Tiny Town, Huge Flavors - 12 Restaurants Elkhart Lake, WI You Need to Try

What is it about the small town of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, that draws so many people? Some come for the water sports and fishing on one of the clearest lakes in the US, others come for Road America, one of the world’s premier race circuits, and still others come for the quaint shops and historic charm.

Whatever the reason for your visit, you’re sure to work up an appetite. The town may be small, but the local restaurants near Elkhart Lake, WI rival those in large cities on flavor, hospitality, and creativity.

This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Restaurants

If you’re looking for a delicious meal while visiting Elkhart Lake, then you’ll definitely want to check out one of these restaurants. From New American cuisine to small-batch ice cream in a historic setting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

I’ve included not only the restaurants in Elkhart Lake, WI that you need to try during your next visit, but also an ice cream shop, local brewery, and wine shop.

So, without further ado, here are the restaurants AND the dishes you will want to try in this lakeside community.

Related: See our list of fun family-activities and things to do in Elkhart Lake on your next visit.

Paddock Club

Paddock Club, located in a historic downtown building, is recognized for its farm-to-table seasonal New American cuisine. The changing menu tempts your taste buds. However, new small plate selections are introduced every week to ensure that you don’t leave dissatisfied with your dinner here. If you want to invite friends over and show them off, this is the place.

I had the opportunity to dine here with a larger group and we each ordered something different and shared. It reminded me a bit of family dinner and I highly recommend you dine this way when you visit. You won’t be able to choose just one thing! Must-tries include the Mushroom Risotto Fritters, Taleggio and Ricotta Agnolotti, Grilled Broccoli with Romanesco Sauce, Grilled Ribeye Steak, Grilled Chicken, and Smoked Beets with Farro (vegetarian dish). The service is wonderful and the portions are just right leaving you just enough room for dessert.

Address: 61 S Lake St, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

The Shore Club Resort’s on-site restaurant, The Cottonwood Social, offers a relaxed dining experience. Ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible, and the menu features comfort food with a twist. The comfortable atmosphere and elevated menu items make it one of the best Elkhart Lake restaurants you need to try.

The appetizers here are ideal for sharing with the table and a great way to start. The Tuna Tartare Tacos in wonton wrapper shells and D’ Drinken Chorizo are both excellent choices. The chorizo has the perfect amount of spice. As for entrees, I highly recommend the Truffle Portobello Penne Pasta and wood-fired BBQ Chicken Gouda pizza. The restaurant’s relaxed setting makes it perfect for a casual night out with family and friends or even a romantic dinner for two.

Address: 283 Victorian Village Dr, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

Tiki Bar and Lounge at the Shore Club

Live music on summer nights and stunning views of the lake make this a favorite with locals and visitors. The Tiki Bar and Lounge serves up delicious shareables, wood-fired pizzas, and America-inspired entrees. The space is perfect for large gatherings.

You can’t go wrong with sharing a plate of cheese curds here, but the Ahi Tuna Avocado Poke and Truffle French Fries are also excellent. The pizzas (same as those served at Cottonwood Social) are all delicious. Don’t forget to order a round of drinks! The Lakeside Sipper is my personal favorite with citron vodka, peach liqueur, pineapple, and cranberry juices.

276 Victorian Village Dr, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020

Otto’s Restaurant at The Osthoff Resort

Otto’s is one of Osthoff Resort‘s three onsite restaurants. Otto’s is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is one of the few downtown Elkhart Lake restaurants open for lunch Monday through Wednesday. Sunday mornings, they offer a breakfast buffet with all your classic breakfast favorites. For lunch and dinner, the extensive menu includes soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and seafood.

For breakfast, I recommend the beery waffle with a side of country ham. The Prime Rib sandwich is a fill-you-up lunchtime option. The real star of the show at Otto’s, however, is the dinner menu with an extensive wine list, so you can order a bottle to share with your meal.

Address: 101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

Find all the listed restaurants near me, lodging options, and attractions in the area here.

Concourse Restaurant and Lounge at the Osthoff Resort

The Concourse Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Elkhart Lake, and it’s easy to see why. The menu features fresh, made-to-order American cuisine for lunch and dinner. Desserts are made in house and there is a full bar with creative cocktails, wine, and beer.

One of the best things about The Concourse is the stunning views of the lake. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the Osthoff Resort, so you can dine while enjoying a beautiful view of Elkhart Lake.

The Seared Scallops with risotto did not disappoint. The scallops were flavorful. The risotto was cooked perfectly. The sauce was a perfect addition to the dish. The Creme Brulee for dessert finishes off the meal perfectly.

Osthoff’s Lake Deck

The Osthoff Resort’s lakefront restaurant is located right on the beach. It’s the perfect place to enjoy specialty drinks/cocktails or enjoy outdoor dining by the water. The Lake Deck serves sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, and snacks. During the summer months, live music is playing Wednesday through Saturday nights making this the perfect place to enjoy a sunset with a cocktail.

Quit Qui Oc Golf Club & Resturant

If you’re looking for a bite to eat after a round of golf or just a menu with a little bit of everything, then you’ll definitely want to check out Quit Qui Oc. Located at the Quit Qui Oc Golf Course, this grill menu has a little bit of everything including pasta, salads, sandwiches, soups, pizzas and so much more. On Friday Nights, they serve a traditional Wisconsin fish fry.

Local favorites are the “Weez” burger and the Twisted Turkey Club with shaved turkey, provolone, bacon, and honey mustard served on a parmesan basil focaccia. Prior to ordering the club, the server said she guarantees that it will be the best sandwich you’ve ever had, and she was not wrong. That honey mustard makes this sandwich.

In addition to the Club, try their soups or salads. I tried and loved the Sheboygan Bisque (Cheese soup with brats). The atmosphere reminds me a bit of a supper club with a casual vibe. This is a great place to go with friends or for a family gathering.

Address: 500 Quit Qui Oc Lane, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

Stop Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort

Since the early 1900s, dining at the Stop Inn Tavern has been a Siebkens Resort tradition for visitors. The tavern was originally built as a place for guests of the resort to gather and socialize. Over the years, it has become one of the most popular restaurants/bars along the racing circuit. A monument from the old road race course stands a few yards outside of the pub, which is where the competitions used to be held on public roads. Racing memorabilia lines the walls of the tavern, which has a cozy and charming atmosphere.

The menu features classic bar food such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and fish fry (available all day). The cheese curds are a must-try! But the star of the appetizer offering is the hummus served on Siebken’s Rye Crisps. Siebkens is renowned for its freshly baked bread; especially the rye and lemon poppyseed bread. The Siebken Family recipes used date back to the early 1900s. The day-old rye bread is made to make the crisps and they are delicious! The rye flavor is very prevalent and provides a great contrast to the smooth and creamy hummus.

The tavern also has a variety of beers on tap, including several from local breweries. If you’re looking for something stronger, they have an extensive liquor selection as well.

Address: 284 S Lake Street, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

P.A.M.S (The Main Dining Room) at Siebken’s Resort

P.A.M.S, or The Dining Room, is the second of the two restaurants at Siebken’s Resort. The restaurant was originally built as a place for guests of the resort to gather and socialize. Today it is the ideal location for dinner at the restaurant.

Amasa Mexican Bakery & Eatery

The owners at Lake Street Cafe are bringing traditional Mexican flavors to the lake. Amasa’s head chef is bringing Mexico City to town with an authentic food market experience. It’s not Tex-Mex or Americanized Mexican food, but the real deal.

I sampled Molotes con Mole (Fried plantain croquettes with mole sauce, Tuna Tostadas, Ribeye Sopes, and Buñuelos con Dulce de Leche. The food was absolutely amazing! The ribeye Sopes were my favorite. The mole was rich and smoky and the Buñuelos with Dulce de Leche made for a delicious dessert. Highly recommended!!

Address: 74 W. Rhine Street, Elkhart Lake, WI – Website

Lake Street Cafe

A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Lake Street Cafe offers two dining experiences; casual relaxed dining and upscale dining. The menu reflects California Bistro-style fare with salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas.

The cafe boasts one of the most extensive wine lists in the state receiving e Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2003. With over 250 different wines to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one to complement your meal. Lake Street also has the area’s largest bar selection. If you’re looking for a particular beer or spirit, chances are they have it.

Address: 21 South Lake Street, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Facebook

Off the Rail Cafe

Off the Rail Cafe is a great place to enjoy a coffee or grab a quick bite for breakfast or lunch. Located in the old train depot building, the cafe features a wide variety of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and lunch items such as salads, soups, and sandwiches.

The cafe also has a full coffee bar with all of your favorite espresso drinks. Enjoy outdoor seating or take your food to go and enjoy it at one of the nearby parks.

Address: 44 Gottfried St, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

Dessert and Drinks in Elk Hart Lake

Gessert’s Ice Cream & Confectionery

When it comes to old-fashioned ice cream, candy, and fudge, you can’t go wrong with Gessert’s Ice Cream. The shop has been open since the 1920s and will remind you of an old-fashioned soda shop complete with traditional phosphate sodas and thick malts. With 20 different flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you’ll love. I tried Shipwreck; vanilla ice cream with sea salt caramel ribbon and candied almonds. It was amazing!

Address: 99 S Lake St, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

Switchgear Brewing

Elkhart Lake’s Switchgear Brewing is the perfect place to enjoy a pint of beer after a long day of exploring Elkhart Lake. They are located in a historic feed mill where they brew in-house and offer over 20 beers on tap. Popular beers include the Pontoon Pounder, Corner 5, and Resorter Red.

Address: 44D Gottfried Street, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

Vintage Elkhart Lake

This locally owned wine shop is a fun stop for the 21+ crowd. The owner/sommelier brings her wealth of knowledge and over 250+ wines to help you find the perfect wine for your taste and budget. The shop is small but mighty with a great selection of wines, beers, and snacks from around the world.

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings any time thanks to two Wine-O-Matics. These card-operated machines allow you to sample a variety of wines before you buy them. This is the perfect place to find a unique wine to enjoy at the lake or take home with you.

Address: 100 E Rhine Street, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

Elk Room at Osthoff Resort

Whether for a morning cup of coffee or an evening nightcap, the Elk Room inside the Osthoff Resort is a great spot to enjoy a drink. The bar features an impressive array of whiskeys, scotches, and bourbons. They also have a nice selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.

Address: 101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 – Website

I hope this gives you a few ideas of places to eat when you’re visiting Elkhart Lake. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or something more upscale, there’s a restaurant to suit your needs. And don’t forget the dessert and drinks! With so many great choices, you’ll want to come back again and again to try them all.

For more Wisconsin travel ideas, see:

Which restaurants are you most looking forward to trying? Let me know in the comments below.

For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:

Tiny Town, Huge Flavors – 12 Restaurants Elkhart Lake, WI You Need to Try