20+ Places to Eat in Eau Claire, WI That You Don’t Want to Miss
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Wondering where to find some great places to eat in Eau Claire, WI? Keep reading for top spots you don’t want to miss!
Whether you’re spending a few hours, a day, or a weekend in Eau Claire, one thing you’re definitely going to want is delicious food to sustain you. In between floating down the river, exploring the bike paths, or catching live music on any given night, you’ll find some great coffee shops, restaurants, and places to grab a drink around town.
(And of course, dessert!)

I recently spent a week exploring the lovely city of Eau Claire, and I did my best to taste some of the best food, coffee, and cocktails around town—especially the spots recommended over and over by locals.
Of course, I could only go so many places, so I’ve asked other travel bloggers to provide additional recommendations for where to eat in Eau Claire. These are the places we’d go back to or recommend to a friend heading to Eau Claire. Some of the experiences in this post were hosted by Visit Eau Claire as part of the Travel Bloggers Exchange Conference (TBEX), and this is mentioned where applicable.
Many of these Eau Claire food spots have been voted “best of” by locals in Volume One’s massive annual reader poll (16,000 Chippewa Valley residents voted in 2023!), so you’ll see these rankings noted throughout the post. Check out The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2023 Reader Poll for more from Volume One!



Where to Get Delicious Breakfast in Eau Claire, WI
I’m a sucker for a delicious breakfast, and on any given trip, you’ll find me seeking out the locals’ favorites (and splurging at least once because breakfast food is 1000% worth it).
These breakfast places in Eau Claire are great spots to fuel up before a day of exploring!
The Nucleus Cafe
Highlight: Filling and delicious breakfast in a cool space // Vegan menu options
Located on Water Street, The Nucleus offers a fantastic selection of breakfast, brunch, and lunch items, including vegetarian and vegan options. It’s a cool space, with art pieces hung on the exposed brick walls, brightened up by lots of light flowing through large windows in the front.
You’ll definitely want to arrive early to avoid a wait at this popular breakfast spot because it’s a favorite with locals. I had no wait at 8 AM on a Friday, but it started to pick up by the time I left.



For recommended menu items, the lemon ricotta hotcakes with strawberries are delicious and incredibly filling (paired with coffee, of course). Lots of other menu options get rave reviews from customers, like their crepes (I was tempted by the Key Lime Crepe special), omelets, hash browns, and orange zest French toast.
Voted #1 Best Breakfast Spot // #1 Best Brunch // #1 Best Vegan Menu (2023)
Randy’s Family Restaurant
Contributed by Darla Graff of Darla Travels
Highlight: Classic American breakfast with hearty portions served all day in a homey atmosphere
Walking into Randy’s Family Restaurant on a busy Saturday is like showing up at a friend’s house—warm and inviting. And even though the staff is visibly hustling, this impeccably clean Eau Claire restaurant maintains a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
The all-day breakfast menu offers classics like egg and meat dishes, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. House specialties include made-from-scratch granola, oatmeal, and potato pancakes.
My cheerful and efficient server promptly delivered coffee with a sample of Randy’s homemade vanilla pudding, which was delicious.
Wanting to have it all, I ordered the 3-egg “Everything Omelet” with ham, bacon, sausage, fresh green pepper, onion, tomato, and mushrooms, topped with a slice of melty American cheese. Like most other entrees, the sides were generous portions of hash browns and toast. This classic American breakfast needed only a bit of salt and hot sauce to be a wholly satisfying meal.
Randy’s Family Restaurant has been serving affordable comfort food since 1984, so it’s no surprise I had a full stomach. But I also left with a smile from the genuinely welcoming, family-like experience.
Voted #3 Best Breakfast Spot // #2 Best Comfort Food // #2 Best Restaurant for the Whole Family (2023)
Best Coffee Shops in Eau Claire
ECDC (Eau Claire Downtown Coffee)
Highlight: Lattes with house made flavors and good selection of food // Open early daily
Located in The Lismore Hotel, this coffee shop offers a great variety of food and drinks for anytime of day. If you’re looking to get an early start, ECDC is open at 6 AM daily. Its prime location in downtown Eau Claire makes it popular for everything from working on a laptop to perusing the latest Volume One to meeting up with friends for coffee.
Plus, the play on words and the logo are a fun touch (EC = Eau Claire in local lingo and DC = downtown coffee).
I didn’t get a chance to try a regular coffee here, but I would highly recommend both lattes I had: café miel (honey and cinnamon) and lavender vanilla latte.

If you’re looking for breakfast, the avocado toast with an egg added is perfectly seasoned with lemon, salt, and the spice mix za’atar. ECDC offers lighter and more filling options for breakfast and lunch (and kids’ options for both), smoothies, plenty of drinks, and some house made flavors. They also have a tea bar, house-made baked goods, and grab-and-go items.
SHIFT Cyclery and Coffee Bar
Highlight: Waffles made in house with pour over coffee, enjoyed in a welcoming atmosphere
SHIFT is a craft coffee bar (doubling as a bicycle shop) located in downtown Eau Claire just off Lake Street.
The ambiance is open and welcoming with its high ceilings, greenery, large windows, and a cool, artsy vibe. The space at SHIFT feels like creativity and community and an invitation to all.


This is definitely the kind of coffee shop I look for when I want to journal, read, or do big picture dreaming. It also seems like a great spot to have a chat with a friend or hole up and work for a few hours.
SHIFT’s menu offers a variety of coffee, espresso drinks, tea, house-made syrups, kombucha, as well as some in-house baked goods.
The pour-over special I had—Costa Rica Las Lajas roasted by Onyx Coffee Roasters in Arkansas—was perfectly fruity (just the way I like my coffee). This coffee is grown in Costa Rica but is actually an heirloom Ethiopian variety. Notes: Raspberry Lambic, Raw Honey, Mango Nectar, Cherry.

While you’re here, you should definitely give their popular waffles a try. They’re actually liège (pronounced lee-edge) waffles, which are made from a yeast dough. Fluffy and crunchy and absolutely delicious, they can be picked up and eaten with your hands.
Voted #2 Best Café / Coffeehouse // #3 Best Baristas (2023)
The Nostalgic Bean
Highlight: Delicious pastries and a cozy space
Located in Altoona a few miles outside of downtown Eau Claire, The Nostalgic Bean is a cozy café where you can enjoy top notch pastries, good coffee, and friendly customer service. They offer sweet and savory pastries, as well as quiches if you want something filling for breakfast.
Several locals highly recommended this spot, so I knew I had to make it one of the Eau Claire cafés I visited.



I wanted to try a sampling (read: I couldn’t choose and I’m not sure how I resisted ordering one of everything). All of the items I tasted were fantastic: almost croissant, lavender vanilla shortbread, and a crusted quiche with mushrooms and caramelized onions.
Voted #1 Best Bakery // #3 Best Place for Sweets (Non-Ice Cream) (2023)
Kahvi Coffee House + Café
Highlight: Quiet place to escape from downtown Eau Claire // Dog-friendly patio
Kahvi Coffee House is located on the southern end of Eau Claire, making it a great place to stop if you’re heading out on some adventures or just in the mood to get out of downtown.
With a black and white aesthetic, Kahvi feels crisp and modern, but it maintains an inviting atmosphere with its wood accents and soft-sided chairs. It’s the perfect balance of energy and coziness for a coffee shop.



Kahvi serves direct trade coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and has a small food menu. If you’re looking for something more filling than a pastry, I recommend the kolache. This signature breakfast item is a sweet roll bread filled with savory ingredients.
Kahvi also has a drive through, plenty of parking, and a dog-friendly patio.
Voted #1 Best Café / Coffeehouse // #1 Best Baristas (2023)
Quick Bites and Lunch in Eau Claire
Fast Fuel Fresh Grill & Juice Lounge
Highlight: Convenient location next to the bike trail // Cold-pressed juices
If you’re looking for a quick place to get something healthy (we all need a break from cheese curds now and then), Fast Fuel Fresh Grill & Juice Lounge is the perfect stop. Opened on Water Street in 2023, this “healthy fast food” spot offers cold pressed juices, acai smoothie bowls, avocado toast, wraps, bowls, and more—with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Many of their whole food ingredients are locally sourced from the Chippewa Valley, and they make their sauces in house from scratch. Even their space feels fresh with open ceilings, nature-inspired wall coverings, and plenty of plants in the windows.
The Roots juice (carrot, apple, pineapple, and ginger) was the perfect refresher on a gorgeous summer day when I stopped in as a mid-morning break from my bike ride on the Chippewa River State Trail.
Voted #1 Best Smoothie / Juice Bar (2023)
Live Great Food Truck
Highlight: Farm-to-table food truck with a seasonal menu // Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Serving a fresh, local, seasonal menu, this cheerful yellow food truck shows up around town at the farmers market, Tuesday Night Blues, and more. Those with dietary restrictions aren’t left out just because it’s a food truck—most of their menu can be made gluten-free and/or vegetarian. And the fried cheese curds are always made gluten-free!
Live Great Food was highly recommended to me by a local, so this was my mission when I spotted the food truck at Blues Night in Owen Park.

Not only are the curds delicious, the fresh (and tasty) scallions and herbs are a nice touch. The rest of their menu looks fantastic, so I highly recommend trying to catch this food truck during your trip to Eau Claire.
Voted #1 Best Food Truck // #1 Best Restaurant for Gluten-Free Dining // #2 Best Fried Cheese/Curds (2023)
Eau Claire Cheese + Deli
Highlight: Excellent takeout sandwiches
This little deli serves incredible sandwiches piled high with fresh ingredients. Get one of their menu items of salads, soups, hot or cold sandwiches, or create your own concoction. While it is takeout only, they do have a few tables and chairs outside, which may be shaded depending on the time of day.



I had the Dieter’s Delight with smoked turkey, cheese, and tons of veggies, and it hit the spot on a hot summer day.
It had me wishing I could stop by another day for lunch to try something else on their menu. This is one of my top picks for a place I’d go back to on a return trip to Eau Claire—definitely a must-visit if you’re looking for lunch takeout. (And if you aren’t, you might want to plan a picnic just so you can try their sandwiches!)
Voted #2 Best Quick Lunch // #2 Best Restaurant for Subs and Sandwiches (2023)
Madden Ramen
Highlight: Clean, beautiful restaurant with great ramen in a convenient downtown location
If you’re craving a hearty bowl of ramen to warm you up or a cold and refreshing poke bowl on a hot summer day, head to Madden Ramen in the heart of downtown Eau Claire. This newer restaurant is already getting great reviews, and its prime location near the Pablo Center and Phoenix Park make it a convenient place for lunch or dinner.



The quality of food matches the beautiful, classy atmosphere. I enjoyed the Miso Ramen I had for lunch—the broth and pork belly both had great flavor. They offer a number of other ramen options, including vegetarian, as well as curry, rice bowls, and poke.
Eau Claire Restaurants and Bars for Dinner
Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub
Contributed by (locals) Jeff & Angie of Thrifty Living Travel Freedom
Highlight: Upscale local favorite with a cozy ambiance // Old-fashioned Wisconsin supper club
Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub, called just Houligans by locals, is a fine dining Eau Claire favorite. Opened in 2002, Houligans is one of few remaining old-fashioned Wisconsin supper clubs in the Eau Claire area.
What makes a Wisconsin supper club can be a controversial topic, but generally it is a historic place that serves great steak and the all-important Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry, as well as a classic Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned. Houligans meets this definition!
The ambiance is cozy and even a bit romantic with the dim lights and dark wood. As Eau Claire locals, it is a place we go to for anniversary celebrations or a night out just because.
One thing we really love about Houligans is that you do not have to wait for Friday to try their delicious Wild Caught Cod, hand-breaded and fried to a delicious golden brown. They offer it on their regular menu, though it is offered at a special price on Friday.
Houligans is famous for their Candied Garlic sauce that you can enjoy with their New York Strip, Medallions, or ½ Pound Burger. Don’t forget the Fried Cheese Curds and French Onion Soup Au Gratin!
Voted #2 Best Restaurant in Eau Claire // #1 Best Server (Betty) // #2 Best Chef (Guy Logan) // #2 Best Restaurant Atmosphere (2023)
The Lakely
Highlight: Gather with friends on the patio for craft cocktails and a shareable Koltboard
Located at The Oxbow Hotel, this seat-yourself cocktail lounge features live music, modern Midwest comfort food with locally sourced ingredients, fantastic craft cocktails, a selection of wine, and local beer on tap. The outdoor patio has high tops, lounge seating, fire pits, and yard games.
The Lakely’s drink menu offers both classic and rotating signature cocktails, as well as a “no-proof” section for those looking for non-alcoholic beverages. “Tango and Cash,” crafted by my bartender David, was a deliciously balanced combination of coconut-infused rum, cashew syrup, lime juice, and allspice dram.


The star of the food menu is the Koltboard (think: Scandinavian charcuterie), which I wholeheartedly recommend. At The Lakely, the Koltboard includes local cheeses (of course), cold meats, smoked fish, fruit, bread, and spreads. It can be an appetizer for a group, or even a dinner for one or two.
Voted #2 Best Craft Cocktail (The Great Grampa) // #2 Best Place for Cocktails (2023)
Valley Burger Company
Contributed by Anna of Stuck on the Go // (Hosted as part of TBEX)
Highlight: Excellent burgers and fries with beer pairings listed on the menu
Located in a historic building once owned by the local lumber company, Valley Burger serves up amazing smashburgers made with locally sourced ingredients.
The brick walls and old safe in the center of the room give it a historic feeling, but the modern light fixtures and furniture set a nice contrast. They also offer outdoor seating for those beautiful Wisconsin summer days.

Their menu is almost exclusively burger-focused and you cannot go wrong with The Classic. It reminded me of my all-time favorite burgers back home in North Carolina at The Grange, one of the best restaurants in Black Mountain, NC.
The fries are also to die for, and the Valley Sauce is incredibly unique. Make sure you try it whether it’s on a burger or your fries!
Another cool thing about the menu is they’ve paired all of their burgers up with different beers so you know exactly what drink will go well with your meal. If you aren’t a beer drinker, they also serve wine and have a great cocktail list.
Voted #1 Best New Restaurant // #1 Best Local French Fries // #2 Best Burger (2023)
Thai Orchid
Contributed by Susan Gleissner of This Big Wild World
Highlight: Traditional and fusion Thai dishes with vegetarian options // Friendly service
Located just across the bridge from downtown Eau Claire, Thai Orchid is a popular restaurant among locals. The interior is simple and inviting, but the menu and friendly service is what brings people in again and again.
Thai Orchid’s menu features an extensive selection of well-known and unique Thai salads, curries, soups, and stir fries. The ginger chicken stir fry is delicious, made with fresh ginger, garlic, mushrooms and other vegetables. On the appetizer menu, try the golden tofu served with a refreshing cucumber relish. There are great menu options for all types of dietary needs and restrictions.
Want to take your food to go? No problem! Place your order by phone or at the convenient takeaway counter just inside the door.
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Eau Claire with big flavor, be sure to visit Thai Orchid.
Voted #1 Best Spicy Food // #1 Best Pad Thai // #2 Best Restaurant for Asian Food (2023)
Reboot Social
Contributed by Dannelle Gay of Traveling Cheesehead
Highlight: Nostalgic gathering space with tasty food and delectable signature cocktails
Reboot Social is not just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant hub where culinary excellence meets nostalgic entertainment. Step inside and be transported to a world where signature cocktails and mouthwatering bites are just the beginning of your experience.
The moment you enter Reboot Social, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that blends modern elegance with vintage charm. The space is adorned with a fusion of retro arcade games, classic board games, and even a bowling alley, creating an eclectic environment that beckons you to unwind and embrace your inner child.
From 12-inch personal pizzas to their legendary smash burger with sweet potato fries, there is something on the menu for every taste. Even the appetizers are generously portioned and meant to share with a friend. I’m a sucker for great cocktails and gave my stamp of approval for the “Illuminati”—their twist on a classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned.
At Reboot Social, every element comes together to create an experience that is both tasteful and playful. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a night out, this unique destination in Eau Claire promises an evening of culinary delights, nostalgia, and entertainment that will leave you planning your return.
Voted #1 Best bar for Indoor games // #2 Best new Restaurant (2023)
Dive
Contributed by Adeina Anderson of Travel Life With Adeina
Highlight: Signature craft cocktails that change throughout the year // Light fare and wood stone pizzas served in a sophisticated downtown atmosphere



You’ll find a fusion of modern sophistication and rustic charm at Dive, a bar located on the second floor of The Lismore Hotel. With the option of indoor lounge seating and an outdoor rooftop space, Dive is the perfect place to grab a bite anytime of the year.
When I visited with a friend, we enjoyed craft cocktails on the rooftop while we finished up some work. I had the House Lemon Drop, and my friend had the Midwest Goodbye. The cocktails were perfectly created, and we enjoyed them so much we ordered a second round.
Dive’s food menu is small but delicious. They offer snacks, wood stone pizzas, late night options, and desserts. Our cocktails paired nicely with the wood stone Margherita. The pizza was cooked to perfection with plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Whether you’re seeking a memorable night out, or simply a place to get some work done, Dive at The Lismore is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a memorable cocktail and tasty bite.
Voted #1 Best craft cocktail (Old Fashioned) // #1 Best Place for Cocktails // #1 Best Whiskey Selection (2023)
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Contributed by Robin O’Neal Smith // (Hosted as part of TBEX)
Highlight: Melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon and wine pairings in an elegant setting
This elevated restaurant offers delicious Wisconsin steaks and other savory entrees. The dark wood and low lighting add to the elegance and old-world charm.
When I visited with a group, we enjoyed a five-course meal with wine pairings. The first course was a made-from-scratch popover, then Gnocchi alla Pesto. This dish included handmade potato gnocchi with a mixture of basil pesto, crispy duck confit, and toasted pine nuts on top.
I recommend the Dry Aged Filet Mignon. It is served with roasted asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, celeriac puree, bordelaise sauce, and truffle compound butter. So tender you could cut it with a butter knife, this filet melts in your mouth.
Their handcrafted menu includes pasta dishes, seafood, chicken, and steaks.
And don’t forget dessert; their delectable dessert menu is full of treats that will tickle your taste buds. The Tiramisu is made with handmade ladyfingers and served with warm salted caramel in a separate container and poured over the dessert.
Johnny’s is the perfect spot for a special dinner or romantic date night when visiting Eau Claire.
Voted #1 Best Restaurant in Eau Claire // #1 Best Chef (Jared Hughley) // #1 Best restaurant atmosphere (2023)
River Inn Bar
Contributed by Stacey Wittig (Hosted as part of TBEX) // Read more about Wisconsin on UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel : Wisconsin Way Pilgrimage
Highlight: Famous jumbo chicken wings // Classic Wisconsin country bar with a Friday Night Fish Fry
For a slice of authentic Wisconsin life, stop into the River Inn Bar on a bend on the Chippewa River just 11 miles north of Eau Claire. The classic Wisconsin country bar—it’s been around since the 1940s—is known for its oversized fried chicken wings.
I visited with a group of 18 hungry kayakers, and some were a little worried when they ordered only 25 wings for the table. But the jumbo wings, sides of dill pickle fries, cheese curds, and a few sandwich orders were enough to fill up the whole crew.
Chicken wing baskets come with your choice of potatoes—jojos, the locals’ pet name for potato wedges, are recommended. If you’re fortunate enough to be in Eau Claire on a Friday, be sure to partake in the classic Friday Fish Fry, a weighty part of Wisconsin’s food culture. River Inn Bar offers Friday Fish Fry, and their full bar has Leinenkugel beer on tap and makes a mean Brandy Old Fashioned—take it sweet or sour.
Voted #1 Best Chicken Wings (2023)
The District
Contributed by Tonya Denmark of Detail Oriented Traveler
Highlight: Large cheese curds and a cheese curd burger
Step into a world of cheesy ecstasy in Eau Claire at none other than The District Pub & Grill, a culinary gem and neighborhood taphouse located across from the Pablo Center.
Brace yourself for a cheese adventure that’s bound to tantalize your taste buds. Picture this: large-sized cheese curds that practically melt in your mouth, giving you a taste of dairy heaven. If you’re into a little kick, their spicy cheese curds will set your taste buds on fire (in a good way!).
The District isn’t stopping there. Behold the masterpiece—the Cheese Curd Burger—juicy, cheesy, and totally drool-worthy. It’s your thick quarter pound of beef topped with one large deep-fried melty cheese curd. It’s a symphony of flavors where the juicy burger harmonizes with the satisfying crunch of cheese curds.
The vibe at The District is cool and relaxed, perfect for hanging out with friends or a laid-back date night. 30 beers are on tap to pair with any of the other delicious menu items.
Voted #2 Best Bar for Eatin’ (2023)
Mona Lisa’s
Contributed by Kimmie Conner // Check out more on Adventures & Sunsets: Unique Places to Stay in Wisconsin
Highlight: Iconic Italian restaurant with changing menu and extensive wine list
Mona Lisa’s is one of the most iconic and longest-standing restaurants in Eau Claire, located centrally in the main area of Water Street. Come in for an Italian dinner with a twist.
Patrons are greeted by colorful and eclectic decor when walking inside the restaurant, with multiple Mona Lisa portraits in different colors and styles (and outfits). There’s a loose (and fun) Italian theme throughout the interior, with colorful modern art, exposed brick, and chandeliers made from wine bottes!
But surely the main attraction here is the food, which is presented beautifully no matter what you order. The spicy scallop pasta dish is to die for, and the deconstructed Caesar salad is also a local favorite.
The menus at Mona Lisa’s change with the seasons and offer up new modern options and a rotation of creative cocktails. Their wine list is also extensive—one of the best in the area.
Voted #2 Best Restaurant for Italian Food // #3 Best Restaurant in Eau Claire // #3 Best restaurant for Upscale Dining (2023)
Farm Food Nights Near Eau Claire
Summer Burger Nights at Together Farms (Mondovi, WI)
Contributed by Mary T. Walker of Life In The RV // (Hosted as part of TBEX)
Highlight: Gourmet grass-fed burgers on the farm
If you’re a burger lover, you absolutely have to try a farm-fresh one.
Stephanie and her family at Together Farms know a store-bought burger just doesn’t compare. That’s why they’ve dedicated themselves to providing the freshest, juiciest, most delicious grass-fed burgers around. With up to 1,000 patrons every weekend, you know they must be doing something right!
Their grass-fed beef is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, and with so many choices available, you’ll have a hard time deciding on which one to try.


I went for the Hawaiian Burger, loaded with juicy grilled pineapple, caramelized onion, and oozing BBQ sauce. Sure, it was messy, but it was worth every bite. Paired with deep-fried cheese curds, you will be coming back for more.
But don’t let that distract you from the adult beverages! Their craft beer and Apple Pie Cocktails are locally made in Wisconsin. They even have a brand new store where you can pick up sweet treats like cheesecake cupcakes.
Head on over and bite into a juicy burger straight from the farm!
Voted #2 Best Food Event // #2 Best Local French Fries // #2 Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining (2023)
Farm to Fork Pizza at Dancing Yarrow (Mondovi, WI)
(Hosted as part of TBEX)
Highlight: Relaxing and rustic atmosphere, live music, tasty wood-fired pizza, and a great bar menu
Take a beautiful drive away from the city hustle and bustle to Dancing Yarrow Farm, where you’ll find an escape to nature and a communal, laid-back atmosphere. Gather around the fire pit or pull up a chair on the spacious lawn, and enjoy the open mic night music with some great wood-fired pizza and drinks.





Co-owners Maria Bamonti and Tommy Folden have been running these farm to fork pizza nights for five seasons, and the feeling of “escaping the daily grind and connecting with nature” is present from the moment you arrive. After chatting with Maria for a little while, I got the sense that it’s a reflection of their own journey of moving away from Minneapolis to small-town Wisconsin. They clearly love it here, and it’s evident in the spirit of the farm food nights they host.
Come hungry for pizza—they offer about 10 options made from ingredients from their farm and other local businesses. I loved the vibrant, crunchy veggies on the Herbivore. The bar menu includes domestic and craft beer, wine, specialty cocktails, mocktails, and other non-alcoholic drinks.
Exact nights and times may vary from year to year, so be sure to check their website for details.
Tasty Ice Cream Spots in Eau Claire
If you’re looking for dessert in Eau Claire to satisfy your sweet tooth, what better than ice cream when you’re in the Dairy State? Check out these two tasty dessert spots—from the historic to the new kid in town.
Olson’s Ice Cream
Contributed by The Hip Grandma // Can’t get enough ice cream? Read more here: 75 Interesting Facts About Ice Cream
Highlight: Artisan popcorn and legendary homemade ice cream
Olson’s Ice Cream has been serving up smiles since its humble beginnings almost 80 years ago. For over three generations, they’ve been crafting ice cream that’s become the talk of the town. What started as a small family venture has now become a local legend.
Olson’s proudly rotates over 30 homemade flavors created from over 250 original recipes. The best part? You can sample any of the flavors before you choose your order. My new favorite might just be Black Licorice. One tiny taste and I was smitten!


The other thing you’ll notice when you step into Olson’s is the variety of popcorn available. They make all their artisan-crafted popcorn by hand, and—trust me—you won’t be able to stop after a bite or two! Try a unique flavor like Birthday Cake or Dill Pickle, or even better, take a bag home for movie night.
Whether you’re a local looking for a delightful treat or a visitor exploring Eau Claire, Olson’s Ice Cream is a spot you can’t miss. It’s more than just ice cream—it’s a taste of history, a sprinkle of community, and a scoop of happiness all rolled into one.
Voted #2 Best Locally Produced Foodstuff // #3 Best Restaurant for Dessert (All-Around) (2023)
Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor
Contributed by Jennifer Broome of Swept Away with Jennifer Broome
Highlight: Vintage ice cream parlor with nostalgic vibes
Nothing is more quintessential summer than going out for ice cream.
Ramone’s has all the nostalgia of a vintage ice cream parlor. The stained glass over the door, exposed brick wall, tin ceiling, and old signs are nods to the historic building’s past.

Lifelong Eau Claire residents Kayla and Blayne Midthun opened the ice cream parlor in 2017. Ramone’s is named after Blayne’s dad who was a talented artist in the community.
There’s an array of shakes, floats, sundaes, and even decadent ice cream sandwiches, or you can order a couple of scoops in a hand-dipped cone, fresh-baked waffle cone, or cup. They have 24 rotating flavors from old fashioned vanilla and Zanzibar chocolate to more whimsical flavors with fun names like Cotton Candy Twist, Party Animal, and My Coconut Romance.
Go for one of their flavors with a twist like Rhubarb Crumble with rhubarb jam and buttery shortbread crumbles in a sweet cream cheese frosting ice cream, or Sticks & Stones with cookie dough chunks, chocolate covered pretzels, and a salted caramel ripple in the chocolate ice cream. They’re scooping up tasty cool treats and smiles at Ramone’s.
An ice cream treat pairs perfectly with a sunset stroll along the river in downtown Eau Claire.
Voted #1 Best Restaurant for Dessert (All-Around) (2023)
Map of Places to Eat in Eau Claire, WI
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