Wisconsin Dells is known as the ‘Waterpark Capital of the World,’ but its best restaurants put the city firmly on the foodie map too. Famed for its laid back supper clubs and lively sports bars, scenic Wisconsin Dells is a worthy destination for any traveller looking to indulge in comforting traditional dishes like cheese curds, hearty steaks and ribs, and seafood.

International flavours often sit alongside traditional American fare, and many of the best places to eat in Wisconsin Dells also take pride in their house cocktails, wine lists, and cold beers. Whatever you order, it’s sure to taste particularly good when enjoyed outdoors with a view of the river. Many restaurants in Wisconsin Dells have expansive terraces for summer drinking and dining.

  • 1

    The Del-Bar

    Popular supper club serving steaks and seafood

    The Del-Bar
    • Food

    The supper clubs of Wisconsin Dells are the stuff of foodie legend, and Del-Bar is one of the best spots in town to experience this lively dining scene at its best. Order a house cocktail and take a seat in the cosy interior, or—when weather permits—on the outdoor terrace with views over Lake Delton, as you browse the very fairly priced menu.

    Traditional Wisconsin dishes like cheese curds and steaks are prepared with love, while the seafood is another speciality—you might want to start with oysters as you scan the carefully-curated wine list and contemplate which tempting dish to choose. You can find Del-Bar just a two-minute drive (or a short walk) from Lake Delton public beach.

    Location: 800 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Sunday–Thursday from 4.30 pm to 8.45 pm, Friday–Saturday from 4.30 pm to 8.45 pm

    Phone: +1 608-253-1861

    Map
  • 2

    Hot Rocks

    Cook-your-own on lava stones

    Hot Rocks
    • Families

    Yes, there are plenty of places in Wisconsin Dells to enjoy steaks, seafood, and burgers, but Tiki-themed Hot Rocks is unique in offering the chance to cook your own food over super-hot volcanic rocks. From sirloin steak and filet mignon to lobster tails and plant-based burgers, everything sizzles deliciously at your table over rocks that are pre-heated to 750 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Protein-lovers will enjoy the combo plates of fish, meat, and shellfish, while popular (and pre-cooked) starters include shrimp cocktails and breaded Wisconsin cheese curds. There’s wine by the glass or bottle, but many diners choose to get into the Tiki spirit with a jug of fruity rum punch. You’ll find Hot Rocks just outside the centre of town, less than five minutes’ walk from Wisconsin Deer Park.

    Location: 399 Co Rd A, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Sunday–Thursday from 4 pm to 8.30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 608-253-2722

    Map
  • 3

    MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop

    Gourmet mac and cheese

    MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop
    • Food

    Prepare to indulge at MACS, where the traditional family favourite comes in more varieties than you could imagine—even in your wildest cheese dreams. Everything at the pristine city centre diner comes topped with crispy breadcrumbs, and the menu features everything from a veggie-packed version to the belly-busting ‘Hangover Mac,’ which features hash browns, bacon, hot dog, mushrooms, and two types of cheese.

    Younger members of the family can order scaled-down portions from the dedicated kids’ menu, while the short but decadent dessert list features even more comforting classics. To quench your thirst, there are soft drinks and beer on offer too.

    Location: 208 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 608-678-2300

    Map
  • 4

    Monk's Bar & Grill

    Long-standing local favourite with a lively vibe

    Monk's Bar & Grill
    • Families

    A real Wisconsin Dells institution, Monk’s Bar & Grill has been attracting hordes of hungry locals since 1947. It’s since spawned several sister outlets, but the branch in city centre Wisconsin Dells is the original (and many would argue it’s still the best).

    The food is as enticing and humble as the ambience, with 12 types of burgers to choose from (including meat-free options) alongside a range of salads, wraps, and starters, such as the ever-popular Wisconsin cheese curds. Monk’s is a family-friendly spot with a dedicated kids’ menu and sports games on screen, and adults might want to order one of the famous sour beers, which always come perfectly chilled.

    Location: 220 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 2 am, Friday from 11 am to 2.30 am, Saturday from 10.30 am to 2.30 am, Sunday from 10.30 am to 2 am

    Phone: +1 608-254-2955

    Map
  • 5

    High Rock Cafe

    Upscale American cuisine and draft beer

    High Rock Cafe
    • Food

    Much-loved dishes from across the USA and beyond get a contemporary makeover at the acclaimed High Rock Cafe. A real passion project for lifelong local friends Wade Bernander and Justin Draper, the restaurant’s simple-yet-sophisticated menu reflects the owners’ culinary travels across the United States, and everything is served with a dash of panache.

    Hearty house favourites include the ‘All American’ (a beef-and-bacon meatloaf studded with cheese and covered in creamy mac and cheese) and jumbo lump crab cakes, while dishes like Korean pork nachos and tikka masala lend an international flavour to the menu. In the summer, diners can enjoy al-fresco eating on the outdoor dining deck. The High Rock Cafe is just a short walk from the riverfront and Wisconsin Dells train station.

    Location: 232 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Phone: +1 608-254-5677

    Map
  • 6

    Bobbers Island Grill

    Caribbean-themed, family-friendly restaurant

    Bobbers Island Grill
    • Families
    • Food

    Bobbers Island Grill brings jerk chicken and other Caribbean flavours to city centre Wisconsin Dells in a colourful beach-themed restaurant that’s hugely popular with families and groups of friends. From the paper and crayons on the tables to the games room and outdoor play area, there’s plenty to keep younger members of the party entertained, leaving the adults free to sample the generously sized house cocktails, including daiquiris, pina coladas, and alcohol-free options.

    Along with its playful atmosphere, Bobbers Island Grill serves popular pizzas, burgers, and tacos, as well as jerk-infused versions of Wisconsin Dells favourites like slow roasted chicken and pork, and a vegetarian-friendly range of salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. 

    Location: 750 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 608-254-1800

    Map
  • 7

    Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co.

    Family-friendly pizza restaurant and microbrewery

    Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co.
    • Families

    Deep-pan pizzas and speciality beers make Moosejaw Pizza & Dell’s Brewing Co. one of the most popular spots in town for a fun meal out. The only microbrewery in Wisconsin Dells, this lively spot offers 12 microbrews on tap, along with plenty of craft soft drinks and non-alcoholic options.

    Families should plan to spend a few hours here thanks to a large games room to keep kids occupied. And while it’s best known for its freshly baked pizzas, Moosejaw also offers familiar favourites like burgers and pasta dishes, as well as an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet that could keep you going all day at the New Frontier water park, which is just a two-minute drive away.

    Location: 110 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday from 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 608-254-1122

    Map
  • 8

    River's Edge Pub & Grub

    Rustic setting for delicious food and drinks

    River's Edge Pub & Grub
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    A menu of crowd-pleasing dishes and classic cocktails, combined with snug dining rooms and a huge outdoor terrace, make rustic-chic River’s Edge Pub & Grub one of the most enticing options in Wisconsin Dells for family-friendly socialising over food and drinks. On the banks of the river, this cabin-style spot is just two miles from city centre Wisconsin Dells.

    Traditional Wisconsin cheese curds are a popular order, while heartier dishes include ribs, steaks, and toasted sandwiches, and the generous breakfasts are popular at weekends. During the summer, the patio is full of families and friends enjoying al-fresco meals by the river.

    Location: 30 Co Rd A, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 12 am

    Phone: +1 608-253-6600

    Map
  • 9

    House of Embers

    Supper club serving the best ribs in town

    House of Embers
    • Food

    House of Embers is what many locals claim are the best ribs in town. The family-run steakhouse has been a Dells institution since 1959, with locals and out-of-towners flocking to the city centre restaurant for live music and a lively ambiance, and for those legendary hickory-smoked ribs, which are basted in a secret spice blend before being slow cooked in the oven. 

    The expansive wine list is another speciality and families are also catered to, with a kids’ menu featuring favourites like toasted cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers. And while the interior is cosy and inviting, seats on the outdoor patio are the place to be on a balmy summer evening. 

    Location: 935 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 4.30 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm (closed on Mondays and Sundays)

    Phone: +1 608-253-6411

  • 10

    The Keg & The Patio

    Family-friendly sports bar and grill

    The Keg & The Patio
    • Families

    If you’re looking for a laidback spot to enjoy food and drink with friends or family in Wisconsin Dells, The Keg & Patio should be your first port of call.

    This renowned city centre Dells sports bar is famed for its well-crafted favourites, including burgers and chicken tenders, and its brunches (featuring treats like biscuits and gravy, veggie omelettes, and spicy bloody Mary cocktails) are enjoyed by all ages. The Keg is also a popular place to catch big sports games on the indoor screens, but outdoor seating at the titular Patio is hotly contested during the summer—arrive early to grab a table.

    Location: 732 Oak St, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 8 am to 11 pm, Friday from 8 am to 1 am, Saturday from 7.30 am to 1 am, Sunday from 7.30 am to 1 am

    Phone: +1 608-254-7475

    Map