Riverside Restaurants Along the Wisconsin River

Is there anything better than enjoying a delicious meal with a scenic view? A visit to southcentral Wisconsin offers many opportunities to experience just this with friends and family.

The Wisconsin River flows through several communities, including Spring Green, Wisconsin Dells, Prairie du Sac and Sauk City. Many restauranteurs open up the patio during the warmer months so you can indulge in mouth-watering meals or even just a pint of locally crafted beer while soaking up the view with good company.

Whether the water is visible through windows or from a patio deck under the warm sun, here are four restaurants along the Wisconsin River you and your crew definitely want to check out.

Riverside Bar & Grille at Wisconsin Riverside Resort - Spring Green

Don’t be fooled by the campsites at Riverside Bar & Grille: its food (lunch and dinner served daily) is far from roughing it. Choose from a range of cuisine including fish tacos, BBQ-pulled-pork sandwiches, Friday fish fry (deep-fried haddock), a salad bar and nods to Wisconsin cheese (like the Ultimate Grilled Cheese, mac ‘n cheese and gouda mac ‘n cheese bites).

Gluten-free? Build the pizza of your dreams on a cauliflower crust. Whether you’re dining inside or outside, you’re as close to the Wisconsin River as possible without physically stepping in. Outdoor seating and occasional live music make this a lively spot ideal for enjoying with friends and family.

The Boathouse - Wisconsin Dells

This downtown Dells eatery is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether you crave fruit-filled crepes to start your day, sandwiches and salads for lunch or hearty entrees like filet mignon or pan-seared walleye for dinner, the Boathouse has you covered.

Dine inside to enjoy the lux interiors or outside for a view of the river. Craft cocktails like Cherry Ale or Dragon Punch offer refreshing, fruit flavors, while piña coladas are also available for a classic, tropical refreshment. Any of these drink choices are perfect for sipping along the water with good company.

Vintage Brewing Company - Sauk City

With two additional locations in Madison, this Vintage Brewing Company taproom location debuted in 2018, pouring not only its own beers (from a refreshing Key Lime Wit to a hearty Pumperknickel Porter) but also those from “guest taps.”

Make your way to the seasonal beer garden, with picnic tables to enjoy BBQ classics including ribs and fried-catfish sandwiches, plus sides of beans, potato salad, cornbread and coleslaw. The dog-friendly patio is open in the evenings Tuesday-Friday and on weekend afternoons so you and your leashed pooch can enjoy the picturesque view together.

The indoor dining menu features gastropub-type fare, such as classic fried cheese curds, along with flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish and pasta entrees.

Riviera Bowl & Pizzeria – Sauk City

Enjoy dining on the outdoor deck or try your hand at bowling inside at this family-owned establishment also in Sauk City. Topped with Wisconsin cheese and locally grown ingredients, the signature pizzas are perfect for sharing. Delicious flavors include Tex Mex loaded with chorizo sausage, taco chips and salsa; Monterey Jack Mac N Cheese (yes, mac ‘n cheese is the topping); and Spinach and Artichoke Veggie Delight. Yum!

Searching for more waterfront fare? Bring the boat to these restaurants where you can dock and dine.