Good coffee, a meal worth lingering over, and local businesses putting a little extra care into what they do—that’s an Eau Claire outing we can get behind! If you’re looking to use less single-use plastic while you’re here, Plastic-Free Eau Claire is a helpful place to start.
A collaboration between the JONAH Environmental Task Force, Riverflow Refillery, and the Eau Claire County Office of Recycling & Sustainability, the initiative invites local businesses and individuals to take a pledge to reduce plastic waste. Participating restaurants and cafes choose commitments such as offering reusable tableware, cutting out plastic bags, or switching to compostable takeout packaging. It’s about making practical changes, one coffee stop or dinner out at a time. Here are a few local places helping move that effort forward.
If your Eau Claire restaurant is plastic-free, you can take the pledge and join the solution here!
Wonders of Nature Cafe
A coffee break with a little extra care behind it! Wonders of Nature Cafe on South Barstow Street serves baked goods, paninis, smoothies, and coffee in a calm, welcoming setting. Its waste-reduction efforts include compostable cups and food packaging, plus support from Earthbound Environmental Solutions for proper waste sorting. Stop in for something fresh and a moment to slow down.
SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar
Good coffee deserves a spot on the itinerary. Located on Graham Avenue, SHIFT brings a creative, casual atmosphere to your downtown coffee stop. It was also among the early businesses to take the Plastic-Free Eau Claire pledge, giving you another reason to get to know this local spot. Grab a drink and leave a little room in your schedule to linger.
Racy D'Lene's Coffee Lounge
Some coffee stops turn into an entire afternoon. Racy D’Lene’s has the cozy, lived-in personality that makes it easy to settle in for a conversation or a quiet break. Connected to The Nucleus Cafe near Water Street, it’s a welcoming stop on your list of places supporting Eau Claire’s plastic-reduction efforts, and an easy addition to a brunch outing.
The Nucleus Cafe
Come hungry and give brunch the time it deserves! The Nucleus Cafe on Water Street serves pancakes, omelets, skillets, and lunch favorites, with vegetarian and vegan options in the mix. Known as one of the best spots to get breakfast in Eau Claire, it pairs naturally with a coffee stop at neighboring Racy D’Lene’s. Add it to your plans for a leisurely meal at one of the businesses on Eau Claire’s plastic-free list.
The Lakely at The Oxbow Hotel
Put on a record, settle into your room, and let the evening come to you. The Oxbow Hotel brings local art, in-room record players, and a vinyl library into your stay. Its restaurant and cocktail lounge, The Lakely, adds Midwest comfort food and live music to the experience. Together, these spots bring plenty of Eau Claire personality to your list of places working toward less plastic waste.
The Lismore Hotel: ECDC & The Informalist
Your morning coffee, dinner, and hotel plans can all be found in one place. Downtown Eau Claire’s Lismore Hotel is home to ECDC, serving artisan coffee drinks, and The Informalist, offering regional farm-to-table food. Whether you’re checking in for the weekend or stopping by for a meal, this trio makes it easy to work places from Eau Claire’s plastic-free list into your day.
Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub
Make a little room in your evening for dinner downtown! Set in a historic brick building on South Barstow Street, Houligans combines steak and seafood with a relaxed pub atmosphere. It was among the early restaurants to take the Plastic-Free Eau Claire pledge, making it a place to keep in mind when your plans call for a sit-down meal and good company.
The Good Wives
A brunch or dinner worth slowing down for. The Good Wives serves a changing seasonal menu with much of its food made from scratch, from handmade pasta to brunch sausages. That care extends to making the most of ingredients, including saving vegetable scraps for stock. Add it to your list for a thoughtful meal, a stunning cocktail, and an evening with good company.
Bonus! EC Indoor Sandbox
The plastic-free effort goes beyond your plate! EC Indoor Sandbox is a fun attraction for kids that has also taken the Plastic-Free Eau Claire pledge. This sensory-friendly space invites little ones to dig, build, and explore with sandboxes, toys, and trucks. Make your reservations for this indoor, no screen-time play activity in Eau Claire!