Location: Wausau
Top Restaurants in Wausau
Where to Eat in Wausau: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Wausau is a city in and the county seat of Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States. The Wisconsin River divides the city into east and west. The city is adjacent to the Town of Wausau.
Things to do in Wausau
1. Red Eye Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
Artisan food & craft beer. We feature our daily chef's menu to compliment our full menu that sources local farms and seasonal ingredients.
Reviewed By dsj5777 - GREEN BAY
In town to ski with my adult daughter and had seen Red Eye in a Sunday feature in the Green Bay paper. We tried a little bit of everything - spicy Thai wings, Wisconsin burger with Nueskes bacon and Carr Valley 6 year cheddar and Locavore pizza. Washed down with a Bloom beer (wheat beer). All were excellent although the wings were a tad over sauced. Great atmosphere and service.
2. Mint Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1T4ACAW_enUS309US310&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=0,0,16851179193941773582&fb=1&hq=mint+cafe&hnear=wausau&gl=us&daddr=422+North+3rd+Street,+Wausau,+WI+54403-5412&geocode=990804199256340369,44.960089,-89.627901&ei=HtuyS_zHNImqNs-ihIwE&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=directions-to&resnum=1&ved=0CAkQngIwAA
Reviewed By Tim R - Charlotte, NC, USA
The Mint Cafe is a time machine back to local diners from the 1950’s. Small, cozy booths and open seating lunch counters beside an open kitchen and glass-front pie case.
We stopped in for breakfast. Service was friendly and attentive. The food arrived fast. I had a “Denver Scramble”; which was fresh eggs scrambled with ham, onion and green pepper. This was served with your choice of toast (which was served hot and pre-buttered). Tasty and filling for around $10, including coffee.
3. Back When Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Farm to Table Style Cuisine...Using local seasonal fresh ingredients...Steaks, seafood, pasta and gluten free options.
Reviewed By Lori P - Columbus, Ohio
Bartender Jeff is the real deal! The BEST Cosmo EVER! Expansive cocktail menu, expertly prepared then there's the menu! Fabulous menu, dinner specials! I had the parchment paper, chillean sea bass my friend had pasta with meatballs! Everything expertly prepared, hot. Also ordered bruschetta with mozarella, basil/tomatoes, super fresh and finished off the dinner with chocolate lava cake with ice cream. This is my FAVORITE restaurant in Wausau!!
4. Hiawatha Restaurant & Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Hiawatha Restaurant and Lounge in Wausau is the result of decades of dedication by its owners and staff. With every dish on the menu having been perfected over the last 37 years, the delicious and varied items here bring in patrons time-and-time again. From salads, chicken and charbroiled burgers to deli-style sandwiches and main courses like full racks of BBQ fall-off-the-bone-Ribs and chicken alfredo, everything here is tasty and seasoned to perfection. In addition to the dining room, Hiawatha has an outdoor tiki bar where you can enjoy jerk chicken, roasted corn on the cob, a crab cake sandwich and more. A world famous fish fry is offered on Fridays featuring New England and Manhattan clam chowder, fantastic paninis are served Monday-Thursday, all soups are homemade, live music is featured on Tuesdays and patrons can even drink for free on their birthday. There are also happy hour specials Monday-Thursday from 3-7 p.m. and drink specials nightly after 10 p.m. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Hiawatha Restaurant and Lounge soon!"Wausau's Best Kept Secret"
Reviewed By Kathleen1abbott - Larchmont, New York
I came on Wednesday night which is one of the prime rib nights. It was tender,juicy and big. It outbeat many steakhouses that I have dined in nyc. On Tuesday I happen to stop by and there was music outside and delicious barbecued brisket. This is a must rest in Wausau.
Kathe a
5. The Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co. Wausau
Overall Ratings
4 based on 373 reviews
Reviewed By Greg V - Juneau, Wisconsin
Buddy and I stopped here for a few beers and appetizers before meeting friends at log cabin for cribbage tournament. Cool building, but parking lot was like a war zone - lots of pot holes, standing water, etc. Greeted nicely by young gals at service desk upon entry. The bar is right by the brew kettle facility so you can see the big copper brewing set up. Lots of TV's - plenty of floor space - private meeting and party rooms - nice bathrooms - beers are made right there and were very good. Had the Pilsner and the Wheat. The pretzel stick appetizers with cheese dip were outstanding. also came with cranberry-mustard and mustard/horseradish dipping sauces. Filled up a couple growlers before heading out. A bit more than what I am used to paying but not bad. Service was good - not great, but good. All in all, four pints of beers, two growlers and two orders of the pretzel stick appetizers came to about $70. Good way to start the weekend. Am intrigued by their brunch - may have to hit it if I am ever in the area on a Sunday morning...
6. Michael's Supper Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
At Michael's Supper Club we have a great wine selection, fresh seafood, choice steaks, veal entrees, and delectable desserts.
Reviewed By CaribbeanDreamz - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We had tried numerous restaurants in Wausau during our two week stay and this was the best bar none. Clearly they are using scratch ingredients and not pulling from a food service truck. Everything we had was fantastic. The French onion soup was super hot and delicious. I love it when it arrives too hot too eat and you let it cool and savor the smell. I had the Veal Romano which came in a mushroom madeira sauce that was clearly homemade with the care of a great chef. My wife had a delicious piece of fish which was fresh and delicious. Even the vegetables on the side were prepared with care. We loved the laid back loungy atmosphere. Its white tablecloths and low lighting were a very romantic spot, and there were many people on dates. We brought our kids and they were right at home, though our kids 9 and 10 are very restaurant saavy and behave. It wouldn't have been great for real rambunctious kids. The owner, I think his name was Adam, looked after us and enhanced the feel of this very special place. This is truly one of the best restaurants anywhere in Wisconsin. I found it to be a great value for the quality. They also had special "diet tonic" for a cocktail, which made my night complete.
7. Wausau Mine Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 312 reviews
Reviewed By Mark R - Wisconsin
This establishment immediately caught my eye while walking to the entrance. It is a unique and fun architectural style, both outside and inside.
There is a lot of cool stuff to look at with a mining theme. A busy and fully stocked bar awaits to quench your thirst. The main dining room is large and dimly lit. Kinda reminded me of what it may be like deep in a mine.
There is also a private area upstairs. Again, decorated with a mine theme. If you bring kids, they may want to venture upstairs to look around and take in a few video games in the small arcade.
Our service was very good. We had a party of over 20. The food was served hot, fresh, and to the correct people! Nice job for a large crowd.
The Italian Fries are a must if you visit! Fresh soft bread loaded with super gooey and plentiful mozzarella cheese, served with a very tasty warm tomato sauce for dipping.
Choose from American, Italian or Mexican fare to please your pallet. I went with the Virgil burger and fresh made onion rings. My burger was prepared perfectly and came with Canadian bacon, fresh sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions and Wisconsin Swiss cheese. Yummo!
From salads, gyros, fish, ravioli, pizza, and sandwiches, there seems to be something for everyone.
I will certainly visit again.
8. City Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 178 reviews
The City Grill is where you can get a good steak but don't need to dress up to eat it. Housed in the beautiful downtown Wausau, it's a revolving door of locals seeking fine dining in a trendy atmosphere decorated in local art. The City Grill hosts live music once a week and is a great place to take a date, meet friends for appetizers or just watch the game with friends. And while the fillets and martinis taste top dollar, we promise they won't empty your pocketbook. In addition, City Grill offers banquet facilities, located on the 2nd floor of building. Our professional planners will help you choose the hall to accommodate your guests and will help you plan a personalized reception or meeting. Whether hosting 2 guests or 400, the City Grill & Jefferson Street Inn is the perfect venue for corporate events, board retreats, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, showers, gift openings and brunches. Our personalized service ensures that every detail is carried out according to your specific taste and style.
Reviewed By tinabR967BD - merrill, United States
the service was over all ok. the food how ever took forever and it was such a small portion. almost need to order two servings. this is not a place i would return to or recommend to a friend. really had higher expectations when we...MoreSorry to hear that the food took to long and that you were not impressed with the portion sizes! We change the menu often, so we hope you come back to try some other dishes!
9. Polito's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
They also have locations in La Crosse, Oshkosh, and Stevens Point.
Reviewed By charm52011 - Gresham, Wisconsin
We were hungry for pizza and noticed Politos so we stopped in. They have ready made pizzas you can buy by the slice that were unique varieties and looked so delicious! We ordered 3 of your ordinary pizzas as no one was as daring as I! My kids loved the pizza and it was very good! Service was awesome! The kids enjoyed watching whoever was making the pizza crust, toss it in the air. If we ever swing thru again, this will be a for sure stop for us!
10. Thrive Foodery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By Troy Celena S - Wausau, Wisconsin
We frequent this establishment often. The food is very inviting to the taste buds. Service is always great. Don’t let the industrial neighborhood mislead you. It’s very nice inside. The entrees are made as healthy as can be without sacrificing the taste. Many of their supplies come from local organic growers and farms. You’ll love this place!
