We see you, foodies. For those whose idea of a winter getaway consists of warm comfort foods, dazzling igloo cocktail bars, cozy cafes, and meals worth planning your whole trip around, Eau Claire has you covered. This edition of our 48-hour winter itinerary series is built for anyone who wants to eat and drink their way through the Eau Claire area, one delicious stop at a time.
WintER-ExcluSivE Dining ExpEriencES
For food-focused travelers, winter in Eau Claire unlocks dining experiences you won’t find the rest of the year. Heated igloos and cozy outdoor cabins turn happy hour into a destination of its own.
At Dive, reservable igloos are a go-to way to kick off the night, serving up handcrafted cocktails, wine, and shareable appetizers in a cozy, winter-ready setting. Nearby, The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen keeps the igloo experience going with craft beer, cocktails, and elevated bar snacks. These step up the regular dinner date in winter and allow you to really immerse yourselves in the season!
For something distinctly Eau Claire, The Lakely’s Vinterkos experience brings Scandinavian-inspired coziness to the table. Heated cabins, soft lighting, and blankets create a relaxed setting for seasonal cocktails and comforting appetizers. These spots make it possible to dine on patios in Eau Claire, even on the coldest days!
The WiSconSin ClASsicS
No matter what time of year, it wouldn't be a trip to Eau Claire without getting your hands on some of the area's best cheese curds. And during the cold winter season and multiple sports seasons, these classic Wisconsin appetizers hit the spot that much more.
We make it easy for you to locate the best cheese curds in Eau Claire with the Curd Crawl mobile pass. Explore participating restaurants, order some curds and check in on the pass, and earn points to redeem for sweet Curd Crawl prizes! The pass will guide you to Mogie's classic curd recipe, The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen's beloved Pancake curds, The District's cheese curd trio platter, and so many more. Click here to sign up today for free and get started!
The winter and spring seasons are also prime times for fish fries in Eau Claire, and there is a whole list that can't be beaten. Get the Wisconsin supper club experience while in Eau Claire and treat yourself to one of the best fish fries at 4 Mile. This spot has the whole package – fish, salad bar, and the finest Old Fashioneds. For more supper clubs, check out Houligans in downtown Eau Claire for some of the best steak and seafood in town. If you can't get enough of the fish fry culture, check out other favorites at Court'n House, Fella's Loaded Goat, Northern Tap House, Hangar 54, and more!
GLoBAL CoMfoRt Food
Eau Claire’s global comfort food scene shines in winter, when rich broths and warm spices crank up the heat on cold, snowy days. Downtown at Thai Orchid, the pho is always served steaming hot and packed with fresh, bold flavors. Or, for another comforting soup option, Madden Ramen has a ramen lineup that's tasty, comforting, and perfect for a cold day. If sushi is more your speed, Ninja Japanese Restaurant whips up insanely delish and equally stunning sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes. Stella Blues adds a Southern-Cajun twist to the mix, serving up dishes with bold spices and serious comfort factor.
Over at The Yard Container Park in Altoona, you'll hit the international comfort food jackpot with nothing but culturally-rich cuisine. On snowy days, the hot and ready borsch from Borsch House is exactly what you need when you're craving a warm bowl of soup. At Ne-Ne's Tacos, step up the heat with authentic street tacos, birria dishes, and more. Or at Beast + Bonito, find some of the most satisfying ramen, noodle, and rice dishes in town!
For more global flavors, check out our blogs for places to get tacos, ramen, egg rolls, sushi, and pho in Eau Claire.
CASuAL CoMfoRt CRAvinGs
Sometimes winter calls for food that’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to hit the spot, and Eau Claire delivers with classic comfort dishes served in laid-back settings.
From smash-style patties to classic bar burgers, Eau Claire’s burger scene covers it all. Find mouth-watering favorites at Valley Burger Company, a menu filled with local ingredients and savory burger stacks. At Amber Inn, they keep the burgers classic but eau so tasty, and Reboot Social is a part of the burger scene with their delicious sliders.
For the foodies who need a slice of pizza everywhere they travel, we have just the spots for you. Foster's Fireside may be the area's pizza aficionados with their lineup of various pizza topping combos. Ever heard of a Nashville Hot Chicken pizza or a Dilly Dilly pizza?! They keep it classic too with their Meat, Baby! and Aloha pizzas, and it doesn't get any more Wisconsin than That's What Cheese Said. All these pies are cooked in their wood-fired oven – the perfect meal for a cold winter day. For more pizza favorites, check out the slices at Leona's in downtown Eau Claire or the wood-fired creations at The Informalist.
When you’re craving something a little heartier, wings and pasta deliver comfort in two very different ways. For classic wings with local flavor, River Inn, Burly N Bucks, and Dooley’s are go-to spots for saucy favorites served in laid-back settings. On the pasta side, Draganetti’s brings comforting Italian classics that feel especially fitting on a cold winter night, while Mona Lisa’s offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for lingering over rich, satisfying dishes.
MoRning BitEs
For travelers who treat breakfast as more than just a meal, Eau Claire delivers mornings worth building into the itinerary. Winter is the perfect time to linger over coffee, settle in somewhere warm, and start the day with dishes that feel just as intentional as dinner.
The Nucleus Cafe is a must for food-focused visitors, known for creative, well-loved breakfast and lunch plates that reward an early start. Chick-A-Dee’s offers classic diner breakfasts done exceptionally well, serving up some of the best hashbrowns, pancakes, and more in town. And for a true regional icon, Norske Nook is a non-negotiable stop, serving up homemade pastries, comforting breakfasts, and legendary pies that have earned a following well beyond Eau Claire.
CrAfT BeeR & MoRe DrinkS
Let’s be honest — no foodie weekend is complete without a few great drinks along the way. From brunch-time Bloody Marys to craft beer and cozy wine bars, Eau Claire makes it easy to sip your way through winter.
Start with a classic Wisconsin staple: the Bloody Mary. Spots like The Alibi Lounge, Big T’s Saloon, and Northern Tap House are local go-tos for well-built Bloodies and lively atmospheres. When it’s time to explore the craft beer scene, Eau Claire delivers with breweries that each bring their own personality to the glass. Lazy Monk Brewing is known for its traditional European-style beers, The Brewing Projekt pushes the envelope with creative, experimental brews, and Modicum Brewing offers a cozy neighborhood feel with thoughtfully crafted beer.
Wine lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well! River Bend Winery & Distillery offers a relaxed setting for sipping locally made wine and spirits, while 2 Roots Wine Bar provides a cozy space to settle in with a glass and small plates. For even more variety, The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen makes it easy to sample a wide range of beer, cocktails, and wine in one stop, and Infinity Beverages rounds out the experience with creative cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for closing out a winter evening.