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Wisconsin Dells Restaurants
Welcome to Wisconsin Dells Restaurants. The Dells is an enormously popular year round attraction for family vacationers and a "unique vacation destination" for kids and adults of all ages. Whether it’s winter or summer, there are several world class restaurants to choose from!
Our Family’s Top Picks forWisconsin Dells Restaurants
Buffalo Phils Grille
Whether you dine inside or out on the deck, you are in for an authentic western dining experience. We loved the rustic exterior and just could not get over the fantastic appearance of the massive timber frame building inside. When you open the thick heavy timber doors, you will be instantly greeted to a step back in time…to the 1800’s. The log frame walls are adorned with cowgirl and cowboy framed prints along with various taxidermy. The beautiful, oversized stone fireplace is lined with a variety of cowboy boots and the furniture that surrounds it are large, overstuffed and extremely comfortable.
Buffalo Phils Grille is most noted for the meals that are cooked in the brick stone oven, especially the pizza, steaks and rotisserie chicken. We ordered the flat iron steak and the cedar salmon.
While waiting for our meal to come, we walked upstairs and visited the on site brewery. We did order two of the beers they offer and both were refreshing. Our meal came reasonably fast and the service was great. The table we sat at was made of at least three inches thick of solid pine timber and the chandeliers above were antlers. The tin ceiling gives it an authentic 1800’s look and feel as did the trip downstairs to check out the Crystal Room. This was an amazing banquet room that seats 300 and has a unique original Victorian wood bar!
If you bring the kids, don’t forget to stop at Knuckleheads Bowling and Family Entertainment Center located in the same building as Buffalo Phils Grille. Make it a day or just a few hours of fun, they have it all from what looked to us was the largest arcade we have ever seen, including a bowling alley, bumper cars, go-karts, and of course a theater.
150 Gasser Road
Cold Stone Creamery
326 State Hwy 13
Cracker Barrel
1295 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
Famous Dave’s
Location #1
Location #2
The Cheese FactoryA little piece of gourmet and vegetarian cooking from a Five Star Chef. We have the Wisconsin Dells Coupon Book available on our website, and it really paid off for our visit to several Wisconsin Dells restaurants. Don’t let the vegetarian fare concern you meat lovers, because Steve’s a meat and potato man and he was amazed at the tasty herbed dishes we ordered and enjoyed. I ordered the breakfast combination plate and Steve ordered the egg skillet breakfast. Both plates were very, and I mean very generous and delicious. My pancakes were unlike any pancake I’ve ever tasted.
We read that the Cheese Factory’s desserts and soda fountain are a must so we ordered a mango cheesecake to go and ordered an old fashion hot chocolate with whip cream and shavings. Wow! They also have a 50’s soda fountain specializing in phosphates, flavored sodas, and of course various special ice cream sundaes. There is a lot of history at the Cheese Factory, and the hostess, Hannah, told us to go upstairs and have a look around. She told us of how the upstairs to this building at one time housed a bowling alley. I wonder what it used to sound like down stairs! They have several banquet type rooms, offices and a neat old private bar in the front. The building also for quite some time was an actual Wisconsin Cheese Factory. Back downstairs, it was back to reality and we used our buy one get one meal free coupon, bought a cookbook and proceeded out with our mango cheesecake close at hand. This was a delightful restaurant to visit and eat at and we recommend it all!
521 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
The Del-Bar
Is a classy, relaxing choice! Steve and I were not quite sure what to expect when we decided to eat out at the Del Bar. I thought for certain this may be a that was a bit too pricey for our budget. I guessed wrong. We actually picked the best night of the week, Friday, and we took advantage of their awesome $1.99 appetizer special and $12.99 Fish Fry!
This Wisconsin Dells restaurants décor is like that of a serene day spa! The combination of natural stone and wood was very relaxing and set the mood for the entire evening.
Almost all the appetizers are $1.99 with a drink purchase. We ordered up a couple brandy old fashions with a generous helping of cherries (my personal favorite). Off in the far corner of the bar was a small table with two very delicious cheese spreads and crackers, courtesy of the bar!
We ended up ordering the stuffed mushrooms, and the buffalo wings. After seeing the generous helping of wings others were getting, they were a must. They were delicious and the ranch sauce just as good. The other appetizers were great as well and we left the bar for dinner wondering how we were going to pack more food in!
Well, we did manage to enjoy the delicious Fish Fry, complete with choice of potato and a salad. By the way, take time to browse the impressive glass encased wine collection which is visible between the bar and restaurant. We took a table for two at the far end of the restaurant just past the wine case near the stone fireplace.
Field’s Premier Steakhouse
Field's is a tradition for Wisconsin Dells restaurants. They specialize in fantastic steaks, seafood and a fine dining experience. Beth and I spent an evening at Field’s on a weekend trip to the Dells in October. It’s not your typical rectangular shaped restaurant. The building and the atmosphere it creates are in itself a feast for the eyes and the senses.
It is all too difficult to explain, but I will attempt to string all that we did experience into words. We found the atmosphere to be serene and calming through a combination and variation of elegant style. This all created by a spacious feeling through open areas, angles, heights, floor levels, textures, lighting, and a mix of natural building materials.
The stone hearth fireplace is beautiful. The piano bar and the bar itself awesome. A unique exposed and open wine cabinet. The restaurant has four private dining rooms, a main dining room, and an atrium. It is obvious we loved the prairie style design, and the Frank Lloyd Wright influence in the architecture inside and out.
The restaurant is definitely upscale. The wait staff place napkins in your lap, waiter for water, waiter for rolls, waiter to order and serve, you get the picture. I had a great prime rib tender enough to cut with the fork, and Beth had the veal. She thought it was fantastic with some really great sauces.
With all the attention and great food comes a higher price. However, for a special evening for the two of us alone without the kids “I won’t say it”…well ok “priceless“. There is a great kids menu and most of their foods are cooked in a wood burning oven! The atmosphere and food is worth the trip and has been given excellent reviews as the one of the best Wisconsin Dells restaurants. We enjoyed the experience!
511 East Adams Street
House of Embers
On a quiet, cold December evening, Steve and I decided to dine at the House of Embers. We had heard great things about the restaurant plus we liked the ads showing the chefs with chocolate all over their face. Wally's House of Embers is one of few restaurants in Wisconsin Dells that prides itself on a long family tradition. The House of Embers opened in 1959 by Wally and Barbara Obois, and is operated today by their children Mike and Deb, who grew up working in the restaurant.
Upon entering, the aroma on this crisp clear winter night gave us a positive indication that we had a great meal waiting inside! We were greeted at the front desk and smartly informed that they offer a happy hour in the bar. We did not waste a moment ordering our favorite Wisconsin warmup, Brandy Old Fashion. The drink was great, but even more so, the entertainer, Billy Anderson, was a playing a nice vintage holiday mix. Between songs, we played a guessing game as to who was who in the black and white photos in the center bar area. We guessed several, but the woman to the left, kept us guessing. Billy told us it was the high school graduation picture of the owner’s wife…how sweet! She was up there with the movie stars like Sophia Loren, and she fit right in.
Between the bar and the front desk, there is a cozy little dining cove for two, called the Omar Sharif room that is just delightful! I can see why hundreds of marriage proposals and anniversaries have taken place here! We also noticed several other small private dining areas for groups of four or more for special occasions.
After being seated for dinner at an antique oak table with four non matching oak chairs, I told Steve there is someone after my heart who works here! Happens that, the owner’s wife, Barbara, loved to antique shop and that is why there is a decorating mix in the restaurant. I bet she has a story for each and every purchase! The ambiance of the restaurant is definitely relaxing and unique. They have created an old fashioned romantic nostalgia feeling featuring a golden era of movie stars and motion pictures.
We were greeted by our waiter Tim, who introduced himself and the evening specials. Make certain you ask for the pecan maple vinaigrette house dressing with the salad, and try at least one homemade cinnamon roll. Steve decided to order the specialty of the house, the famous hickory smoked ribs and I ordered pecan crusted walleye pike. Both meals were fantastic! The ribs were definitely some of the best Steve has every had and I can’t quite describe how uniquely distinctive the walleye tasted. We saved room for dessert because I over heard Tim telling another table about the four layer mousse, 3 layers of which were….yes, chocolate!
Upon leaving, we had a chance to meet Mike who is one of the owners. He explained that both he is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America! It was evident that Mike was very proud of his family, and passionate about the traditions and dining experience they have created for each and every customer. For this and many other reasons, this is definitely one of our favorite fine dining restaurants in Wisconsin Dells. The Embers is located at
935 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
Ishnala
Meaning “By Itself, Alone” is our top pick as the most beautiful dining experience and one of our all time favorite Wisconsin Dells restaurants. Ishnala was actually built on previous ceremonial grounds occupied by the Winnebago Indians.
The entrance drive takes you on a winding wooded road through a state forest preserve. As we drove up to the parking area, we immediately were drawn in by the exterior beauty and ambience of the grounds leading up to the restaurant.
Upon entering we were taken in by the rustic charm and beauty of what felt like was an Early American cabin. In fact, in 1909 the Coleman family purchased a cabin and built a dream home. There is a unique totem pole entrance and the original cabin that was built there before the restaurant still hosts the original fireplace, log walls and staircase. The Hoffman family bought the cabin and land in 1953 and built the restaurant, preserving the history and beauty of days gone by.
We walked down a few steps and went to the bar which overlooks beautiful Mirror Lake. We proceeded outside with our beverage and seated ourselves on one of the outdoor decks and then just marveled at the beauty of the landscape. The water was very calm this day and we watched several small boats and canoes pass by us down below. We saw a sandy walking path, so while waiting for our table, we took a short walk along the shoreline of the lake.
We were escorted to our table and we took a double take when we walked past the tall Norway pine trees which grow right through floors and ceilings inside the restaurant! Exclamation point to the Hoffman Brothers who built the restaurant into and around the natural environment.
When we first checked in we asked the hostess for seating at a window table for two. Don’t forget to do the same, because it is worth the price of admission. We noticed that the slanted windows allowed for the lake to reflect shimmering images on the inside cabin walls while we were dining. Or waitress this evening was Jan. She is from nearby Deforest, and has been with the restaurant for over 26 years. She said that since the Hoffman Brothers retired the quality of “everything” has remained the same. Many of the Hoffman Brothers traditions and recipes continue to play a role in every meal served today.
Steve decided to order the prime rib and it was salmon for me. Jan brought out a delicious Ishnala special cheese spread with a basket of assorted crackers and bread sticks. It was fantastic. All tables are served this spread as well as warm tasty dinner rolls and pecan cinnamon rolls. What a delight!
Steve’s 20 oz. prime rib was at least 2 inches thick and tasted as great as it looked. My salmon was one of the best I’ve ever had, and I order salmon out a lot. It was flaky, tender and perfect. I had the red mashed potatoes and Steve, a baked potato. I forgot to mention that the caesar salad was right up there on the tops of our likes. The dressing was not salty like some and with just the right amount of homemade croutons and shredded parmesan cheese. Overall, a fantastic meal, setting, service and view.
You can find one of our all time favorite Wisconsin Dells restaurants on Ishnala Rd. or call 608-253-1771. Remember, it is only open from around Memorial Day to mid October. They are only open for dinners and you can find out more by logging on to Ishnala. Enjoy the dining experience here, because that is exactly what it was!
Again, Ishnala is our top pick as the most beautiful dining experience and one of our all time favorite Wisconsin Dells restaurants.
Marley’s - A Taste of the CarribeanI went to Marley’s for the first time a couple of weeks ago for my cousins bachelor party. It was one of his favorite restaurants in the Dells, and I can now see why. I walked into the restaurant and immediately liked the feel. Reggae music, waiters and waitresses in Hawaiian shirts, and a relaxed Jamaican atmosphere, definitely my style. We had a group of twelve and it was a Saturday night, so we expected there to be a little bit of a wait. But to our surprise, we got seated right away in the only table that seemed available in the entire place. I noticed that the tables were covered in paper and that crayons were available so kids and childish adults could scribble away during their meals. I figured we wouldn’t be using them but we obviously fall into the childish adult category.
We ordered our drinks and took a look at the menu. There is definitely a lot of seafood plates and jerk-style meals. If you like spicy food, this is the place for you. I wanted to get something out of the ordinary so I ordered the Gator Sandwich and jammin' fries. I figured it would taste like chicken anyways.
The place was packed and our waiter had a lot of tables, so I knew it would take awhile for our food. But after 20-30 minutes and about 15 toasts later, our meals arrived. I was definitely right on with the Gator Sandwich, it pretty much tasted like chicken, but with a little bit of a kick. The jammin' fries were awesome, they were some of the best fries I've ever had. Everyone else seemed content with the food as well, and it wasn't just the drinks talking. My meal and drinks only came to $15, not bad considering how good it all was.
I really enjoyed the fact that we could let loose and have a good time without getting dirty looks or being asked to settle down. This restaurant is by no means a romantic sit-down restaurant, although it is a perfect family restaurant. If you're looking to have a good time, good food, and perhaps a daiquiri or two, Marley's is the place for you. I made that rhyme up although it should be their slogan. But seriously, not one of the many Wisconsin Dells restaurants comes close to the atmosphere that Marley's has, and no other restaurant offers the food choices either. It is a unique experience that I most definitely enjoyed and I am sure that you will as well.
750 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S.
Mexicali Rose
195 State Highway 13
Monk‘s Bar and GrillNot too long ago, we were telling a friend about our Dells website. They asked if we had been to Monk’s yet. They went on to tell us they have a group of friends that make a one hour drive on Friday afternoon once month just to get a burger there. For directions they told us to go downtown Dells and follow our noses because they actually vent the smell of grilled onion rings and burgers out into the street…so we did.
When you take a look through the front window and enter Monk’s, it appears to be your typical downtown neighborhood bar. But after a quick look around, we discovered much much more. They actually have three levels with four separate eating areas. They have seating at the bar, tables and booths down stairs, and upstairs they have two separate sitting areas with tables and booths for families.
After our walk around, we took a seat at the bar on the main level. Our tender was a very nice local young man named Benny. He is a junior at UW LaCrosse, and works here every weekend and then all summer. Be kind to Benny because his father is chief of police in the Dells!
We of course ordered the specialty of the house…the Original Monk’s Burger with fried onion rings. They had about 10 beer selections on tap so we chose one of our favorites…“Spotted Cow” from New Glarus Brewery. The beer was cold…no I mean the “coldest” beer we have ever had on tap. Benny said they pump the beer from coolers in the basement, and they keep the glasses in the freezer.
While we were waiting for the burgers, we noticed the great nostalgia of the tin ceilings, the authentic wood bar fixtures, and you can’t miss the Wisconsin Badger memorabilia. It was about that time we started talking to Daniel Webster who turned out to be the manager. Daniel is just a great guy who loves what he does every day. We asked about the history of the bar and he was more than happy to tell us.
It turns out Monk’s is one of the oldest Wisconsin Dells restaurants located in a late 1800s downtown building with the ambience of the early 1930s and '40s. Monks bar was opened in 1947 by “Monk” Heineke.
Both of Monks son’s Jim and John played football for the Wisconsin Badgers in mid 50’s. Much of their badger memorabilia and photos from that era decorate the wall and adds a great local flavor to the bar. In 1982, the bar was purchased by Tom and Jane Heller who have continued the same traditions. It seems their success is the product of hard work, dedication, and determination of key management and dedicated employees.
Over the years there have been a lot of changes in Wisconsin Dells restaurants and today Monk’s has really transformed itself into a must stop for families visiting from out of town, and still a favorite watering hole for locals.
Just then our burgers and rings arrived. We were not disappointed by all the hype. There's nothing better putting you mouth around a big juicy Monk's burger. Beth asked Daniel what the secret ingredients were and he said, and I quote “we season our burgers with love.”
We could see why Monk’s Bar and Grill is known throughout the Midwest as “THE” place to go for a Great Burger and family friendly service. We were very please with the great food, excellent service, and reasonable prices in a casual family atmosphere.
If you bring the kids, don’t forget to ask for the free Frisbee with the kids meal. A newer version of Monk’s Bar and Grill is now open on the property just outside the Wilderness Hotel and Resort.
Follow the free smells to one of our favorite Wisconsin Dells restaurants located at
220 Broadway
Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co.
Is a great example of another causal fun and family friendly Wisconsin Dells restaurants. I wasn’t shy about asking for moose ears at the Moosejaw, after all, the kids were wearing them. I didn’t however, ask for the placemats to color while waiting for our food to come. This place is a Dells hit! We went on a Thursday evening and we couldn’t believe it; every table was filled and people waiting.
We gave ourselves a quick tour of the restaurant and found quite a lot more than we expected. As you can see from the picture, the building is a very big modern looking log cabin.
Then we stumbled upon a sports bar type pub and huge game/arcade in the lower level. The place was packed with kids of all ages playing all types of electronic games. They also had several very nice pool tables. One half of this level also had restaurant seating for parents who wanted to eat and let the kids run around the game area.
We had another 20 minute wait so we found a couple of seats in the lounge area on the main floor. They have a menu for the 10 beers they have on tap made in the micro-brewery upstairs. You can get a sample from the bartender, or you can order a sampler of beers right off the menu. The bar top itself is worth the trip. It’s a 6 inch thick hand hewn pine log with a clear cote finish on it.
Once seated in the dining area, I decided to order the soup and salad. The beer and cheese soup was a great choice and I’m sure one of their unique specialties. The salad was a generous dish and Steve’s pizza was delicious. The thick crust on their pizza is like the old fashioned yeast raised sweet dough, yummy! Oh yeah, the beer was pretty good too.
Our waitress name was Amber. She is a student at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. She was super nice and said the restaurant is pretty much this busy every night. She also suggested the pizza and ribs as specialties.
110 Wisconsin Dells Parkway South
Paul Bunyans Cook Shanty
Is another is another great find and top pick for Wisconsin Dells restaurants! Paul Bunyan is an American folk hero who was a giant and had a big blue ox. He was also noted for being a gentle giant with a big heart!
This Wisconsin Dells restaurants is built like a big log cabin and they have a gift shop, tavern and bakery! They serve meals on tin dinner wear. They are open all day and into the evening, 7 am to 9 pm. The restaurant is decorated with all kinds of wilderness collections and believe us when we say, there might be a line of people waiting to get in!
411 Highway 13
Pedro’s
951 Stand Rock Road
Riverwalk Pub
Is another must stop for our top pick Wisconsin Dells restaurants! One of the great features of the pub is the great northwoods log cabin atmosphere and the wonderful free view of the Wisconsin River.
The Riverwalk Pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant has a nice simple family friendly menu and advertises a locally famous prime rib sandwich. Every weekend they schedule live musical talent from all over the state. The evening we visited we sat outside overlooking the Wisconsin River listening to Marshall Star and his band.
If you need to get up and stretch…take a walk. Just below the outside patio deck is the Dells Riverwalk hiking path and bike trail.
The Riverwalk Pub actually has two buildings on the property. We talked to the bartender at the older brick building adjacent to the main dining hall. She said it was actually on old home they converted to its present use. The brick on the exterior was done in a very unique way and still had the original stone fireplace and interior walls. They added a nice cozy bar and a large wrap around deck with tables and umbrellas. It was one of the most unique beer garden/pubs we’ve ever visited. They have a pool table inside and the seating inside and out overlooks a panoramic view of the Wisconsin River. We are sure this will also be one of your favorite Wisconsin Dells restaurants.
They open daily at 7 am and are located at 911 River Road Sarento’s Italian Restaurant
We were seated by the hostess and put in our drink orders right away. We both ordered a lemonade, and it hit the spot after the long day we had. Meanwhile, we were starving so it was time to take a look at the menu and dig into the complimentary bread. The menu offers a wide selection of pasta dishes and pizzas priced anywhere from $12-20 an entree and like always, I couldn’t make up my mind. I finally decided on the Penne Siciliano and Karla ordered the Chicken Marsala, both of which were delicious. With all the bread and salad that we ate along with the generous portions, we were both unable to finish our entrees. The waiter was glad to put them in a to-go box for us to take home.
After our meal, Karla and I decided to check the rest of the restaurant out. On the other side of the lobby, there is a huge bar that we will most definitely check out the next time we make it here, which is soon hopefully. Also, there is a pizzeria in the downstairs part of the restaurant that we didn’t get to see. All in all, we were both delighted with the atmosphere, food, and wait staff. If you are looking for an upscale, romantic, Italian, fine-dining experience, I would recommend Sarento’s to you.
This Wisconsin Dells restaurants is located at 441 Wisconsin Dells Parkway. Please call 608-253-1400 for reservations or visit:
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