Wisconsin Brunch Spots for Summer
The best way to start a day of summer adventures with your favorite people is by fueling up together at one of Wisconsin’s many unique brunch spots. Explore these tasty options throughout the state to ensure your outings are unforgettable.
Southeast Wisconsin
Madison
Conveniently located near the Lake Loop bike path and Olbrich Park Beach, Crema Café is an ideal brunch place to jumpstart an outdoorsy Madison day. The happy little café is a neighborhood favorite because it uses local ingredients to boost traditional brunch dishes. All the egg items are excellent—like the Fungus Scramble, combining truffle oil, asiago cheese and local mushrooms—or try the blueberry oatcakes for something sweet.
Milwaukee
Situated in a vintage fire station, Engine Company No. 3 in Milwaukee boasts truck-sized garage doors that open in the summer for fresh air vibes. Interestingly, Engine Company’s cuisine has a global flair, with dishes deriving from Hungary, Colombia and Denmark. One of the most popular meals is the Queen’s Brekkie from South Africa, featuring sausage and curry braised eggplant. After brunch here, consider biking from Walker’s Point through the Historic Third Ward and on to the Oak Leaf Trail.
Other tasty Milwaukee brunch spots include the National Café with many vegan options and Honeypie Café that serves local Pilcrow nitro cold brew.
Kenosha
Brunch starts bright and early at 7 AM at the Daily Dose Café in Kenosha, but the from-scratch recipes, outdoor patio and strong coffee is worth getting up with the sun. For a hearty start to the day, order the Bisculicious Plate for biscuits, homemade gravy, fried potatoes and eggs. Then head to Simmons Island Beach to play in the sand and see its two historic lighthouses.
Eastern Wisconsin
Door County
Hiking in Peninsula State Park or hitting the beach in Fish Creek? Stop at Blue Horse Beach Café for good views, vibes, and vegetarian-friendly food. Try the local Kombucha on tap with The Veg Out spicy breakfast sandwich. You’ll enjoy your meal overlooking the harbor and mingling with the locals who frequent Blue Horse every summer.
Looking for brunch to go? Grab an order of raspberry and lavender toast from Bearded Heart Coffee in Baileys Harbor to go with your locally roasted coffee.
Western Wisconsin
La Crosse
It doesn’t get classier than going with friends to the The Charmant for brunch. A tastefully refurbished candy factory, The Charmant in La Crosse serves meals with local flair such as trout benedict and corn meal pancakes with maple syrup. When you’re done with brunch, walk across the street to relax at Riverside Park or hop on the La Crosse Queen, a traditional paddlewheel boat perfect for relaxing on the water.
Central Wisconsin
Stevens Point
Whether you’re strolling along the Wisconsin River or biking the Green Circle Trail through Stevens Point, Father Fats Public House is a nearby stop-off for brunch. Father Fats features delightful garden seating, communal dining and menus that change with the season. Trusty standbys include anything with local seafood and the fried chicken and waffles with caramelized onions.
Northwest Wisconsin
Menomonie
Begin your Northwoods adventure with a breakfast bowl or sandwich at the Golden Leaf Café in Menomonie. Cheers to family summer vacations with coffee roasted in house and stroll over to Lake Monomin for a relaxing morning.
Cornucopia
Sunday brunch at The Fat Radish in Cornucopia only happens once a week! This is one meal worth planning for, however, for with crab cake egg benedict, loaded up breakfast boards perfect for sharing and other delicious rotating specials. You and your crew will be fueled up for an exciting day on nearby Lake Superior.
What pairs better with brunch than a Bloody Mary? Check out some of Wisconsin's most unique bloodies or keep browsing more great brunch spots.