When it comes to picking a great place to eat, good food is the name of the game, but sometimes it's all about location, location, location. Here are 10 first-rate restaurants in Wisconsin with views as unique as their menus.
Waterfront Restaurant: Sister Bay
Brilliant sunsets are a nightly affair in Door County and Sister Bay's Waterfront Restaurant offers one of the best seats in the house. Experience one of the peninsula's most breathtaking fine-dining restaurants and enjoy delicious land and sea cuisine in the process.
Graze: Madison
Located on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison and inspired by New York City's gastropub scene, Graze offers the best of both worlds: A phenomenal menu and a gorgeous view. Pop in with your significant other, try a "Magic Coffee" and enjoy a striking view of the Capitol.
Dublin's Sports Bar & Grill: Conover
Just 10 minutes south of the UP Michigan/Wisconsin border lies the tiny Northwoods town of Conover. This Vilas County community is home to Dublin's Sports Bar & Grill, a fun, casual spot with a beautiful view of North Twin Lake.
Harbor House: Milwaukee
If Milwaukee is on your list of places to discover this summer, Harbor House is a must. With Milwaukee's skyline and Lake Michigan as your backdrop, gorgeous views abound - enjoy a hearty steak with a glass of wine at this upscale restaurant.
Ishnala Supper Club: Lake Delton
It has been dubbed "Wisconsin's #1 Supper Club," and it's easy to see why: Ishnala, which translates to "By Itself Alone," is situated in the middle of Mirror Lake State Park. You can actually canoe or kayak right up to this storied "log-cabin eatery."
Nelson Stone Barn: Nelson
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Driftless Area, Nelson Stone Barn is full of "rustic glamour." Bring the family to this unique outdoor dining destination, which serves up delightful wood-fired pizza, and enjoy the surrounding views presented by the Mississippi River Valley.
Afton*Hudson Cruise Lines: Hudson
For an unforgettable dining experience along the St. Croix River, hop aboard the Afton*Hudson Cruise in Hudson. Select your very own themed brunch or dinner from "fajita and margarita" to "fall colors" to "Sunday champagne brunch."
Pat O'Malley's Jet Room Restaurant: Madison
When you hear "restaurant with a view," most people think of placid lakes or metropolitan skylines. You won't get either at the Jet Room in Madison. Located at the Dane County Regional Airport, this aviation-themed cafe offers delectable breakfast and lunch plates plus views of planes taking off and landing.
Vino in the Valley: Maiden Rock
As they say at Vino in the Valley: "Good vino. Good view. Good vibes." Located along the Mississippi River in Maiden Rock, take in the sights and sounds of this Rush River Valley destination while feasting on Italian nachos and gourmet pasta. Enjoy a glass of red or white, take a stroll around the vineyard and river and kick back near the bonfire.
Shifflet's Bar & Riverside Grille: Spring Green
Set on the banks of the Wisconsin River, reserve yourself a seat at this Spring Green eatery for a Friday night fish fry, cold brew and of course, a gorgeous riverfront view. Head out on the patio and watch as the kayakers and tubers come rolling in.
When it comes to unique dining locales, Wisconsin delivers. What's your favorite restaurant with a view? Chime in on social media: #discoverwisconsin.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
Waterfront Restaurant: Sister Bay
Brilliant sunsets are a nightly affair in Door County and Sister Bay's Waterfront Restaurant offers one of the best seats in the house. Experience one of the peninsula's most breathtaking fine-dining restaurants and enjoy delicious land and sea cuisine in the process.
Graze: Madison
Located on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison and inspired by New York City's gastropub scene, Graze offers the best of both worlds: A phenomenal menu and a gorgeous view. Pop in with your significant other, try a "Magic Coffee" and enjoy a striking view of the Capitol.
Dublin's Sports Bar & Grill: Conover
Just 10 minutes south of the UP Michigan/Wisconsin border lies the tiny Northwoods town of Conover. This Vilas County community is home to Dublin's Sports Bar & Grill, a fun, casual spot with a beautiful view of North Twin Lake.
Harbor House: Milwaukee
If Milwaukee is on your list of places to discover this summer, Harbor House is a must. With Milwaukee's skyline and Lake Michigan as your backdrop, gorgeous views abound - enjoy a hearty steak with a glass of wine at this upscale restaurant.
Ishnala Supper Club: Lake Delton
It has been dubbed "Wisconsin's #1 Supper Club," and it's easy to see why: Ishnala, which translates to "By Itself Alone," is situated in the middle of Mirror Lake State Park. You can actually canoe or kayak right up to this storied "log-cabin eatery."
Nelson Stone Barn: Nelson
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Driftless Area, Nelson Stone Barn is full of "rustic glamour." Bring the family to this unique outdoor dining destination, which serves up delightful wood-fired pizza, and enjoy the surrounding views presented by the Mississippi River Valley.
Afton*Hudson Cruise Lines: Hudson
For an unforgettable dining experience along the St. Croix River, hop aboard the Afton*Hudson Cruise in Hudson. Select your very own themed brunch or dinner from "fajita and margarita" to "fall colors" to "Sunday champagne brunch."
Pat O'Malley's Jet Room Restaurant: Madison
When you hear "restaurant with a view," most people think of placid lakes or metropolitan skylines. You won't get either at the Jet Room in Madison. Located at the Dane County Regional Airport, this aviation-themed cafe offers delectable breakfast and lunch plates plus views of planes taking off and landing.
Vino in the Valley: Maiden Rock
As they say at Vino in the Valley: "Good vino. Good view. Good vibes." Located along the Mississippi River in Maiden Rock, take in the sights and sounds of this Rush River Valley destination while feasting on Italian nachos and gourmet pasta. Enjoy a glass of red or white, take a stroll around the vineyard and river and kick back near the bonfire.
Shifflet's Bar & Riverside Grille: Spring Green
Set on the banks of the Wisconsin River, reserve yourself a seat at this Spring Green eatery for a Friday night fish fry, cold brew and of course, a gorgeous riverfront view. Head out on the patio and watch as the kayakers and tubers come rolling in.
When it comes to unique dining locales, Wisconsin delivers. What's your favorite restaurant with a view? Chime in on social media: #discoverwisconsin.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.