Eat Scene 2008

Where to go and what to eat

CO

N FA SU M LT IS W H H ED E N

fre e!

More than 250 restaurants listed!

“So ... where do you wanna eat?”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“I don’t know. Where do you wanna eat?”

“I can’t decide.”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

ANDREA SEELEY

OFFICE

17 S. Barstow St. Eau Claire, WI 54701

CONTACT Phone: (715) 552-0457 Inter-web: www.volumeone.org Email: mail@volumeone.org PUBLISHER / EDITOR / ETC Nick Meyer SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Mike Paulus OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT Micheal Huggins ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Shawn Brunner + Todd Wekkin + Matt Keil ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Brian Moen ADVERTISING DESIGNER OJ Hornung PHOTOGRAPHERS Drew Kaiser + Stephanie Birr + Andrea Seeley CONTRIBUTORS Eric Rasmussen + Micheal Huggins + Robin Kinderman + Andrew Christianson + Heather Brunner + Molly Wendtland + Beth Beebout + Ryan Toppin + Aryn Widule + Bridget Kurtenbach + Ian Jacoby + Emily Thierfelder + Gene Power THANKS Tracy Phillipi + Marie Bodin + Barb Turner + Cory Haugen + Brian Griep BASIC INFO Eat Scene is published by Volume One – a locally owned, locally operated, and locally focused magazine. Eat Scene prints 20,000 copies and is distributed to approximately 300 locations in Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Chippewa Falls.

RESTAURANT INFO We did our best to include all restaurants in our area. If we missed yours or if you have a new restaurant that you’d like listed in the next issue of Eat Scene, call: (715) 552-0457 or email: mail@volumeone.org.

ADVERTISING INFO Eat Scene, the best and most complete guide to restaurants in the Chippewa Valley, is read by nearly 50,000 locals and tourists each year. If you’d like to advertise in the next issue of Eat Scene, call: (715) 552-0457 or email: mail@volumeone.org.

ON THE COVER The front window table at Stella Blues on Madison Street in downtown Eau Claire. Meals shown include: Catfish and creole fries, Better than Ribs Volcano Pork Shank and smashed potatoes, Andouille Sausage over dirty rice, and a Tuna Steak Salad. Photographer: Andrea Seeley. Art direction: Nick Meyer. Producer: Mike Paulus. Models include: Gene Power, Kaia Simon-Power, Shawn Brunner, Karline Koehler, OJ Hornung, Abby Weber, and Jamey Brownell. © 2008 Volume One The writing, artwork, and photography in Eat Scene remain the property of the authors, artists, & photographers. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publication or its advertisers.

STRAWBERRY NUTELLA CRÊPE The Nucleus Café

NICK MEYER

ASSORTED GOODNESS Zanzibar Restaurant & Pub

YOUR GUIDE TO DINING IN THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY

CONTENTS

08 12 16 22 25 25 26 55 63 65 66

FOOD FOR THOUGHT OFF THE MENU TOTALLY SWEET POWER TO THE PROCESSED

SHANGHAI BISTRO

RESTAURANT LISTING INDEX QUICK LIST INDEX LOCAL LISTINGS THE GOAT

V1 CARD COUPON COST-CUTTING COUPONS DELIVERY INDEX ADVERTISER INDEX QIN-QIN

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Are you hungry?”

Food For Thought Volume One’s guide to the local eating scene is back for seconds

By Mike Paulus, Special Projects Editor

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think we can make the call on this, reveal the winners of our Eat Scene 2008 information and enthusiastic menu Chippewa Valley: more restaurants Telephone Relations Challenge. We’ve descriptions than most of the restauopened around here than closed last finished our review of all the phone rant owners around here – all while year. I’m pretty sure that’s good. Sure, calls we made to restaurants in the past waiting tables. In between her jaunts to there might be some sort of depress- year, and here are the results. None of customers, she’d return to the phone to ing economic principle at play with the the winners get prizes, and none of the describe what the locals like to eat at name “Darwin” in its title, but as far losers get penalized. Anyway ... the Blue Moon. She was unbelievable as food-lovers are concerned, how can Let’s talk service, shall we? We live excited about the food, and her excitemore options be bad? Well, more bad op- in an area economically propped up by ment was contagious. She brightened my day. tions are bad, but let’s go We here at Volume One headquarters can’t wait ahead and assume that Next up: the Bad most restaurant owners Award.

Dishonorable to see what kind of mouth-watering vittles mention – with names, are trying to serve up the they’ve been experimenting on. We’re ready for best food they can. places, times, dates, the unveiling. We’re ready to be dazzled. colors, taste, texture We thank you for that food, restaurateurs of and almost all details the Chippewa Valley. Nice work on all the service industry, so it seems fitting omitted – goes out to Mystery Phonethe cooking last year. You done good. to judge the kind of service we’ve got- Answering Person who was rude and There’s a new crop of restaurants ten around here. We have two awards weird. And kind of paranoid. Basically, sprouting up in 2008, joining the exist- to give out: the Good One and the Bad they answered the restaurant phone, ing eateries, and we here at Volume One. and I said, “Hi! What do you guys serve One headquarters can’t wait to see what The Good Award for noble phone there?” To which, they replied, “Ahh. kind of mouth-watering vittles they’ve service goes to Kim the Waitress of Who wants to know?” They said this all been experimenting on. We’re ready for the Blue Moon Family Restaurant in slow and accusingly, without an ounce the unveiling. We’re ready to be daz- Eau Claire who provided me with more of sarcasm, irony, playfulness or anyzled. We’re ready to eat some grub. And thing in between. Caught off guard, I we know everyone else in the Chippewa replied, “Well, I , um. I was just, you see Valley is ready, as well. We hope Eat it’s ... Mike.” And then they said, “Huh. Scene 2008, the dining guide you hold in You just curious or something?” I said I your hands, can help along the way. was, and quickly got the info I needed.

OK, I have a funny feeling that only Perhaps Mystery Phone-Answering a scant few people actually take time Person has gotten burned one too many to read this opening letter, so I’m not times by crafty telemarketers. Maybe going to waste time talking about how they were just having a bad day. At any comprehensive we tried to make our rate, I can’t imagine they’re building a eatery listings (extremely). And I won’t particularly loyal customer base with bore you with stories of how hard it was that kind of attitude. They better make for Volume One’s eager little staff to some good grub if that’s how they plan call all those restaurants (it was tough), on greeting people. and I won’t drone on about how handy All right, that was fun. But now let’s our “Quick Lists” are, which help you get back to the dining guide. We hope it to peruse such a heaping helping of serves you as a lightpost, glowing bright information in a timely manner (check upon the tasty roads of your culinary out the really cool one on page 54). No, journeys. And we hope it helps you find for the lucky people who committed to the phone numbers and addresses you reading this “letter from the editor” need, too. Either way, the lightpost, the type thing, I thought we could do somephone numbers, it’s all good.

The Good Award for noble phone service thing fun. So, here goes.

All of us here at Volume One truly goes to Kim the Waitress of the Blue Moon Without further ado, allow me to hope you enjoy your meal.

Family Restaurant in Eau Claire.

“I guess so. Are you hungry?”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Yeah. I could eat.”

“Well, then. Let’s go eat!”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Like where?”

Off the Menu more advice for out-of-the-ordinary ordering and cool combinations

By Mike Paulus

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OFF THE MENU: Veggie Patty Swapper RESTAURANT: Mogie’s Pub, Eau Claire TIPSTER: Marie Bodin, veg-lovin’ regular

n Eat Scene 2007, we offered you suggestions for ordering off the menu – tasty substitutions and interesting combinations that most diners don’t even know they can ask for. We live in a part of the country where most people are too polite to send back a botched food order, let alone throw a possible wrench into a kitchen staff’s well-oiled machinery. But if you let yourself break out of your comfort zone even just a little bit, you’ll find a whole world of helpful little “menu hacks, ” or changes to a dish’s original ingredients or methods of preparation. Customizing a dish to your unique taste can only increase your love for a restaurant and keep you coming back for more.

Not sure where to start? Check out the following examples from some Chippewa Valley restaurants. Even if they don’t instantly instill a habit of thinking outside the menu, they’re pretty tasty tips you can try on your own. We can’t guarantee that every single waiter and waitress won’t be caught of guard by your request, but if they’re confused, it’s your chance to act all in-the-know as you explain your culinary customization. Just be nice.

OJ HORNUNG

The griddle at Water Street’s Mogie’s Pub is pretty well known for churning out some of the city’s tastiest hamburgers from the noble Mushroom Swiss to the Garcia Burger, festooned with Cajun spices, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

So imagine regular patron Marie Bodin’s delightful surprise when she realized they’d swap out the juicy beef patty on any of Mogie’s signature burgers with a succulent veggie-burger (meatless) replacement. “It came to me all of a sudden,” she explains. “How easy would it be to make a Mushroom Swiss with the veggie patty?” Pretty easy, apparently, as the wait staff filled her request without batting an eyelash, and the quasi-vegetarian Marie hasn’t looked back – having since sampled most of the menu in veggie mode. Rumor has it other burger joints around the Valley will do the same. All you gotta do is ask.

OFF THE MENU: Toasty Tuna Melt RESTAURANT: Grand Avenue Café, E.C. TIPSTER: Tracy Phillippi, server

All you gotta do is ask! A quick request trasforms Grand Avenue Café’s Moby Tuna sandwich into a Toasty Tuna Melt. (To ensure structural integrity, ask for the wild rice bread.)

“I want French fries.”

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I seems like sandwich shops are going “grill crazy” nowadays with everyone from the coffee shop on the corner to Kentucky Fried Chicken offering some sort of grilled sandwich or wrap. It won’t be long before the city installs a panini machine along with your water meter.

But despite an overabundance of grillscarred lunches, there’ll always be a place for the humble tuna melt, and you can find a fine one at Grand Avenue Café, though it’s not on the menu. Their normally terrific tuna croissant (The Moby Tuna: flaky fish tossed with green and red peppers and a tangy lemon-dill seasoning, topped with tomatoes and cheddar cheese) can easily be melt-i-fied.

Simply have them replace the pastry/ bun with the shop’s pumpernickel, sourdough, or wild rice breads – server Tracy Phillipi recommends the wild rice – and ask them to grill it up.

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“That’s it? Just fries?”

“They were making them on TV.”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Off the Menu STEPHANIE BIRR

Huggins says the spicy pepper jack is wellcomplemented by what he believes to be a mild curry flavor in the chicken salad. Or cumin. But probably curry. The inspiration for his savory-hot-wich? Huggins claims, “Uh ... I like bacon and cheese on everything and I like hot stuff. So ... I just added pepper jack cheese and bacon to see if it worked out.” Lucky for us all, it did.

OFF THE MENU: Latte on the Cheap RESTAURANT: Starbucks (and other shops) TIPSTER: Cory Haugen, former local barista

In the market for a cut-rate latte? Ask the nearest barista to serve up a double shot of espresso and have them plop a dollop of whipped cream on top. Starbucks is happy to oblige.

OFF THE MENU: What-a-Nutty Turtle! Malt RESTAURANT: Olsen’s Ice Cream, C.F. TIPSTER: Barb Turner, longtime employee

covered peanuts) into a malt that’s pretty nutty in its own right.

You won’t see this item on the board above the counter at most local coffee shops, and not all Starbucks bother to add to their menu, but most places will make it.

Sometimes referred to as “doppio espresso con panna” in Starbuckitalianese, coffee lovers should try ordering two shots of espresso and then have the barista add a dollop of whipped cream. Former local Starbucks coffee jockey Cory Haugen says, “This is great for the die hard coffee fiend that is short on cash for the day. Cheaper than a latte but just as tasty.” Most people don’t realize that a shot of espresso costs less than a normal cup of Joe while still delivering a sizable (though less kickin’) caffeine kick. The whipped cream simply takes the edge off – if you’re worried about that sort of thing. If you can’t make it to a Starbucks, try requesting the drink at your favorite coffee bar.

OFF THE MENU: Challenge de Chef RESTAURANT: The Creamery, Downsville TIPSTER: Brian Griep, chef

If you’re an antagonistic sort who likes his or her upscale dining, you might find satisfaction sitting down to dinner at The As many have long suspected, the scoo- OFF THE MENU: Chicks Love Huggins Creamery and telling your sever, “Let’s pers manning the ice cream buckets of RESTAURANT: Racy’s Coffee Lounge, E.C. see what the chef can do!” Like many Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor in downtown TIPSTER: Micheal Huggins, regular Chippewa Falls will be more than happy “Chicks Love Huggins” is a sandwich based upscale eateries, The Creamy has a host of chefs itching to try something new, and to combine one or more of their hand- on Racy’s “Chix Lov It” chicken salad made ice creams into malts, shakes, and sandwich. The original item combines you can put them to the test by giving them homemade chicken salad with cranberries free reign over your meal. Unless they’re more. Once you factor in the number ultra-busy, the chef will of flavors Olsen’s has to prepare you a completeoffer, along with their “Uh ... I like bacon and cheese on everything and ly original four-course standard bar of ice cream meal (no more, no less) I like hot stuff. So ... I just added pepper jack cheese toppings, well ... you end complete with a wine up with a number of and bacon to see if it worked out.” pairing. To make sure original flavor combinayou don’t get something – creator of the Chicks Love Huggins sandwich tions that you shouldn’t you hate, the chef may spend too much time thinking about because it will drive you and almonds – served on focaccia with let- ask that you indicate a few menu items insane with sweet delight. The possibili- tuce and tomato. Well, one day, a regular that look attractive to you, so they at least ties involving chocolate alone are endless, customer Micheal Huggins asked the fine know what ballpark they’re cooking in. so let’s keep it simple. Longtime Olsen’s sandwich chefs at Racy’s to add bacon and However, this is a full-on customized meal employee Barb Turner recommends mix- pepper jack cheese, swap the focaccia for at an upscale eatery, so don’t expect the ing their creamy Caramel Cashew and sourdough and grill the whole dang thing experience to come cheap, and remember, it’ll take longer than normal dishes.

Turtle varieties (chock-full of chocolate- ... and an oddly named star was born. Mr. Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Just fries?”

Totally Sweet some of the area’s most scrumptious desserts, candies, and baked delicacies

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ven people who don’t like sweets will occasionally go gaagaa over some kind of clever confection that’s been designed to make their taste buds pop with excitement. Imagine your grumpy ol’ Uncle Morty shoveling a forkful of Grandma’s apple pie into his mouth ... his lips close around the fork, his eyebrows immediately raise, and – you can see it in his cheeks – the man is suddenly smiling. If you know a sourpuss whose sweet tooth needs serious attention, our “Totally Sweet” local treat list is for you. Please enjoy a brief tour of what’s only a small sampling from the Chippewa Valley’s dessert menu. – Mike Paulus

Crème Brûlée Shanghai Bistro • 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 835-3348 • I decided to look up “crème brûlée.” It’s French, obviously, and as far as I can tell, the closest translation would be “Creamy Mush Rub.” That makes no sense. Do you know what else doesn’t make any sense? One of the better local crème brûlées that I have sampled (out of a total of two) is at an Asian restaurant – Shanghai Bistro in Eau Claire. Shanghai’s Raspberry Crème Brûlée is creamy, sweet, and the whole process of eating it (for all you French haters) by cracking the top and scooping out the pudding-ish insides is just fun. Okay, I just checked my internet translator again, and it actually means “burnt cream,” which makes way more sense.

Even with that cleared up, I still can’t explain why it compliments a steamy plate of sesame chicken so well, but I would definitely recommend it. – Eric Rasmussen

Cheesecake Wrap Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza • 1920 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • So Boston’s has pizza. Boston’s also has funky, colorful décor and outdoor seating. Boston’s, believe it or not, also has a nice little sports bar with huge televisions and friendly staffers. Does Boston’s have it all? You might think that’s a ridiculous question until you try their fried cheesecake wrap and real-

Cheesecake Wrap, Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza – A luscious, fried dessert that gets you the hot and the cold, the sweet and the tart, the soft and the crunchy. ize that yes, yes they do. Take a tortilla, put cheesecake inside, wrap and fry. Then drizzle with any sort of berry glaze and serve with ice cream. You get the hot and the cold, the sweet and the tart, the soft and the crunchy. It’s so rich and filling that you can easily share one between two people, filling up with the tremendously clever tortillacheesecakeberryicecream extravaganza ($4.55). – Aryn Widule

Dessert Shooters Applebee’s • 4745 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 8311255 • You know how it goes – you enjoy a delicious, American-sized serving (enough to feed three) of your favorite dish, and just as you sink back into the booth and think about unbuttoning your pants, the nice waitress comes over and asks if you would like any dessert. Of course you would! After all, enjoying a night out should include all the fixin’s, right? Appetizer, fruity drink, hearty meal, perfect dessert. But you know that whatever you get is going to be five “They looked good.”

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times bigger than you need it to be. So what do you do? You go over to Applebee’s, and you order one of their Dessert Shooters.

Yes – dessert, in a double shot glass – just enough for you to get your fill, but not so much you blow up. They have a variety of flavors, but I had the Chocolate Mousse – two ounces of oreo-crunchy-chocolatemoussey-whipped-cream goodness.

It was so cute I almost didn’t want to eat it.

I wasn’t sure if I should throw it back like a normal shot, attempt it with a spoon, or just stick my finger into the beckoning swirl of chocolate delight. Either way, it was the perfect ending, both in flavor and in size.

– Robin Kinderman

Bread Pudding Grand Avenue Café • 119 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • 831-1100 • Before I met my husband, I had never tasted bread pudding.

I was always the boring one at the table that ordered chocolate cake or a brownie, if I ordered dessert at all. Now, after four

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Who was making fries on TV?”

Totally Sweet OJ HORNUNG

St., Eau Claire • 833-8440 • Rabbit food Dessert First’s carrot cupcake is definitely not. This cake is noticeably heavier than the bakery’s other cup-based treats, but has the same cream cheese frosting as the Chocolate Cheesecake offering (which I also recommend). After an initial burst of cream cheese flavor, the carrot comes through and really blends the cake with the frosting. It is moist and delicious, but the taste is more complex what you might expect and the cake itself is more filling.

Since it has carrots in it that means it’s a health food, right? Find out for $1.90 apiece or $22 per dozen. – Ryan Toppin

Strawberry Tiramisu

Strawberry Tiramisu, Haymarket Grill – A fresh twist on a classic, it’s got strawberries, strawberry-esque sauce, and a hint of strawberry. Let’s just say it’s very berry-centric.

Haymarket Grill • 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • 552-3400 • Haymarket Grill’s Strawberry Tiramisu tastes like what I imagine they eat 24/7 in opulent pleasure palaces. It’s insane. It’s got strawberries, strawberry-esque sauce, and um, a hint of strawberry. Let’s just say it’s very berrycentric. It’s sort of like if you took your idea of what strawberry shortcake should taste like and filtered it through the palate of someone about 3.6 times classier than you are. I ate everything on the plate. Literally.

Even the garnish was gone (I’m still a bit embarrassed over that one.) At around five dollars a pop, it’s a very reasonable cap-off to a perfect night out. Haymarket already held the corner on ambience, drink specials, and hip, seasonal menus. It looks as if they’ve thrown their hat into the awesome dessert ring as well. – Ian Jacoby

years of marriage, I can tell you all the best side walls are partially hidden beneath places for bread pudding. In Eau Claire, I streams of drizzled chocolate. The floors will declare that Grand Avenue Café serves are richly coated in dough, fragile but some of the most yummy bread pudding I alive at the same time. The inside cavhave ever tasted. On their menu, they talk erns, meanwhile, are a cocoa-rich fest, about their famous dessert as “what you all the dream of true cacao lovers. Avoiding Torta di Chocolate come back again and again for,” and this the risk of an overly sweet dessert, these Olive Garden • 4920 Golf Road • 838-0707 • most certainly is true. Besides the perfect fillings are saturated with chocolate, but When a chocolate craving hits you, a quick, consistency, one of the things that makes not of the overly sugared nature, allowinexpensive fix could be darting over to their bread pudding so special is the brown ing the cocoa taste a genuine opportunity the local DQ and ordering something like butter sauce that covers the pudding, and to reach your taste buds. What’s more, their Chocolate Xtreme they put in enough at the Blizzard. For just unbottom of the bowl so you It starts with banana rum bread and two bananas, fried to der twice the price ($7), can dip pieces if you want perfection. The bread is then covered with a serving of vanilla bean however, a foray to the more of that sweet, aweice cream, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel. Olive Garden might be some taste. The flavor of the better option – afthe bread pudding chang– Grand Isle Bananas at Stella Blues ter all, where else will es every 3-4 days. On my you find the rich, warm, last visit, I had the Blueooey-gooey goodness that is their Torta berry Almond Cream Cheese variety. For the texture in comparison with typical di Chocolate? Served with melted vanilla $3.99, you get a large portion – enough to chocolate is like the difference between icing and freshly sliced strawberries in split with another person if you are feeling clay and sand; the filling is so smooth a clever, aesthetically pleasing arrangegenerous. – Heather Brunner you would forget it is on your tongue if ment, this small but intense dessert proit weren’t so scrumptious. It’s a dessert vides a mouthful of chocolate that is bound Pain au Chocolat cave with comestible exploration potento satisfy even the most intense chocolate Marie’s Original Bakery • 307 S. Barstow tial, a $2.50 addiction waiting to happen. craving – and you’ll even be able to wash it St., Eau Claire • Pain au Chocolat looks – Molly Wendtland down with one of their many wine options, like a chocolate-filled cave made of paswhich could probably not happen at the lotry. The walls are constructed of flaky, Carrot Cupcakes cal ice cream joint. – Emily Thierfelder French doughy butteriness. The out- Dessert First Bakery Café • 210 S. Barstow

“Some lady ... with a cooking show.”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Did I mention I’m hungry?”

Amber Inn BAR & GRILL est. 1881 840 E. Madison St., Eau Claire

(715) 832-0568

“An original bar & grill” APPETIZERS

Chicken Nuggets (choice of dipping sauce).....3.69 Jalapeño Poppers ........................................4.79 Cream cheese filled, not too spicy not too mild!

Supreme Nachos .........................................7.69 Tortilla chips loaded with cheddar jack cheese, taco meat, black olives, and tomato, served with sides of picante sauce and sour cream, perfect for sharing!

Nacho Fries.................................................3.29 With cheddar-jack cheese and jalapenos!

Cheese Curds ..............................................4.29 Onion Rings .................................................3.99 Brew House Platter......................................7.29 **Beer battered mozzarella sticks, beer battered onion rings, beer battered mushrooms, beer battered shrimp, cream cheese stuffed jalapeños & chicken strips. **(All Platter orders come packaged as listed, we cannot substitute or add any items)

Chicken Wings & Drummies Plain or hot, served with choice of dipping sauce 10 pc. 6.49 15 pc. 8.49 20 pc. 10.49 30 pc. 12.49

SIDES

French Fries ................................................1.99 Tossed Salad ...............................................1.89 Cottage Cheese ...........................................1.99 Seasoned Potato Wedges ............................1.99 Cole Slaw The best in town! ...........................1.89 DRESSINGS & SAUCES: French, Ranch, Thousand Island, Bleu Cheese, Italian, Low Fat Ranch, Low Fat French, Honey Mustard, Marinara Sour Cream (each) .35 Add Bacon (1) .25 Add Mushrooms/Olives 1.00 Add Dressing/Sauce .30 Breadstick .75 Add Cheese .50

WRAP IT UP

All baskets include a choice of one ‘Side’.

All of our Low Carb wraps are embedded with lettuce and served with a pickle spear on the side.

These wraps are so good you don’t have to be on a diet to enjoy them!

Wrap - Basket Cheddar-jack Chicken Wrap...........4.39 ......5.89 with a choice side of dressing Ham & Swiss Wrap ........................4.19 ......5.69 with a choice side of dressing Turkey & Swiss Wrap.....................4.19 ......5.69 with a choice side of dressing Cheddar-jack Beef Wrap.................4.19......5.89 with a choice side of dress Buffalo Chicken Wrap.....................4.19 ......5.69 With cheese, crispy boneless chicken and buffalo sauce Sauces: French, Ranch, Thousand Island, Blue Cheese, Italian, Low Fat Ranch, Low Fat French, Honey Mustard, Marinara, BBQ, and Picante.

OUR FAMOUS BURGERS

All of our ½ lb. charbroiled all beef burgers are served on our specially made, toasted bakery bun - choice of white or wheat. Baskets include a choice of one ‘Side’. Onions are no charge.

Wrap - Basket Hamburger .....................................4.39 ......5.89 Cheeseburger ................................4.89 ......6.39 The Sicilian Back by demand!...........5.69 ......7.19 Cheese, lean salami and marinara sauce Thousand Island Burger .................6.09 ......7.59 Cheese, lettuce & Thousand Island dressing Swiss Olive Burger (black olives) .....5.69 ......7.19 Mushroom Swiss Burger ................5.69 ......7.19 Bacon Cheeseburger ......................5.59 ......7.09 BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger ..............5.59 ......7.09 California Burger............................5.69 ......7.19 Lettuce, tomato & mayo Ruben Burger.................................5.79.......7.29 Marbel rye toast, Thousand Island sauce, Swiss cheese & sauerkraut.

Wisconsin Food Safety Agencies advise that eating raw or undercooked meat poses a health risk to everyone. Thorough cooking of such animal foods reduces the risk of illness. For further information, contact your physician or public health department.

Hamburgers cooked rare, medium or pink in the middle may be undercooked and are only served upon request.

SALADS

DRESSINGS: French, Ranch, Thousand Island, Bleu Cheese, Italian, Low Fat Ranch, Low Fat French

Grilled Chicken Salad Platter.......................6.49 Now with more chicken! Lettuce, grilled fajita chicken, tomatoes, cheese, eggs, onion, pickle spear & a breadstick. Choice of two dressings.

Santa Fe Chicken Salad Platter ...................7.49 Lettuce, tender lightly breaded chicken, tomatoes, cheese, onion, black olives, pickle spear & a breadstick. Choice of two dressings or picante sauce.

Taco Salad...................................................7.49 Seasoned beef, lettuce, cheddar jack cheese, tomato, black olives, onion served on a bed of tortilla chips.

Served with picante sauce and sour cream, or choice of 2 dressings.

AMBER INN CREATIONS

Our oven-baked pita creations, from our own original kitchen recipes.

Chicken or Beef Fajita Pizza ........................6.39 A large pita topped with picante, grilled fajita chicken or beef, cheese, baked and topped with lettuce now with 1 side of sour cream Taco Pizza ...................................................6.39 A large pita topped with picante, taco meat, cheese, baked and topped with lettuce, black olives, tomatoes and onion with 1 side of sour cream BBQ Chicken Pizza .......................................5.89 A large pita topped with tangy BBQ sauce, chicken, cheese & lettuce.

Cheese Quesadilla .......................................4.39 Zesty cheddar/jack cheeses baked between two pita shells, & 2 sides of picante & 2 sides of sour cream.

Chicken Quesadilla ......................................6.59 Zesty cheddar/jack cheeses and fajita chicken baked between two pita shells, & 2 sides of picante sauce & 2 sides of sour cream.

Taco Quesadilla ...........................................6.59 Zesty cheddar/jack cheeses and taco meat baked between two pita shells, & 2 sides of picante sauce & 2 sides of sour cream.

LOADED Quesadilla......................................8.09 Seasoned Beef or chicken, black olives, onions & tomato.

“Where should we eat?”

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A Locally Owned, Family-Operated Business Proudly Serving the Valley for Over 25 Years

SANDWICHES

All baskets include a choice of one ‘Side’.

Sandwich - Basket The Dagwood .................................7.99 ......9.49 Beef, ham, turkey, salami, bacon, American cheese, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato & mayo on three slices of marble reuben or honey wheat toast.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich...............6.59......8.09 Large, 6+ ounce breaded deep fried chicken breast, with lettuce, tomato & ranch sauce, served on honey wheat toast.

Fish Sandwich................................5.29 ......6.79 Two Cod fillets, lettuce & tartar sauce on a toasted bun BLT.................................................4.69 ......6.09 Lean bacon, lettuce, tomato & mayo on three slices of marble reuben or honey wheat toast.

HLT ................................................4.69 ......6.19 Lean ham, lettuce, tomato & mayo on three slices of marble reuben or honey wheat toast.

Club Sandwich ...............................5.79 ......7.29 Turkey, lettuce, bacon, tomato & mayo on three slices of marble reuben or honey wheat toast.

From the Oven Deluxe Sandwich ...........................4.59 ......6.09 Choice of turkey, beef or ham, with lettuce, tomato, American or Swiss cheese & mayo Classic Sandwich ...........................4.39 ......5.89 Choice of lean beef or turkey with American cheese, bacon served with a side of BBQ & horseradish sauce.

BASKETS

All baskets include a choice of one ‘Side’.

Chicken Nuggets choice of dipping sauce .......5.69 10 pc. Chicken Basket .................................7.69 Wings & drummies, choice of dipping sauce 2 piece Cod Basket ......................................7.29 Tilapia Basket ..............................................7.29

DINNERS

All dinners include a choice of two ‘Sides’.

Tilapia Fish Dinner.......................................8.29 Cod Dinner...................................................8.29 3 pc. tavern battered cod with a breadstick 10 pc. Chicken Dinner .................................9.19 Wings & drummies, choice of dipping sauce

WE DELIVER FREE TOMONDAY YOUR WORK! - FRIDAY until 2pm $15 Minimum purchase required. Limited delivery area.

Delivery service is exclusively for businesses.

Sorry, we do not deliver to private residences.

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Totally Sweet ANDREA SEELEY

French Krispies Sue’s Deluxe Bake Shop • 1319 Birch St. • 552-3931 • French Krispies look like large, very edible butterflies. They are even referred to as such by one employee. Priced at $0.95, the krispies are flaky pastries circled into two rounded wheels, which gives them a wing-like appearance. But unlike wings, you can unravel them into perfect strands of pastry that can melt your knees.

They are topped off with white frosting of an unmatchable consistency, the sort of silkiness flower petals would be made of if baked butterflies landed on them. There is even a certain lightness, a flighty taste to the dessert that helps grant them their nickname. Topping the krispies are pecans and subtle sugar crystals, an ideal balance to work with the frosting and pastry. They are the sort of treat that flies into your stomach without your complaint, flutters there, and continues to be a sort of hallowed highlight of your day. – Molly Wendtland

Chocolate Malt Randy’s Family Restaurant • 1132 MacArthur Ave., Eau Claire • 839-8449 • Although Randy’s menu includes everything from breakfast to dinner, in my experience it seems that one goes there for some delicious breakfast served all day. That’s all well and good, but few things beat the thick, delicious flavor of a malt. Even better? A chocolate malt. This is your typical malt, blended, smooth, and served not only in a stylish, old-timey dessert glass, but you also get the ice-cold metal mixing cup they used. Why is this? It’s because they give you more malt than that delicate looking glass can handle.

Randy’s is packed with traditional restaurant service and homey décor.

Before you even order they bring you a little cup of hot pudding in some greeting cus“Treatza” tom I’m not familiar with, but find delicious nonetheless. Go to Randy’s for some eggs and hash-browns, but don’t feel bad about washing them down with a chocolate malt ($3.49). – Aryn Widule

Tiramisu Cupcakes Obsession Chocolates • 310 Water St., Eau Claire • 514-1720 • One taste of a tiramisu cupcake and you’ll understand why they’re nothing short of an obsession. The frosting

Pain au Chocolat, Marie’s Original Bakery – a chocolate-filled cave made of pastry. These buttery, subtly sweet French favorites are puffed-up fresh each morning (Wed.-Sat.) not only artistically adorns the top of this little piece of heaven, it also fills the center. At first bite, the frosting is a sweet and creamy delight dancing on your tongue, arousing the senses. The cupcake itself is a swirl of white and chocolate with a hint of coffee flavor. These bad boys are fairly large and messy so you may need to eat them with a fork.

But beware, Obsession only makes them on Fridays, so be sure to stop in before they’re gone. They’re better than ... well, let’s just say they’re really good.

– Bridget Kurtenbach

“Treatza” (Dessert Pizza) Godfather’s Pizza • 2510 Mondovi Rd., Eau Claire • 830-9362 • What can you write about the dessert pizza at Godfather’s that hasn’t been said a million times before? It’s like trying to write a science fiction short story about Abraham Lincoln, no matter how badly you try, it’s just going to pale in comparison to the real thing. I’ve known multiple people who’ve added pounds in the double digits because of their obsession with this post-pizza pizza (not to mention Godfather’s equally

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“I don’t know.”

famous cheeseburger pizza).There have been numerous New Year’s resolutions written about this pizza. It’s just a regular pizza crust piled high with cinnamon, frosting, and most importantly, streusel.

Those Germans really know a thing or two about keeping their desserts real. It’s built into the price of the buffet at Godfather’s, which is offered every day. Check it out.

You’ll thank me later. – Ian Jacoby

Grand Isle Bananas Stella Blues • 306 Madison St., Eau Claire • 855-7777 • This is a tantalizing dessert that you will truly go “bananas” for. It starts with a generous portion of Stella’s own banana rum bread and two bananas, fried to perfection in a sweet batter. The rum bread is then covered with a delectable serving of vanilla bean ice cream, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel. The fresh baked flavor of the rum bread, combined with the melt-in-yourmouth texture of the bananas, compliment the sweetness of the ice cream perfectly.

This is a great way to top off your dining experience at Stella Blues. Make sure to save room – you can enjoy this dessert with a friend or two because there’s plenty to go around. – Gene Power

Power to the Processed one Chippewavallian’s unabashed love for processed food novelties

By Eric Rasmussen

B

“Just pick.”

22

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

DREW KAISER

y the end of this personal revelation stuffs that may or may not become national say, “Yeah. They’re okay.” about food, I will admit to some- masticating staples. For example, I noticed I assume my enjoyment of processed thing that you will find so gross, so just a little while ago that we had the new food started during my childhood. Eau gut-wrenchingly disgusting, that I may lose low-calorie Gatorade for quite some time Claire has been a test market city for quite all credibility with Volume One readers before the national ad campaign debuting some time, so I remember lots of wonderful forever. I am ready to do this, to test our the sports beverage premiered. snacking options populating my childhood relationship, because we have reached a And ... I HAVE TO TRY all the deli- cupboards. Single-serve cups of Cheezcritical stage. I need to be honest – I know cious new food novelties. Oh, great masters Whiz. A full complement of Pringles flavors. that I may seem like a progressive sort of of Frito-Lay, if you produce anything be- And while my mom did an outstanding job guy, you know, the walk to work/shop at tween a chip and cracker, I will buy it and of serving up healthy, homemade meals, Savers/buy local type. And in a lot of ways enjoy the crap out of it. Oh, revered Nabis- the occasional busy evening or babysitter I am, and I have the Chippewa Valley to co, if you so much as change the shape of came with fish sticks and chicken nuggets. thank for much of it. Our city, at least from an existing cookie and market it as new, And, of course, processed food just tastes my vantage point on the ... good. It’s made to be. Lots Oh, revered Nabisco, if you so much as change East Hill, is pretty walkof scientists use the magic able. We have some great the shape of an existing cookie and market it as new, of chemistry to make it that way. outlets for used clothing I will stuff my face with said trapezoidal baked good.

But, again, that is nothing and such. And of course, shocking. I am sure we have the selection of locally owned restaurants and food retailers helps I will stuff my face with said trapezoidal all indulged in some new flavor of pita chip baked good. Oh, great food producers, if or some derivation of canned peach (the a ton, too.

Eau Claire also is to thank (or blame) you so much as add some extra packaging, Harvest Spice peaches are wonderful.) OK, I am yours! I am waiting for the day when, my big, ugly revelation is, given the array of for my looming and disgusting revelation. grass-feed beef, free-range chicken, organic Eau Claire is home to a spectacular num- on a Mega Pick ’n Save endcap, I find a new ber of restaurants per capita. While the snack that features individually wrapped whole milk, and fresh local fruits and vegexact numbers are difficult to tabulate, potato chip-crackers accompanied by etables my wife keeps on hand, my handsthere’s something like three restaurants for single-serve pouches of processed nacho down, all-time most popular go-to meal is every person living in the Chippewa Valley. cheese bacon powder. I know this is bad Velveeta Shells and Cheese, with choppedThat seems unlikely, and it is, but when for the environment, my health, the local up Ball Park hot dogs, mixed together with you divide the number of restaurants in the economy, puppies, the fate of local radio Miracle Whip and Heinz ketchup. See, now, phonebook by the population of the area, programming, coral reefs, and everything I just drooled on the keyboard. So there. our results beat many of the cities that brag else people care about, but I don’t care. Now we can grow. I love local food, and about their number of restaurants. While It’s tasty, and when someone says, “Have for better or worse, I love processed food, many of these eateries are the aforemen- you seen the new Bacon Cheese Single and the Chippewa Valley is a great place to tioned locally owned and operated gems, a Wrapped Chip-o-Crackers?” I can smugly have both. large number are the national chains with scrumptious dishes that were created at HQ and reheated by the local “chefs.” And, boy, even if everything on Applebee’s menu was created in a test-tube out of petroleum, they can serve up some pretty tasty grub.

But that should come as no surprise. I am quite sure even the most stringent local connoisseurs occasionally enjoy a Subway sandwich. So, on to our grocery stores. Eau Claire has the special honor of being a testmarket city, the specifics of which a few of us V1 indentured servants wrote about a several years ago. Basically, new products from huge national food companies are sold in our stores, advertisements for these products are slipped into our local airwaves, and a big company out there gathers data on purchasing habits and advertising effectiveness through our actions. That means we get all sorts of wacky new food-

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

23

“I hate this conversation.”

ANDREA SEELEY

TEPPANYAKI-STYLE EATS Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

locallistings restaurant categories AMERICAN CASUAL ASIAN BAR & GRILL BAVARIAN BBQ CAJUN CAFÉ/COFFEEHOUSE DESSERTS & TREATS FAMILY STYLE FAST FOOD FINE DINING GREEK

26 30 33 38 38 38 38 45 45 49 49 50

ITALIAN JAPANESE MEDITERRANEAN MEXICAN PIZZA RAW FOOD SANDWICHES/SUBS SEAFOOD STEAKHOUSE SUPPER CLUB

50 51 53 53 54 57 57 60 60 62

WORLD COST-CUTTING COUPONS

62 63

restaurant quicklists SUNDAY BRUNCH OUTDOOR SEATING LATE NIGHT EATS VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY

DRAGANETTI’S

27 28 41 46

WI-FI HOT SPOTS MENOMONIE CHIPPEWA FALLS DELIVERY

BOSTON’S

PAD THAI

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Just pick a place to eat.”

54 59 60 65

Local Listings

endary. Outdoor seating, private party room. Walk-ins welcome. Entrée: $17.

Franzwa’s Café and Custom Catering 800 Wis-

steak and seafood, soup and sandwiches, Cajun and Asian, burgers and pizza – it’s all here...

Look at all the places to eat! Many restaurants are hard to classify, so you’ll find them in multiple categories. Entrée prices are approximate. The icons indicate whether a restaurant features alcohol, delivery, group seating, smoking, and/or reservations (icon key found throughout). Red stars indicate restaurants that placed well in Volume One’s annual Best of the Valley Reader Poll. “Quick Lists” simmer down the complete listings into helpful little guides. We did our best to track down the area’s restaurants, but we probably missed a few. If you don’t see your favorite eatery listed, please contact us and we’ll get it in next year. Enjoy!

AMERICAN CASUAL

29 Pines Corner of Hwy. 29 and Co. Hwy. T, Eau

Claire • 874-2929 • A classy yet casual eatery serving up an eclectic and surprising mix of main entrées, as well as burgers, steaks, and seafood. The Sirloin 29 is a crowd pleaser, charbroiled and seasoned with a blend of 29 spices. Soup and salad bar after 11am.

Ask about the bar’s karaoke scene. Weekday happy hour runs from 4-7pm. Open for Sunday brunch, private party room, banquet services, vegetarian friendly.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: prices unavailable.

Applebee’s 4745 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 831-1255 •

www.applebees.com • Applebee’s is a national chain known for “eatin’ good in the neighborhood.” With a large menu and a modern bar and grill vibe, they’re best known for their riblets and oriental salads. Vegetarian friendly, open late, carside-to-go service. Entrée: $6-$15.

Bear Creek Grille 4890 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 835-

Galloway Grille 409 Galloway St., Eau Claire • 5140751 • A classy yet casual place for lunch or dinner, decked out in historical photos and memorabilia of downtown Eau Claire, Galloway Grille is known for great burgers, including their signature beefy sandwich – the Smokey Mountain Burger, topped with pulled BBQ pork and coleslaw. Private party/meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $8-$10.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8.

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 2703 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 839-8687 • www.greenmilleauclaire.com • With its full menu available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, the Green Mill wants you to get full. Among other items, the menu features specialty pizzas, chicken wings, large salads, and a number of unique pastas such as the Butternut Squash Ravioli. The bar can mix up an impressive 82 different kinds of martinis and cosmopolitans. Check out the Sunday breakfast/ brunch buffet. Private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Lunch entrée: $8, dinner: $12.

Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Ave., Eau Claire • 836-8184

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 1815 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com • Whether it’s a lunch date, a get-together, or a night out, there’s something for everyone on Green Mill’s robust, green menu. Local favorites include the mouthwatering pizzas, the burgers, and the steaks. Check out the Sunday breakfast/brunch buffet. Outdoor seating, catering, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet. Lunch entrée: $8, dinner: $12.

The Dulany 105 Garfield. Ave, Eau Claire (in UWEC’s Davies Center) • 836-5261 • Specializing in a new all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet every weekday during the school year, The Dulany is festooned with local historical photos and murals. The buffet always features at least one vegetarian dish. Be sure to sample the special holiday spreads. The Heritage Room – a recreation of a lumber Baron’s dining room – is available for private meetings. Very vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6.75.

• www.fannyhill.com • A Victorian inn featuring 11 well-appointed rooms and a full-scale dinner theatre, Fanny Hill is a destination spot for fine food and drink.

The inn is well-known for its all-out seasonal décor and holiday feasts, and the secondary dinning room enjoys beautiful garden- and river-views. The stuffed mushroom caps, prime rib, fish fry, and Bailey’s Irish Dream dessert are local favorites, and the Sunday brunch buffet featuring made-to-order omelets is leg-

DREW KAISER

2416 • www.bcgrille.com • A great place for everything from an upscale dinner to a burger-an-a-beer, Bear Creek prides itself on steaks like the 14-ounce blackened rib eye topped with Cajun butter, as well as the crowd-pleasing beer can roasted chicken. For a lighter appetite, they’ve got a range of flatbread pizzas. Wet your whistle with 16 different beers on tap, and watch for the 2-for-1 bar specials every day after 9pm. Open late, two private party/meeting rooms available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7$20.

consin St., Banbury Place, Eau Claire • 830-0075 • A laidback breakfast and lunch spot nestled deep within Banbury Place, Franswa’s invites you to make yourself at home. Daily favorites include the half-pound Banbury Burger (served on marble rye, piled with bacon, Swiss, onion, and BBQ sauce). Make sure to try the homemade potato chips with special seasoning.

Soup and salad lunch buffet Mon. through Fri. (11am2pm), private party rooms available after hours, comprehensive on/off-site catering services, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$7.

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings

Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • www.bostonsec.com • Known for their big menu of pastas and pizzas, plus burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, Boston’s has a sports bar vibe but with gourmet food. Check out their outdoor patio in season. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $10-$17.

Bridge Street Station 212 N. Bridge St., Chippewa

Falls • 738-1111 • www.burgersandtrains.com • Trains cruise around the ceilings of Bridge Street Station, downtown Chippewa Falls’ hamburger wonderland.

But the décor is not the only thing chugging along, what with a menu of burgers featuring the likes of the Maui Express – topped with Canadian Bacon, pineapple and teriyaki sauce. The shop-front garage doors open up so you can enjoy fresh air along with your sweet potato fries, cheese curds, or special Hobo Wedges dipped in apricot-Dijon sauce. Top it all of with a thick malt. Vegetarian (veggie burger) friendly.

Cheese dip and salsa – a double-dippin’ good time. With three locations throughout the Chippewa Valley , El Patio strives to keep things fun and festive for the whole family.

“Why do I always have to pick?”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Grizzly’s Grill ’n’ Saloon 2620 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 832-6481 • www.grizzlysgrill.com • Grizzly’s is a relaxed, family-friendly grill with a bar side full of TVs and games, and a quieter (but still fun) restaurant side. They have a full menu of appetizers, soups, salads, fish, burgers, pastas, wraps, and more.

Favorites include the oriental salad, Bear Creek pasta, and the steak-cheese-mushroom sandwich. There’s a Lite-n-Fresh menu, but there are also some amazing cheese fries. Entrée: $6-$17.

Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire •

552-3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com • Contemporary American style cuisine that constantly evolves in tune with the seasons, assuring some of the freshest ingredients in the valley. They feature an extensive lunch menu with appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, pastas, and platters. Dinner is veritable worldly adventure with customized pastas, steaks, chops, seafood and more. Some of the more popular dishes include walnut burgers, Greek salads, and fish. An extensive list of beers, wines, and martinis are available. Very vegetarian friendly, open late on weekends, outdoor seating available on the sidewalk, delivery available for orders more than $50. Free wireless internet. Lunch entrée: $6-$10, dinner: $14-$30.

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub 415 S. Barstow

St., Eau Claire • 835-6621 • www.houligans.net •

The dining area enjoys a gorgeous lake view and a relaxed atmosphere where you can grab a pizza or a burger. Outdoor seating, private party room, banquet services. Entrée: $5-$10.

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys • The owners of Lucy’s brought a slice of New York to downtown Chipppewa Falls when they opened up their full-service deli and sandwich shop. One look at their famous reuben or hot beef sandwiches (made with Boar’s Head meat), and you’ll see what’s got the locals so excited. Soups, salads, and personal pizzas are all made from scratch. Be sure to check out Lucy’s Gooeys (caramel rolls) baked Thur.-Sat. Private party/ meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8.

Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., Eau

Claire • 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com • With shiny hardwood floors, brick walls, and local memorabilia hanging left and right, Mogie’s generates a casual and fun vibe. Lots of classic pub food and a long line of tempting beer taps await, but the crown jewel of Mogie’s menu is a list of excellent specialty burgers.

Bring some friends and order the cheesy Spuds o’ Plenty. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7.

... a menu of burgers featuring the likes of the Maui Express, topped with Canadian Bacon, pineapple and teriyaki sauce.

Bridge Street Station, Chippewa Falls Rich, worn-in woodwork threads across the walls of Houligans – take a seat at the bar, or in the cozy dining area. It’s a great place to grab a beer and a hearty meal. The menu offers a top-notch selection of steaks and seafood dishes, but the Candied Garlic New York Strip is the big crowd-pleaser. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $12-$32.

James Sheeley House 236 W. River St., Chippewa

Falls • 726-0561 • www.JamesSheeleyHouse.com • The James Sheeley House offers both fine and casual dining in vintage surroundings. Overlooking the Chippewa River, the restaurant features a three-story, turnof-the-century saloon and a Victorian dining room. All of the sauces, soups, and dressings are homemade, and the menu spans sandwiches to steak to seafood. Private party room. Entrée: $10-$20.

LaGrander’s Drive-In 18143 Co. Trk. X, Chippewa

Falls • 723-0672 • Nothing says summer like a trip to the drive-in. A local landmark located right across from Ray’s beach, LaGrander’s makes their own root beer and scoops up country-style ice cream in addition to their classic drive-in fare. Eat in your car or one of the gazeboes. Entrée: prices unavailable.

Lake Wissota Golf Course 16108 97th Ave., Chippewa Falls • 1-888-382-4780 • www.lakewissotagolf. com • Lake Wissota Golf Course features four docks where boaters can tie up and stop in for a bite to eat.

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2007 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Establishments open for breakfast and/or special brunch on Sunday morning.

29 Pines Corner of Hwy. 29 and Cty. Hwy. T, Eau Claire • 874-2929

Baker’s Square Restaurant and Pie 4750 Golf

Rd., Eau Claire • 833-1030 • bakerssquare.com

Blue Moon Family Restaurant 805 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 833-8036

Bridgewater Restaurant 1009 W. Park Ave., Chip. Falls • 723-6941

Burgandy’s Restaurant 1202 W. Clairemont Ave. Eau Claire • 834-3181 • plazaeauclaire.com

Chick-A-Dee’s 1928 3rd St., E.C. • 832-7724 Chippewa Family Restaurant 1701 Kennedy

Rd., Chippewa Falls • 723-4751

City Limits 2100 Cty. Trk. B, Meno. • 235-1166 Carl & Cindy’s Embers America 6220 Texaco

Dr., Eau Claire • 874-6213

Country Kitchen 2308 E. Clairemont Ave., EC • 832-3677 // 1705 Plaza Dr., Meno. • 235-9541

Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Ave., E.C. • 836-8184 • www.fannyhill.com

Fill-Inn Station 104 W. Columbia St., Chippewa

Native Bay Restaurant and Lounge 9504 Co.

Hwy. S, Chippewa Falls • 726-0434 • www.nativebayrestaurant.com • Contemporary, elegant, and deceptively casual, Native Bay is obsessive about using fresh local food from Chippewa Valley farms.

The frequently changing menu offers something new and exciting on every visit. The bar’s remarkable wine list and staggering beer menu (well over 80 specialty brews) also focus on local artisans. Located on the beautiful Chippewa River, the restaurant offers summer pontoon rentals. Sunday brunch, outdoor seating, private party room, very vegetarian friendly, open late (pizzas only). Entrée: $16-$32, bar menu: $5-$15.

Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 858-9000 • www.noodles.com • Quick and casual, Noodles offers a variety of dishes based on different kinds of, well, noodles. Crowd pleasers include the Japanese Pan Noodles, the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, and the Penna Rosa pasta. Fun facts: Noodles serves beer and wine, and all menu items can be prepared vegetarian. Entrée: $7-$9.

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 • www.northwoodsbrewpub.com • The hearty comfort food and breakfasts from the Norske Nook combined with the excellent pub grub and mirco brews from Northwoods offers a culinary one-two punch capable of destroying your hunger. Check out the elk and buffalo dishes, fried cukes, and various lefse concoctions. Open for breakfast seven days a week. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7-$19.

Outback Steakhouse 5020 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 552-5293 • www.outback.com • Home of the world-renowned Bloomin’ Onion appetizer, Outback Steakhouse is known far and wide for its robust, Aussie-centric meals. Steaks are cut from Midwestern grain-fed beef, the chicken and fish are never frozen, and most items are made fresh daily. Curbside takeaway, call ahead seating, vegetarian friendly, open late

Falls • 723-6551 • www.fillinnstation.com

Fox Run Tavern 1515 S. 65th Ave., E.C. • 835-6489 Grand Avenue Coffee Café 119 Grand Ave.,

Eau Claire • 831-1100

Green Mill 2703 Craig Rd., EC • 839-8687 // 815 N. Broadway St., Meno. • 235-3000 • greenmill.com

Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53,

Chippewa Falls • 723-0844 •

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Cty. Trk. X., Chippewa Falls • 723-9854 • highshores.com Kernel Restaurant 1632 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-5154

Maple Lounge & Café 2507 S. Hastings Way,

Eau Claire • 552-1998

Native Bay Restaurant 9504 Co. Hwy. S, Chippewa Falls • 726-0434 • nativebayrestaurant.com

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., EC • 552-0510

The Nucleus Cafe 405 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-7777 • www.racysnucleus.com

Oakwood Bar & Grill S7650 Hwy. 37 • 833-0652 Old Country Buffet 2613 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-7747 • www.buffetsinc.com

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd. • 231-4999 Perkins Restaurant 1720 N. Broadway St., Meno.

235-2234 // 2025 Highland Ave., E.C. • 834-9911

Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Cty. Trk. D, Menomonie • 235-9927 • www.pioneergrill.com

Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St., EC • 855-0856 Raw Deal 544 S. Broadway St., Meno. • 231-3255 Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-5777

The Creamery Restaurant & Inn E4620 Cty.

Rd. C, off Hwy. 25 E, Downsville • 664-8354 •

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., Timber Terrace Golf Course, Chip. Falls • 726-1199

Wigwam Tavern 314 E. Madison St., Eau Claire • 834-9061 • www.wigwamtavern.com

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

27

“Because you’re the one who’s hungry.”

Fri and Sat. Entrée: $9-$20.

OUTDOOR DINING Establishments identified with an al fresco option – decks, patios, sidewalks, etc.

Acoustic Cafe – Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St. • 832-9090 • www.theacoustic.com

Acoustic Café – Menomonie 102 Main St.,

Menomonie • 235-1115

Albertville Tavern 8114 35th St., Colfax • 874-6217

Pine Meadow Golf – The Barley Club 4324 Fairfax Park Dr., Eau Claire • 831-9224

Bertucci’s Supper Club & Pub E11295 Hwy. 12, Fall Creek • 877-2140

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • bostonsec.com Burrachos Fresh Mexican Grill 2401 Hwy 25

N., Menomonie • 233-0281 // 5314 Prill Rd., Eau Claire • 834-1843 • www.burrachos.com

The Creamery Restaurant & Inn E4620 Cty. Rd. C, off Hwy. 25 E, Downsville • 664-8354 • www.creameryrestaurant-inn.com

Culver’s 2021 Brackett Ave., EC • 831-1060 //

2520 Folsom St., EC • 831-0741 // 2573 Commercial Blvd., Chip. Falls • 726-9343 // 1330 Stout Rd., Meno. • 233-0330 • www.culvers.com

Dana’s Bar & Grill 6505 Texaco Dr., EC • 8745954 // 465 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chip. • 726-1749

Dessert First Bakery Café 210 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 833-8440 • www.getdessertfirst.com

Dooley’s Pub 442 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-

2388 • www.dooleyspub.com

Draganetti’s Ristorante 3120 Hilcrest Pkwy., Eau Claire • 834-9234 • www.draganettis.com

Erbert and Gerbert’s 409 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-9995 • www.erbertandgerberts.com Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Ave., Eau Claire • 8368184 • www.fannyhill.com

Fischer’s On The Green 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy.,

Altoona • 832-9711

LaGrander’s Drive-In 18143 Cty. Trk. X, Chip-

pewa Falls • 723-0672

The Living Room Coffee House & Drive-Thru 2006 Cameron St., Eau Claire • 831-0245 • www. thelivingroomcoffeehouse.com

Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Bis. Hwy. 29, Chippewa Falls • 723-5667 • www.723loop.com Lake Wissota Golf Course 16108 97th Ave.,

Chip. • 1-888-382-4780 • lakewissotagolf.com

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-0703

Menomonie Family Restaurant 2616 Hils Ct. • 235-9000 • menomoniefamilyrestaurant.com

Mike’s Smokehouse 2235 N. Clairemont Ave.,

Eau Claire • 834-8153

Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., Eau Claire • 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com Mona Lisa’s Restaurant 428 Water St., Eau Claire • 839-8969 • www.monalisas.biz Native Bay Restaurant and Lounge 9504

Co. Hwy. S, Chippewa Falls • 726-0434 • www. nativebayrestaurant.com

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 • www.northwoodsbrewpub.co

The Nucleus Cafe 405 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-7777 • www.racysnucleus.com

Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Xing, Eau Claire 834-9752 • www.panera-minnesota.com

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd. • 231-4999 Piff’s Pizza 622 N. Bridge St., Chip. • 720-0915 Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Cty. Trk. D,

Menomonie • 235-9927 • www.pioneergrill.com

Ray’s Place 838 Water St., EC • 832-3991 Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire •

Fox Run Tavern 1515 S. 65th Ave., Eau Claire

835-3348 • www.shanghaibistro.com

The Goat Coffee House 408 Water St., Eau

Falls • 288-6331 • www.schrecksplace.com

835-6489

Claire • 831-4491

Schreck’s Place 10764 Cty. Hwy. Q, Chippewa

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd., Menomonie •

Stella Blues 306 Madison St., Eau Claire • 8557777 • www.stellablues.biz

Grand Avenue Coffee Café 119 Grand Ave. •

Menomonie • 233-3333 • stoutalehouse.com

231-5323 • www.goldenleafcafe.com

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St.,

831-1100

Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Claire-

St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com

That Mexican Place 710 2nd Ave., Menomonie •

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 815 N. Broadway

Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • 552-3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com

mont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-5777

233-1445 • www.thatmexicanplace.com

2839 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-5929

Ave., Eau Claire • 834-9911 • www.perkinsrestaurants. com • Big, comfy booths and a homey feel make Perkins a great place for family dining. From breakfast to dinner, they’ve got you covered. The pancakes are a local favorite and the bakery offers pies, cookies, muffins and more. Breakfast served all day. Vegetarian friendly, open 24 hrs. Entrée: $5-$10.

Stella Blues 306 Madison St., Eau Claire • 855-7777

• www.stellablues.biz • Gallantly promoting and preserving Cajun flavor in the Chippewa Valley, Stella’s is located right across the street from downtown Eau Claire’s developing Phoenix Park area. The snazzy décor features antiques from the area’s past, and the bar offers a formidable line of taps, not to mention a constantly changing drink menu. Signature dishes include the (spectacularly-named) Better Than Ribs Volcanic Pork. The black bean burger is a vegetarian favorite.

Great outdoor seating, huge private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$22.

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St., Menomonie

• 233-3333 • www.stoutalehouse.com • Festooned with 37 TVs and packed with video games, dart machines, pool tables, and a mini bowling alley, the Stout Ale House hopes you have a good time. Casual and fun, the eatery features a full menu of all-American food and a full bar with over 40 kinds of beer. A crowd favorite is the Ale House Special: two 1⁄4 lb. patties mixed with a grilled brat, topped with cheddar, on a toasted hoagie roll. Rent out a special “skybox” to recreate an at-the-game afternoon with friends. Outdoor seating, private party rooms/banquet hall, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5$16.

Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-5777 • Upscale yet casual with a contemporary vibe, Sweetwaters is great for a night out on the town or a cozy dinner with drinks and conversation. Signature dishes include the coffee-crusted New York strip and the chicken tchoupitoulas (served on a bed of ham and potato hash). Check out the lunch buffet and their special Sunday brunch. Outdoor seating, private party/banquet room, vegetarian friendly.

Free wireless internet. Lunch entrée: $8-$10, dinner: $18-$25.

Claire • 830-1424 www.tgifridays.com • T.G.I. Fri-

ber Terrace Golf Course, Chippewa Falls • 7261199 • www.vallysrestaurant.com

Jersey’s Neighborhood Sports Bar & Grill

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 2025 Highland

Whiskey Dick’s 943 Harlem Ave., Altoona • 829-

Houligans Steak & Seafood 415 S. Barstow Jake’s Supper Club E5690 Cty. Trk. D, Menomonie • 235-2465 • jakesontainterlake.com

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-2234 • www.perkinstogo.com • With classic favorites like the Tremendous Twelve breakfast and the Chicken Tender Melt, not to mention seasonal specialty items, Perkin’s has something for the whole family any time day or night. Breakfast served all day. Curbside to-go service, vegetarian friendly, open 24 hrs. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$10.

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St.,

723-5356 • www.theviewonlakewissota.com

St., Eau Claire • 835-6621 • houligans.net

• 231-4999 • Parker’s offers up family-style eats in a comfortable, laidback atmosphere. The ribs are a hit, slow-roasted, grilled, and messy – glazed in a BBQ sauce made from scratch. The clam linguini is also a crowd-pleaser. Sunday brunch buffet from 10am2pm. Semi-private meeting room available, outdoor seating. Meatless pasta dishes available. Entrée: $6$15.

Texas Roadhouse 5019 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 838-0035 • www.texasroadhouse.com • Upbeat and energetic, Texas Roadhouse is “that place they line dance every hour.” Their culinary claims to fame are hand-cut steaks and award-winning fall-off-the-bone ribs. Their bread is baked fresh all day long, and they make all dressings and side dishes from scratch. Open late on Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $13.

The View 17779 Cty. Hwy. X, Chippewa Falls •

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Cty. Trk. X., Chippewa Falls • 723-9854 • highshores.com

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd., Menomonie

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., Tim-

Menomonie • 235-6541 3425

“You’re hungry, too.”

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T.G.I. Friday’s 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau

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“Yeah, but you’re hungrier than me.”

NICK MEYER

the door. In addition to the standard Chinese dishes, the restaurant features a “Mongolian Barbeque” style grill where you can select ingredients and sauces to be stir-fried before your hungry eyes. Vegetarian friendly.

Lunch entrée: $6, dinner: $9.

Jade Garden 3620 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire • 833-

9868 • A large Chinese buffet featuring row after row of popular appetizers. Expect all your favorite Asian dishes to make an appearance, along with a few pleasant surprises. Private party room, vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $7-$9.

Jimmy Woo’s Pagoda Asian Restaurant & Lounge 1700 Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-6431

• www.woospagoda.com • Practically an Eau Claire landmark, Woo’s Pagoda has overlooked Hastings Way for over fifty years. The restaurant has a very loungey feel to it, and it’s a great place for dinner and conversation. Try the chef’s signature dish, Lor’s Amber Chicken, with one of the bar’s many specialty drinks. Live music on the weekends, outdoor seating, private party area, catering services, vegetarian friendly. Lunch entrée: $8, dinner: $10.

Jumbo House 2633 Birch St., Eau Claire • 835-9188

The curds at Dooley’s Pub in Eau Claire pack a burst of gooey flavor – cubed. Besides fried cheese, Dooley’s offers a specialty menu of classic Irish fare ... and Guinness. day’s is a national chain known for their big menu and special Jack Daniels steaks, chicken, and burgers.

The upbeat and friendly atmosphere is also home to a number of salads, pastas, sandwiches, appetizers and more. Relatively vegetarian friendly, open late (until 1am Mon.-Sat. and midnight Sun.), call ahead seating.

Entrée: $9-$18.

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., Timber

Terrace Golf Course, Chippewa Falls • 726-1199 • www.vallysrestaurant.com • With local art adorning the walls, Vally’s dining room overlooks the gorgeous

Falls • 726-9886 • A plentiful buffet of classic Chinese food guaranteed to send you home full. Try the House Fried Chicken, the coconut shrimp, and other tasty seafood offerings. Private party room, vegetarian friendly. Lunch entrée: $6, dinner: $7.50, $8.50 weekends.

Egg Roll-Plus 1611 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • 832-

6125 • The menu at Egg Roll-Plus hops from Thai to Vietnamese to Laotian to Chinese cuisine, all in the span a few modest pages. The special stir-fries and

Practically an Eau Claire landmark, Woo’s Pagoda has overlooked Hastings Way for over fifty years.

Jimmy Woo’s Pagoda, Eau Claire Chippewa River, creating a relaxing dining experience. Sample the homemade soup and try the signature Grilled Caribbean Chicken Salad with honey lime dressing. The Friday fish fry and the fresh ham patty burger are favorites. Open for breakfast all week, outdoor seating, private party room, catering services.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7.

ASIAN

Asian Café 2121 Eddy Lane, Eau Claire • 852-0552

• A calming, quiet place specializing in dishes from southeastern Asia, including Thailand and Laos, the Asian Café uses fresh ingredients to prepare dishes right when they are ordered. Try the Pad Thai and/or the egg rolls – stuffed with pork, veggies, and bean threads. Lunch buffet Tue. through Fri., catering services, vegetarian friendly. Lunch entrée: $6, dinner: $7-$9.

China Buffet 961 W. Clairemont Ave., Shopko Plaza,

Eau Claire • 552-1198 • A hot buffet offering Asian favorites like fried rice, spring rolls, barbequed chicken on a stick, and all the crab Rangoon you can swallow.

Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: prices unavailable.

China Buffet 475 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa

gargantuan bowls of rice-noodle soup are hot items, but the namesake egg rolls are worth to the trip alone – enjoy a few in the modest dinning area or take some home for the whole family. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$7.

Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant 1702 Harding

Ave., Eau Claire • 833-0088 • A Chinese takeout and delivery joint offering a host of standards – everything from vegetable lo mein to deep-fried chicken wings.

Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $4-$7.

Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant 319 S. Broad-

way St., Menomonie • 235-3532 • A casual place for Chinese featuring a long lineup of the usual suspects – chow mein, sweet-n-sour pork, cashew chicken, fried rice, and so on. Popular items include the chicken broccoli and the aromatic chicken. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $4-$6.

Golden Dragon 2709 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire

• 552-2790 • All of your Asian favorites available for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: prices unavailable. Entrée: $4-$6.

Great Wall Buffet 1431 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire •

838-9666 • One of the Valley’s larger Chinese buffets, the Great Wall places a wall of food between you and “How can you tell?”

30

• A Chinese buffet with a dedicated takeout counter, Jumbo House sets itself apart by offering seriously large portions. A single crab Rangoon could be used as a delicious, deep-fried beanbag chair. The menu features Szechwan, Hunan, and Cantonese cuisine, so you’ll have no trouble finding all your Asian favorites.

Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $6-$9, lunch buffet: $6, dinner buffet: $8.

Kingdom Buffet 1502 E. 9th St., Menomonie • 233-

0465 • As the name implies, an empire’s worth of food awaits you at the Kingdom Buffet. Whether you like your Chinese cuisine steamed, stir-fried, or deep-fried, there’s something for everyone. Vegetarian friendly.

Lunch buffet: $6, dinner: $8.

Kobe’s Japanese 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 838-9888 • Located in Oakwood Mall’s Café Court, this Japanese grill serves up fresh veggies and meat – hot and fast. The chicken and shrimp dishes are a big crowd pleasers. Vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $4-$6.

Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 858-9000 • www.noodles.com • Quick and casual, Noodles offers a variety of dishes based on different kinds of, well, noodles. Crowd pleasers include the Japanese Pan Noodles, the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, and the Penna Rosa pasta. Fun facts: Noodles serves beer and wine, and all menu items can be prepared vegetarian. Entrée: $7-$9.

Noodle Wrap 3021 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0525

• Noodle Wrap is an unassuming, quiet place for fresh Asian fare with an emphasis on Hmong dishes. Meals are prepared from scratch the minute they’re ordered.

Stir-fries, soups, and other dishes can be had with veggies, chicken, or shrimp. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $8-$12.

Pad Thai 203 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 552-1715

• Take a seat in the tidy dining area and peruse Pad Thai’s menu of unique Asian fare. All items can be

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2007 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

THE JAMES RESTAURANT & SALOON • Distinctive Dining in a Vintage Atmosphere • Listed on the National and State Registry of Historical Places • Serving Traditional and Creative Entrées • Dining Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 pm • Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 pm Monday through Thursday • Live Music Every First Tuesday, Second Saturday, Third Thursday, Final Tuesday and Final Friday of the Month with no cover charge.

• Reservations accepted at 726-0561

On the river in Chippewa Falls, 236 West River Street

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“You have that look in your eyes.”

“The ‘I’m hungrier than you are’ look?”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

custom made to your preferred level of hotness, ranging from “seriously, not hot at all” to “seriously, get me some water.” The namesake Pad Thai noodles are the local choice, and most people order the dish with chicken, although tofu is also popular. Carry out available.

Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$12.

Qin-Qin 2161 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire • 830-

0288 • With a dizzying array of dishes, ranging from classic chicken fried rice to adventurous fish concoctions straight from the Shanghai territories, Qin-Qin has something for everyone. The “steamed pork baos” appetizers (tasty dumplings) with ginger sauce are a must.

Very vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $4-$9.

Quick Wok 501 Water St., Eau Claire • 832-4545 • The name says it all: timely Chinese delivery is the daily special at this Water Street staple. Takeout favorites like chow mein, lo mein, crab rangoon, moo goo gai pan, and ... wait for it ... fried rice span the menu, but the General Tso’s Chicken just might turn you into a regular customer. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5.50.

Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 8353348 • www.shanghaibistro.com • A contemporary urban atmosphere thrives at Shanghai Bistro – Eau Claire’s only true sushi and sashimi house. Using centuries-old preparation techniques while experimenting with fresh, new seafood (and other ingredients) from well beyond the Midwest, the Bistro’s chefs keep things lively. Signature sushi includes a number of rolls, including the Red Dragon Roll, and the Strange Flavor Chicken stirfry is a local favorite. Live music Wed. through Sat, outdoor seating, very vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $7$8, à la carte sushi starts at $5.

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 2426 London Rd., Eau Claire • 834-0313 • A teppanyaki-style restaurant where hungry patrons sit around an iron griddle and look on as the trained chef prepares your meal, cajoling fresh ingredients into miniature acrobatics. The fresh seafood dishes are a particular favorite. Teppanyaki dining is available for dinner only, while patrons can be seated at non-grill-containing tables for a lunch of traditional Japanese cuisine. Private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $13-$20.

BAR & GRILL

Albertville Tavern 8114 35th St., Colfax • 874-6217

• A casual, family place where the generous Friday fish fry and BBQ ribs are legendary, but the prime rib (served Wed. and Sat.) draws people from halfway across the state. Word has it the bar will serve you the best Old Fashioned in all of Albertville. Outdoor seating, open late (for pizza). Lunch entrée: $8, dinner: $10-$12.

Amber Inn Bar & Grill 840 E. Madison St., Eau Claire • 832-0568 • An “original” bar and grill where the food is prepared right behind the bar, the Amber Inn is a neighborhood favorite. The signature half-pound, allbeef burgers are served up on a toasted homemade roll, and independent experts have officially classified them as “spectacular.” Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $5-7.

Bear Creek Grille 4890 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 835-

2416 • www.bcgrille.com • A great place for everything from an upscale dinner to a burger-an-a-beer, Bear Creek prides itself on steaks like the 14-ounce blackened rib eye topped with Cajun butter, as well as the crowd-pleasing beer can roasted chicken. For a lighter appetite, they’ve got a range of flatbread pizzas. Wet your whistle with 16 different beers on tap, and watch for the 2-for-1 bar specials every day after 9pm. Open late, two private party/meeting rooms available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7-$20.

Bresina’s Hometown Bar and Grill 12037 Co. Hwy.

B, Chippewa Falls • 288-6303 • This country karaoke bar features a number of daily specials from tacos and burgers to chicken wings and a Friday fish fry. All that Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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ANDREA SEELEY

rib on Mondays and Saturdays. Check out the large well-stocked salad bar. Private party room, banquetservices. Entrée: $4-$17.

Fox Run Tavern 1515 S. 65th Ave., Eau Claire • 8356489 • Affording diners a great view of the local pines, Fox Run specializes in classic bar food like quarterand half-pound burgers and hot beefs. If you’re looking for something more exotic, try the homemade pizza. Sunday brunch buffet, volleyball courts, outdoor seating, private party deck, catering services, open late. Entrée: $5-$8.

Galloway Grille 409 Galloway St., Eau Claire • 5140751 • A classy yet casual place for lunch or dinner, decked out in historical photos and memorabilia of downtown Eau Claire, Galloway Grille is known for great burgers, including their signature beefy sandwich – the Smokey Mountain Burger, topped with pulled BBQ pork and coleslaw. Private party/meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $8-$10.

Girolamo’s Court ‘n House Bar & Grill 113 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • 832-5478 • A fun, familyowned bar and grill that attracts a wide range of patrons, the Court ‘n House is best known for its juicy 1/3 lb. burgers served on a grilled beef bun. Other favorites include the Icelandic Cod fish fry on Fridays and the Thursday night karaoke. Ask about the dart league. Open late. Entrée: $5-$10.

Glen Loch Saloon 1300 Jefferson Ave., Chippewa

Everything a hungry local could ask for: cold beer, hot food, and hot pants. Das Bierhaus in Menomonie serves up authentic Bavarian food and German beer – brewed onsite. plus homemade pizzas. Entrée: $3-$5.

Brewski’s 1202 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire •

834-3181 • This casual lounge is attached to The Plaza Hotel and Burgandy’s Restaurant. Signature dish: Burgandy’s Ribeye Grill. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$12.

Buffalo Wild Wings 4612 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 858-9453 • www.buffalowildwings.com • A family-oriented sports bar with five giant TV screens and 26 other TVs. Known for their chicken wings with a wide range of sauces, plus burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and more. Outdoor seating, open until midnight, take out also available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5$15.

Chuck’s On Clairemont 1807 N. Clairemont Ave.,

Eau Claire • 835-2485 • Open for breakfast Monday through Saturday at 10am, Chuck’s is a casual place to hang out, talk, and have a great homemade meal.

Crowd favorites include the ribs on Wednesday, and the chicken wings (served all week). Check out the summer bean bag league. Weekday soup and salad lunch buffet, business delivery, outdoor seating. Entrée: $3-$9.

Dana’s Bar & Grill - Eau Claire 6505 Texaco Dr., Eau Claire • 874-5954 • A log cabin-y sort of sports bar restaurant on Eau Claire’s west side known for great ribs and steaks. Weekdays feature a pizza and salad lunch buffet from 11am-2pm. Some outdoor seating, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5$18.

Dana’s Bar & Grill - Chippewa Falls 465 Chippewa

Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • 726-1749 • A sports bar restaurant known for great ribs and steaks. Weekdays feature a pizza and salad lunch buffet from 11am-2pm.

Some outdoor seating, open late. Entrée: $5-$25.

Dean & Sue’s Bar & Grill 2002 Midway Rd.,

Menomonie • 235-9940 • Dean and Sue’s is the place for a laidback, good time. Regular patrons love the Philly steak sandwich – beef, cheese, green peppers,

and onions piled between two slices of Texas toast.

Check out the karaoke action on Friday nights and ask about the bean bag league. Volleyball court, outdoor seating, private party room, dance hall, open late. Entrée: $5.50-$6.75.

Falls • 723-1297 • A casual saloon serving burgers, sandwiches, homemade pizzas, and a wide array of deep fried stuff. Entrée: $8-$25.

Golden Spike Bar & Grill 228 Division St. • 5525526 • There’s a whole new menu for 2008 at this small town neighborhood bar and grill, but they’ve still got the burgers that keep the locals coming back for more. Check out breakfast on Sundays. Open late, 250-person banquet hall available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5.

Dooley’s Pub 442 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-2388 • www.dooleyspub.com • A relaxed Irish restaurant and sports bar, Dooley’s is known as Water Street’s nonsmoking bar. It’s a little more upscale than much of the Water Street bar scene but still a relaxed hangout destination. Specialties include traditional Irish food, but American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and wings abound. Some outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $6-$11.

Grizzly’s Grill ’n’ Saloon 2620 E. Clairemont Ave.,

Rd., Eau Claire • 833-2255 • Doubleday’s has been a sports bar and grill destination in King’s Plaza on Eau Claire’s south side for quite a while. A wide range of ages calls it their hangout, and they have plenty of TVs, darts, pool tables, and video games to go around.

Burgers are on special all the time, and the calzones are among the more popular menu items. Vegetarian friendly, open late on weekends. Entrée: $4-$8.

Hoots Hilltop 924 E. Madison St., Eau Claire • 8359223 • A long-time neighborhood hang out, Hoots offers classic bar food like burgers made to order. Check out the lunch specials Monday through Friday. Entrée: $5-$7.

Doubleday’s Sports Bar and Grill 3020 London

Fill-Inn Station 104 W. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls

• 723-6551 • www.fillinnstation.com • A casual neighborhood bar and grill and former gas station. Known for their Canadian walleye, ribeye steaks, homemade cheese curds, and burgers. Plus homemade pizzas, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, six Leinenkugels on tap at all times, and Bloody Marys served with fresh shrimp and a beer chaser. Open for breakfast on Sunday, weekend buffet runs Fri. and Sat., 4-9pm. Private party hall. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $9-$15, sandwiches $5-$8.

Four Corners 14982 Co. Hwy. F, Chippewa Falls •

723-6783 • Open at 7am Mon. through Sat. for breakfast, Four Corners has a homey, family atmosphere.

The fried chicken is a hit with the locals, and other favorites include the Friday night fish fry and the prime

“I’m too hungry to talk about this.”

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Eau Claire • 832-6481 • www.grizzlysgrill.com • Grizzly’s is a relaxed, family friendly grill with a bar side full of TVs and games, and a quieter (but still fun) restaurant side. They have a full menu of appetizers, soups, salads, fish, burgers, steaks, pastas, wraps and more. Favorites include the oriental salad, Bear Creek pasta, and the steak-cheese-mushroom sandwich.

There’s a Lite-n-Fresh menu, but there are also some amazing cheese fries. Open daily until 11pm. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$17.

Jersey’s Neighborhood Sports Bar & Grill 2839 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-5929 • Known for 100% Angus beef burgers like the BBQ Peppercorn, and the humongous All-Star Appetizer Platter, Jersey’s has 20 TVs on which to view the big game (including one in the men’s bathroom, sorry ladies), and word as it that Badger and Packer game nights are a hoot. Outdoor

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2007 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

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“Yeah, you’re wasting away over there.”

seating. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7.

Kyote’s Den Bar & Grill E2339 Hwy 29, Menomonie

• 235-2777 • A classic bar and grill, Kyote’s is laidback and friendly. The trademark Kyote Burger is piled high with cheese and green peppers. Don’t forget about the Friday night fish fry, or the $1 beer special on Sunday. Entire menu available for takeout, open late. Entrée: $6-$8.

Lake Wissota Golf Course 16108 97th Ave., Chippewa Falls • 1-888-382-4780 • www.lakewissotagolf. com • Lake Wissota Golf Course features four docks where boaters can tie up and stop in for a bite to eat.

The dining area enjoys a gorgeous lake view and a relaxed atmosphere where you can grab a pizza or a burger. Outdoor seating, private party room, banquet services. Entrée: $5-$10.

Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Business. Hwy. 29,

Chippewa Falls • 723-5667 • www.723loop.com • A log cabin atmosphere sets the stage for casual eating at Loopy’s. Located right on the Chippewa River, the fish fry and homemade pizza are popular menu items, but make sure to check out the terrific nachos. Weekday lunch buffet, outdoor seating, outdoor private party area, banquet services, volleyball courts, tube/ canoe/kayak rentals. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$8.

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St.,

Menomonie • 235-0703 • The deep booths, warm colors, and dark woodwork give the Log Jam a cozy, classy atmosphere. But don’t think it’s all posh and snooty; the menu’s signature item – the Lumber Jack

fry – served with homemade potato salad and coleslaw – features deep-fried walleye, baked or fried cod, or broiled or fried shrimp. Outdoor seating, banquet and catering services. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$8, $5-$10 on Friday night.

Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Co. Trk. D, Menomonie • 235-9927 • www.pioneergrill.com • There’s a distinct party atmosphere most nights at the Pioneer Grill & Saloon. Homemade pizzas and broasted chicken round out a sizable menu of sandwiches and familystyle favorites. Try out their famous all-beef burgers and don’t miss the live music. Breakfast served all week. Weekday lunch buffet, outdoor seating, private party room, volleyball courts, open late. Entrée: $6$11.

Ray’s Place 838 Water St., Eau Claire • 832-3991

• People come from miles around just to grab a beer and an excellent hot beef sandwich served on a pile of napkins at Ray’s Place. The optional horseradish sauce (highly recommended) will clear your sinuses.

Cheese slices are available upon polite request. During the cooler months, try the signature Spanish stew.

The homemade soups – pea or bean with ham – round out the menu. Outdoor seating, open late. Entrée: $5$6.

Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Pub 2812 London

Rd., Eau Claire • 831-1300 • www.mysammys.com • With a family-style pizza place up front (complete with cool diner furniture) and a full-scale bar in the back, the south side Sammy’s is great for lunch, dinner, or a night out. Bring your friends for the House

The deep booths, warm colors, and dark woodwork give the Log Jam a cozy, classy atmosphere. But don’t think it’s all posh and snooty ...

Menomonie Log Jam, Menomonie Burger – is a half-pound burger. topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried onion slices, and BBQ sauce.

Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Lunch entrée: $7-$8, dinner: $12-$17.

Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., Eau

Claire • 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com • With shiny hardwood floors, brick walls, and local memorabilia hanging left and right, Mogie’s generates a casual and fun vibe. Lots of classic pub food and a long line of tempting beer taps await, but the crown jewel of Mogie’s menu is a list of excellent specialty burgers.

Bring some friends and order the cheesy Spuds o’ Plenty. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7.

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 • www.northwoodsbrewpub.com • The hearty comfort food and breakfasts from the Norske Nook combined with the excellent pub grub and mirco brews from Northwoods offers a culinary one-two punch capable of destroying your hunger. Check out the elk and buffalo dishes, fried cukes, and various lefse concoctions. Open for breakfast seven days a week. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7-$19.

Oakwood Bar & Grill S7650 Hwy. 37, Eau Claire • 833-0652 • A log cabin interior creates a casual, woodsy feel at the Oakwood. Check out their brand new menu for 2008 and their popular happy hour specials. Private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$16.

Pine Meadow Golf – The Barley Club 4324 Fairfax Park Dr., Eau Claire • 831-9224 • Fun and friendly, The Barley Club offers food with a great view of the Pine Meadow golf course. The signature Friday fish

“OK, we really need to pick a place to eat.”

36

Special – pepperoni, hamburger, kosher salami, sausage, mushrooms, onion, and green pepper – or check out the new broasted chicken. Live music on Fridays, weekday lunch buffet, private party room, meatless pizza and pasta sauces available, open late Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $7, lg. specialty pizza: $17.75.

Silver Dollar Saloon & The Brick Company Restaurant 315 Main St., Menomonie • 235-9390 • A

low-key, low-light, classic pub style restaurant with a long bar and a vintage atmosphere. Sit upstairs in the bar area, or escape the smoke in the cozy basement dining room. The menu features an array of appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and dinner entrees including steaks, ribs, spaghetti, and more. The cheese curds are a big draw, as well as the burgers. Carry out, private space available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$12.

Smith’s Country Inn S55786 Hwy. 37, Eau Claire •

836-9003 • A favorite local spot for eaters of all ages, Smith’s is homey, friendly, and relaxed. Popular menu items include classic comfort food, not to mention the famous fish fry and the juicy prime rib steaks (served on Thurs. and Sat.) Private party room, open late Fri. and Sat., no reservations on Friday, outdoor pavilion available for parties. Entrée: $9-$13.

Stones Throw 304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • 5525882 • www.thestonesthrow.com • This long-time favorite live music venue has opened up the kitchen and added a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and even some Mexican grill favorites. Other favorites include an array of grilled quesadillas and locos burritos a go-go. Vegetarian friendly, private space available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6.

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St., Menomonie •

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“So pick a restaurant, already.”

BBQ

Buffalo Wild Wings 4612 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 858-9453 • www.buffalowildwings.com • A family-oriented sports bar with five giant TV screens and 26 other TVs. Known for their chicken wings with a wide range of sauces, plus burgers, sandwiches, ribs, and more. Outdoor seating, open until midnight, take out also available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5$15.

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que 2911 Mall Dr., Eau

Claire • 835-2227 • www.famousdavesec.com • A fun family destination with good music and an energetic staff. From Texas beef brisket to chopped pork to rib plates from four to twelve bones, there’s plenty of BBQ to go around. Private party room, catering a specialty. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$19.

Mike’s Smokehouse 2235 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau

Draganetti’s Ristorante in Eau Claire offers a casual/upscale atmosphere to enjoy Italian specialties from zesty Pesto pizzas to that noble classic – a plate of spaghetti.

233-3333 • www.stoutalehouse.com • Festooned with 37 TVs and packed with video games, dart machines, pool tables, and a mini bowling alley, the Stout Ale House hopes you have a good time. Casual and fun, the eatery features a full menu of all-American food and a full bar with over 40 kinds of beer. A crowd favorite is the Ale House Special: two 1⁄4 lb. patties mixed with a grilled brat, topped with cheddar, on a toasted hoagie roll. Rent out a special “skybox” to recreate an at-the-game afternoon with friends. Outdoor seating, private party rooms/banquet hall, vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5$16.

Sweeney’s Bar & Grill 201 E. Canal St., Chippewa

Falls • 723-9905 • A classic Wisconsin bar and grill where the locals go to get a burger or a homemade pizza. Sweeney’s boasts 26 kinds of 1⁄2 lb. hamburgers, and its relaxed atmosphere puts customers at ease.

Check out the karaoke action from September to May. Open late. Entrée: $6-$7.

Schreck’s Place 10764 Co. Hwy. Q, Chippewa Falls

• 288-6331 • www.schrecksplace.com • Burgers and broasted chicken are the big deals at Schreck’s. A nononsense bar and grill, Schreck’s is the ideal place to grab a brewski and some pub grub. Private party room, open late. Entrée: $5-$7.

Tailgates Sports Bar & Grill 1505 N. Clairemont

Ave., Eau Claire • 552-1733 • A classic Midwestern sports bar, televised games are always on the menu at Tailgates. The menu features seasoned 1⁄2 lb. burgers and homemade pizza. The Monday night special – $1 burger, $1 fries, $1.50 beer – is a local favorite. Volleyball and bean bag courts, outdoor seating (summer beer garden), private party room, open late (for pizza).

Entrée: $6-$8.

The View 17779 Co. Hwy. X, Chippewa Falls • 723-

5356 • Homemade pizza hits the spot at The View, overlooking beautiful Lake Wissota. Drive or boat in for some casual dining – the menu includes burgers, subs, salads, and popular rib platters. Live music, karaoke, and volleyball, dart, and pool leagues keep things lively. Marine gas, outdoor seating, private party room, open late (for pizza). Entrée: $7, lg. specialty pizza: $15-$20.

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St., Menomonie

• 235-6541 • A casual stop for a 20s and 30s type crowd serving high-end bar food including many different chicken sandwiches, burgers, fish, quesadillas, wings, ribs, and more. Known for a great Friday fish fry, they also feature live music every Thursday night at 10pm. The outdoor deck towers over Tainter Lake, providing a wide, sweeping vista with plenty of birds, boats, and breeze. Carry out service available. Vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$14.

Claire • 834-8153 • Many customers consider Mike’s to be the only place in town for BBQ. Their meaty menu has plenty to offer, from beef to pork to chicken to fish to baked potatoes as big as your head. The prime rib (served Thur. and Sat.) is a crowd pleaser, and the beer-battered, deep-fried fish is spoken of in hushed, reverent tones. Try the beans. Outdoor seating, catering services. Entrée: $3-$12.

Texas Roadhouse 5019 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 838-0035 • www.texasroadhouse.com • Upbeat and energetic, Texas Roadhouse is “that place they line dance every hour.” Their culinary claims to fame are hand-cut steaks and award-winning fall-off-the-bone ribs. Their bread is baked fresh all day long, and they make all dressings and side dishes from scratch. Open late on Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $13.

CAJUN

Stella Blues 306 Madison St., Eau Claire • 855-7777

West Hill Bar 250 W. Elm St., Chippewa Falls • 720-

• www.stellablues.biz • Gallantly promoting and preserving Cajun flavor in the Chippewa Valley, Stella’s is located right across the street from downtown Eau Claire’s developing Phoenix Park area. The snazzy décor features antiques from the area’s past, and the bar offers a formidable line of taps, not to mention a constantly changing drink menu. Signature dishes include the (spectacularly-named) Better Than Ribs Volcanic Pork. The black bean burger is a vegetarian favorite.

Great outdoor seating, huge private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$22.

Wigwam Tavern 314 E. Madison St., Eau Claire •

Acoustic Café – Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St.,

Whiskey Dick’s 943 Harlem Ave., Altoona • 8293425 • A warm and welcoming sports bar, Whiskey Dick’s specializes in burgers, homemade soups, and sandwiches. The centerpiece of the bar menu is the list of Torino-style pizzas – long, calzone-like creations of steamy, cheesy goodness. They go great with the big game. Outdoor seating, private party room, daily specials, meatless pizza available, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $9-$12.

9281 • A neighborhood bar and grill serving up burgers and the hot beef sandwiches. Full bar, open late.

Entrée: $3-$5.

834-9061 • www.wigwamtavern.com • A casual neighborhood bar and grill with a nice mix of regulars, the Wigwam serves up daily lunch specials like spaghetti with meatballs and their famous creamed turkey over biscuits (get there early, because when it’s out, it’s out). The regular menu offers sandwiches and terrific cheeseburgers. Ask about their summer volleyball and dodgeball leagues. Breakfast on Sat. and Sun., volleyball court available for private parties, catering services, open late. Entrée: $5-$7.

Eau Claire • 832-9090 • www.theacoustic.com • This downtown destination wants to make sure “no one hungers for lack of a better sandwich.” Known for their hot hoagies, the spacious and creative café also has pitas, soups, salads, a number of baked-fromscratch cookies, muffins, and more. Expect live music on the weekends and outdoor seating in season. Vegetarian friendly, open until 11pm. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $3-$7.

ICON KEY

BAVARIAN

Das Bierhaus 120 6th Ave. W., Menomonie • 2313230 • www.dasbierhaus-wi.com • Featuring a formidable range of domestic, imported, and brewed-on-site German beers, Das Bierhaus is the local destination for authentic Bavarian food and drink. The signature Schnitzel Strips are prepared fresh daily, and the Kaeseknacker (a cheesy sausage) is as enjoyable to eat as it is to say. Entrée: prices unavailable.

“I think you should decide where we eat.”

CAFE/COFFEEHOUSE

38

= Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2007 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

s ng sing ed truffles made u using • Fine hand-crafted rom Castle Rock ock Dairy.

D organic cream from • Delicious chocolate hocolate and ca caram mel sauces. caramel • Creative ve d dw hite cchocolate hocolate b ark an arks w ith dark and white barks with ve toppings like caramelized cocoa nibs. b inventive • Daily ily muffins such as wild Maine blueberry and d cherry almond. alm

te chocolate with • Inspired cupcakes such as tiramisu and white a white chocolate butter cream that will makee yyou melt.

Hours of Operation: Mon thru Fri, 10am-6pm & Saturday, 10am-4pm | 310 Water St. • Across from Water St. Commons Volume One Eat Scene 2008

39

“And why’s that?”

“I’m always the one who decides. It’s your turn.”

40

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Acoustic Café – Menomonie 102 Main St., Menomonie • 235-1115 • A topnotch hoagie shop (everything from corned beef to hummus) that bakes its own bread from scratch, the Menomonie Acoustic Café features a cozy atmosphere and live music on the weekends. The trademark high-back booths make it a great place to do lunch, a casual meeting, or to just hang out. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6.

Bake ’n’ Brew Café 17255 Co. Hwy. X, Chippewa

Falls • 720-2360 • A laid back bakery and café known for their cinnamon rolls, salads, and sandwiches. A “lite” menu is also available. Entrée: $3-$6.

Blind Munchies 621 Wilson Ave., Menomonie •

235-9300 • www.streetlevel.uwstout.edu • Open to the public Tuesday through Friday, Blind Munchies features a full coffee bar, a from-scratch bakery, and fresh sandwiches made to order. Try their homemade pizzas, and keep an eye out for their live music and B-movie nights. Vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $3-$5.

Borders Books and Music 4030 Commonwealth Ave., Eau Claire • 832-2852 • www.borders.com • Walk into Borders, hang a right, and you’ll find a full-service coffee bar (Seattle’s Best) offering baked goods and both hot and cold sandwiches.

The tasty, zesty lemon bars are big enough to roof a witch’s house (you know, like in Hansel and Gretel). Entrée: $5.

Café 420 420 Washington St., Eau Claire • 833-9975

• www.digitaledgestudios.com/cafe2420 • Eclectic décor, bamboo floors, and soothing colors are the backdrop for Café 420’s full service coffee bar and sandwich shop. Try the signature gyro sandwich or the popular chocolate truffle mocha drink. Internet stations, outdoor seating, private party services. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$5.

LATE NIGHT EATS Some of the establishments that serve from thier menu after 10pm on weekends.

Acoustic Cafe 505 S. Barstow St. • 832-9090 // 102 Main St., Menomonie • 235-1115 Amber Inn Bar & Grill 840 E. Madison St., Eau Claire • 832-0568 •

Applebee’s 4745 Golf Rd., E.C. • 831-1255 • applebees.com

Baker’s Square Restaurant and Pie 4750 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 833-1030 • bakerssquare.com Bear Creek Grille 4890 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 835-2416 • www.bcgrille.com

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings

Coffee Traders International 2230 Eastridge Cen-

ter, Eau Claire • 838-8451 • www.coffeetradersinternational.com • A coffee and sandwich shop featuring eight types of single origin coffee. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the neat fireplace. Vegetarian friendly.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees 3210 N. Clairemont Ave, in Menards, Eau Claire • 839-9921 // 4800 Golf Road, Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 833-0040 • www.gloriajeans.com • A full-scale gourmet coffee shop known for its flavored brews, Gloria Jean’s uses beans selected from the top 2% of the world’s Arabica bean crop. In addition to brewed coffee, the shop offers a variety of robust espresso drinks and “Blended Chillers” such as the popular White Chocolate Caramel Cookie Chiller.

New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-5000 • www.newyorkpizzaec.com

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 •

Outback Steak House 5020 Keystone Xing,

Buffalo Wild Wings 4612 Keystone Xing, Eau

Claire • 858-9453 • www.buffalowildwings.com

Buzzy’s Pizza Emporium 414 Water St., Eau Claire • 552-1600 • www.buzzyspe.com

Carl & Cindy’s Embers America 6220 Texaco

Dr., Eau Claire • 874-6213

City Limits Restaurant 2100 Cty. Trk. B,

Menomonie • 235-1166

Country Kitchen Restaurant 2308 E. Clairemont

Grand Ave., Eau Claire • 832-5478

Claire • 834-1733 // 2116 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 797-2198 // 3042 Commercial Blvd., Chippewa Falls • 797-2370 • www.thecoffeegrounds.com • A casual, European-style café plopped into the middle of a gourmet food/coffee/beer/wine/cigar/gift shop, The Coffee Grounds offers a variety of baked goods, soups, and fresh, unique sandwiches. Their menu is always evolving, but if you see their terrific tomato bisque on the board, go for it. And don’t forget about the coffee (they roast their own beans). Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7.

Co. Hwy. S, Chippewa Falls • 726-0434 • www. nativebayrestaurant.com

Park Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-6941 • www. avalonhotelchippewafalls.com

Classics Internet Café 2232 Otter Rd., Eau Claire

The Coffee Grounds 3460 Mall Dr., Hwy. 93, Eau

Native Bay Restaurant and Lounge 9504

Olive Garden 4920 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 838-

Bridgewater Restaurant and Pub 1009 W.

Caribou Coffee 2321 State Hwy 25 N #308, • 830-0561 • A sub sandwich and pizza restaurant attached to the Eau Claire Travel Stop and Motel.

Check out their selection of ice cream and malts. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $3-$7.

Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., Eau Claire • 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com

Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • bostonsec.com

Ave., E.C. • 832-3677 // 1705 Plaza Dr., Meno. • 235-9541 • countrykitchenrestaurants.com

Menomonie • 235-3627 • www.cariboucoffee.com

Kyote’s Den Bar & Grill E2339 Hwy 29,

Menomonie • 235-2777

0707 • www.olivegarden.com

Eau Claire • 552-5293 • www.outback.com

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broadway St., Meno. • 235-2234 • www.perkinstogo.com // 2025 Highland Ave., E.C. • 834-9911 Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Cty. Trk. D, Menomonie • 235-9927 • www.pioneergrill.com

Pizza Del Re 911 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-0703 • www.pizzadelre.com Pizza Plus Eatery 208 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 832-8844

Plaza Jalisco Authentic Restaurant 2071 S. Prarie View Rd., Chippewa Falls • 726-3946

Girolamo’s Court ‘n House Bar & Grill 113 W.

Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire (in the

5526

Golden Spike Bar & Grill 228 Division St. • 552-

Ray’s Place 838 Water St., E.C. • 832-3991 Red Lobster 1019 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau

874-5954 // 465 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • 726-1749

Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Pub 2812 Lon-

Dean & Sue’s Bar & Grill 2002 Midway Rd., Menomonie • 235-9940

Schreck’s Place 10764 Cty. Hwy. Q, Chippewa

Dona Rita Mexican Restaurant 1415 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3867

Smith’s Country Inn 55786 Hwy 37, Eau Claire

Dana’s Bar & Grill 6505 Texaco Dr., Eau Claire

Dooley’s Pub 442 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-

Ramada) • 855-0856

Claire • 834-2388 • www.redlobster.com

don Rd., E.C. • 831-1300 • sammyspizzaec.com Falls • 288-6331 • www.schrecksplace.com

836-9003

2388 • www.dooleyspub.com

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St.,

Rd., Eau Claire • 833-2255

Sweeney’s Bar & Grill 201 E. Canal St., Chip-

Doubleday’s Sports Bar and Grill 3020 London El Patio 228 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-8590 Erbert and Gerbert’s 409 Water St., Eau Claire •

835-9995 • www.erbertandgerberts.com

Fox Run Tavern 1515 S. 65th, E.C.• 835-6489 Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 815 N. Broadway

St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com

Grizzly’s Grill ’n’ Saloon 2620 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 832-6481 • grizzlysgrill.com Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • 552-3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53,

Menomonie • 233-3333 • stoutalehouse.com

pewa Falls • 723-9905

Tacos Juanita Mexican Restaurant 2873 E. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire • 835-3229

Tailgates Sports Bar & Grill 1505 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 552-1733

Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St., Menomonie • 235-0600 • www.tedspizzapie.com Texas Roadhouse 5019 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 838-0035 • texasroadhouse.com

T.G.I. Friday’s 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 830-1424 www.tgifridays.com

The View 17779 Cty. Hwy. X, Chippewa Falls •

Chippewa Falls • 723-0844

723-5356 • www.theviewonlakewissota.com

8888 // 145 Main St., Meno. • 231-3131

St., Cornell • 239-0421 • cityofcornell.com/turks

Jeff and Jim’s Pizza 421 Water St., E.C. • 838-

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

41

Turk’s Brunet Bicycle Club Tap and Grill 116 Main

“There’s too much to choose from.”

The Goat Coffee House 408 Water St., Eau Claire • 831-4491 • A relaxed, full-scale coffee shop offering an eclectic selection of fresh sandwiches, The Goat sports an interesting mix of furniture and décor. All sandwiches are prepared with sauces from Silver Spring. A vegetarian delight is the Green Olive Twist (hummus, green olives, onion, and Swiss). Check out the fruit smoothies and cold, blended coffee drinks. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6.

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd., Menomonie • 231-

5323 • www.goldenleafcafe.com • Gourmet organic Panini sandwiches are the specialty at Golden Leaf Café, where you’ll also find homemade soups and salads. After eating, peruse the connected specialty shop for wine, food stuffs, and tea. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6.50.

Grand Avenue Café 119 W. Grand Ave. • 831-1100 •

A quaint (and popular) little café known for their sandwiches, quiches, homemade soups, and bread pudding.

Vegetarian friendly, outdoor seating available, open Sunday brunch-time. Entrée: $4-$7.

Higher Grounds Coffee House & Eatery 2 Bay St.,

Chippewa Falls • 726-0551 • www.highergroundsinfo. com • A contemporary café housed beneath a pressed tin ceiling, Higher Grounds offers a nice variety of coffee drinks and sandwiches. Plop into a comfy chair and try one of six different panini or just go for a slice of cheesecake. Live music at lunch time, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5.

The Living Room Coffee House & Drive-Thru 2006 Cameron St., Eau Claire • 831-0245 • www.thelivingroomcoffeehouse.com • The Living Room’s mission is to make you feel at home – as long as your home has a full service coffee bar, Panini sandwiches, baked goods, live music on the weekends, and blended fruit tea smoothies. The monthly drink specials are always popular, as is the breakfast Panini sandwich with sausage and maple syrup. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5.50.

The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., Eau Claire • 8347777 • www.racysnucleus.com • Connected via a convenient hallway to Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge’s fullservice coffee and espresso bar and sandwich shop, The Nucleus is a cozy café with a European vibe serving breakfast and lunch. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, quiches, omelets, and distinctive sandwiches. The Nucleus is also a traditional crêperie, offering a variety of dessert and main meal crêpes. Stop by for Sunday brunch. Live music, outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5$7.

Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 834-9752 • www.panera-minnesota.com • A chain store featuring a full bakery and cafe were all breads are baked fresh. On the bakery side, they feature 20 different breads, 12 bagels, and 30 sweets and pastries – the Cinamon Crunch bagel is among the favorites, selling between 400 and 500 a day. The cafe features 15 different sandwiches, 6 salads, and 6 (of 12) different soups on any given day with Chick and Wild Rice as a best seller. Outdoor patio seating, very vegetarian friendly.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$7.

Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge 404 Riverside Ave., Eau Claire • 834-0000 • www.racysnucleus.com • Connected via a convenient hallway to The Nucleus Café, Racy’s is a loungey coffee shop with an impressive range of brews. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, and astounding menu of distinctive sandwiches. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7.

Raw Deal 544 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-3255 • www.rawdeal-wi.com • A local oasis for the “raw food” movement, Raw Deal doesn’t cook any of its food. The menu, which changes daily, blends organic produce to

“Well, what kind of food do you crave?”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Whatever you want.”

“But I’m asking about what you want.”

44

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

NICK MEYER

create entrees near-identical in taste to heat-prepped cuisine. Made with locally-grown veggies, you’ll find items like creamy green enchiladas, stuffed Portobello mushrooms, and savory cabbage rolls. The shop also features a bakery and full service coffee bar which uses organic beans they roast themselves. Check out the organic fruit smoothies and the key lime bars.

Open Sunday mornings, catering services, very vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8.

Starbucks 953 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 8367320 // 4800 Golf Rd. (in Oakwood Mall), Eau Claire • 552-1774 // 3649 S. Hastings Way (in Target), Eau Claire • 838-0196 // 2016 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-2513 • www.starbucks.com

DESSERTS & TREATS

Blakelee’s Chocolates & Sweet Things 416 Water

St., Eau Claire • 514-0226 • Blakelee’s offers hardto-find, “old-fashioned” candies and chocolates in an old-timey atmosphere. Just walking by the front door will make your sweet tooth tingle.

Cold Stone Creamery 4613 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 831-8482 • www.coldstonecreamery.com • Personal customization is the name of the game at Cold Stone where you can mix and match an armada of toppings and ingredients into one (or more) of the shop’s many high-quality ice creams. The atmosphere is fun and often frantic as employees scoop the goods and sing songs.

Dairy Queen 2801 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 835-5329 // 1160 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • 834-9323 // 2451 Birch St., Eau Claire // 3057 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-9787 // 124 E. Park, Chippewa Falls • 723-7911 // 12 Bridgewater, Chippewa Falls • 7232811 // 1221 S. Broadway, Menomonie • 235-2320 Dairy Queen/Orange Julius 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire

Dessert First Bakery Café 210 S. Barstow St.,

Eau Claire • 833-8440 • www.getdessertfirst.com • Famous for its multitude of many-flavored cupcakes, this California-inspired bakery and café offers cookies and scones as well as lunchtime sandwiches, savory breakfast muffins, and an array of beverage delights.

Outdoor seating.

Hoepner’s Bakery 805 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire •

832-5115 • Under new ownership in 2008, Hoepner’s now offers fresh cookies and a wide range of pastries from danishes to muffins to gigantic zesty lemon rolls.

Inside Scoop Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 838-0150

• This bulk candy store offers a variety of scoop-able candies like gummies and jellybeans, as well as gourmet chocolates like truffles.

At Godfather’s Pizza in Eau Claire, allow the inviting murals of old Italy and giant cartoony pizzas whisk you away to a simpler time when a nice slice of pizza could melt your worries away. beans, and coffee concentrates.

Marie’s Original Bakery 307 S. Barstow St., Eau

Claire • www.mariesoriginalbakery.com • This European-style bakery offers sweet treats and homemade baked goods such as galettes, filled croissants (try the chocolate), ciabatta bread, and Marie’s special chocolate rye bread.

Obsession Chocolates 310 Water St., Eau Claire • 514-1720 • www.obsessionchocolates.com • Obsession Chocolates offers a variety of hand-made gourmet truffles in a revolving flourish of flavors like pear, honey-lemon, mint, root beer, passion fruit, and

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2007 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

FAMILY STYLE

Albertville Tavern 8114 35th St., Colfax • 874-6217

• A casual, family place where the generous Friday fish fry and BBQ ribs are legendary, but the prime rib (served Wed. and Sat.) draws people from halfway across the state. Word has it the bar will serve you the best Old Fashioned in all of Albertville. Outdoor seating, open late (for pizza). Lunch entrée: $8, dinner: $10-$12.

Obsession Chocolates offers a variety of hand-made gourmet truffles in a revolving flourish of flavors like pear, honey-lemon, mint, root beer, passion fruit, and of course, dark and white chocolate.

Obsession Chocolates, Eau Claire

Legacy Chocolates 643 S. Broadway St., Menomonie

• 231-2580 • www.legacychocolates.com • Crafting truffles in no less than four levels of cocoa intensity (41%, 58.5%, 73.5%, and 85%) and eight flavors – that’s 32 possible varieties – Legacy Chocolates has your after post-meal sweet tooth covered. Also check out their Potion #9 chocolate sauce, roasted coffee

cookies, and cakes. Take home a pack of their savory onion rolls.

of course, dark and white chocolate. Check out their super deluxe cupcakes and other baked delicacies.

Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor & Deli 611 N. Bridge St.,

Chippewa Falls • 723-4331 • Heading down to Olsen’s for some homemade ice cream is a favorite local pastime. Their fresh ingredients and tempting sundaes have kept people coming back for decades. Now you can grab some soup and a deli sandwich prior to dessert. The Turkey BLT is an employee favorite. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly.

Simply Chocolate 2425 Seymour Rd., Eau Claire • 838-0811 • www.simply-chocolate.com • Simply Chocolate offers handmade, gourmet sweets like truffles and chocolate fountain displays.

Sue’s Deluxe Bake Shop 1319 Birch St., Eau Claire • 552-3931 • A neighborhood favorite, Sue’s mostly homemade items include bars, cakes, sweet rolls,

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Altoona Family Restaurant 2000 N. Hillcrest Pkwy.,

Altoona • 830-5000 • American food in a simple family atmosphere where breakfast is served all day and homemade specials are the norm. AFR is popular for fish frys on Friday nights. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$9.

Baker’s Square Restaurant and Pie 4750 Golf Rd.,

Eau Claire • 833-1030 • www.bakerssquare.com • Come for the home-style food, and oh yes, then stay for the pie. Baker’s Square offers a choice of about thirty kinds of pie to follow a cozy plate of their signature comfort food. The honey Dijon chicken focaccia sandwich has been delighting customer’s taste buds for over a decade, and the French silk pie has inspired a legion of chocoholics. Vegetarian friendly, open late, breakfast served everyday. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6-$10.

“I want what you want.”

NICK MEYER

VERY VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY Some places inherently have easy options for vegetarians: Chinese buffets, Mexican restaurants, pizza places, and sandwich shops. Here are a few more ...

Acoustic Cafe 505 S. Barstow St. • 832-9090 // 102 Main St., Menomonie • 235-1115

Asian Café 2121 Eddy Lane, E.C. • 852-0552 The Dulany 105 Garfield. Ave, Eau Claire (in

UWEC’s Davies Center) • 836-5261

Grand Avenue Café 119 Grand Ave., Eau Claire • 831-1100

Draganetti’s Ristorante 3120 Hilcrest Pkwy., Eau Claire • 834-9234 • www.draganettis.com

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 2703 Craig Rd., EC • 839-8687 // 815 N. Broadway St., Meno. • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com

Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • 552-3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com

They call it “lunch-sized” at Boston’s Eau Claire location, but the lip-smacking taste of the Tuna Melt will tower atop your thoughts for the rest of the day. The fries ain’t bad, either.

Jimmy Woo’s Pagoda Asian Restaurant

1700 Hastings Way, E.C. • 832-6431 • www. woospagoda.com

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys

Mona Lisa’s Restaurant 428 Water St., Eau

Claire • 839-8969 • www.monalisas.biz

Native Bay Restaurant and Lounge 9504 Co. Hwy. S • 726-0434 • nativebayrestaurant.com

Nelson Cheese Factory 1636 Harding Ave.,

Eau Claire • 834-2000

New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-5000 • www.newyorkpizzaec.com

Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Xing, Eau

Claire • 858-9000 • www.noodles.com

Noodle Wrap 3021 Mall Dr., EC • 552-0525 The Nucleus Cafe 405 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-7777 • www.racysnucleus.com

Old Country Buffet 2613 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-7747 • www.buffetsinc.com

Olive Garden 4920 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 8380707 • www.olivegarden.com

Pad Thai 203 N. Barstow St., E.C. • 552-1715 Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Xing, Eau Claire 834-9752 • www.panera-minnesota.com

Qin-Qin 2161 Eastridge Center, E.C. • 830-0288 Raw Deal 544 S. Broadway St., Meno. • 231-3255 Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 835-3348 • www.shanghaibistro.com

Stella Blues 306 Madison St., Eau Claire • 8557777 • www.stellablues.biz

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 2426 London Rd., Eau Claire • 834-0313

Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub 228 E. Main St.,

Menomonie • 231-9269

Blue Moon Family Restaurant 805 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 833-8036 • With a menu that’s seven pages long, finding something you like at the Blue Moon shouldn’t be a challenge. They’ve got everything from Greek (spinach pies) to Asian (great stir-fries) to Mexican, and of course, family-style American classics. Breakfast time is popular, but don’t miss the dinner specials, such as a fish fry which offers smelt, cod, trout, or walleye. And check out the homemade cinnamon rolls, said to be “bigger than a plate.” Breakfast available all day long, reservations available for larger parties, very vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $5-$10.

• 235-1166 • Located right on exit 45, City Limits serves up classic diner food in a fun atmosphere where the waitresses treat you right. Stop in and see why the “City Limits Famous Chef Salad” is so famous. The desserts are homemade, and the carrot cake is a local favorite. Open Sunday morning, private party room, banquet services, open late. Entrée: $8-$9.

Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-7973 • A quality, plain Jane, working class joint where everyone is welcome.

Known for good home cooking, homemade hash browns, and their potato dumplings. Entrée: $3-$12.

Ave., Eau Claire • 832-3677 // 1705 Plaza Dr., Menomonie • 235-9541 • www.countrykitchenrestaurants.com • Casual family atmosphere fills Country Kitchen where you’re invited to “Come home to the good stuff.” Popular menu items include the Big Country Boy Burger – two beef patties topped with pepper bacon, onion fingers, a blend of cheeses, and thousand island dressing. Breakfast served daily.

Breakfast/brunch buffet on Sat. and Sun. (Menomonie Sun. only), private party area at Eau Claire location, open late. Alcohol served in Menomonie. Lunch entrée: $7, dinner: $8.50.

Bresina’s Old Home Restaurant 704 E. Grand

Chick-A-Dee’s Family Restaurant 1928 3rd St., Eau Claire • 832-7724 • A traditional family-style restaurant that has been around for ages, Chick-A-Dee’s is known for its all-day breakfast and daily specials.

Entrée: $5-$9.

Chicken Unlimited 1410 Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-6688 • A classic local destination, Chicken Unlimited has been in town for over 40 years. Order at the counter and grab a seat in their vintage chicken joint atmosphere where the most popular dish is ... fried chicken. Entrée: $5-$10.

Chippewa Family Restaurant 1701 Kennedy Rd., Chippewa Falls • 723-4751 • One of the area’s big breakfast spots, the Chippewa Family Restaurant cracks open more eggs than a clumsy farmer. However, regulars of all ages show up for lunch and dinner, as well (not to mention the homey atmosphere).

Check out the daily specials. The plentiful comfort food is available for carry out. Open Sunday morning.

Entrée: $4-$9.

City Limits Restaurant 2100 Co. Trk. B, Menomonie

“Don’t start that again.”

46

Carl & Cindy’s Embers America 6220 Texaco Dr., Eau Claire • 874-6213 • A family diner atmosphere featuring breakfast skillets, pancakes, burgers and more. Private party room, open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. Entrée: $6-$13.

Country Kitchen Restaurant 2308 E. Clairemont

Four Corners 14982 Co. Hwy. F, Chippewa Falls •

723-6783 • Open at 7am Monday through Saturday for breakfast, Four Corners has a homey, family atmosphere. The fried chicken is a hit with the locals, and other favorites include the Friday night fish fry and the prime rib on Mondays and Saturdays. Check out the large well-stocked salad bar. Private party room, banquetservices. Entrée: $4-$17.

Golden Eagle Restaurant 16760 Co. Trk. X, Chip-

pewa Falls • 723-2948 • A family-style restaurant cooking up food the whole family can enjoy. Their breakfast (Tues.-Sun.) keeps the locals happy, especially the pancakes. Check out the Friday fish fry.

Entrée: $6.

Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53, Chip-

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

pewa Falls • 723-0844 • Heckel’s has a comfortable hometown atmosphere with friendly service. Family style classics like broasted chicken, creamed corn, and big, hearty muffins fill the menu. Breakfast is served all week. Open 24 hours. Entrée: $6-$13.

Kernel Restaurant 1632 N. Broadway St., Menomonie

• 235-5154 • A casual family eatery known for its hot-nhefty roast pork and roast beef sandwiches and dinners.

Leave room for the homemade pies. Breakfast served all day, all week long. Private party room, take-out available. Entrée: $7-$10.

Maple Lounge & Café 2507 S. Hastings Way, Eau

Claire • 552-1998 • A cozy family place that’s open for breakfast and lunch. The homemade chicken dumpling soup is a must, as is the classic roast beef sandwich.

Happy hour runs from 11am to 7pm, and appetizers are available. Breakfast served on Sunday. Private party room. Breakfast entrée: $3-$4, lunch: $4-$6.

Menomonie Family Restaurant 2616 Hils Ct.,

Menomonie • 235-9000 • www.menomoniefamilyrestaurant.com • This is one of those great places where breakfast is served all day long and the staff keeps things homey and relaxed. With a menu offering hearty favorites like ribs, meatloaf, Swedish meatballs, and roast pork/chicken/turkey sandwiches, you’ll have no excuse if you go home hungry. Outdoor seating, private party room. Entrée: $7-$10.

Mike’s Smokehouse 2235 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-8153 • Many customers consider Mike’s to be the only place in town for BBQ. Their meaty menu has plenty to offer, from beef to pork to chicken to fish to baked potatoes as big as your head. The prime rib (served Thur. and Sat.) is a crowd pleaser, and the beer-battered, deep-fried fish is spoken of in hushed, reverent tones. Try the beans. Outdoor seating, catering services. Entrée: $3-$12.

Moe’s Diner 12701 10th St., Osseo • 597-3912 • As the name implies, the “almost world famous” Moe’s dishes up classic diner food. Excellent breakfast plates, burgers, steaks, and salads fill out the menu. The handdipped malts and broasted chicken will put a smile on your face. Check out the 50’s décor and try the car hop service. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $7.

Mom’s Kitchen 3035 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 838-8994 • Offering home-style cooking at its finest, the waitresses at Mom’s will treat you right. The hot beef and mashed potato sandwich (on homemade bread) is worth the trip all by itself, but also check out the meatloaf and pork-n-kraut dinners. Entrée: $6.

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 • www.northwoodsbrewpub.com • The hearty comfort food and breakfasts from the Norske Nook combined with the excellent pub grub and mirco brews from Northwoods offers a culinary one-two punch capable of destroying your hunger. Check out the elk and buffalo dishes, fried cukes, and various lefse concoctions. Open for breakfast seven days a week. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $7-$19.

Old Country Buffet 2613 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau

Claire • 834-7747 • www.buffetsinc.com • A casual (and giant) buffet where easy listening music wafts about the dining area, the plates at Old Country Buffet get piled high with numerous home-style favorites. OCB breads its own chicken, and three carved meats are always on hand for your main course enjoyment. Open for breakfast on Sunday. Large group discounts, vegetarian friendly. Lunch buffet: $8, dinner: $11.

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd., Menomonie

• 231-4999 • Parker’s offers up family-style eats in a comfortable, laidback atmosphere. The ribs are a hit, Volume One Eat Scene 2008

47

“It’s true! I’m happy when you get what you want.”

“So if I eat a chicken taco ... you’re happy?”

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NICK MEYER

slow-roasted, grilled, and messy – glazed in a BBQ sauce made from scratch. The clam linguini is also a crowd-pleaser. Sunday brunch buffet from 10am2pm. Semi-private meeting room available, outdoor seating. Meatless pasta dishes available. Entrée: $6$15.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broadway

St., Menomonie • 235-2234 • www.perkinstogo.com • With classic favorites like the Tremendous Twelve breakfast and the Chicken Tender Melt, not to mention seasonal specialty items, Perkin’s has something for the whole family any time day or night. Breakfast served all day. Curbside to-go service, vegetarian friendly, open 24 hrs. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$10.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 2025 Highland

Ave., Eau Claire • 834-9911 • www.perkinsrestaurants.com • Big, comfy booths and a homey feel make Perkins a great place for family dining. From breakfast to dinner, they’ve got you covered. The pancakes are a local favorite and the bakery offers pies, cookies, muffins and more. Breakfast served all day. Vegetarian friendly, open 24 hrs. Entrée: $5-$10.

Randy’s Family Restaurant 1132 MacArthur Ave., Eau Claire • 839-8449 • A classic family eatery where Norman Rockwell would probably love to have breakfast, families and local regulars stop in for the friendly service and homey atmosphere. The menu bursts with all-American dinner favorites, but the locals rave about the homemade chicken dumpling soup and fantastic hash browns. Breakfast entrée: $5, dinner: $8.

Penne for your thoughts? Eau Claire Cicione’s Italian restaurant will send you home with a happy (and full) tummy. Try out the Cajun Pasta and the toasted ravioli appetizer.

Ron’s Family Restaurant 2426 Seymour Rd., Eau

Claire • 835-7745 • This place wrote the book on “family style.” Their menu covers all the traditional lunch and dinner favorites, but the locals will tell you Ron’s breakfast is the big deal. Try their Country Hash Browns packed with sausage, eggs, onions, and peppers. For something lighter, sample one of their crepes. Beyond morning eats, Ron’s is famous for their deep-fried chicken gizzards. Catering services.

Entrée: $6-$8.

Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St., Menomonie

• 235-0600 • www.tedspizzapie.com • An authentic pizza parlor that crafts its own sausage, sauces, and

Burger King 544 Main St., Menomonie // 283 North

Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire // 6124 North Crossing, Eau Claire // 926 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire // 2626 Golf Rd., Eau Claire // 2752 120th St., Chippewa Falls // 228 West River St., Chippewa Falls

Culver’s 2021 Brackett Ave., Eau Claire • 831-1060 //

2520 Folsom St., Eau Claire • 831-0741 // 2573 Commercial Blvd., Chippewa Falls • 726-9343 // 1330 Stout Rd., Menomonie • 233-0330 • www.culvers.com • With a wide range of hearty home-style eats, Culver’s invites you to “Taste How Much We Care.” The

A classic family eatery where Norman Rockwell would probably love to have breakfast, families and local regulars stop in for the friendly service and homey atmosphere.

Randy’s Family Restaurant, Eau Claire crust, Ted’s is a family favorite. There’s something for everyone, as the menu also features broasted chicken, hot beefs, and gyros (complete with a creamy family recipe sauce). Games and TVs keep things fun and casual. Meatless pizza and pasta sauces available. Open late. Entrée: $8-$9, lg. specialty pizza: $18.

FAST FOOD

A & W 4732 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 833-8887 Arby’s 2821 Hendrickson Dr., Eau Claire • 838-7001

// 1019 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 838-7004 // 4800 Golf Rd, Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 838-7002 // 307 Prairie View Rd., Chippewa Falls • 726-8888 // 1456 Kennedy Rd., Chippewa Falls • 720-8888 // 1717 Broadway St. N., Menomonie • 233-0747

Hardee’s 1000 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 836-6805 // 2109 Highland Ave., Eau Claire • 8366803 // 2933 Western Ave., Eau Claire • 836-6814

trademark ButterBurgers are never made with frozen meat and the North Atlantic Cod is hand-dipped and fried to a golden crisp. The super-thick, creamy custard is made fresh throughout the day. Outdoor seating, open late. Entrée: $4-$8.

Dairy Queen 2801 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 835-5329

// 1160 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • 834-9323 // 2451 Birch St., Eau Claire // 3057 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-9787 // 124 E. Park, Chippewa Falls • 723-7911 // 12 Bridgewater, Chippewa Falls • 7232811 // 1221 S. Broadway, Menomonie • 235-2320

Dairy Queen/Orange Julius 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire

KFC 2003 S. Hastings Way, Altoona • 834-7181 // 1017 Woodward Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-4771

LaGrander’s Drive-In 18143 Co. Trk. X, Chippewa

Falls • 723-0672 • Nothing says summer like a trip to the drive-in. A local landmark, LaGrander’s makes their own root beer and scoops up country-style ice cream in addition to their classic drive-in fare. Eat in

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your car or one of the gazebos. Entrée: prices unavailable.

McDonald’s 2702 Craig Rd., Eau Claire // 3708 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire // 1513 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire // 6251 Truax Ln., Eau Claire // 100 Prairie View Rd., Chippewa Falls // 1515 N. Broadway, Menomonie

Subway 2705 Henry Ave., Eau Claire • 836-0024 // 1005 Clairemont Ave. W, Eau Claire • 832-8848 // 2413 Eddy Ln., Eau Claire • 831-1090 // 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 833-1605 // 3915 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire • 830-8276 // 329 Water St., Eau Claire • 833-7697 // 1027 N Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona • 834-2447 // 2119 Cameron St., Eau Claire • 831-6214 // 6123 Truax Ln., Eau Claire • 874-6945 // 4304 Jeffers Rd., Eau Claire • 833-8801 // 860 Woodward Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-0399 // 319 S Broadway, Menomonie • 235-6466 // 6107 3M Dr., Menomonie • 232-8117 // 2401 Hwy 25 N., Red Cedar Plz., Menomonie • 235-1800 // 180 Cedar Falls Rd., Menomonie • 233-0630

Taco Bell 2056 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire // 2512 Craig Rd., Eau Claire // 1401 N. Broadway, Menomonie Taco John’s 4800 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 834-1991 // 2001 Brackett Ave., Eau Claire • 834-0031 // 242 Water St., Eau Claire • 832-1149 // 257 W. Prairie View Rd., Chippewa Falls • 723-5011 // 1526 Broadway Street N., Menomonie • 235-4477 Wendy’s 1605 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 839-

8141 // 959 W. Clairmont Ave., Eau Claire • 839-9208 // 360 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • 723-9507 // 1627 N. Broadway, Menomonie • 233-1080

FINE DINING

Bridgewater Restaurant and Pub 1009 W. Park

Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-6941 • www.avalonhotelchippewafalls.com • This relaxed and casual but upscale restaurant is known for their cut-to-order steaks and Bloody Marys. With an attached bar, there is live

“Absolutely. So, we’re having Mexican?”

music Thursday through Saturday. Open late on weekends, vegetarian friendly, private room. Free wireless internet. Sunday brunch buffet $10. Dinner entrée: $12-$20, sandwiches, etc: $6-$20.

Burgandy’s Restaurant 1202 W. Clairemont Ave. Eau Claire • 834-3181 • www.plazaeauclaire.com • Quiet fine dining attached to the Plaza Hotel and Brewski’s bar and grill. Known for their popovers and player piano. Lunch buffet from 11am-2pm weekdays, breakfast buffet for Sunday Brunch. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $11-$22.

The Creamery Restaurant & Inn E4620 Co. Rd. C,

off Hwy. 25 E, Downsville • 664-8354 • www.creameryrestaurant-inn.com • The Creamery’s menu changes every two weeks to accommodate for regional growing seasons – all of the chef’s culinary creations use meat and vegetables from local producers, and the restaurant grows many of its own herbs. An impressive wine list and a full-scale bakery ensure a remarkable dining experience. Check out the Sunday brunch buffet. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $23-26.

Fischer’s On The Green 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy., Al-

toona • 832-9711 • A casual to dressy upscale steak and seafood restaurant with a great view. Known for their dry-aged steaks. Private party rooms available, some outdoor patio seating, vegetarian friendly, catering available. Free wireless internet. Dinner entrée: $17-$35.

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X., Chip-

pewa Falls • 723-9854 • www.highshores.com • Home of “fine dining in a casual atmosphere,” High Shores is nestled on the edge of Lake Wissota. The kitchen cuts their trademark steaks by hand and menu favorites like the blackened ribeye and stuffed fillet mignon just

might turn you into a regular. If the weather’s nice, motor up to one of the restaurant’s lake docks. Ask about the dinner cruise, and don’t miss the Sunday breakfast buffet. Outdoor seating, private party room.

Entrée: $10-$15.

Native Bay Restaurant and Lounge 9504 Co.

Hwy. S, Chippewa Falls • 726-0434 • www.nativebayrestaurant.com • Contemporary, elegant, and deceptively casual, Native Bay is obsessive about using fresh local food from Chippewa Valley farms.

The frequently changing menu offers something new and exciting on every visit. The bar’s remarkable wine list and staggering beer menu (well over 80 specialty brews) also focus on local artisans. Located on the beautiful Chippewa River, the restaurant offers summer pontoon rentals. Sunday brunch, outdoor seating, private party room, very vegetarian friendly, open late (pizzas only). Entrée: $16-$32, bar menu: $5-$15.

Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-5777 • Upscale yet casual with a contemporary vibe, Sweetwaters is great for a night out on the town or a cozy dinner with drinks and conversation. Signature dishes include the coffee-crusted New York strip and the chicken tchoupitoulas (served on a bed of ham and potato hash). Check out the lunch buffet and their special Sunday brunch. Outdoor seating, private party/banquet room, vegetarian friendly.

Free wireless internet. Lunch entrée: $8-$10, dinner: $18-$25.

GREEK

New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water St., Eau Claire •

835-5000 • www.newyorkpizzaec.com • A popular after-bar destination, the unassuming and super-casual

New York Pizza and Deli offers a quick stop for Greek favorites like hummus, falafel, and (or course) gyros.

They also offer pastas and pizza. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $5.

The Olympic Flame 2920 London Rd., Eau Claire •

835-7771 • Eau Claire’s longest-standing gyro joint, The Olympic Flame offers a number of traditional Greek dishes alongside the trademark, savory, pitabased sandwich. The bar is a bit of a local hang-out and a great place to relax. Entrée: $4-$7.

ITALIAN

Draganetti’s Ristorante 3120 Hilcrest Pkwy., Eau

Claire • 834-9234 • www.draganettis.com • A family tradition of Italian excellence with a reputable local history dating back to 1982. Enjoy their casual/upscale atmosphere by starting with appetizers and salads, then choosing from chicken, fish, veal, beef and a vast array of pastas and sauces – plus seasonal specials.

Don’t forget about their famous pizzas including the Pesto, the Commissioner, or a build your own masterpiece. Private party room, catering available, seating on an outdoor deck, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $10-$20.

Cicione’s 120 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 833-

8939 • A casual and homey place that virtually takes you to old world Italy with its rustic decor and atmosphere. A wide array of Italian (and American) dishes are available, with their Cajun pasta and Philly cheese steak sandwich among the most popular. Don’t forget the warm bread and special butter spread. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $8-$20.

Fazoli’s Restaurant 3730 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire •

830-1039 • www.fazolis.com • A fast food style Italian restaurant featuring all the classic favorites including lasagna, spaghetti, fettuccine, baked pastas and more.

Try the famous sampler platter to get a bit of it all, and don’t forget about the unlimited breadsticks offering buttery goodness by the basketful. Vegetarian friendly, delivery to businesses available ($50+), open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Entrée: $3-$7.

Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Common-

wealth Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4100 • Mancino’s is fast, relaxed, and family-friendly. Their trademark “grinder” sandwiches are toasted open-face on bread baked fresh everyday. The popular Chicken Ranch grinder combines marinated chicken, bacon, cheese, ranch sauce, and mayo for a simple yet effective taste explosion. Every sandwich comes with a crunchy pickle.

Catering services, party platters, vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $4-$6.

Mona Lisa’s Restaurant 428 Water St., Eau Claire •

839-8969 • www.monalisas.biz • The deep, rich colors, original artwork, and Mediterranean vibe is reason enough to check out Mona’s. But the menu – which changes weekly depending on what’s fresh – offers plenty of other reasons. The original seafood dishes are a must, and the thin-crust pizzas are worth your time. Don’t forget to check out the extensive wine list and killer Piña Coladas. If the weather’s nice, get yourself seated in Mona’s charming back patio. Out-

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2007 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

“Who said ‘Mexican?’”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

door seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $16.

Noodles & Company 4653 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 858-9000 • www.noodles.com • Quick and casual, Noodles offers a variety of dishes based on different kinds of, well, noodles. Crowd pleasers include the Japanese Pan Noodles, the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, and the Penna Rosa pasta. Fun facts: Noodles serves beer and wine, and all menu items can be prepared vegetarian. Entrée: $7-$9.

Olive Garden 4920 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 838-0707 •

www.olivegarden.com • The alluring ambience at Olive Garden has played host to many amorous rendezvous, but the restaurant’s Italian fare makes for a good lunch or dinner any day of the week. As zesty Italian music floats in the background, try the Tour of Italy, which combines three of the Garden’s most popular dishes. Don’t forget to check out the wine list, you old romantic. Vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Lunch entrée: $6-$8, dinner: $12.

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd., Menomonie • 231-4999 • Parker’s offers up family-style eats in a comfortable, laidback atmosphere. The ribs are a hit, slow-roasted, grilled, and messy – glazed in a BBQ sauce made from scratch. The clam linguini is also a crowd-pleaser. Sunday brunch buffet from 10am-2pm.

Semi-private meeting room available, outdoor seating. Meatless pasta dishes available. Entrée: $6-$15.

Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy. 25 N., Menomonie

• 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com • Pizza Hut Italian Bistro offers a more upscale take on Pizza Hut’s usual offerings, updating the eatery’s look with fancier décor and an open kitchen. The 10-inch personal pizzas use a sweeter crust and are available with gourmet toppings.

Specialty sandwiches, pasta dishes, and appetizers are also available. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $7.

Sbarro 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire •

839-9766 • www.sbarro.com • Great for a quick slice of cheesy thin crust or a bowl of pasta, Sbarro also features less common fare like stuffed pizzas and strombolis. Meatless pizza, stromboli, and pasta sauces available. Entrée: $6.

JAPANESE

Kobe’s Japanese 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall,

Eau Claire • 838-9888 • Located in Oakwood Mall’s Café Court, this Japanese grill serves up fresh veggies and meat – hot and fast. The chicken and shrimp dishes are a big crowd pleasers. Vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $4-$6.

Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 8353348 • www.shanghaibistro.com • A contemporary urban atmosphere thrives at Shanghai Bistro – Eau Claire’s only true sushi and sashimi house. Using centuries-old preparation techniques while experimenting with fresh, new seafood (and other ingredients) from well beyond the Midwest, the Bistro’s chefs keep things lively. Signature sushi includes a number of rolls, including the Red Dragon Roll, and the Strange Flavor Chicken stir-fry is a local favorite. Live music Wed. through Sat, outdoor seating, very vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $7-$8, à la carte sushi starts at $5.

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 2426 London Rd., Eau Claire • 834-0313 • A teppanyaki-style restaurant where hungry patrons sit around an iron griddle and look on as the trained chef prepares your meal, cajoling fresh ingredients into miniature acrobatics. The fresh seafood dishes are a particular favorite. Teppanyaki dining is available for dinner only, while patrons can be seated at non-grill-containing tables for a lunch of traditional Japanese cuisine. Private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $13-$20.

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“You said you wanted tacos.”

“That was just an example.”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

MEDITERRANEAN

Mona Lisa’s Restaurant 428 Water St., Eau Claire

• 839-8969 • www.monalisas.biz • The deep, rich colors, original artwork, and Mediterranean vibe is reason enough to check out Mona’s. But the menu – which changes weekly depending on what’s fresh – offers plenty of other reasons. The original seafood dishes are a must, and the thin-crust pizzas are worth your time.

Don’t forget to check out the extensive wine list and killer Piña Coladas. If the weather’s nice, get yourself seated in Mona’s charming back patio. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $16.

MEXICAN

Burrachos Fresh Mexican Grill 2401 Hwy. 25 N.,

Menomonie • 233-0281 // 5314 Prill Rd., Eau Claire • 834-1843 // 329 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-6195 • www.burrachos.com • Burrachos serves up made-to-order Mexican fare in a fun, contemporary atmosphere.

You get to build your own zesty entrees, selecting from fresh meats, veggies, cheeses, and sauces – just start at one end of the counter and let the chefs guide you along.

The ginormous burrito is a definite crowd favorite. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $6.

Cancun Mexican Grill 475 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chip-

pewa Falls • 723-7007 // 2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire • 552-8011 // 2713 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 830-0211 • www.cancungrills.com • A classic Mexican restaurant featuring a south-of-the-border atmosphere and all the favorite dishes including fajitas, chimichangas, and more. Vegetarian friendly, private party room. Entrée: $6-$10.

Casa Mexicana 324 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 726-2315 • A Mexican restaurant featuring a festive vibe and all of your south-off-the-border favorites, including seafood, fajitas, chimichangas, and more. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $6-$10.

Dona Rita Mexican Restaurant 1415 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3867 • A classic Mexican eatery where every plate is a little fiesta on your table. Locals love the chimichangas – crispy and golden-brown on the outside, meaty and cheesy on the inside. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $7.

El Patio 228 Water St., Eau Claire • 855-8590 // 2823 London Rd., Eau Claire • 552-5973 // 1414 E. 9th St., Menomonie • 233-1476 • A lively place for Mexican fare. Bring a group a friends for the chimichangas or the sizzling fajitas, packed with tasty onions and peppers. Private party room (Menomonie only), vegetarian friendly, open late Thu.-Sat. (Eau Claire, Water St. only). Lunch entrée: $5, dinner: $8.

Manny’s Cocina 4207 Oakwood Hills Pkwy., Eau

Claire • 514-0818 • www.mannysmexican.com • Manny’s strives to create a grand view of coastal Mexico through its lush interior and succulent menu packed with seafood, steaks, and Mexican specialties. Signature items include the Seven Seas Burrito packed with scallops, jumbo white shrimp, and Mahi-mahi – all covered in a chardonnay sauce. Locals also love the sweet crab-stuffed shrimp, wrapped in bacon and grilled. Very vegetarian friendly, outdoor seating, private and semiprivate party and meeting space available. Happy hour runs 3-6pm, seven days a week. Entrée: $8-$25.

Plaza Jalisco Authentic Restaurant and Cantina

2071 S. Prarie View Rd., Chippewa Falls • 726-3946 • A casual spot for a festive get-together or a family meal, Plaza Jalisco offers a full range of Mexican favorites.

The locals love the fajitas and seafood offerings, especially the camarones a la diabla, a spicy shrimp dish.

Keep an eye out for the margarita and Mexican beer specials. Private party room, vegetarian friendly, open Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“Well, now it sounds good.”

late Fri. and Sat. Lunch entrée: $5, dinner: $7-$12.

WI-FI HOT SPOTS Eateries around the Valley offering FREE wireless internet access to customers.

29 Pines Corner of Hwy. 29 and Co. Hwy. T, Eau Claire • 874-2929

Acoustic Café – Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 832-9090 • www.theacoustic.com

Acoustic Café – Menomonie 102 Main St., Menomonie • 235-1115

Baker’s Square Restaurant and Pie 4750 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 833-1030 • bakerssquare.com

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 1815 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com

Grizzly’s Grill ’n’ Saloon 2620 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 832-6481 • grizzlysgrill.com Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • 552-3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com

Higher Grounds Coffee House & Eatery 2 Bay

Bear Creek Grille 4890 Golf Rd., Eau Claire •

St., Chippewa Falls • 726-0551 • www.highergroundsinfo.com

Blind Munchies 621 Wilson Ave., Menomonie •

2839 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-5929

835-2416 • www.bcgrille.com

235-9300 • www.streetlevel.uwstout.edu

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • bostonsec.com

Jersey’s Neighborhood Sports Bar & Grill The Living Room Coffee House & Drive-Thru

2006 Cameron St., Eau Claire • 831-0245 • www. thelivingroomcoffeehouse.com

Brewski’s 1202 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire

Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Business. Hwy.

Bridge Street Station 212 N. Bridge St., Chippe-

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa

Bridgewater Restaurant and Pub 1009 W. Park

Mogie’s Pub and Restaurant 436 Water St., Eau

• 834-3181

wa Falls • 738-1111 • www.burgersandtrains.com

Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-6941 • www.avalonhotelchippewafalls.com

Buffalo Wild Wings 4612 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 858-9453 • buffalowildwings.com

Burgandy’s Restaurant 1202 W. Clairemont Ave. Eau Claire • 834-3181 • plazaeauclaire.com

Café 420 420 Washington St., Eau Claire • 8339975 • www.digitaledgestudios.com/cafe2420

Classics Internet Café 2232 Otter Rd., Eau

29, Chippewa Falls • 723-5667 • 723loop.com Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys

Claire • 836-9666 • www.mogiespub.com

Monkey in the Middle Pizza 2402 Lorch Ave.,

in Action City, Eau Claire • 838-9663 • www.actioncityfun.com

Norske Nook at Northwoods Brewpub 3560 Oakwood Mall Dr., Eau Claire • 552-0510 • www. northwoodsbrewpub.com

The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-7777 • www.racysnucleus.com

Claire • 830-0561

Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 834-1733 // 2116 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 797-2198 // 3042 Commercial Blvd., Chippewa Falls • 797-2370 • www.thecoffeegrounds.com

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broad-

The Coffee Grounds 3460 Mall Dr., Hwy. 93, Eau

Coffee Traders International 2230 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire • 838-8451 • www.coffeetradersinternational.com

Claire • 834-9752 • www.panera-minnesota.com

way St., Menomonie • 235-2234 • perkinstogo.com

Pine Meadow Golf – The Barley Club 4324 Fairfax Park Dr., Eau Claire • 831-9224

Pizza Plus Eatery 208 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 832-8844

Connell’s II At the Airport 3800 Starr Ave., Eau

Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire (in the

Dana’s Bar & Grill - Eau Claire 6505 Texaco

Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge 404 Riverside Ave., Eau Claire • 834-0000 • racysnucleus.com

Claire • 833-9400

Dr., Eau Claire • 874-5954

Dooley’s Pub 442 Water St., Eau Claire • 8342388 • www.dooleyspub.com

Draganetti’s Ristorante 3120 Hilcrest Pkwy.,

Ramada) • 855-0856

Raw Deal 544 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-3255 • www.rawdeal-wi.com

The Dulany 105 Garfield. Ave, Eau Claire (in

Silver Dollar Saloon & The Brick Company Restaurant 315 Main St., Meno. • 235-9390 Stones Throw 304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire •

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que 2911 Mall Dr., Eau

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St.,

Fill-Inn Station 104 W. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls • 723-6551 • www.fillinnstation.com

Sweetwaters Restaurant & Bar 1104 W. Claire-

Eau Claire • 834-9234 • www.draganettis.com UWEC’s Davies Center) • 836-5261

Claire • 835-2227 • www.famousdavesec.com

Fischer’s On The Green 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona • 832-9711

The Goat Coffee House 408 Water St., Eau Claire • 831-4491

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd., Menomonie •

231-5323 • www.goldenleafcafe.com

Golden Spike Bar & Grill 228 Division St. • 552-5526

552-5882 • www.thestonesthrow.com

Menomonie • 233-3333 • www.stoutalehouse.com mont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-5777

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., Timber

Terrace Golf Course, Chippewa Falls • 726-1199 • www.vallysrestaurant.com

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St., Menomonie • 235-6541

Whiskey Dick’s 943 Harlem Ave., Altoona • 8293425

“So, you want tacos, for real?”

54

Stones Throw 304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • 5525882 • www.thestonesthrow.com • This long-time favorite live music venue has opened up the kitchen and added a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and even some Mexican grill favorites. Other favorites include an array of grilled quesadillas and locos burritos a go-go. Vegetarian friendly, private space available. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6.

Tacos Juanita Mexican Restaurant 2873 E. Ham-

ilton Ave., Eau Claire • 835-3229 • Eating here offers you enough legitimate street cred to confidently inform anyone within earshot, “If you want real Mexican food, I know the place.” Cooking up food that actual Mexicans eat, Tacos Juanita provides a modest dining room to enjoy signature items like the garnitas pork – slow roasted, juicy pork which can be used in tacos, burritos, and other traditional dishes. Other favorites include the homemade tamales and the posole (pork stew). Get there early on Sat. and Sun. for an authentic Mexican breakfast. Outdoor seating, private party area, carry-out service, catering services, vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $3-$12.

PIZZA

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings

Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • www.bostonsec.com • Known for their big menu of pastas and pizzas, plus burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, Boston’s has a sports bar vibe but with gourmet food. Check out their outdoor patio in season. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $10-$17.

Buzzy’s Pizza Emporium 414 Water St., Eau Claire • 552-1600 • www.buzzyspe.com • Get pizza by the slice or order whole pies. Known for their mac ’n’ cheese pizza and other specialties. Open very late. Entrée: $10-$20.

Domino’s Pizza 3311 London Rd., Eau Claire • 833-

3933 // 1719 N Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 8333930 // 3101 N Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 833-3939 // 354 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • 726-2626 // 1205 Broadway St. S., Menomonie • 232-6333 • Domino’s delivers a wide selection of thin, hand-tossed, and deep dish crust pizzas right to your doorstep. They’ve also got breadsticks, chicken wings, and desserts.

Large specialty pizza: $16.

Father’s Pizza 502 Bay St., Chippewa Falls • 738-

1226 • A carry-out and delivery pizza place featuring build-your-own pizzas, build-your-own subs, plus calzones, wings, salads, and more. Entrée: $8-$18.

Godfather’s Pizza 2510 Mondovi Rd., Eau Claire • 830-9362 • www.godfathers.com • Godfather’s is the home of thick and cheesy pizza pies. Popular menu items include the local favorite Taco Pizza (taco sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, beef, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions). Weekday lunch buffet, private party room, meatless pizzas available. Large specialty pizza: $17.

Jeff’s Pizza 145 Main St., Menomonie • 231-3131 • www.jeffandjims.com • A laidback pizza joint with lots of extra menu items, including the unique and delicious Manjare Roll – a hot pocket-esque concoction with dipping sauces. As far as pizzas go, the meatastic “Farmer Frank” is a popular pie (beef, bacon, bison, chicken, gyro meat, ham, and extra cheese). Check out the buffet. Private party room, meatless pizzas available, open late. Entrée: $5, lg. specialty pizza: $16.

Jeff and Jim’s Pizza 421 Water St., Eau Claire • 838-

8888 • www.jeffandjims.com • A laidback pizza joint

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

with lots of extra menu items, including the unique and delicious Manjare Roll – a hot pocket-esque concoction with dipping sauces. As far as pizzas go, the meatastic “Farmer Frank” is a popular pie (beef, bacon, bison, chicken, gyro meat, ham, and extra cheese). Meatless pizzas available, open late. Entrée: $5, lg. specialty pizza: $16.

JimBob’s Pizza 3636 Melby St., Chippewa Falls •

836-0909 • www.jimbobspizza.com • Basically a Jeff and Jim’s Pizza (but next to Bob’s Gas Station, thus the name), JimBob’s tosses up a variety of gourmet pizzas, including BBQ Ranch Chicken & Bacon, Philly Steak, and The Creamy Grecian (a pizza with gyro meat).

They have Jeff and Jim’s signature Manjare Roll (a “pizza egg roll”), and an impressive bunch of subs. In addition to dine-in, carryout, and delivery, they also offer drive-thru service. Outdoor seating, meatless pizzas available. Entrée: $5, lg. specialty pizza: $16.

Monkey in the Middle Pizza 2402 Lorch Ave., in Action City, Eau Claire • 838-9663 • www.actioncityfun. com • Upbeat and fun, the pizza joint in Action City offers a zesty meal amidst the video games and go-karts.

Quirkily-named pizzas fill the menu, and pies like the Buffalo Chicken (a mix of hot sauce and ranch dressing with mozzarella, provolone, Canadian bacon, black olives and breaded chicken chunks) will help your hunger. A variety of original sauces are available. Private party rooms, meatless pizzas available, open late. Free wireless internet. Large pizza: $13.

New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water St., Eau Claire •

835-5000 • www.newyorkpizzaec.com • A popular after-bar destination, the unassuming and super-casual New York Pizza and Deli offers a quick stop for Greek favorites like hummus, falafel, and (or course) gyros.

They also offer pastas and pizza. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $5.

Papa John’s Pizza 623 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 839-9393 • www.papajohns.com • Home of “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza,” Papa John’s delivers a number of interesting, robustly-crusted pizza pies right to your doorstep. Check out the Spinach Alfredo and BBQ Chicken Hawaiian specialty pizzas. Open late. Large specialty pizza: $15.

Papa Murphy’s Take‘N’Bake Pizza 2123 Brackett Ave., Eau Claire • 835-3009 //337 E. Prairie View Rd., Chippewa Falls • 738-1165 // 1506 9th St., Menomonie • 233-1380 • www.papamurphys.com • Made fresh the moment you order, Papa Murphy’s prepares a variety of unique pizzas that you pick up, take home, and cook yourself. Four-time winner of “Best Pizza Chain in America” consumers’ choice award. They also offer cookie dough and a delightful cinnamon wheel for a fresh-baked dessert. Vegetarian friendly. Large specialty pizza: $13.

Piff’s Pizza 622 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 720-

0915 • A laidback neighborhood pizza joint with specialty pies like chicken with original ranch sauce and the popular Piff’s Special with pepperoni, sausage, onion, peppers, and olives. Sandwiches also available.

Meatless pizzas available. Entrée: $6, lg. specialty pizza: $12.

Piff’s Pizza at the Eagle’s Club Eagle’s Club, 2588

Hallie Rd., Hallie • 456-7433, catering: 829-0534 • A pizza place with specialty pies like chicken with original ranch sauce and the popular Piff’s Special with pepperoni, sausage, onion, peppers, and olives.

Sandwiches also available. Check out the bingo action on Wednesday nights. Outdoor seating, Friday buffet, meatless pizzas available, banquet and catering services. Entrée: $6, lg. specialty pizza: $13.

Pizza Del Re 911 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 8340703 • www.pizzadelre.com • Known for their plentiful, everyday pizza buffet, most of the locals grew up going to Pizza Del Re for an after-football/baseball/softball/

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“Yes. No. Well ... no.”

soccer/etc. celebration. It’s a casual joint serving up a classic thin-crust pizza. Private party room, meatless pizzas available, open late Thur. through Sat. Lunch buffet: $4.50, dinner buffet: $5.50, lg. specialty pizza: $15.

Pizza Hut 2602 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-

5346 // 1242 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 8341004 // 2225 Eddy Lane, Eau Claire • 833-1222 // 225 Prairieview Rd., Chippewa Falls, 723-2812 • www. pizzahut.com • A popular national pizza chain, Pizza Hut offers a family atmosphere at its dine-in locations.

A variety of specialty pies, crust styles, novelty crusts, and sides are always available. Lunch buffet available in Eau Claire. Meatless pizza and pasta sauces available, open late. Large specialty pizza: $16.

Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy. 25 N., Menomonie

• 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com • Pizza Hut Italian Bistro offers a more upscale take on Pizza Hut’s usual offerings, updating the eatery’s look with fancier décor and an open kitchen. The 10-inch personal pizzas use a sweeter crust and are available with gourmet toppings.

Specialty sandwiches, pasta dishes, and appetizers are also available. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $7.

Pizza Plus Eatery 208 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 832-

8844 • A casual eatery with brick walls and a pressed tin ceiling, Pizza Plus is known for its lunch buffet which features a generous salad bar, a different home-style dish w/ sides every day, and thin-crust pizza. All pizzas are made entirely from scratch. Burgers, sandwiches, and other items also available. Weekday lunch buffet, private party area, meatless pizzas available, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7, lg. specialty pizza: $20.

Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire • 839-7699 • www.rockyrococo. com • Known for robust, square-shaped slices, Rocky Rococo serves their pizza hot and fast. Customer favorites include the Rococo Chicago sausage special, the four cheese special, and the tasty breadsticks. Meatless pizza and pasta sauces available. Entrée: $5.50.

Sbarro 4800 Golf Rd., Oakwood Mall, Eau Claire •

839-9766 • www.sbarro.com • Great for a quick slice of cheesy thin crust or a bowl of pasta, Sbarro also features less common fare like stuffed pizzas and strombolis. Meatless pizza, stromboli, and pasta sauces available. Entrée: $6.

Sammy’s Pizza Palace 416 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 834-5565 • www.mysammys.com • A classic downtown pizza joint, Sammy’s is relaxed and casual. The homemade crust is thin and crispy, and the list of toppings goes from extra cheese to tuna fish.

Sammy’s now has broasted chicken on the menu.

Weekday lunch buffet, party area, meatless pizza and pasta sauces available. Entrée: $8, lg. specialty pizza: $16.50.

Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Pub 2812 London

Rd., Eau Claire • 831-1300 • www.mysammys.com • With a family-style pizza place up front (complete with cool diner furniture) and a full-scale bar in the back, the south side Sammy’s is great for lunch, dinner, or a night out. Bring your friends for the House Special – pepperoni, hamburger, kosher salami, sausage, mush-

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2007 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

“So, we’re not getting Mexican.”

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rooms, onion, and green pepper – or check out the new broasted chicken. Live music on Fridays, weekday lunch buffet, private party room, meatless pizza and pasta sauces available, open late Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $7, lg. specialty pizza: $17.75.

Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St., Menomonie • 235-

0600 • www.tedspizzapie.com • An authentic pizza parlor that crafts its own sausage, sauces, and crust, Ted’s is a family favorite. There’s something for everyone, as the menu also features broasted chicken, hot beefs, and gyros (complete with a creamy family recipe sauce).

Games and TV’s keep things fun and casual. Meatless pizza and pasta sauces available. Open late. Entrée: $8$9, lg. specialty pizza: $18.

Topper’s Pizza 1616 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 552-1111 // 2159 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire • 8331111 • www.toppers.com • Delivering buffalo wings, grinders, quesadillas, and more, Topper’s ain’t just for pizza. Their specialty pies are topped with everything from pepperoni to gyro meat to steak fajitas to chicken cordon blue. The Topperstix cheese sticks are an appetizer standard in these parts. Topper’s quirky flyers and on-hold marketing spiels are a hoot. Meatless pizzas available, open late. Large specialty pizza: $16.

RAW FOOD

Raw Deal 544 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-

3255 • www.rawdeal-wi.com • A local oasis for the “raw food” movement, Raw Deal doesn’t cook any of its food. The menu, which changes daily, blends organic produce to create entrees near-identical in taste to heatprepped cuisine. Made with locally-grown veggies, you’ll find items like creamy green enchiladas, stuffed Portobello mushrooms, and savory cabbage rolls. The shop also features a bakery and full service coffee bar which uses organic beans they roast themselves. Check out the organic fruit smoothies and the key lime bars.

Open Sunday mornings, catering services, very vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8.

SANDWICHES/SUBS

Acoustic Café – Eau Claire 505 S. Barstow St., Eau

Claire • 832-9090 • www.theacoustic.com • This downtown destination wants to make sure “no one hungers for lack of a better sandwich.” Known for their hot hoagies, the spacious and creative café also has pitas, soups, salads, a number of baked-from-scratch cookies, muffins, and more. Expect live music on the weekends and outdoor seating in season. Vegetarian friendly, open until 11pm. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $3-$7.

Acoustic Café – Menomonie 102 Main St., Menomonie • 235-1115 • A topnotch hoagie shop (everything from corned beef to hummus) that bakes its own bread from scratch, the Menomonie Acoustic Café features a cozy atmosphere and live music on the weekends. The trademark high-back booths make it a great place to do lunch, a casual meeting, or to just hang out.

Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri. and Sat. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6.

Blind Munchies 621 Wilson Ave., Menomonie • 2359300 • www.streetlevel.uwstout.edu • Open to the public Tuesday through Friday, Blind Munchies features a full coffee bar, a from-scratch bakery, and fresh sandwiches made to order. Try their homemade pizzas, and keep an eye out for their live music and B-movie nights. Vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $3-$5.

The Coffee Grounds 3460 Mall Dr., Hwy. 93, Eau Claire • 834-1733 // 2116 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 797-2198 // 3042 Commercial Blvd., Chippewa Falls • 797-2370 • www.thecoffeegrounds.com • A casual, European-style café plopped into the middle of a gourmet food/coffee/beer/wine/cigar/gift shop, The Coffee Grounds offers a variety of baked goods, Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“No, but I want something crunchy.”

soups, and fresh, unique sandwiches. Their menu is always evolving, but if you see their terrific tomato bisque on the board, go for it. And don’t forget about the coffee (they roast their own beans). Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7.

Coffee Traders International 2230 Eastridge Center,

Eau Claire • 838-8451 • www.coffeetradersinternational.com • A coffee and sandwich shop featuring eight types of single origin coffee. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the neat fireplace. Vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7.

Cousin’s Subs 311 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire

• 833-0600 • www.cousinssubs.com • A franchise sub shop offering subs of all sorts. Famous for their Italian Special. Some outdoor seating and vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $4-$7.

Dessert First Bakery Café 210 S. Barstow St., Eau

Claire • 833-8440 • www.getdessertfirst.com • Famous for its multitude of many-flavored cupcakes, this California-inspired bakery and café offers cookies and scones as well as lunchtime sandwiches and an array of beverage delights. Outdoor seating. Entrée: $5.75.

Erbert and Gerbert’s 409 Water St., Eau Claire • 8359995 // 3003 London Rd., Eau Claire • 552-1933 // 2402 Lorch Ave., Action City, Eau Claire • 838-9663 // 705 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-7827 • www.erbertandgerberts.com • The Eau Claire-based sandwich chain known for their fresh subs and clubs including the Boney Billy, the Jacob Bluefinger, the Comet Morehouse, and more. Plus a good sized selection of soups, chips, and pickles. Vegetarian friendly, open late (’til 2am!), outdoor seating (Water Street location). Entrée: $4-$5.

The Goat Coffee House 408 Water St., Eau Claire •

831-4491 • A relaxed, full-scale coffee shop offering an eclectic selection of fresh sandwiches, The Goat sports an interesting mix of furniture and décor. All sandwiches are prepared with sauces from Silver Spring. A vegetarian delight is the Green Olive Twist (hummus, green olives, onion, and Swiss). Check out the fruit smoothies and cold, blended coffee drinks. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$6.

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd., Menomonie • 2315323 • www.goldenleafcafe.com • Gourmet organic Panini sandwiches are the specialty at Golden Leaf Café, where you’ll also find homemade soups and salads. After eating, peruse the connected specialty shop for wine, food stuffs, and tea. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $6.50.

Higher Grounds Coffee House & Eatery 2 Bay St., Chippewa Falls • 726-0551 • www.highergroundsinfo. com • A contemporary café housed beneath a pressed tin ceiling, Higher Grounds offers a nice variety of coffee drinks and sandwiches. Plop into a comfy chair and try one of six different panini or just go for a slice of cheesecake. Live music at lunch time, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5.

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop 2135

Brackett Ave., Eau Claire • 831-7827 • www.jimmyjohns.com • A quick stop for tasty subs, Jimmy John’s aims to please with its food and quirky in-house signage. The shop’s signature sandwich is the J.J. Gargantuan – an intimidating sub packed with Genoa salami, capicola, smoked ham, roast beef, turkey, provolone, and all the fixin’s. Chips, cookies, and pickles are on hand to round out your meal. Catering services, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5.

The Living Room Coffee House & Drive-Thru 2006 Cameron St., Eau Claire • 831-0245 • www.thelivingroomcoffeehouse.com • The Living Room’s mission is to make you feel at home – as long as your home has a full service coffee bar, Panini sandwiches, baked goods, live music on the weekends, and blended fruit

“That doesn’t narrow things down at all.”

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Volume One Eat Scene 2008

ANDREA SEELEY

MENOMONIE

Excluding fast food & pizza chains.

Acoustic Café 102 Main St. • 235-1115 Blind Munchies 621 Wilson Ave., Menomonie •

235-9300 • www.streetlevel.uwstout.edu

Bullfrog’s Eat My Fish Farm N1321 Bullfrog Rd., Menomonie • 664-8775 • eatmyfish.com City Limits 2100 Co. Trk. B • 235-1166 Country Kitchen Restaurant 1705 Plaza Dr. • 235-

9541 • www.countrykitchenrestaurants.com

Dairy Queen 1221 S. Broadway • 235-2320 Das Bierhaus 120 6th Ave. W., Menomonie • 2313230 • www.dasbierhaus-wi.com

Dean & Sue’s Bar & Grill 2002 Midway Rd., Menomonie • 235-9940

Dona Rita Mexican Restaurant 1415 N. BroadStepping into just one of Eau Claire’s Water Street candy shops – Blakelee’s Chocolates & Sweet Things – is like stepping into an old-timey world of gumballs and gummi things. Sweet. tea smoothies. The monthly drink specials are always popular, as is the breakfast Panini sandwich with sausage and maple syrup. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5.50.

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa

Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys • The owners of Lucy’s brought a slice of New York to downtown Chipppewa Falls when they opened up their full-service deli and sandwich shop. One look at their famous reuben or hot beef sandwiches (made with Boar’s Head meat), and you’ll see what’s got the locals so excited. Soups, salads, and personal pizzas are all made from scratch. Be sure to check out Lucy’s Gooeys (caramel rolls) baked Thur.-Sat. Private party/ meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8.

Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Common-

wealth Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4100 • Mancino’s is fast, relaxed, and family-friendly. Their trademark “grinder” sandwiches are toasted open-face on bread baked fresh everyday. The popular Chicken Ranch grinder combines marinated chicken, bacon, cheese, ranch sauce, and mayo for a simple yet effective taste explosion. Every sandwich comes with a crunchy pickle.

Catering services, party platters, vegetarian friendly.

Entrée: $4-$6.

Nelson Cheese Factory 1636 Harding Ave., Eau

Claire • 834-2000 • A great little cheese shop that happens to serve a wide range of gorgeous, deli-fresh sandwiches, Nelson Cheese Factory is the place to go for a terrific carry-out lunch. Served on wheat, pumpernickel, or French breads, the sandwiches are bursting at the seams with tantalizing ingredients. Popular menu items include the Hot Eddie (ham, bacon, cheddar, veggies, and mayo on toasted wheat), and the Town of Nelson (ham, turkey, veggies, Monterey jack, and cheddar with special sauce). The shop is also a popular neighborhood stop for fresh ice cream. Vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5.

The Nucleus Café 405 Water St., Eau Claire • 834-

7777 • www.racysnucleus.com • Connected via a convenient hallway to Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge’s full-service coffee and espresso bar and sandwich shop, The Nucleus is a cozy café with a European vibe

serving breakfast and lunch. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, quiches, omelets, and distinctive sandwiches. The Nucleus is also a traditional crêperie, offering a variety of dessert and main meal crêpes.

Stop by for Sunday brunch. Live music, outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7.

Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor & Deli 611 N. Bridge St.,

Chippewa Falls • 723-4331 • Heading down to Olsen’s for some homemade ice cream is a favorite local pastime. Their fresh ingredients and tempting sundaes have kept people coming back for decades. Now you can grab some soup and a deli sandwich prior to dessert. The Turkey BLT is an employee favorite. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $5-$6.

Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire

• 834-9752 • www.panera-minnesota.com • A chain store featuring a full bakery and cafe were all breads are baked fresh. On the bakery side, they feature 20 different breads, 12 bagels, and 30 sweets and pastries – the Cinamon Crunch bagel is among the favorites, selling between 400 and 500 a day. The cafe features 15 different sandwiches, 6 salads, and 6 (of 12) different soups on any given day with Chick and Wild Rice as a best seller. Outdoor patio seating, very vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $4-$7.

Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy. 25 N., Menomonie

way St., Menomonie • 235-3867

El Patio 1414 E. 9th St., Menomonie • 233-1476 Erbert and Gerbert’s 705 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-7827 • erbertandgerberts.com

Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant 319 S.

Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3532

Golden Leaf Café 1706 Stout Rd., Menomonie • 231-5323 • www.goldenleafcafe.com

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 1815 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • greenmill.com Jake’s Supper Club E5690 Co. Trk. D • 235-2465 www.jakesontainterlake.com

Jeff’s Pizza 145 Main St. • 231-3131 Kernel Restaurant 1632 N. Broadway St.,

Menomonie • 235-5154

Kingdom Buffet 1502 E. 9th St. • 233-0465 Kyote’s Den Bar & Grill E2339 Hwy 29 • 235-2777 Legacy Chocolates 643 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-2580 • legacychocolates.com

Menomonie Family Restaurant 2616 Hils Ct. • 235-9000 • menomoniefamilyrestaurant.com

Menomonie Log Jam 709 S. Broadway St.,

Menomonie • 235-0703

Parker’s Tuscan Grill 1919 Stout Rd. • 231-4999 Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1720 N. Broadway St. • 235-2234 • www.perkinstogo.com

• 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com • Pizza Hut Italian Bistro offers a more upscale take on Pizza Hut’s usual offerings, updating the eatery’s look with fancier décor and an open kitchen. The 10-inch personal pizzas use a sweeter crust and are available with gourmet toppings. Specialty sandwiches, pasta dishes, and appetizers are also available. Vegetarian friendly, open late. Entrée: $7.

Pioneer Grill & Saloon E5699 Co. Trk. D, Menomonie • 235-9927 • www.pioneergrill.com

S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-2388 // 2521 Hills Ct., Suite A, Menomonie • 233-2064 • www.quiznos. com • A fancier sandwich chain where most selections are toasted to a melty, golden perfection, Quizno’s is casual and relatively fast. Soups, salads, and cookies are on hand to complement hearty favorites like the mesquite chicken and prime rib subs. Check out the quirky “pepper bar.” Some outdoor seating, a few vegetarian subs, basic catering. Entrée: $3.50-$12.

Stout Ale House 1501 N. Broadway St., Menomonie

Quizno’s 2520 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 834-7827 // 913

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“I crave the crunch.”

Raw Deal 544 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 2313255 • www.rawdeal-wi.com

Silver Dollar Saloon & The Brick Company 315

Main St. • 235-9390

Skoog’s Parkside 932 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-6124

• 233-3333 • stoutalehouse.com

Waterfront Bar & Grill 512 Crescent St., Menomonie • 235-6541

Ted’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St., Menomonie •

235-0600 • tedspizzapie.com

Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub 228 E. Main St.,

Menomonie • 231-9269

Racy D’lene’s Coffee Lounge 404 Riverside Ave.,

CHIPPEWA FALLS Bake ’n’ Brew Café 17255 Co. Hwy. X • 720-2360 Bresina’s Hometown Bar and Grill 12037 Co.

Hwy. B, Chippewa Falls • 288-6303

Bresina’s Old Home Restaurant 704 E. Grand

Ave., Chippewa Falls • 723-7973

Bridge Street Station 212 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 738-1111 • burgersandtrains.com Bridgewater Restaurant and Pub 1009 W. Park Ave. • 723-6941 • avalonhotelchippewafalls.com

Cancun Mexican Grill 475 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • 723-7007 • cancungrills.com Casa Mexicana 324 N. Bridge St. • 726-2315 China Buffet 475 Chippewa Mall Dr. • 726-9886 Chippewa Family Restaurant 1701 Kennedy

Rd., Chippewa Falls • 723-4751

Connell’s Supper Club 18525 50th Ave. • 723-5656 Dana’s Bar & Grill 465 Chip. Mall Dr. • 726-1749 Father’s Pizza 502 Bay St. • 738-1226 Fill-Inn Station 104 W. Columbia St., Chippewa

Falls • 723-6551 • www.fillinnstation.com

Four Corners 14982 Co. Hwy. F • 723-6783 Glen Loch Saloon 1300 Jefferson Ave. • 723-1297 Golden Eagle Restaurant 16760 Co. Trk. X, Chippewa Falls • 723-2948

Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53, Chippewa Falls • 723-0844

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X., Chippewa Falls • 723-9854 • highshores.com

Higher Grounds Coffee House & Eatery 2 Bay St. • 726-0551 • www.highergroundsinfo.com

James Sheeley House 236 W. River St. • 7260561 • JamesSheeleyHouse.com

JimBob’s Pizza 3636 Melby St., Chippewa Falls • 836-0909 • www.jimbobspizza.com

LaGrander’s Drive-In 18143 Co. Trk. X • 723-0672 Lake Wissota Golf Course 16108 97th Ave. • 1888-382-4780 • lakewissotagolf.com

Loopy’s Saloon & Grill 10691 Business. Hwy. 29, Chippewa Falls • 723-5667 • 723loop.com

Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5.com/lucys Native Bay Restaurant and Lounge 9504 Co. Hwy. S • 726-0434 • nativebayrestaurant.com

Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor & Deli 611 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 723-4331

Piff’s Pizza 622 N. Bridge St. • 720-0915 Plaza Jalisco Authentic Restaurant & Cantina 2071 S. Prarie View Rd. • 726-3946

Schreck’s Place 10764 Co. Hwy. Q, Chippewa Falls • 288-6331 • www.schrecksplace.com

Sweeney’s Bar & Grill 201 E. Canal St. • 723-9905 Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., Timber

Terrace Golf • 726-1199 • vallysrestaurant.com

The View 17779 Co. Hwy. X • 723-5356 West Hill Bar 250 W. Elm St. • 720-9281

Eau Claire • 834-0000 • www.racysnucleus.com • Connected via a convenient hallway to The Nucleus Café, Racy’s is a loungey coffee shop with an impressive range of brews. Check out the desserts, homemade soups, and astounding menu of distinctive sandwiches. Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$7.

SEAFOOD

Bullfrog’s Eat My Fish Farm N1321 Bullfrog Rd.,

Menomonie • 664-8775 • www.eatmyfish.com • On Sunday afternoons between Mother’s Day and late September, the Bullfrog Fish Farm offers “hobo lunches” on the beach. You can catch your own trout and have it cooked up fresh. Non-fish eaters can get a buffalo brat or a “Sleazy Cheese” sandwich (with tomato and pesto on grilled bread). Group reservations available, outdoor (pond side) seating, private party services, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $14.

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub 415 S. Barstow

St., Eau Claire • 835-6621 • www.houligans.net • Rich, worn-in woodwork threads across the walls of Houligans – take a seat at the bar, or in the cozy dining area. It’s a great place to grab a beer and a hearty

urban atmosphere thrives at Shanghai Bistro – Eau Claire’s only true sushi and sashimi house. Using centuries-old preparation techniques while experimenting with fresh, new seafood (and other ingredients) from well beyond the Midwest, the Bistro’s chefs keep things lively. Signature sushi includes a number of rolls, including the Red Dragon Roll, and the Strange Flavor Chicken stir-fry is a local favorite. Live music Wed. through Sat, outdoor seating, very vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $7-$8, à la carte sushi starts at $5.

STEAKHOUSE

Bear Creek Grille 4890 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • 835-

2416 • www.bcgrille.com • A great place for everything from an upscale dinner to a burger-an-a-beer, Bear Creek prides itself on steaks like the 14-ounce blackened rib eye topped with Cajun butter, as well as the crowd-pleasing beer can roasted chicken. For a lighter appetite, they’ve got a range of flatbread pizzas.

Wet your whistle with 16 different beers on tap, and watch for the 2-for-1 bar specials every day after 9pm.

Open late, two private party/meeting rooms available.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7-$20.

Fischer’s On The Green 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy., Al-

toona • 832-9711 • A casual to dressy upscale steak

Manny’s strives to create a grand view of coastal Mexico through its lush interior and succulent menu packed with seafood, steaks, and Mexican specialties.

Manny’s Cocina, Eau Claire meal. The menu offers a top-notch selection of steaks and seafood dishes, but the Candied Garlic New York Strip is the big crowd-pleaser. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $12-$32.

and seafood restaurant with a great view. Known for their dry-aged steaks. Private party rooms available, some outdoor patio seating, vegetarian friendly, catering available. Free wireless internet. Dinner entrée: $17-$35.

Manny’s Cocina 4207 Oakwood Hills Pkwy., Eau Claire • 514-0818 • www.mannysmexican.com • Manny’s strives to create a grand view of coastal Mexico through its lush interior and succulent menu packed with seafood, steaks, and Mexican specialties. Signature items include the Seven Seas Burrito packed with scallops, jumbo white shrimp, and Mahi-mahi – all covered in a chardonnay sauce. Locals also love the sweet crab-stuffed shrimp, wrapped in bacon and grilled. Very vegetarian friendly, outdoor seating, private and semi-private party and meeting space available. Happy hour runs 3-6pm, seven days a week. Entrée: $8-$25.

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub 415 S. Barstow

Ramada) • 855-0856 • Make sure you take a gander at Porter’s beautiful bar, decked out in rich woodwork (not to mention 12 beer taps). A steak, seafood, and chop house, Porter’s has a classy atmosphere where diners can enjoy everything from upscale suppers to the popular lunchtime meatloaf. Open for breakfast all week long – check out the skillets. Open late Fri. and Sat., private party/meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7-$40.

Jake’s Supper Club E5690 Co. Trk. D, Menomonie

Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire (in the

Red Lobster 1019 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire •

833-0184 • www.redlobster.com • A local favorite for date nights, birthday parties, and get-togethers, Red Lobster offers a huge selection of fresh fish and shellfish. Playful nautical décor sets the stage for favorites like crab legs, lobster, and seafood platters. The cheesy garlic biscuits are a guilty pleasure. Open late Fri. and Sat. Lunch entrée: $7-$14, dinner: $11-$25.

Shanghai Bistro 2930 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 8353348 • www.shanghaibistro.com • A contemporary

“Just pick a restaurant.”

60

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X., Chip-

pewa Falls • 723-9854 • www.highshores.com • Home of “fine dining in a casual atmosphere,” High Shores is nestled on the edge of Lake Wissota. The kitchen cuts their trademark steaks by hand and menu favorites like the blackened ribeye and stuffed fillet mignon just might turn you into a regular. If the weather’s nice, motor up to one of the restaurant’s lake docks. Ask about the dinner cruise, and don’t miss the Sunday breakfast buffet. Outdoor seating, private party room.

Entrée: $10-$15.

St., Eau Claire • 835-6621 • www.houligans.net • Rich, worn-in woodwork threads across the walls of Houligans – take a seat at the bar, or in the cozy dining area. It’s a great place to grab a beer and a hearty meal. The menu offers a top-notch selection of steaks and seafood dishes, but the Candied Garlic New York Strip is the big crowd-pleaser. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $12-$32.

• 235-2465 • www.jakesontainterlake.com • With a menu as large as Jake’s, it’s hard to pinpoint a signature item, but if you ask a regular, they’ll point right to the slow-roasted prime rib. Terrific Lake views, live entertainment all summer long, and a humongous Sunday brunch buffet leave you little (if any) reason to stay away. Three decks of outdoor seating, private party rooms, banquet services. Entrée: $10-$20.

Outback Steakhouse 5020 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 552-5293 • www.outback.com • Home of the world-renowned Bloomin’ Onion appetizer, Outback

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61

“How about the Chinese place in the strip mall?�

NICK MEYER

club atmosphere. Check out their buffet. Private party room. Entrée: $7-$30.

WORLD

Haymarket Grill 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire • 552-

3400 • www.haymarketgrill.com • Contemporary American style cuisine that constantly evolves in tune with the seasons, assuring some of the freshest ingredients in the valley. They feature an extensive lunch menu with appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, pastas, and platters. Dinner is veritable worldly adventure with customized pastas, steaks, chops, seafood and more. Some of the more popular dishes include walnut burgers, Greek salads, and fish. An extensive list of beers, wines, and martinis are available. Very vegetarian friendly, open late on weekends, outdoor seating available on the sidewalk, delivery available for orders more than $50. Free wireless internet. Lunch entrée: $6-$10, dinner: $14$30.

Native Bay Restaurant and Lounge 9504 Co.

Fanny Hill’s famous brunch buffet offers an impressive spread of classy, mid-morning edibles, and best of all, it’s available with or without the dinner theatre’s current show.

Steakhouse is known far and wide for its robust, Aussie-centric meals. Steaks are cut from Midwestern grain-fed beef, the chicken and fish are never frozen, and most items are made fresh daily. Curbside takeaway, call ahead seating, vegetarian friendly, open late Fri and Sat. Entrée: $9-$20.

Porter’s 205 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire (in the

Ramada) • 855-0856 • Make sure you take a gander at Porter’s beautiful bar, decked out in rich woodwork (not to mention 12 beer taps). A steak, seafood, and chop house, Porter’s has a classy atmosphere where diners can enjoy everything from upscale suppers to the popular lunchtime meatloaf. Open for breakfast all week long – check out the skillets. Open late Fri. and Sat., private party/meeting room available, vegetarian friendly. Free wireless internet. Entrée: $7-$40.

Texas Roadhouse 5019 Keystone Crossing, Eau

Claire • 838-0035 • www.texasroadhouse.com • Upbeat and energetic, Texas Roadhouse is “that place they line dance every hour.” Their culinary claims to fame are hand-cut steaks and award-winning fall-off-the-bone ribs. Their bread is baked fresh all day long, and they make all dressings and side dishes from scratch. Open late on Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $13.

SUPPER CLUB

Connell’s Club 12 E11295 Hwy. 12, Fall Creek • 877-

2140 • A juicy, choice cut New York Strip keeps people coming back for more at this casual supper club. Another popular item is the Bourbon salmon – a grilled fillet of fresh fish slathered in Connell’s special Bourbon sauce. Outdoor seating on the deck, open late, party rental available on Mondays. Entrée: $10-$25.

Connell’s Supper Club 18525 50th Ave., Chippewa

Falls • 723-5656 • A classic supper club just off the beaten path serving BBQ ribs, chicken, sandwiches, seafood, and even lambchops – but they’re really known for their steaks and big portions of just about everything. Open until 11pm on weekends, special family style dinner served on Sundays from 11am2pm. Entrée: $12-$19.

Connell’s II At the Airport 3800 Starr Ave., Eau

Claire • 833-9400 • Casual supper club dining with a full view of the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport runway. Known for their steaks. Two private party rooms and catering available. Free wireless internet.

Entrée: $5-$21.

Harpole’s Supper Club 19845 Co. Trk. X • 723-

3006 • Hoarpole’s is a casual family establishment known for it’s excellent martinis and Old Fashioneds. The $1 burger special on Tuesdays is big with the locals, but the signature BBQ ribs will give you something to really talk about. Entrée: $5-$14.

High Shores Supper Club 17985 Co. Trk. X.,

Chippewa Falls • 723-9854 • www.highshores.com • Home of “fine dining in a casual atmosphere,” High Shores is nestled on the edge of Lake Wissota.

The kitchen cuts their trademark steaks by hand and menu favorites like the blackened ribeye and stuffed fillet mignon just might turn you into a regular. If the weather’s nice, motor up to one of the restaurant’s lake docks. Ask about the dinner cruise, and don’t miss the Sunday breakfast buffet. Outdoor seating, private party room. Entrée: $10-$15.

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub 415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 835-6621 • www.houligans.net • Rich, worn-in woodwork threads across the walls of Houligans – take a seat at the bar, or in the cozy dining area. It’s a great place to grab a beer and a hearty meal. The menu offers a top-notch selection of steaks and seafood dishes, but the Candied Garlic New York Strip is the big crowd-pleaser. Outdoor seating, private party room, vegetarian friendly. Entrée: $12-$32.

Jake’s Supper Club E5690 Co. Trk. D, Menomonie • 235-2465 • www.jakesontainterlake.com • With a menu as large as Jake’s, it’s hard to pinpoint a signature item, but if you ask a regular, they’ll point right to the slow-roasted prime rib. Terrific Lake views, live entertainment all summer long, and a humongous Sunday brunch buffet leave you little (if any) reason to stay away. Three decks of outdoor seating, private party rooms, banquet services. Entrée: $10$20.

Skoog’s Parkside 932 N. Broadway St., Menomonie

• 235-6124 • Known for their popovers and perfect steaks, Skoog’s fosters a relaxed and casual super

“We always go there.”

62

Hwy. S, Chippewa Falls • 726-0434 • www.nativebayrestaurant.com • Contemporary, elegant, and deceptively casual, Native Bay is obsessive about using fresh local food from Chippewa Valley farms. The frequently changing menu offers something new and exciting on every visit. The bar’s remarkable wine list and staggering beer menu (well over 80 specialty brews) also focus on local artisans. Located on the beautiful Chippewa River, the restaurant offers summer pontoon rentals. Sunday brunch, outdoor seating, private party room, very vegetarian friendly, open late (pizzas only). Entrée: $16-$32, bar menu: $5-$15.

Raw Deal 544 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-

3255 • www.rawdeal-wi.com • A local oasis for the “raw food” movement, Raw Deal doesn’t cook any of its food. The menu, which changes daily, blends organic produce to create entrees near-identical in taste to heat-prepped cuisine. Made with locallygrown veggies, you’ll find items like creamy green enchiladas, stuffed Portobello mushrooms, and savory cabbage rolls. The shop also features a bakery and full service coffee bar which uses organic beans they roast themselves. Check out the organic fruit smoothies and the key lime bars. Open Sunday mornings, catering services, very vegetarian friendly.

Free wireless internet. Entrée: $5-$8.

Zanzibar Restaurant and Pub 228 E. Main St.,

Menomonie • 231-9269 • Deep red walls and rich hardwood accents create a warm and relaxing setting for an exciting, eclectic meal at Zanzibar. The menu contains numerous original dishes inspired by a variety of international cuisines. The most popular item, lavosh, is a thin, cracker bread topped with cheese, veggies, and a variety of meats such as jerk chicken.

The bar can stir up over fifty kinds of martinis, and the wine list has over 80 items. If given the lead time (phone well ahead), Zanzibar’s chefs will even create custom meals. Very vegetarian friendly (any meal can be altered), open late Fri. and Sat. Entrée: $17, tapas: $10.

ICON KEY = Alcohol, beer, or wine available. = Delivery available. Some restrictions may apply. = Able to accommodate larger groups of 9 or more. = Smoking allowed in part or all of the establishment. = Accepts reservations. Some restrictions may apply. = Winner: 2007 V1 Best of the Valley Reader Poll.

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Portable savings – get your clip on, and snip these beauties out!

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

63

“That’s because they have good food.”

“Picking a place to eat is tricky stuff.”

64

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

Make ‘em bring it to your door – just don’t forget the tip.

american

Carl & Cindy’s Embers America 6220 Texaco

Dr., Eau Claire • 874-6213

Chicken Unlimited 1410 Hastings Way., Eau

Claire • 834-6688

Chuck’s on Clairemont 1807 N. Clairemont

Ave., Eau Claire •835-2485

Dean & Sue’s Bar & Grill 2002 Midway Rd., Menomonie • 235-9940

Fill-Inn Station 104 W. Columbia St., Chippewa

Falls • 723-6551 • www.fillinnstation.com

Four Corners 14982 Cty. Hwy F., Chippewa

pizza

Boston’s: The Gourmet Pizza 1920 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-5100 • www.bostonsec. com

Sammy’s Pizza Palace 416 S. Barstow St., Eau

Buzzy’s Pizza Emporium 414 Water St., Eau Claire • 552-1600 •www.buzzyspe.com

don Rd., Eau Claire • 831-1300 • www.mysammys.com

Domino’s Pizza 3311 London Rd., Eau Claire •

833-3933 // 1719 N Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 833-3930 // 3101 N Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 833-3939 // 354 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls • 726-2626 // 1205 Broadway St. S., Menomonie • 232-6333

Father’s Pizza 502 Bay St., Chippewa Falls •

Falls • 723-6783

738-1226

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 2703 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 839-8687 // 1515 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com

Godfather’s Pizza 2510 Mondovi Rd., Eau

Heckel’s Family Restaurant 2621 Hwy. 53,

Chippewa Falls • 723-0844

Raw Deal 544 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 231-3255 • www.rawdeal-wi.com

Silver Dollar Saloon & The Brick Company Restaurant 315 Main St., Menomonie • 235-

9390

Vally’s Restaurant 1117 Pumphouse Rd., Timber Terrace Golf Course, Chippewa Falls • 7261199 • www.vallysrestaurant.com Wigwam Tavern 314 E. Madison St., Eau Claire • 834-9061 • www.wigwamtavern.com

asian

Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant 1702

Harding Ave., Eau Claire • 833-0088

Fortune Cookie Chinese Restaurant 319 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3532

Golden Dragon 2709 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau

Claire • 552-2790

Jade Garden 3620 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire • 833-9868

Jimmy Woo’s Pagoda Asian Restaurant & Lounge 1700 Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 832-

6431 • www.woospagoda.com

Qin-Qin 2161 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire • 552-1715 Quick Wok 501 Water St., Eau Claire • 8324545

Claire • 831-9362 • www.godfathers.com

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar 2703 Craig Rd., Eau Claire • 839-8687 // 1515 N. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-3000 • www.greenmill.com Jeff’s Pizza 145 Main St., Menomonie • 2313131 • www.jeffandjims.com

Jeff and Jim’s Pizza 421 Water St., Eau Claire • 838-8888 • www.jeffandjims.com JimBob’s Pizza 3636 Melby St., Chippewa Falls • 836-0909 • www.jimbobspizza.com

Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Commonwealth Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4100 Monkey in the Middle Pizza 2402 Lorch Ave., in Action City, Eau Claire • 838-9663 • www.actioncityfun.com New York Pizza & Deli 320 Water St., Eau Claire • 835-5000 • www.newyorkpizzaec.com

Papa John’s Pizza 623 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau

Claire • 839-9393 • www.papajohns.com

Piff’s Pizza 622 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 720-0915 •

Pizza Del Re 911 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire • 834-0703 • www.pizzadelre.com

Pizza Hut 2602 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire •

834-5346 // 1242 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 834-1004 // 2225 Eddy Lane, Eau Claire • 8331222 // 225 Prairieview Rd., Chippewa Falls, 723-2812 • www.pizzahut.com

Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy 25 N., Menomonie • 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com

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“Why is it so hard?”

Claire • 834-5565 • www.mysammys.com

Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Pub 2812 LonTed’s Pizza Palace 306 E. Main St., Menomonie • 235-0600 • www.tedspizzapie.com

Topper’s Pizza 1616 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau

Claire • 552-1111 // 2159 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire • 833-1111 • www.toppers.com

sandwiches

Bake ’n’ Brew Café 17255 Co. Hwy. X, Chippewa Falls • 720-2360

Cousin’s Subs 311 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 833-0600 • www.cousionssubs.com

Erbert & Gerbert’s 409 Water St., Eau Claire •

835-9995 // 3003 London Rd., Eau Claire • 5521933 // 2402 Lorch Ave., Action City, Eau Claire • 838-9663 // 705 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • 235-7827 • www.erbertandgerberts.com •

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop 2135 Brackett Ave., Eau Claire • 831-7827 • www.jimmyjohns.com Lucy’s Delicatessen 117 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 720-9800 • www.foreign5. com/lucys Mancino’s Grinders and Pizza 4056 Com-

monwealth Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4000 // 809 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 835-4100

Olsen’s Ice Cream Parlor & Deli 611 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • 723-4331

Panera Bread 4601 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire • 834-9752 • www.panera-minnesota.com

Pizza Hut Italian Bistro 2307 Hwy 25 N., Menomonie • 235-9044 • www.pizzahut.com

See each restaurant’s listing on the preceding pages for more details. Some establishments may have delivery charges, minimum orders, or other restrictions.

NICK MEYER

PAD THAI w/ TOFU & EGG ROLL Pad Thai

ad index AMBER INN BAR & GRILL BACARDI BAKE & BREW BARLEY CLUB BEAR CREEK GRILLE BLIND MUNCHIES BOSTON’S: THE GOURMET PIZZA BUFFALO WILD WINGS COFFEE GROUNDS DAIRY QUEEN DESSERT FIRST DOOLEY’S PUB DRAGANETTI’S RISTORANTE EDINA REALTY EL PATIO ERBERT AND GERBERT’S FAMOUS DAVE’S BAR-B-QUE FANNY HILL GALLOWAY GRILLE GLORIA JEAN’S COFFEES GOAT COFFEE HOUSE GRIZZLY’S GRILL ’N’ SALOON HAHN’S MARKET HAYMARKET GRILL HIGH SHORES SUPPER CLUB HOULIGAN’S STEAK & SEAFOOD PUB JAMES SHEELEY HOUSE LEGACY CHOCOLATES LOG JAM LUCY’S DELICATESSEN MANCINO’S GRINDERS & PIZZA MIKE’S SMOKEHOUSE MILLER CHILL MILLER LITE MOGIE’S PUB & RESTAURANT MONA LISA’S RESTAURANT NOODLES & COMPANY NORTHWOODS BREW PUB OBSESSION CHOCOLATES OLIVE GARDEN OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE PORTER’S RAW DEAL RED LOBSTER SAMMY’S RESTAURANT & PUB STATE FARM INSURANCE STELLA BLUES SWEETWATERS RESTAURANT & BAR TASTEFULLY SIMPLE TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT TOPPER’S PIZZA VOLUME ONE MEMBERSHIP CARD

20 04 36 23 13 42 19 58 35 02 36 03 13 39 43 52 23 57 44 47 48 35 19 17 53 51 31 14 68 40 50 33 09 32 56 51 44 55 39 11 57 37 42 10 31 29 47 33 53 58 67 55

Volume One Eat Scene 2008

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“So ... are you still hungry?”

“I’m hungrier than ever.”

68

Volume One Eat Scene 2008