DESTINATION DINING

by Lauren Rudersdorf

We love a good destination restaurant: a dining experience so exquisite it’s worth the meandering trip to get there. These six nearby restaurants all bring something unique to the table. Take your time getting there and make sure you stay awhile.

BRANCH & DAUGHTER, WINDSOR

This quaint neighborhood market just blocks from the Upper Yahara River Trail offers a little bit of everything for the gourmet foodie. With the only in-house, fully controlled, dry-aging program in the area, customers can shop for quality beef at an affordable price after enjoying an artisan pizza or sandwich on the dog-friendly seasonal patio. Bourbon lovers should visit the Butcher’s Parlor first: a 9-seat tasting parlor featuring highly sought after bourbons and other spirits.

branchanddaughter.com

BRANDING IRON ROADHOUSE, LIME RIDGE

A unique farm-to-fork eatery in a small-town setting, the Branding Iron Roadhouse serves Angus beef they raise themselves alongside other locally produced ingredients. With burgers, sandwiches, woodfired pizza and, of course, Friday night fish fry plus open mic nights on the porch, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a community atmosphere deep in the Driftless, complete with a stunning scenic drive to get you there.

brandingironrh.com

HORSERADISH KITCHEN + MARKET, PRINCETON

Set along the banks of the Fox River, minutes from beautiful Green Lake, is Horseradish Kitchen + Market. What started as a food truck slinging specialty sandwiches and salads in 2015 has become a charming restaurant, music venue and retail store that deserves your attention. With an artfully eclectic interior, great vibes, and an outdoor patio you won’t want to leave, let’s just say it’s a good thing they recently completed a boutique hotel next door.

horseradishkitchen.com

LARK, JANESVILLE

Celebrating six years in downtown Janesville, Lark delights in crafting seasonally inspired dishes that pay homage to international comfort foods, the essence of New American cuisine. Small plates like Indian butter chicken wings, taquitos and sisig play alongside entreés of fried chicken and housemade cavatelli. Pair with original craft cocktails, wine and artisanal beer for an unforgettable night out.

larkjanesville.com

THE OLD FEED MILL, MAZONMANIE

Located inside an 1857 stone mill that is listed on the National Registry, this downtown Mazomanie restaurant has been bringing local farmers’ flavors to the table for over 20 years. Their thoughtful menu showcases old-fashioned favorites and gourmet specialties including several decadent sandwiches served on bread made with organic stone-milled grain from nearby Taliesin. Venture west to see why Food Network and Midwest Living think The Old Feed Mill is one of the culinary and cultural treasures of southern Wisconsin.

oldfeedmill.com

WHISKEY RUN DISTILLERY, NEW GLARUS

New from the owners of Bailey’s Run Vineyard, this full-service restaurant and distillery sits alongside the beloved winery in the scenic rolling hills of New Glarus. Pair a glass of their handcrafted Wisconsin whiskey with a signature bourbon barrel burger or bourbon-glazed wings from their new kitchen, then kick back to relax and enjoy a stunning view and year-round live music.

whiskeyrun.com