Wisconsin Dells Restaurants

Casual Dining Options for Every Taste

Apr 18, 2007 Kelly Whitt

No matter what style of food you prefer, you are bound to find a restaurant in Wisconsin Dells to satisfy your appetite.

A tourist mecca like the Wisconsin Dells is filled with restaurant options, from fine dining to fast food chains. But most people in the Dells are looking for something in between. There are original full-service restaurants ready to charm any palate, from Italian to Mexican to Vegetarian and beyond. Here are just five choices of the many great lunch and dinner options available.

  • The Cheese Factory Restaurant -- The name comes from the building the restaurant is located in: it used to be a cheese factory. But for the restaurant, the name is a bit of a misnomer. The Cheese Factory serves vegetarian and vegan food exclusively. Located next to the Wilderness Resort on Highway 12, the blue and white restaurant is surrounded by flowers in the summer. Inside you will find a 50s style decor, with black, white, chrome, and wood accents. An ice cream soda fountain bar lines one wall where you can get treats such as a root beer float or sample one of their delicious bakery items. If you are having breakfast, lunch, or dinner, choices range from omelets to sandwiches to soups and salads to mexican dishes and more. If you like what you've eaten (and you probably will) a Cheese Factory Restaurant Cookbook is available to purchase.
  • Essen Haus -- This German restaurant, located in downtown Wisconsin Dells, is situated on a corner and easy to find by the traditional European architectural style. The restaurant, a sister to the Madison Essen Haus, is decorated inside with murals of the German countryside. The large population of German-Americans in this part of the country, combined with the large population of people in this part of the country who enjoy a good beer, make this restaurant a winning spot. In the summer months, enjoy the outdoor bier garden by the glockenspiel clock, or head indoors to the two-story Bavarian drinking hall when the weather is inclement. Essen Haus holds daily pig roasts and, of course, has fish fries on Fridays. Friday and Saturday also mean dining to live oompah music! It is an experience not soon forgotten.
  • Moosejaw -- The Moosejaw Pizza and Dells Brewing Company specializes in its pizzas, burgers and sandwiches, microbrews, and specialty sodas. The restaurant is located inside the curve of Highway 12 near the stop lights. Its giant log-cabin appearance is hard to miss! Enjoy a brew at the bar on the first floor, or eat in one of the dining rooms. If you're lucky you'll be seated upstairs by the giant brewing vats. Down in the basement you'll find the Rathskellar, with a pool hall, arcade, shuffleboard, and more. Start your meal with a large selection of appetizers, or head right to the main menu and choose a burger, sandwich, steak, or seafood item. And don't forget the pizza selections! The kids' menu is large, encompassing nine choices. Top off your meal with a slice of Moosejaw pie.
  • Sarento's -- This Italian restaurant and pizzeria is considered part of the Wilderness, although it is located a short drive from the resort down Highway 12 perched near the river just before you cross the bridge. Come into the restaurant past the gondola by the door and see the warm atmosphere with coved ceiling and waterfall wall hangings. A fireplace and murals of the Italian countryside adorn the walls in the dining room. Order a drink from the bar such as their "champagne-tini". Enjoy a traditional start to your Italian meal with breadsticks and a salad. One of the options, the Sarento salad, is large enough for a meal in itself and comes with crispy chip-like strips on top. Try one of the pizzas or choose an item from the pasta menu, such as the Penne Italian or the Gnocchi. And, this being Wisconsin, a fish fry is available on Fridays. Finish your meal with one of the seven dessert selections, which all look like they come straight of a child's picture book, piled high with whipped cream, M&Ms, and a cherry on top.
  • Mexicali Rose -- This Mexican restaurant has been in the Dells since 1979, although not always in the same location. It is currently at the corner of Highways 12 and 13, in a building easily spotted by the lighthouse adjoining. The restaurant sits just below the dam on the Wisconsin River and the dining room overlooks the river and boat launches to the Lower Dells in the summertime. If it's warm enough you can even eat outside on the patio. You will find all the traditional mexican fare here: margaritas, ensaladas, mariscos, fajitas, tamales, burritos, and more. And, of course, the Mexican fried ice cream for dessert. The children's menu features Mexican fare but also American standbys for the picky eater, such as a hot dog, chicken strips, grilled cheese sandwich, and yes, PB&J ... with french fries! Let the little ones indulge in their own, nonalcoholic, margaritas.

The copyright of the article Wisconsin Dells Restaurants in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Kelly Whitt. Permission to republish Wisconsin Dells Restaurants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
MooseJaw, Kelly Whitt MooseJaw
   
What do you think about this article?
NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 2+3?