All across the state, there are tiny mom and pop shops that serve up some of the best home-style meals you could imagine. The best family-owned restaurants in Wisconsin just have that extra bit of charm and personal touch, and it’s always nice to know your money is going right back into the community. Not always easy to find, but certainly worth the effort, here are 11 family-owned restaurants you’ll want to check out:
- Menomonie Family Restaurant - Menomonie
Facebook/MenomonieFamilyRestaurant
Yelp/Dave B These folks are relatively new on the scene, but serve some of the heartiest, most filling and delicious food in the area. Located at 2616 Hils Ct, Menomonie, WI 54751. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Menomonie Family Restaurant.
- Green Acres - Sauk City
Facebook/GreenAcres
Facebook/GreenAcres With a century of tradition as a stage coach stop, general store, dance hall and more, this place is as much a part of Sauk City as anything. Recently taken over by new owners, it’s still that same charming locally owned spot you remember. Located at 7470 WI-78 Trunk, Sauk City, WI 53583. For the latest information, check out the Facebook page for Green Acres Restaurant.
- Klemme’s Wagon Wheel - Howards Grove
Facebook/KlemmesWagonWheel
Facebook/KemmesWagonWheel Please note, Klemme’s Wagon Wheel has permanently closed. Since 1972, this place has been serving up broasted chicken and delicious soups to the folks in the Sheboygan area. Located at 120 S Wisconsin Dr, Howards Grove, WI 53083. Visit the website for Klemme’s Wagon Wheel to learn more.
- Wayne’s Family Restaurant - Oconto
Yelp/Manuel W
Facebook/WaynesFamilyRestaurant One of the current owners worked here for 11 years before she and her husband bought the place in 1995. Come for the delicious meals but stay for their award-winning pies. They’ve earned 22 blue ribbons at the national pie championship. Located at 805 Brazeau Ave, Oconto, WI 54153. To learn more, visit the website for Wayne’s Family Restaurant.
- Madistan - Madison
Yelp/Matt W
Yelp/Madistan Located on the UW-Madison campus, this place is the first halal location in Madison and it’s a break from the norm while being totally welcoming and delicious. It’s like visiting a wonderful grandmother’s kitchen. Located at 317 N Bassett St, Madison, WI 53703. Visit Madistan’s website to learn more.
- Mona Lisa - Eau Claire
Facebook/MonaLisa428waterst
Yelp/Lisa A Enjoy upscale food without the prices and long wait times at this hidden gem restaurant in Wisconsin. It’s seasonal cooking at its finest. Located at 428 Water St, Eau Claire, WI 54703. To learn more, visit the website for Mona Lisa Restaurant in Eau Claire.
- Sala Modern Sicilian - Milwaukee
Facebook/SalaModernSicilian
Facebook/SalaModernSicilian Inspired by their great-grandma, a brother and sister opened this place in 2001. They grow herbs out back and use vegetables from their father’s nearby farm. You can feel the love in every bite. Located at 2613 E Hampshire St, Milwaukee, WI 53211. Visit Sala Modern Sicilian’s website to learn more.
- Plia’s Kitchen - Green Bay
Yelp/Stephen L
Yelp/Vang M These folks started out serving their signature stuffed chicken wings at area farmers markets. They were so popular, the owners took a leap of faith and opened the restaurant. Located at 1300 S Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Plia’s Kitchen in Green Bay.
- Infusinos - Kenosha
Facebook/Infusinos
Facebook/Infusinos Opened in 1987, this place takes old family recipes and gives them a fresh and delicious update. Located at 6800 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142. Check out Infusino’s website to learn more.
- Javier’s Cuisine - Racine
Facebook/JaviersCuisine
Facebook/JaviersCuisine Chef and owner Javier Ortega’s Mexican roots are evident here, but he’s cooked nearly every style of food in his years in the kitchen. That interesting fusion makes for a great menu. Located at 2011 Lathrop Ave, Racine, WI 53405. To learn more, visit the website for Javier’s Cuisine.
- Wild Tomato - Fish Creek
Yelp/Nicole H
Yelp/Nichole F Two Door County natives with impressive cooking backgrounds bought a lagging Door County landmark and revitalized it into something delicious. Located at 4023 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212. Check out Wild Tomato’s website to learn more.
Have you been to any of the best family-owned restaurants in Wisconsin? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Facebook/MenomonieFamilyRestaurant
Yelp/Dave B
These folks are relatively new on the scene, but serve some of the heartiest, most filling and delicious food in the area. Located at 2616 Hils Ct, Menomonie, WI 54751. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Menomonie Family Restaurant.
Facebook/GreenAcres
With a century of tradition as a stage coach stop, general store, dance hall and more, this place is as much a part of Sauk City as anything. Recently taken over by new owners, it’s still that same charming locally owned spot you remember. Located at 7470 WI-78 Trunk, Sauk City, WI 53583. For the latest information, check out the Facebook page for Green Acres Restaurant.
Facebook/KlemmesWagonWheel
Facebook/KemmesWagonWheel
Please note, Klemme’s Wagon Wheel has permanently closed. Since 1972, this place has been serving up broasted chicken and delicious soups to the folks in the Sheboygan area. Located at 120 S Wisconsin Dr, Howards Grove, WI 53083. Visit the website for Klemme’s Wagon Wheel to learn more.
Yelp/Manuel W
Facebook/WaynesFamilyRestaurant
One of the current owners worked here for 11 years before she and her husband bought the place in 1995. Come for the delicious meals but stay for their award-winning pies. They’ve earned 22 blue ribbons at the national pie championship. Located at 805 Brazeau Ave, Oconto, WI 54153. To learn more, visit the website for Wayne’s Family Restaurant.
Yelp/Matt W
Yelp/Madistan
Located on the UW-Madison campus, this place is the first halal location in Madison and it’s a break from the norm while being totally welcoming and delicious. It’s like visiting a wonderful grandmother’s kitchen. Located at 317 N Bassett St, Madison, WI 53703. Visit Madistan’s website to learn more.
Facebook/MonaLisa428waterst
Yelp/Lisa A
Enjoy upscale food without the prices and long wait times at this hidden gem restaurant in Wisconsin. It’s seasonal cooking at its finest. Located at 428 Water St, Eau Claire, WI 54703. To learn more, visit the website for Mona Lisa Restaurant in Eau Claire.
Facebook/SalaModernSicilian
Inspired by their great-grandma, a brother and sister opened this place in 2001. They grow herbs out back and use vegetables from their father’s nearby farm. You can feel the love in every bite. Located at 2613 E Hampshire St, Milwaukee, WI 53211. Visit Sala Modern Sicilian’s website to learn more.
Yelp/Stephen L
Yelp/Vang M
These folks started out serving their signature stuffed chicken wings at area farmers markets. They were so popular, the owners took a leap of faith and opened the restaurant. Located at 1300 S Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301. To learn more, visit the Facebook page for Plia’s Kitchen in Green Bay.
Facebook/Infusinos
Opened in 1987, this place takes old family recipes and gives them a fresh and delicious update. Located at 6800 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142. Check out Infusino’s website to learn more.
Facebook/JaviersCuisine
Chef and owner Javier Ortega’s Mexican roots are evident here, but he’s cooked nearly every style of food in his years in the kitchen. That interesting fusion makes for a great menu. Located at 2011 Lathrop Ave, Racine, WI 53405. To learn more, visit the website for Javier’s Cuisine.
Yelp/Nicole H
Yelp/Nichole F
Two Door County natives with impressive cooking backgrounds bought a lagging Door County landmark and revitalized it into something delicious. Located at 4023 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212. Check out Wild Tomato’s website to learn more.
Looking for more great Wisconsin restaurants? Check out the 14 best family-friendly restaurants in Wisconsin..
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 2616 Hils Ct, Menomonie, WI 54751, USAAddress: 7487 WI-78 Trunk, Sauk City, WI 53583, USAAddress: 120 S Wisconsin Dr, Howards Grove, WI 53083, USAAddress: 805 Brazeau Ave, Oconto, WI 54153, USAAddress: 317 N Bassett St, Madison, WI 53703, USAAddress: 428 Water St, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USAAddress: 2613 E Hampshire St, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USAAddress: 1300 S Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301, USAAddress: 6800 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142, USAAddress: 2011 Lathrop Ave, Racine, WI 53405, USAAddress: 4023 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best family-owned restaurants in Wisconsin October 26, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best little-known restaurants in Wisconsin? Journey off the beaten path and discover some of Wisconsin’s little-known restaurants! First up is The Launching Pad in Shawano. Everyone raves about their burgers, and as soon as you dig in, you’ll understand why. Then, head over to Z’s Fork Horners in Gleason. This eatery may not look like much from the outside, but we promise the food is finger-licking good. Still hungry? Check out our full list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. What are the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin? Sheila Mae’s Town Fryer, located in Burlington, is one of the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin. Here, you’ll find magnificent home-cooked meals served in a cozy setting. Dig into hearty breakfast platters and wash it all down with a warm cup of joe. It doesn’t get much better than this. Next, head to the town of Baraboo and visit Little Village Cafe. This charming eatery is tucked inside a historic building, and you’ll love the old school atmosphere. Popular menu items include everything from burgers to seafood. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it here. Want to learn more about our state’s amazing diners? Check out our list of the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin. What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Wisconsin? Gather up the kiddos, because there are so many exciting family-friendly restaurants in Wisconsin that everyone is certain to love. If you love cheesy goodness, head over to Pizza Doctors in La Crosse. This quirky hospital-themed pizzeria whips up some of the most delectable pies you’ve ever tasted. You can’t go wrong here! If you loved this place, be sure to check out Choo Choo Charlies in Kenosha. This train-themed restaurant will make your inner child run free, and the food is spectacular.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best family-owned restaurants in Wisconsin
October 26, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best little-known restaurants in Wisconsin? Journey off the beaten path and discover some of Wisconsin’s little-known restaurants! First up is The Launching Pad in Shawano. Everyone raves about their burgers, and as soon as you dig in, you’ll understand why. Then, head over to Z’s Fork Horners in Gleason. This eatery may not look like much from the outside, but we promise the food is finger-licking good. Still hungry? Check out our full list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin. What are the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin? Sheila Mae’s Town Fryer, located in Burlington, is one of the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin. Here, you’ll find magnificent home-cooked meals served in a cozy setting. Dig into hearty breakfast platters and wash it all down with a warm cup of joe. It doesn’t get much better than this. Next, head to the town of Baraboo and visit Little Village Cafe. This charming eatery is tucked inside a historic building, and you’ll love the old school atmosphere. Popular menu items include everything from burgers to seafood. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it here. Want to learn more about our state’s amazing diners? Check out our list of the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin. What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Wisconsin? Gather up the kiddos, because there are so many exciting family-friendly restaurants in Wisconsin that everyone is certain to love. If you love cheesy goodness, head over to Pizza Doctors in La Crosse. This quirky hospital-themed pizzeria whips up some of the most delectable pies you’ve ever tasted. You can’t go wrong here! If you loved this place, be sure to check out Choo Choo Charlies in Kenosha. This train-themed restaurant will make your inner child run free, and the food is spectacular.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Journey off the beaten path and discover some of Wisconsin’s little-known restaurants! First up is The Launching Pad in Shawano. Everyone raves about their burgers, and as soon as you dig in, you’ll understand why. Then, head over to Z’s Fork Horners in Gleason. This eatery may not look like much from the outside, but we promise the food is finger-licking good. Still hungry? Check out our full list of the best hidden gem restaurants in Wisconsin.
What are the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin?
Sheila Mae’s Town Fryer, located in Burlington, is one of the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin. Here, you’ll find magnificent home-cooked meals served in a cozy setting. Dig into hearty breakfast platters and wash it all down with a warm cup of joe. It doesn’t get much better than this. Next, head to the town of Baraboo and visit Little Village Cafe. This charming eatery is tucked inside a historic building, and you’ll love the old school atmosphere. Popular menu items include everything from burgers to seafood. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it here. Want to learn more about our state’s amazing diners? Check out our list of the best small town restaurants in Wisconsin.
What are the best family-friendly restaurants in Wisconsin?
Gather up the kiddos, because there are so many exciting family-friendly restaurants in Wisconsin that everyone is certain to love. If you love cheesy goodness, head over to Pizza Doctors in La Crosse. This quirky hospital-themed pizzeria whips up some of the most delectable pies you’ve ever tasted. You can’t go wrong here! If you loved this place, be sure to check out Choo Choo Charlies in Kenosha. This train-themed restaurant will make your inner child run free, and the food is spectacular.
