Looking for the best downtown Lake Geneva restaurants? Here are the best 7 local recommendations that you shouldn’t miss!
As one of the most beautiful towns in Wisconsin, Downtown Lake Geneva is home to an array of dining experiences. There are so many great downtown Lake Geneva restaurant options it really comes down to what you like! From fish frys, to casual american fare, to dining with a lakeview, there really is something for everyone!
My family has been around the lake since the 1930s so I rounded up a list of the top 7 can’t miss downtown Lake Geneva restaurants to check out.
Insider tip: the majority of restaurants in downtown Lake Geneva do not take reservations and can get pretty busy during peak resort season. My recommendation is to go with the flow, enjoy a drink while you wait and take advantage of the area without being in a rush. If you have kids and waiting 30 minutes isn’t an option, check out my family friendly places you should try here.
Top 7 Downtown Lake Geneva Restaurants
- Oakfire (wood fired neapolitan pizzas & craft cocktails in buzzy lakefront restaurant)
- Popeyes (landmark lakefront restaurant known for rotisserie meats, sandwiches and seafood)
- Lake City Social (large family friendly bar/restaurant in the Cove hotel featuring Wisconsin favorites like cheese curds, fish fry and manhattan drinks and innovative fusion dishes)
- Sabai Sabai (thai food and sushi)
- Magpies Den and Pen (recently renovated bar with huge outdoor patio, fire pits and outdoor games)
- Next Door Pub (local favorite known for some of the best family style pizza, burgers and wings in the area)
- Flat Iron Tap (small bar/restaurant known for their great burgers and 100 beer/wine selection)
This post is all about the best downtown Lake Geneva restaurants.
Oakfire
Oakfire is a two story restaurant specializing in wood fired neapolitan pizzas while also offering salads, sandwiches and gluten free pizza crust options to pair with one of their amazing craft cocktails.
Open for lunch and dinner, this place always has a buzz since it’s located right across from the lake and Rivera building (where you jump on the narrated boat tours.)
Due to the great location and food, parking and wait times can be a challenge during peak season/times.
I don’t recommend it during peak times for families with young kids, since they don’t take reservations. For those of you who don’t have to worry about young kids, check it out!! There is always a crowd and I love the two story design. It reminds me of a rooftop bar in Chicago.
The Mickey mouse shaped pizza was a hit with my son and the House Margarita with blood orange liquor and hibiscus syrup is my favorite!
Hours: Sun – Thurs 11AM – 8PM; Fri & Sat 11AM – 9PM
Popeyes
Sitting right next door to Oakfire, the great location can mean there is a wait during peak time and no reservations are accepted.
I suggest you put in your name and grab a drink at their bar (which has quirky lake life decor).
Some of my family’s favorites are the fish fry (available all day Friday), my son loved the ribs and bratwurst links, and my husband gets the crispy fries and ribeye steak.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30-8pm; Fri/Sat 11:30-9pm;
Lake City Social
Lake City Social, located in the Cove Hotel, is the place that we normally take our boys when we go somewhere to eat in downtown Lake Geneva. The restaurant and bar is pretty large, which means even on busy days the wait has been manageable, and we’ve been seated pretty quickly. You will see lots of families here so very family friendly! They DO take reservations for parties of 8 or more which I highly recommend!
The menu is American inspired (burgers, salads, ribs, etc) but they also have unique fusion offerings like Tuna Poke, Wisconsin street corn mac & cheese, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and more! The portions are large so be prepared to take some home.
Insider Tip: Across the street is an open green space with two gazebos facing the lake. If there is a wait I have taken my boys to run around there which makes time fly way faster!
Click here for Lake City Social Menu.
Hours: Sun-Thursday 11-9pm; Fri/Sat 11-10pm
Sabai Sabai Thai & Sushi
If you are looking for sushi or Thai food while in downtown Lake Geneva this restaurant will hit the spot! The building was originally a home, which was then converted into this cozy restaurant.
The is also one of the few places downtown Lake Geneva that TAKES RESERVATIONS which I highly recommend!
In addition to sushi they also offer delicious Thai noodle dishes and soups and one heck of a Thai coffee! I always like to try a new Thai dish while I am there since there are so many amazing options.
The staff has always been so attentive whenever I have gone we keep coming back! Hours are a bit funky since they close between lunch and dinner so check online that they are open before heading out.
For the Sabai Sabai menu click here.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30-2:30 & 4-8:30pm; Friday 11:30-2:30 & 4-9pm; Sat 12-2:30 & 4-9pm; Sunday 12-2:30 & 4-9pm
Magpie’s Den and Pen
This recently renovated bar with outdoor patio, fire pits and outdoor games is known for their fried pickles and Sunday Funday bottomless mimosas! Their better than bar food features sharbles, a large array of burgers and sandwiches (including a vegetarian version), plus Roman flatbreads made with rice flour. They have live music and lots of other fun events so check out their calender and stop by. This restaurant is located right off of main street across from O2, the bubble tea shop.
They also have daily specials that you can check out with their menu here.
Next Door Pub & Pizzeria
This casual restaurant is a local favorite that has been honored with several awards including best casual bar, best chicken wings (my son agrees!), best pizza and best burger. The restaurant is located a five minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva and you will see everyone here from couples, families, larger groups and single people at the bar. They also have a dog friendly outdoor patio.
In addition to being known for its delicious pizzas it has one of the most extensive gluten free menus around! They offer salads, pastas, pizza, pub burgers, flatbreads, appetizers and other options ALL gluten free. They also have cool “Pizza of the Month” specials if you are looking to try something unique like a cheesesteak pizza. This is my family’s go to spot for pizza and burgers!
Click here for the Next Door Pub & Pizzeria Menu.
Hours: M- Th 11-9pm; Fri/Sat 11-10pm; Sun 12-9pm;
No reservations accepted.
Flat Iron Tap
This newish addition to downtown Lake Geneva has quickly become a fan favorite. With a funky decor (motorbikes are on the wall!), AMAZING burgers, and over 100 beers and wine this cozy bar/restaurant should definitely be on your must try list.
The burgers are top notch and portions are large so get ready to take some home. I personally LOVE the cheese curds and brussel sprouts and if you have a beer lover in the family the beer flights are fun! The first time we went I was expecting bar food but I was blown away by the quality!
No online menu but you can check out images of the food they put out here.
Hours: Monday closed; Tu-Th 11-9pm; Fri/Sat 11-11pm; Sunday 11-9pm
No matter what you are looking for, you can find something delicious by visiting these downtown Lake Geneva restaurants. I hope you try at least one during your next visit!
This post is all about the best downtown Lake Geneva restaurants.
