Wisconsin’s delicious destinations—where to find the classics
Wisconsin’s vibrant food scene is anchored by some classics that put it on the map: cheese curds, Old Fashioneds, classic burgers and the Friday fish fry. Here are a few delicious destinations where you can find these iconic eats.
Cheese curds: Minocqua
It’s a treat that’s sooooo Wisconsin. Cheese curds, lovingly coated before being dropped by the handful into sizzling oil. The result: melty, gooey, cheesy perfection. There’s something of a debate in Wisconsin on the proper way to serve up a curd. Beer battered or breaded? White curd or yellow curd? Ranch dressing for dipping or—OK, for some of us there’s no debate on that one. So where to find the best curds? A good place to start is Minocqua, a classic Northwoods destination that sits on the border of Oneida County and Vilas County. Get your fill of cheesy, gooey goodness with the curds at lakeside institution The Thirsty Whale or T Murtaugh’s Pub and Eatery downtown.
Old Fashioned: Boulder Junction
After a glass of milk (or a pint of beer, for that matter), there’s no beverage that defines Wisconsin more than the Old Fashioned. Like the cheese curds you might order in the same establishment, there’s some debate over the best way to enjoy the cocktail. Sweet or sour? Brandy or whiskey? In the Vilas County community of Boulder Junction in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, bartenders are muddling perfection. Good bets are Headwaters Restaurant & Tavern and Boulder Beer Bar (which serves plenty more than beer).
Classic cheeseburger: Marshfield and Oneida County
Do you want cheese with that? Of course you do when you’re ordering a burger in Wisconsin. The classic Wisconsin cheeseburger is hard to beat and can be found in friendly, down-home restaurants on nearly any Main Street. A few burger joints stand out. In Marshfield in central Wisconsin, Nutz Deep II serves up a classic “Marshfield burger” topped with cheddar cheese and bacon as well as “The Pounder,” a burger behemoth comprised of three half-pound patties and four cheeses. Head a little further north to Oneida County, and you’ll find great burgers at spots like Tavern on the Loop in Three Lakes and Backwaters Bar and Grill in Rhinelander.
Fish fry: Vilas County
This Northwoods county is fishing country—it has more than 1,300 named lakes and is home to several state fishing records. But the real catch is in Vilas County’s restaurants and supper clubs, establishments that draw a big and loyal following with their fish fries. Order it the way you like—broiled, baked or breaded—and get ready for a delicious meal. Two good bets for a classic fish fry: Buckshots Saloon & Eatery in Eagle River and Stillwaters Food & Spirits in Sayner-Star Lake.
