January 5, 2023 •Brian Hogan
…as voted by our clients and community members!
We have been spending more time in a popular Chicagoland vacation spot, Lake Geneva, WI, and its surrounding area while working on some vacation home remodeling projects for our clients. As we redesigned homes to accommodate friends and family and updated kitchens to prepare for gatherings, we also began to wonder about Lake Geneva area dining for those moments when one wants a vacation from cooking and cleaning themselves. We asked, and you all answered. Read on to learn which restaurants made it on our list as voted by our clients and community members.
The Best TWO Overall Dining Experiences in Lake Geneva
That's right. Our community poll resulted in a tie for the best waterfront and overall Lake Geneva restaurant dining experience.
Mars Resort on Lake Como, in Lake Geneva, WI
Mars Resort is an exceptional place to experience a classic Wisconsin supper club atmosphere and dining experience. The resort is open seven days a week and is located on the beaches of Lake Como, offering stunning views. During the winter months, igloos can be reserved on Friday through Sunday for those wishing to continue dining al fresco. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The menu features a wide selection of classic dishes and contemporary creations that will tantalize your taste buds. For entertainment, on Fridays and Saturdays year-round, you can enjoy the music as someone tickles the ivories in their piano bar. During the summer months, you can sit lakeside and enjoy live music as part of their summer concert series. You'll be sure to have a memorable evening at Mars Resort in Lake Geneva, WI. This restaurant averages 4.5 stars with 1.5K reviews on Google.
Pier 290 of Williams Bay, Wisconsin, on Lake Geneva
Pier 290 offers a delightful atmosphere to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The restaurant has a wonderful outdoor patio overlooking the lake, making it the perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning views. The permanent fire pits and igloo dining they offer during winter allow visitors to enjoy the "Lake Life" all year. Inside, the restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere with various seating options. The menu features delightful, fresh seafood dishes and classic American favorites. And kids eat free every day before 6 pm, making it an ideal spot for families! The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring your dining experience is enjoyable and memorable. With live music and themed nights, Pier 290 offers year-round entertainment in addition to delicious food. Pier 290 is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful setting for two or the entire family. This restaurant averages 4.3 stars with 1.4K reviews on Google.
The Best Fine Dining in Lake Geneva
The Hunt Club Steakhouse at Geneva National Resort
The Hunt Club Steakhouse is an excellent choice for an adult fine dining experience. The historical building with Player Course & Lake Como views offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a classic yet casual steakhouse vibe. The menu features beautifully-plated, traditional mouthwatering steakhouse fare. The restaurant offers an extensive and award-winning wine list for wine lovers and holds popular monthly wine dinners. The Hunt Club is a perfect spot for special events, with two private rooms accommodating 14 - 20. Whether you're looking for a romantic night out or a fun evening with friends, The Hunt Club Steakhouse is a great option. This restaurant averages 4.4 stars with 519 reviews on Google.
The Best Traditional Supper Club
Duck Inn Supper Club in Delavan, WI
In nearby Lake Delavan, visitors can enjoy a traditional supper club experience reliving a bit of history from the prohibition era at the Duck Inn Supper Club. Formerly a speakeasy, people would secretly "duck in" for a drink. Today, the Duck Inn offers a traditional supper club experience with a classic menu featuring steak, seafood, and classic cocktails. This may be the perfect spot if you are looking for an authentic Wisconsin supper club experience. This restaurant averages 4.5 stars with 950 reviews on Google.
The Quintessential Lake Geneva Spot
Popeye's on Lake Geneva is a landmark for long-time visitors to the downtown shopping district. Best known for its rotisserie chicken and fish fry, people flock to Popeye's for its great food, excellent service, and lovely views of Lake Geneva. It has become a beloved spot for its quirky atmosphere that gives the diner so much to look at and explore. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Popeye's is the place to go for a truly memorable experience. However, be forewarned, there could be a wait at this very popular spot. This restaurant averages 3.7 stars with 2K reviews on Google.
The Best Pizza in Lake Geneva, WI
Oakfire Pizza Napoletana Bar in Lake Geneva
Oakfire Pizza, for short, offers a fantastic selection of authentic pizzas and Italian dishes. The service is friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is modern and industrial yet maintains a cozy and inviting feel. The staff is very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about the menu. The wood-fired oven gives the pizzas an amazing flavor, and the quality of the ingredients is top-notch. All in all, Oakfire is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and great conversation. This restaurant averages 4.4 stars with 2.2K reviews on Google.
The Best Breakfast Spots in Lake Geneva, WI
Daddy Maxwell's Diner & Cafe in Williams Bay, WI
It's no surprise that Daddy Maxwell's is one of the top must-dine breakfast spots in the area. Often referred to as the Igloo restaurant because of its unique domed architecture, the interior features a colorful and lively classic diner feel with an eclectic collection of decor. The menu features classic breakfast and lunch diner fare, an extensive array of dessert options for the sweet-toothed, and a Friday fish fry. The service is friendly and attentive. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast or a light bite, Daddy Maxwell's is the place to go. This restaurant averages 4.4 stars with 538 reviews on Google.
A newcomer to the Lake Geneva scene, Bay Cooks in Williams Bay, WI, is a Mexican-American restaurant that also offers sweet and savory breakfast options as well as delicious lunch and dinner menus. Upon its opening in February 2022, it is quickly becoming a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is modern yet gives off a traditional diner vibe, so you get the best of both worlds. The food is always fresh and made with the utmost care. Plus, the staff is always friendly, so you'll have a great experience no matter what time of day you visit. This restaurant averages 4.8 stars with 78 reviews on Google.
We have highlighted eight restaurants above, but our community has provided an additional list of notables we would be remiss without mentioning. Next time you are in the Lake Geneva area, check out these spots too, and let us know what you think!
The Waterfront on Brown Lake in Burlington, WI
Crandall's Restaurant in Hebron, IL (just across the border)
Chuck's Lakeshore Inn in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI
The Fork in the Road in Mukwonago, WI
Tuscan Tavern & Grill in Lake Geneva, WI
Joni's Diner in Lake Geneva, WI
Did you know that Hogan Design & Construction's service area reaches as far north as Southeastern Wisconsin? If you require remodeling and home-building services in the Lake Geneva area, we are here to help. Contact us today to get started.
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