Food.
It's that communal thing that brings everyone together - including our very own Discover Wisconsin crew. You see, it's our job to wander Wisconsin with cameras in tow in search of the state's most interesting towns, fun festivals, beautiful parks and more. Amidst all the discovering, though, we confess to embarking on our own version of a "Wisconsin culinary tour."
"Where you guys wanna go for lunch?" is uttered regularly from the mouths of our hosts, producers, cinematographers and designers. Suffice it to say, we've been around the bistro-filled block a time or two. Introducing Wisconsin's best restaurants, cafes, diners, supper clubs and pubs you've probably never heard of:
White Dog Black Cat Cafe - Green Bay
Recommended by: Nora Langer, graphic designer for Discover Wisconsin
Our queen of all things graphics says: Next time you're in Titletown, stop by White Dog Black Cat Café. They've got that down-to-earth atmosphere and an eclectic, funky feel. Pop in for something a little different (muffeletta, anyone?) or something totally Wisconsin (hellooo, Friday night fish fry).
Christiano's - Wautoma, Green Lake and Oshkosh
Recommended by: Jennifer Ingish, producer for Discover Wisconsin
"Lil J" has let us in on a "lil' Wautoma secret and it goes by the name of Christiano's. This is a classic, family-owned restaurant, and it definitely shows in everything they do from the excellent food to the fun atmosphere to the oh-so-friendly staff. As for Christiano's specialty? "They make the best pizza I've ever had," said Jenny.
Odd Duck - Milwaukee
Recommended by: Libby Amato, co-host of Discover Wisconsin
My fellow Discover Team member, Libby, says her go-to spot is Odd Duck located in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood. They use locally-sourced ingredients, and the menu is constantly changing. Plus, they have great craft cocktails.
Pat O'Malley's Jet Room - Madison
Recommended by: Chad Diedrick, managing director of Discover Wisconsin
Picture this: You're enjoying a hearty meal with the one(s) you love whilst "plane-gazing" in Wisconsin's capitol city. Dreamy, right? Discover Wisconsin's fearless leader, Chad, says Pat O'Malley's Jet Room is the place to go. Situated in Wisconsin Aviation's building at the Dane County Regional Airport, the "Jet Room" offers a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience for everyone - not just pilots and jet setters.
Bona Casa - Cumberland
Recommended by: Jerimiah Junkers, cinematographer/producer for Discover Wisconsin
Italian fare more your speed? Say "ciao" to the chefs at Bona Casa in Cumberland and await some of the most delicious homemade "cibo" ever. Jerimiah is a big fan of the amazingness that is Bona Casa. You'll love it too. (Forewarning: They're closed for dining on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our crew learned this the hard way.)
Eagle Waters Resort - Eagle River
Recommended by: Mark Rose, CEO of Discover Mediaworks
Mark's home base of Vilas County is chockfull of delightful restaurants you've probably never heard of. One of his favorites (and ours too) is Eagle Waters Resort. Both the fish and prime rib are some of the best you'll find in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Eagle Waters also boasts two full bars and a wonderful outdoor area for summer enjoyment. For dessert, try the Xango (banana, caramel cream cheese cake rolled in a tortilla, deep-fried and covered with cinnamon sugar and a scoop of ice cream).
Sophia's Bakery - Madison
Recommended by: Me.
My pick? That'd be Sophia's Bakery on Madison's isthmus. For starters, the food is phenomenal - you'll be especially grateful if you too have an affinity for breakfast food. Don't let the fact that this pint-sized cafe is located on the quieter end of Johnson Street fool you though - Sophia's is bustlin' on a Saturday morning. And I personally love that it has a bit of a European vibe; be prepared to take a seat wherever you can find one and chat it up over some cherry crepes with the friendliest strangers you'll ever meet.
This list was tough to create. It made us really appreciate how many underrated, yet amazing restaurants call Wisconsin home. Our crew is always looking for new places to try though so find us on social media to share your favorites.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
It's that communal thing that brings everyone together - including our very own Discover Wisconsin crew. You see, it's our job to wander Wisconsin with cameras in tow in search of the state's most interesting towns, fun festivals, beautiful parks and more. Amidst all the discovering, though, we confess to embarking on our own version of a "Wisconsin culinary tour."
"Where you guys wanna go for lunch?" is uttered regularly from the mouths of our hosts, producers, cinematographers and designers. Suffice it to say, we've been around the bistro-filled block a time or two. Introducing Wisconsin's best restaurants, cafes, diners, supper clubs and pubs you've probably never heard of:
White Dog Black Cat Cafe - Green Bay
Recommended by: Nora Langer, graphic designer for Discover Wisconsin
Our queen of all things graphics says: Next time you're in Titletown, stop by White Dog Black Cat Café. They've got that down-to-earth atmosphere and an eclectic, funky feel. Pop in for something a little different (muffeletta, anyone?) or something totally Wisconsin (hellooo, Friday night fish fry).
Christiano's - Wautoma, Green Lake and Oshkosh
Recommended by: Jennifer Ingish, producer for Discover Wisconsin
"Lil J" has let us in on a "lil' Wautoma secret and it goes by the name of Christiano's. This is a classic, family-owned restaurant, and it definitely shows in everything they do from the excellent food to the fun atmosphere to the oh-so-friendly staff. As for Christiano's specialty? "They make the best pizza I've ever had," said Jenny.
Odd Duck - Milwaukee
Recommended by: Libby Amato, co-host of Discover Wisconsin
My fellow Discover Team member, Libby, says her go-to spot is Odd Duck located in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood. They use locally-sourced ingredients, and the menu is constantly changing. Plus, they have great craft cocktails.
Pat O'Malley's Jet Room - Madison
Recommended by: Chad Diedrick, managing director of Discover Wisconsin
Picture this: You're enjoying a hearty meal with the one(s) you love whilst "plane-gazing" in Wisconsin's capitol city. Dreamy, right? Discover Wisconsin's fearless leader, Chad, says Pat O'Malley's Jet Room is the place to go. Situated in Wisconsin Aviation's building at the Dane County Regional Airport, the "Jet Room" offers a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience for everyone - not just pilots and jet setters.
Bona Casa - Cumberland
Recommended by: Jerimiah Junkers, cinematographer/producer for Discover Wisconsin
Italian fare more your speed? Say "ciao" to the chefs at Bona Casa in Cumberland and await some of the most delicious homemade "cibo" ever. Jerimiah is a big fan of the amazingness that is Bona Casa. You'll love it too. (Forewarning: They're closed for dining on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our crew learned this the hard way.)
Eagle Waters Resort - Eagle River
Recommended by: Mark Rose, CEO of Discover Mediaworks
Mark's home base of Vilas County is chockfull of delightful restaurants you've probably never heard of. One of his favorites (and ours too) is Eagle Waters Resort. Both the fish and prime rib are some of the best you'll find in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Eagle Waters also boasts two full bars and a wonderful outdoor area for summer enjoyment. For dessert, try the Xango (banana, caramel cream cheese cake rolled in a tortilla, deep-fried and covered with cinnamon sugar and a scoop of ice cream).
Sophia's Bakery - Madison
Recommended by: Me.
My pick? That'd be Sophia's Bakery on Madison's isthmus. For starters, the food is phenomenal - you'll be especially grateful if you too have an affinity for breakfast food. Don't let the fact that this pint-sized cafe is located on the quieter end of Johnson Street fool you though - Sophia's is bustlin' on a Saturday morning. And I personally love that it has a bit of a European vibe; be prepared to take a seat wherever you can find one and chat it up over some cherry crepes with the friendliest strangers you'll ever meet.
This list was tough to create. It made us really appreciate how many underrated, yet amazing restaurants call Wisconsin home. Our crew is always looking for new places to try though so find us on social media to share your favorites.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.