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Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Wisconsin

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OpenTable
Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Wisconsin? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Liberty Station - Madison restaurant
4.7
4.7 (559)
$30 and under
Barbecue
Madison
About the restaurant
Liberty Station - Madison offers BBQ and American comfort food in Madison.
Top review
Jessica
Dined 4 days ago
When we got to our table, our friends were a little but we were told we needed to be done in 2 hours, "is that ok?" I didn't think it would be a problem. The waiter took my husband & I's drink order and our friends arrived. Instead of taking their drink order, he took the food order of a group of 10 that had been seated after us. He then informed me my drink should be right up. (It took 15mins) he finally came to take our food order by saying "I'll need to take your food order now please" at time finally asked our friends what they would like to drink as well. We felt very rushed. 3 of the 4 meals came out. My husband was told his would be right out. My potatoes were cold. We were about halfway through our meal when the waiter finally realized my husband still hadn't gotten his meal. He went to check and said he didn't know what happened, but it's being prepared now. Not 2mins later, someone brought him "his" sandwich. Turned out it wasn't what he ordered at all. We told our waiter after he tried to give his actual sandwich to a different table and realized they got mixed up. It was ridiculous.
A photo of Butcher & Barrel Gastropub restaurant
4.6
4.6 (419)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Racine
About the restaurant
Fine dining in a modern Pub. High quality seasonal ingredients prepared from scratch including prime steaks, fresh seafood and delicious comfort food items. An excellent selection of craft beers, select wines, and hand crafted cocktails to accompany your meal. Butcher & Barrel brings fantastic food, drink and high quality service - without the stuffy fine-dining experience. A restored 120 year old building located in the heart of downtown Racine, just blocks from Lake Michigan.
Top review
Tom
Dined on 4 Jan 2025
Went for our anniversary. Best steak I've had in a very long time!
A photo of Iron Duck restaurant
4.6
4.6 (185)
$30 and under
American
Green Bay
About the restaurant
Iron Duck was created with the idea of providing a space for the community which
is welcoming and accommodating. Our goal is to provide phenomenal comfort food with
an emphasis on local and cultural cuisine and unparalleled service. Set in one of the most unique buildings in Wisconsin, our aim is to provide an experience that you will never forget.

Top review
Heather
Dined on 20 Dec 2024
We always enjoy the food, service, and atmosphere. Having Celiacs on the family, it is also nice to come to a place that has so many Gluten free offerings.
A photo of Bennett's Chop & Railhouse - Hudson restaurant
4.5
4.5 (190)
$30 and under
Steak
Hudson
About the restaurant
Welcome to Bennett's Chop & Railhouse - Hudson!
Top review
Patti
Dined on 6 Dec 2024
It was a busy night because of the holiday event but Bennett’s was great - as always! Keep up the great work and we will see you again soon!
A photo of Stone Porch Alehouse restaurant
4.5
4.5 (68)
$30 and under
American
Verona
About the restaurant
Stone Porch is named after it's huge stone wrap around porch but we don't let that vibe end there. Comfort food, refreshing cocktails to warm up the insides and a great team looking to make your visit memorable. Our head chef, Jacob Goldsberry, believes that from scratch is always best and that brings an authenticity to each dish that will remind you of home.
Top review
Joe
Dined on 3 Jan 2025
Food was great as always and our server Carson was very good.
A photo of Odd Duck restaurant
4.4
4.4 (19)
$50 and over
International
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
Odd Duck offers a world-cuisine shareable menu that changes often based on what is in season and the whims of the chef team, supported by an exceptionally curated selection of craft cocktails, wine, beer & n/a options for beverages. We offer options for all types of diners - vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores - and are exceptionally accommodating of dietary restrictions & allergies. A winner of countless awards, one of USA Today's Best Restaurants in America 2024, and a multiple James Beard Award semi-finalist, Odd Duck is a lovely casual dining option for the adventurous and a great place to celebrate any special occasion.

Reservations always recommended, but the same menu is served in the bar area to walk-in guests.

Top review
Trisha
Dined 6 days ago
Love the seasonal, local, and farm to table approach! The food and staff were wonderful!
A photo of Smoke Shack restaurant
4.4
4.4 (448)
$30 and under
American
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
We're obsessed with the craft of smoked meat. Our certified humanely-raised meats are dry rubbed, slow smoked, and sauced by you. In some cases, we began smoking your meat yesterday to ensure you get the perfect quality barbecue. We smoke our meats in small batches, all-day, every-day. In some cases, we sell out when items are in high demand, but sit back, savor a bourbon or two, and try something new. We're certain that you'll enjoy our variety!
Top review
Christine
Dined on 30 Nov 2024
Our waited today was top notch. He was informative, calm, cool and knowledgeable. He made it a great experience. I had the seitan and my boyfriend has the pulled pork. Both were amazing and cooked perfectly. Great work, team!
A photo of Palette Bar and Grill restaurant
4.4
4.4 (502)
$30 and under
American
Madison
About the restaurant
Palette provides a colorful dining experience with an American inspired menu featuring in-house cut steaks and 21-day aged 100% black Angus beef.

As we inherited a space as historical as the former Mautz Paint Company warehouse, we had to do it justice. We kept our building’s architectural features intact while updating the space with contemporary design elements and nostalgic touches. We wanted to keep the space faithful to its roots; filled with hues of colors and textures reminiscing of times when the East Washington corridor was a booming industrial area in the city.

Our menu features steak cuts made in-house, chef’s masterpieces, artisan salads and soups, along with a unique beer and hand-crafted cocktail selection.

Top review
Abby
Dined on 21 Dec 2024
The Palette Bar and Grill was an overall wonderful experience with fast and friendly service, fun drinks, and delicious food. I went early evening on a Saturday and it was nice and quiet with several seats available at the bar and many open tables in the dining room. It was a very nice date night experience and I would definitely recommend.
A photo of Bavarian Bierhaus restaurant
4.4
4.4 (277)
$30 and under
Bavarian
Glendale
About the restaurant
In 2016 the Bavarian Bierhaus re-opened the space once occupied by the Bavarian Inn. It features a bierhall, a 15 bbl brewery, and multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces. The Bierhaus will continue the tradition of being home to diverse regional events and festivals. We welcome you, and invite you to support your friends, neighbors and community by signing up for our emails, following us on Facebook, checking our website and downloading our Bavarian Bierhaus app for upcoming events.
Top review
Roger
Dined on 29 Dec 2024
Family was in town, including daughter who is a Wisconsin native, and it was a perfect place to gather young (grandsons) and old (grandparents). Highly recommended.
A photo of The Explorium Brewpub Greendale restaurant
4.3
4.3 (208)
$30 and under
American
Milwaukee
About the restaurant
Hip brewpub with a spacious patio pouring craft beer plus wine & spirits alongside American fare.
Top review
Jennifer VIP
Dined on 29 Dec 2024
Always a great time at the Explorium. Dinner with my best friend made it even better.
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