Wabasha offers a delicious dilemma for every palate and occasion, from riverside fine dining to cozy family-owned gems. Whether you crave farm-to-table freshness or crave-worthy comfort classics, the choices abound. The real challenge? Narrowing down where to indulge first. Let us guide your culinary adventure.
The Olde Triangle Pub
$ | (651) 565-0256 | WEBSITE
The Olde Triangle Pub is an Irish spot, and if you’re familiar with cozy pubs in the Midwest, you’ll know what to expect. It’s got that classic atmosphere, meaning friendly service and hearty food, even on their outdoor patio with live music. Come here to catch up with friends over Guinness and share dishes like onion rings, Irish stew, or the fish and chips.
Or come for a casual meal, and be grateful you’re not attempting to cook broiled walleye at home with that old skillet you’ve had since college.
Walker’s Silvermoon
$ | (608) 685-9797 | WEBSITE
Walker’s Silvermoon is a versatile spot worth visiting because it’s a one-stop destination. Though the dance hall may not be the fanciest around, $18 for a full meal is a solid deal, especially when paired with friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere. There are plenty of meal options, but some of our favorites are the brisket, chicken, and burgers which come with spectacular flavor. We also like to get some cheese curds involved, but don’t get overly ambitious since the portions are generous.
The cozy campground area with about 13 sites is perfect for those out for a drive or looking to relax, and the easy highway access with ample parking makes it convenient. Overall, it combines good food, kid-friendly vibes, and handy amenities for a welcoming experience.
The Lost Dutchman
$ | (651) 560-4488 | WEBSITE
The Lost Dutchman is a gem for pizza lovers, offering high-quality pies with flavorful sauce and a fantastic recipe. And though they’ve expanded to include a historic hotel, longtime fans will be happy that they’ve kept their thin crust and friendly staff as the main attractions. But what’s most exciting about this full experience is their impressive basement bar.
The cozy space looks like the underbelly of a pirate ship, with everything from Old Fashioneds to fresh cocktails—but some standouts include participating in Y2K trivia and enjoying the sauna room. Since their historic building has creaky floors and no modern amenities like elevators, be prepared to embrace the adventure of individually decorated rooms.
Pioneer Club
$$ | (651) 565-3309 | WEBSITE
With its neon signs, rustic wood accents, and a jukebox playing classic hits, Pioneer Club feels like a neighborhood spot that’s sponsored by one of Wabasha’s 279 community events. But instead of feeling like a chaotic party hall, the combination of the lively decor with the warm lighting is cozy and welcoming. The menu has a variety of consistently good, affordable grilled sandwiches as well as simpler sides and appetizers.
And since it’s BYOB-friendly on certain days, it’s great for a low-key gathering or dinner with friends where you can bring your favorite cider to pair with the retro booth you’ll be sitting in.
Herb + Arrow
$ | (651) 560-4680 | WEBSITE
Things are usually off to a good start at a restaurant when the server brings out a complimentary basket of warm, freshly baked bread. That’s the case at Herb + Arrow, an upscale sandwich shop where most things sandwich-adjacent are made in-house—paninis, flatbreads, even the pulled pork with sweet slaw and pickled onions. But the main things you should focus on here are the sandwiches.
The best way to do this is by ordering the chicken panini that melts in your mouth like butter, or the Chef’s jambalaya soup that’s been described as the best ever tasted. The space is welcoming (the tall ceilings give it an airy feel, and there’s ample parking), but the professional, attentive staff and the owners treating guests like family make it feel nice enough for a celebratory group dinner or a casual family outing.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (651) 565-2100 | WEBSITE
We appreciate Dairy Queen Grill & Chill for its reliability. This fast-food spot’s bright, clean space and upbeat pop soundtrack works for a quick family meal, while its efficient service system also handles the rush when your small ice cream run turns into a line of 10. But like its nationwide siblings, the reason to visit Dairy Queen is for the treats.
Whether it’s their classic soft-serve cones, Blizzards, or the free pup cup (a small serving of vanilla ice cream sometimes topped with bacon), these frozen delights should be your order’s highlight. And if you want to say you ate something savory, the hot and delicious grill items like burgers and fries are also satisfying, especially when Josh and Dave are working close to closing time—they might even surprise you with free ice cream.
Chocolate Escape
$ | (651) 565-0035 | WEBSITE
Chocolate Escape is a great spot if you want to indulge solo, or with just one other person. It’s almost all counter seating, and the place overall is a Chocolate Shop + Coffee Bar + Gift Boutique combination. You’ll find treats like milk and dark chocolate covered orange peel, dark chocolate covered peanuts, and a nice selection of truffles and other chocolate delights.
Riverboat Lanes
$ | (651) 565-3911 | WEBSITE
We all know Riverboat Lanes has the best pizza and cheese curds around. But as good as they are, that’s also how much of a hassle it can be to get a reservation during peak hours. That’s why coming later is so great. The pizza is not quite as piping hot when the place is nearly empty, but it’s pretty damn close, and you can always get a lane.
Hoppy Girl Brewing
$$ | (651) 564-1568 | WEBSITE
The vibe here is similar to that classic neighborhood pub where everyone knows your name, which is great news because the atmosphere at this cozy brewery is fantastic. Their specialty is craft beer, and options like the Hazy IPA and Russian Imperial Stout are all spectacular. The space is chill and welcoming, and works perfectly for a relaxed afternoon with friends.
Also worth noting is that they do a fantastic job with pets: Our dog felt right at home despite the bustling patio scene, thanks to Brenda’s attentive care.
J & J BBQ & Catering
$ | (715) 673-4717 | WEBSITE
J & J BBQ & Catering is going to become your new go-to barbecue spot in the neighborhood. This casual rib shack has a straightforward menu that focuses on smoked meats and classic sides, and J & J doesn’t shy away from flavor. The ribs have all the tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness you’re hoping for, and the brisket has just enough smoky bark to make you glad you ordered extra fries. They have a variety of sides and options for kids, like very good french fries.
Just know that the impressive collection of bourbon offers something for every taste, so you might want to plan accordingly.
Silver Star Saloon and Grill
$ | (651) 565-2800 | WEBSITE
Silver Star Saloon and Grill is one of our favorite casual spots near the river. And while standard options like the saloon burger are great, the best ones here are the unique Silver Star exclusives. There are standout dishes like the homemade Enchiladas with cranberry mayo, amazing onion rings, and the fantastic hand-breaded cheese curds. All of the creative variations pair perfectly with their toasted burger buns and seasoned fries, which are considered absolutely perfect.
Though the spacious dining area can accommodate large groups, it fills up around dinner time, so plan to leave work a little early for a “doctor’s appointment” if you want to beat the rush.
Eagle Valley Cafe
$ | (651) 565-2040 | WEBSITE
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that Eagle Valley Cafe is exactly what it sounds like—a classic American diner that does all the basics right. The menu is straightforward (think crispy fries, delicious cheese curds, and mouthwatering burgers like the California and bacon versions), and the breakfast options like eggs, sausage, and biscuits with gravy are solid too.
The place is clean, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is exactly what you’d want for a satisfying, no-fuss meal—which, incidentally, pairs pretty well with their reasonable prices.
Fresh Wok
$ | (651) 565-3800 | WEBSITE
Open daily with consistent hours that accommodate both lunch and dinner crowds, Fresh Wok is a reliable neighborhood staple. This cozy Chinese spot has been serving Wabasha’s hungry residents generous portions of flavorful food with thoughtful service. And while the classic dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken and General Tso’s are excellent, the fresh sushi rolls and garlic green beans are particularly satisfying additions to the menu.
Make sure to get your vegetables steamed hot and fresh—they arrive quickly even during busy times, which is probably an appropriate standard for a place that consistently delivers without disappointment.
Happy Hub
$ | (715) 495-7738 | WEBSITE
Happy Hub serves up some of our favorite healthy teas and shakes. And after discovering their cozy Wabasha location, their wellness drink domination continues with protein treats, perfect for anyone needing an energy boost. Every form of nutritious refreshment here is fantastic—vibrant teas, creamy shakes, protein-packed snacks, and delicious treats where the wholesome ingredients shine through like morning sunshine.
But the word is getting out about those protein treats, so show up earlier in the day to avoid missing out on your favorite flavors.
BJ’s Bar, Grill and Kampground
$ | (507) 534-3590 | WEBSITE
A family getaway with great food is the short way to sum up BJ’s Bar, Grill and Kampground. Their specialty is huge and juicy burgers, which come with all the classic fixings and a side of fries, but they also serve shrimp Alfredo and beef tip skillet if you want something different. Gather your crew and head to BJ’s for burgers and a swim.
The staff, including Shawn, adds to the welcoming atmosphere, and the kampground offers a kid-friendly environment with a sandy swimming area, pool, and a small catch-and-release pond. It’s a great spot for a family meal and fun.
West Side Tavern
$ | (651) 560-1212 | WEBSITE
West Side Tavern’s $12 Bloody Mary arrives with a massive beer chaser, setting the tone for a lively evening where you can sip cocktails while playing pool or darts. But the real thrill of this friendly Wabasha spot is the welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for hosting a birthday party or just stopping by with the family.
You’ll enjoy their famous chicken dumpling soup, watch kids get excited about the Santa express train, and appreciate the wheelchair accessibility that ensures everyone feels included. By the time you’ve finished your drink and said goodbye to the cheerful staff, you’ll already be planning your next visit to this great neighborhood tavern.
Town & Country Cafe
$ | (507) 767-4593 | WEBSITE
Town & Country Cafe is a warmly lit, family-friendly diner in Wabasha that specializes in excellent home-cooked breakfasts and delicious comfort food. You can get things like hearty daily specials, generous potato pancakes, or their wide-ranging menu options. Whichever dish you choose, make sure to save room for one of their impressive pies, especially the meringue pie with its towering 3-inch egg white topping.
Also worth noting: They have interesting decor to keep kids entertained if you’re dining with little ones.
Big Jo Pizza
$ | (651) 560-4119 | WEBSITE
Predictably, Big Jo Pizza serves a fantastic wood-fired pie. Naturally, the restaurant overlooks the scenic Wabasha bridge and the Mighty Mississippi. And unlike some spots, this place focuses entirely on wood-fired pizzas that you can enjoy as a whole pie or by the slice while sitting on the patio. Classics like the Pepperoni & Sausage are excellent, but so are the more creative options like the Sweet & Spicy Pepperoni.
The two friendly gentlemen working there make everything fresh with dough that has perfect consistency, flavor, and rise, and the owners provide great service with big smiles. It’s a relaxing atmosphere where good things take time, and the manager goes above and beyond to keep Wabasha busy for years to come.