When it comes to dining near Cedar Grove, you could probably grab a bratwurst from a gas station and call it a Wisconsin meal. But we’re here to remind you that culinary crimes are still crimes, even in the Dairy State. So instead, head to one of these spots where you can savor something that actually deserves to be called dinner—and where your friends will still like you, no matter how much cheese curds you inhale.
Kups Coffee and Ice Cream
$ | (920) 627-6649 | WEBSITE
Picture this: you and your friend are sitting on wooden stools, sipping caramel macchiatos on a crisp autumn afternoon. Yup, there’s a decent chance you’ll reference this visit when you’re craving that perfect espresso fix. Kups Coffee and Ice Cream in the Sheboygan Falls area is the kind of small-town spot where you might be chatting with a regular who’s been ordering their favorite flavored drink here since they opened.
There’s a cozy amount of indoor seating, and a pretty straightforward menu of coffee classics in the $4–$6 range.
Keggers Pub & Grill
$ | (920) 447-8063 | WEBSITE
The Mushroom Swiss burger at Keggers Pub & Grill is so satisfying that it’s almost unfair to other burgers in the area. There’s that perfect char on the patty, melted Swiss cheese draping over sautéed mushrooms, and that toasted brioche bun your buddy’s always raving about after a long day. The burgers range from $12 to $16, and that’s what we’d suggest you focus on during your casual night out. Plus, they can cook any of them to your preferred temperature.
Random Lake Pizzeria
$ | (920) 994-4414 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot in Cedar Grove where you can bring the family and share a homemade pizza and some vanilla & honey ice cream with people who’ve shared many pizzas and ice creams with you over the years, Random Lake Pizzeria is a great choice. We like the fact that nothing on the menu costs more than $15, and that none of the other families seem to know about it (this place stays very cozy).
Coffee by Gillespie Roasters
There’s an old saying that goes ‘save your boring coffee for your boring mornings.’ Or something like that. Coffee by Gillespie Roasters is not the place for boring mornings. This coffee roaster offers an impressive selection of fresh beans from around the world, and it’s where you should try to convince yourself that it’s a good idea to splurge on a $25 subscription service. Cross your fingers for discovering varied flavor profiles that shine through even when shipped to distant locations.
Fast Taco
$ | (920) 901-4485 | WEBSITE
Similar to a bustling mercado or a family kitchen in a vibrant neighborhood, there are many different ways to experience the authenticity at Fast Taco. There’s a small dining area with clean tables, there’s a counter where you can order burritos, steak tacos, and fresh sides, and, finally, a grocery section with a variety of vegetables, dairy products, and fun treats.
Come on a weekend (or during lunch hour which runs from 11am to 2pm on weekdays) and it’ll feel like three different authentic Mexican experiences happening at once.
Bada Bing Pizza
$ | (920) 668-8488 | WEBSITE
We’d recommend this place for a weeknight dinner with a friend regardless of whether it’s pizza-craving or sub-craving weather – but this carry-out option is one of the best ways to eat in Cedar Grove when you’re short on time. There’s some nice convenience, and a little loyalty built over 20 years that might make you wish you had this kind of service in your neighborhood.
Get some chicken Alfredo (which comes with perfectly seasoned pasta, in a sauce with fresh ingredients, and homemade flavor throughout) and some Italian sausage pizza to split for the full local-favorite-in-Cedar-Grove effect.
Oostburg Bakery
$ | (920) 564-2221 | WEBSITE
Oostburg Bakery is in Cedar Grove, but once you and your neighbor are sitting at the worn wooden counter with a fresh doughnut and coffee, you’ll probably forget about your grocery list and what errands you’re supposed to be running. Between the friendly service and the really good strawberry vanilla cake, this small-town bakery is the sort of place you’ll want to visit multiple times during the week. And that’s a realistic goal, since most of the baked goods are in the $3-8 range.
Leicht’s Waldo Cafe
$ | (920) 528-7252 | WEBSITE
Like the weekend farmers market and family reunions, Leicht’s Waldo Cafe is in its element during the morning hours. It’s one of our go-to spots for a relaxed breakfast inside, particularly on days when they feature live accordion music. You can catch their regular performances, and look forward to the prospect of enjoying fried chicken on a bun and taco skillet while you listen to polka tunes.
Jen’s Place
$ | (262) 447-2222 | WEBSITE
If there was an award for The Best Thing Happening Near Cedar Grove, it’d probably be a very tight race between the festive decorations and Bunny’s steak sandwiches. Except when you consider how tender the meat is here, and how welcoming the accessible space feels. Okay, Jen’s Place wins.
Lake Church Inn
$$ | (414) 688-3782 | WEBSITE
The historic Lake Church Inn near Cedar Grove is pretty similar to other cozy taverns in Wisconsin, but it has one extra thing going for it: you can stop by after a hike or to catch a game.
The food – like the Friday night fish fry with Lake Michigan perch and homemade clam chowder, and the Philly Cheesesteak with perfectly cooked meat, peppers, and onions on a crispy roll – is all worth ordering, but you shouldn’t ignore the other things about the place, like the friendly service and unique beer selection. You know, just some top-notch food for your low-key evening in a wheelchair-accessible spot with convenient parking.
Five Pillars Supper Club – Restaurant and Banquet Halls
$ | (920) 994-4336 | WEBSITE
Ask a Wisconsinite about finding a proper supper club experience these days, and they’ll probably sigh, realize you’re serious, and then start speaking in a very nostalgic tone. But take them to the family-run Five Pillars Supper Club in Cedar Grove, and they’ll settle right in. This spot is decked out in Christmas decorations that create a genuinely delightful atmosphere, and you can find a classic salad bar with fresh options and a flat iron steak cooked to perfection here.
You can also find some $22 steaks and $16 chicken tenders that come with that welcoming, kid-friendly vibe everyone remembers.
Greg’s Tap
$ | (920) 994-4053 | WEBSITE
Need something even more low-key? Greg’s Tap is a local spot in Cedar Grove that serves an inordinate number of giant portions, ranging from a Wednesday special of ribs and chicken with fries or mashed potatoes and coleslaw, to something called the Thursday all-you-can-eat soup. Bring your appetite and share with a friend. Afterwards, you’ll be able to confidently assure all of your buddies that you are, in fact, fun, low-maintenance, and connected to great value via a fish fry.
Judi’s Place
$ | (920) 564-3535 | WEBSITE
Unlike so many other diners along the interstate, the one at this family-owned spot near Cedar Grove lets you and your family enjoy some comfortable distance from the travelers rushing down I43 or heading into Sheboygan. The breakfast plates, Benedicts, and home-cooked specials come in really generous portions here – and the complimentary coffee refills might be better than anything on the menu. Tell your kid to ask for more bacon and stick some in his pocket.
Mary’s Country Grove Restaurant
$ | (920) 668-6280 | WEBSITE
Mary’s Country Grove Restaurant is a cozy diner tucked away in Cedar Grove, WI. The menu has a good variety of options, including delicious potato pancakes and a large selection of meals, and there’s an excellent fish fry featuring fresh, light-batter fried Cod that isn’t greasy. The pies look tempting, and the restaurant offers vegetarian options like salads and sandwiches, plus accommodations for dietary restrictions.
Inside, the atmosphere is nostalgic and welcoming, with friendly staff who take pride in their service, and it’s fully accessible with a flat entry. Outside, there’s a large parking lot with plenty of space, and it’s kid-friendly with toys, coloring books, high-chairs, and booster seats.