You're now entering the cozy zones in Eau Claire, WI! When the temperatures drop this winter and you need a place to warm your soul, you're in the right spot. Experience some of the comfiest places this season, and visit these cozy spots to hang out this winter in Eau Claire!
Photo Mr. Kitty's Cat Cafe
Norske Nook
Once you walk into this Norwegian-style cafe, you'll want to stay forever in the cozy comfort surrounded by tasty food and sweet hospitality. Norske Nook Restaurant & Bakery serves unbeatable comfort foods that "taste like Grandma's" including breakfast platters, roasts, lefse wraps, and, of course, award-winning seasonal pie flavors. Click here to learn more about Norske Nook in Osseo, WI, and click here to see more ways to spend a day in Osseo!
Mr. Kitty's Cat Cafe
Nothing says cozy like cats in a coffee shop! Mr. Kitty's Cat Cafe is the perfect mix of cuddles and espresso, with a cat-petting lounge and coffee shop junction. Book an appointment to meet the kitties, and grab a coffee order while waiting for your cuddles! Learn more about Mr. Kitty's Cat Cafe here.
Shift Cyclery & Coffee Bar
Swing into Shift in downtown Eau Claire on your morning bike ride for a warm cup of coffee! Shift Cyclery & Coffee Bar is a vintage, industrial-style coffee shop that doubles as a bike repair shop. Warm up with seasonal coffee drinks & fresh-baked pastries, and enjoy the relaxing environment at Shift while studying, working, or meeting up with a friend!
The French Press Cafe
The French Press Cafe reigns as one of the locals' favorite cafes for coffee flights, breakfast & brunch, and gathering spots for family & friends! Check out this bakery for a farmhouse-style dining environment, and fill up with high-quality pancakes, scramblers, fruit parfaits, pastries, coffee drinks, and more.
Grand Avenue Cafe
The coziest little spot on West Grand Avenue is Grand Avenue Cafe. For another lovely breakfast cafe, check out Grand Avenue Cafe for incredible comfort foods like soups made daily, quiche, biscuits & gravy, lasagna, and even better desserts like fresh-baked, seasonal pie, cakes and cheesecakes, bread pudding, coffee & espresso drinks, and more.
Photo: 4 Mile Restaurant
The Lakely
Grab a table at The Lakely this winter, and enjoy craft cocktails, live music, and great company! The Lakely is home to many events throughout the week like live jazz bands, bingo, trivia, and more entertainment. We'd recommend trying a drink off of The Lakely's signature cocktail list or their winter-themed drinks and pairing it with their famous Koldtbord. If you're staying at the Oxbow Hotel, this restaurant is located right off of the hotel lobby. Click here to see more reasons to check out The Lakely in Eau Claire this winter!
Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery
Any winery with a fireplace is calling our names in the wintertime! Check out Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery for in-house wine, vodka, whiskey, brandy, and taste cocktails on their seasonal menu. This winter, they are serving a whole list of wintery cocktails that will taste perfect while playing games next to the fireplace!
4 Mile Restaurant
The Wisconsin supper club scene is one of the coziest, most welcoming environments you'll find. Plan a dinner date at Eau Claire supper clubs like 4 Mile or Houligans, and enjoy a high-quality, delicious meal while cozied up inside. Think fish fries, Old Fashioneds, steaks, and more!
River Bend Winery & Distillery
On a snowy day in Eau Claire, visit River Bend Winery & Distillery to sip on wine while watching the snow fall! This wine tasting room is located in Wheaton, WI, just a short drive outside of Eau Claire, and they offer a wide variety of wine flavors and cocktails made in their distillery. Whichever sounds tasty to you, River Bend has something that will warm you up this winter! Click here to see more ways to spend a winter day in Wheaton.
2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery
Sit back, relax, and sip on a glass of wine in downtown Eau Claire at 2 Roots Art & Wine Gallery. The gallery has over 100 wines to choose from, with a menu expanding every week. The gallery is full of one-of-a-kind works of art by local and regional artists. Catch some live music, and discover your favorite flavors at this downtown gallery!
Photo: Helix
Helix
Helix has everything you need for a cozy day in River Prairie: coffee, breakfast, wine, cocktails, couches, and a fireplace. What more could you need?! This winter, plan a night out with friends, and hit up Helix for incredible drinks and small plates to share like charcuterie boards, Cowboy Caviar, and dips, or go bigger with daily soups, sandwiches, and desserts!
The Nostalgic Bean
One of the most charming little bakeries and coffee shops, and certainly a long-time favorite, The Nostalgic Bean will bring you immense amounts of comfort this season. The delicious coffee, the impressive pastries, and the crowd-loved quiches... It's truly one of the most comforting places in the Eau Claire area! You can't go wrong with any of their coffee drinks, croissants, macaroons, cookies, tarts, muffins, and other fabulous desserts.
Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen
Choose and pour your own tap beer, wine, seltzers, ciders, and kombucha at Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen! Order appetizers to share from the kitchen, and cozy up by the fireplace. Or, grab a cocktail from the bar, and take a seat near the windows to catch views of the Chippewa River. Click here to learn more about the incredible Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen!
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
One hobby that never gets old is curling up with a good book on a chilly day! Spend an afternoon at the new L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in downtown Eau Claire with your book of choice. Explore 3 floors of relaxing spaces throughout the library, and find a quiet nook to open up a new book this winter! While you're here, check out free gear rentals available through Gear Share to take your Eau Claire adventures outdoors.
Photo: Osseo Nickel Barn
Osseo Nickel Barn
The big red barn in Osseo, WI is truly magical, especially in the cooler months! When you walk into the Osseo Nickel Barn, you're hit with rustic charm, antiques, and the sweet smell of coffee! Shop around for gifts, home decor, local cheese & meats, and other handmade goods, and order a coffee to keep you extra cozy! If you can't decide on which coffee to order, get a coffee latte flight that is perfect for the holiday season.
Racy's + The Nucleus Cafe
If there's one place you'll always feel cozy and comfortable in Eau Claire, it's The Nucleus Cafe & Racy D'Lenes Coffee Lounge. This cafe on Water Street is voted as the locals' favorite spot for breakfast and is the perfect place to get coffee, crepes, and more delicious brunch platters! Click here to see all the reasons you need to visit Racy's + The Nucleus Cafe./
Amanita Books
There's no better way to spend a chilly, snowy day than curled up with a good book! For all the bookworms visiting Eau Claire, Amanita Books is a must-visit for a charming, cozy bookshop experience. Find gently used books, and get comfortable on the chairs within the antique bookshelves in the shop. Check out the shop here!
Lazy Monk Brewing
One of the coziest breweries in Eau Claire is located right in the heart of downtown serving a wide range of stouts, porters, radlers, dark lagers, IPAs, and many more beers. Visit Lazy Monk Brewing this winter to experience a European craft brewery right here in Eau Claire, and check out events and Christmas markets this season!
Eau Claire Downtown Coffee (ECDC)
Grab a coffee and fresh breakfast or lunch in downtown Eau Claire at ECDC, located at The Lismore Hotel. This little cafe is the perfect place to meet a friend for coffee, study with classmates, or just enjoy a drink and breakfast by the fireplace! Click here to see all the possibilities of visiting ECDC and The Lismore Hotel.