delightful nuggets of cheese are breaded, fried, and served warm, resulting in a snacking experience that’s not easily forgotten. The cheese used for these curds is regularly sourced from local dairy farms, ensuring that the curd’s quality remains top-notch. When these cheese curds are served, it’s not just a meal that’s being presented, but a legacy of Wisconsin’s rich dairy history.
An exciting place that amplifies the taste and experience of these Cheese Curds is Mint Café. Located at 422 N 3rd St, Wausau, WI 54403, Mint Café goes a step further to serve these Wisconsin Cheese Curds with a twist. Their Cheese Curds are hand-breaded, fused with a unique blend of spices, and served with a side of homemade ranch dressing. This spin on the classic Cheese Curds has turned the Mint Café into a must-visit destination for food lovers visiting Wausau.
Aside from the Cheese Curds, Wausau’s gastronomic delights are also identified with its fantastic Brats (short for Bratwurst). This German-style sausage is a staple at barbecues and sports games. In Wausau, few places do Brats better than Bret’s Brats!
Bret’s Brats, at 907 Washington Street, Wausau, is a well-known establishment recognized for its incredible assortment of Brats. They offer a plethora of options from the traditional bratwurst to unique mixes like Jalapeno Pepper Jack Brats and Apple Gouda Brats. What’s more, all of their brats are homemade, using only the best meats, unique seasoning blends, and even locally brewed beer.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a bite of the classic Cheese Curds, or you want to try a unique spin on the traditional Bratwurst, Wausau, Wisconsin has undoubtedly got you covered, offering a culinary delight that’s both tasty and comforting in every bite.
Eating Your Way Around Wausau: A Detailed Food Trip Itinerary
Day 1:Start your day on the savory side at Vino Latte. It’s a short drive away at 700 Grand Avenue, Wausau, WI 54403 and serves a hearty breakfast menu full of sandwiches, pastries, and of course, coffee. Try the breakfast panini, filled with fresh veggies, eggs, and cheese.
Head to The Farmer’s Daughter for lunch at 207 Jefferson St, Wausau, WI 54403. This restaurant is full of country charm, serving gourmet American cuisine in a cozy setting. Their Farmer’s Daughter burger, served with a unique combination of ingredients including smoked gouda and apple-bacon chutney, is not to be missed.
For dinner, visit the iconic Back When Cafe located at 606 Third St, Wausau, WI 54403. This fine-dining restaurant has been serving delicious American and French cuisine since 1997. The duck confit is a standout, perfectly cooked and served with a wonderful cherry sauce.
Day 2:Kick off your morning with a visit to Brews Brothers Coffee. Besides amazing coffee, they also have an impressive range of breakfast food. You can find them at 408 Third St, Wausau, WI 54403.
For lunch, make your way to Townies Grill at 414 Third St, Wausau, WI 54403. This family-owned eatery is known for its American classic dishes, juicy burgers, and delicious hotdogs. The Philly cheesesteak is particularly delightful.
Visit the Red Eye Brewing Company for dinner. Located at 612 Washington St, Wausau, WI 54403, this brewpub serves local beer with inventively prepared pizzas and salads. Try their seasonal brews paired with the truffle pizza.
Day 3:Begin the day at 2510 Restaurant at 2510 Stewart Ave, Wausau, WI 54401. Their breakfast menu boasts an assortment of delicious items. The French toast is a must-try.
For lunch, check out Hiawatha Restaurant & Lounge at 713 Grant St, Wausau, WI 54403. The Gyro sandwich and homemade soups are sure to satisfy your appetite.
End your culinary trip at Michael’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge at 2901 Rib Mountain Dr, Wausau, WI 54401 for dinner. This family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious Italian cuisine in a relaxing setting since 1980. The lasagna, made according to a family recipe, is a must-try.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are some of the best restaurants in Wausau, Wisconsin?
A1: Wausau has a diverse food scene with restaurants offering various cuisines to satiate your palate. Some of the most popular ones include The Mint Cafe, known for their classic American fare and cozy setting, La Prima Deli for their delectable Italian sandwiches, and Back When Cafe, a popular destination for gourmet dinners. Wausau Mine Company is also a favorite for their pizza and miner-themed ambiance.
Q2: Where can I get the best pizza in Wausau?
A2: If you’re craving pizza, head over to Wausau Mine Company, a popular pizza spot that is famed for their thin crust pizzas and great variety of toppings.
For a more traditional Neapolitan style pizza, try Basil. They are known for their wood-fired pizzas and homemade mozzarella cheese.
Q3: Are there good places to have breakfast in Wausau?
A3: Absolutely! For a traditional American breakfast, you can’t go wrong with The Mint Cafe. Their menu includes classic egg dishes, buttermilk pancakes, and house-made corned beef hash. If you prefer a bakery-style breakfast, try one of the pastries at La Prima Deli.
Q4: Where can I find the best steak in town?
A4: The best steak in Wausau can be found at Michael’s Supper Club. This upscale restaurant is well-known for their perfectly cooked prime rib and steak options.
Q5: What are some vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurants in Wausau?
A5: There are several options for vegetarians and vegans in Wausau. One of the top recommendations is Red Eye Brewing Company. They have a variety of plant-based options on their menu and their pizzas can be made with vegan cheese. Thrive Foodery also offers several vegetarian dishes with the option to add tofu or tempeh.
Q6: Are there any good food trucks or popups in Wausau?
A6: Yes, food trucks and popups are gaining popularity in Wausau. Check out the Jamaican Kitchens food truck for some amazing jerk chicken, or Chow Street Food truck for a unique spin on classic American street food. During summer months, the Wausau Food Truck Festival is a great place to sample a variety of cuisines from different vendors.
Q7: Are there any good dessert or sweet treat spots in Wausau?
A7: For a sweet treat, visit Sweet Lola’s. This bakery and cafe is a local favorite for their cookies, cupcakes, and other baked goods. If you’re a fan of ice cream, you can also try Biggby Coffee, known for their large variety of ice cream flavors.
Q8: What are some upscale dining options in Wausau?
A8: Wausau has several upscale dining options for a special occasion. Michael’s Supper Club is a popular choice for their fantastic steak and seafood offering. Back When Cafe also offers a more sophisticated dining experience with their gourmet American dishes and extensive wine list.
Q9: Are there places in Wausau that serve international cuisines?
A9: Wausau is a melting pot of cultures and this reflects in its food scene. Nawabi Hyderabad House Indian Cuisine serves authentic Indian dishes, while Basil offers a taste of Italy with their Neapolitan-style pizzas and pastas. You can also visit Shanghai Grill for their Chinese menu, or Pho 76 for Vietnamese cuisine.
Are you a globetrotter with a passion for discovering unique culinary delights? Do you yearn to uncover the flavors and foodie hotspots that are hidden in cities around the world? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve crafted an array of travel food guides that dive into the gastronomic treasures of many fascinating cities. From the pizza havens of New York to the tapas trails in Barcelona, we’ve got it all covered. So why not take your taste buds on an adventure and check out our collection of food travel guides? You can explore them right here. Bon Appétit!
