Cedarburg might be small, but its culinary scene punches way above its weight class. With so many charming spots vying for your attention, deciding where to eat can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve done the legwork. From cozy supper clubs serving classic Friday night fish fries to innovative bistros where the cheese curds are a work of art, your perfect table is waiting on this list.
Lakeside Cookie Co.
$ | (262) 343-3862 | WEBSITE
On any given afternoon, almost every single customer at Lakeside Cookie Co. is a regular. And all those customers have at least one Dumpster Fire, a vibrant cookie that’s sweet and spicy and makes us dream of cozy evenings with good company. Make sure you try one, and bonus points if you enjoy it sitting by their big front window.
The bakery works best for a treat (as mentioned), or for a casual stop with a few delicious options, like some Chocolate Chunk with milk, or beautifully decorated sugar cookies with sprinkles.
Maxwell’s
$ | (262) 377-7025 | WEBSITE
“I JUST WANNA EAT!” is the hungry rallying cry that results in 98% of casual nights out in Cedarburg ending at Maxwell’s. If your group wants to get fed, this is the place to do it. That said, there’s also plenty of space in the back room with booths for people who would rather stoically sip their beers and/or have hearty chats over burgers. Come before the dinner rush, or risk having to wait for a table in the noisy bar area.
C. Wiesler’s
$ | (262) 377-8833 | WEBSITE
At C. Wiesler’s, you can enjoy an absolutely satisfying meal in a cozy historic setting while taking in all the homely atmosphere your heart desires. One of Cedarburg’s top family-run spots for a while now, this welcoming place with colorful umbrella-topped deck seating is a family-night classic, and it also works well for a solo meal at the bar.
There’s a fantastic fish fry selection, and there’s also plenty of beer cheeseburger options, in case you need to eat something that’s a little more substantial.
Boulangerie Du Monde
$ | (262) 375-1050 | WEBSITE
If you want a croissant, go to Boulangerie Du Monde. This is the bakery in the heart of Cedarburg, and it’s the best place in town to grab a fresh pastry and stroll to Cedar Creek Park. It feels a little more like Paris than Wisconsin, however, so expect a crowd of eager locals and a line out the door in the morning. (If you want to avoid that, place your order early.) Bring a friend who’s visiting from out of state. They’ll be impressed.
Out & Out
$ | (262) 377-5515 | WEBSITE
Out & Out is a go-to spot where you’ll find great gluten-free options on nearly every item and customers who appreciate straightforward, delicious food. But the Cuban sandwich and Lemon Ice Float bring something truly special to the neighborhood. They currently have a menu of sandwiches and wraps, all labeled accordingly, like the absolute hits that are the Original and Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese.
We especially love the Caramel and espresso shake and the smooth, straightforward catering process. The space is beautiful and the staff are just incredible, with fast service that makes it a must-visit in the area.
Galioto’s Twelve21
$$ | (262) 377-8085 | WEBSITE
It isn’t just a name. They actually serve scratch-made food here. So if you love fresh meals, but your kitchen won’t let you make them, or if you want to use a restaurant to get yourself a date night, check this place out. Galioto’s Twelve21 is a wonderful spot in Cedarburg where you’ll pretty much always get piping hot dishes. Special requests are not required, however. Most people just come here for the impeccable service, the old-world atmosphere, and the personable vibes.
Stilt House Gastro Bar
$ | (262) 618-4889 | WEBSITE
There’s always something happening at the Stilt House Gastro Bar, a riverside spot by the bike trail. Some afternoons, you might catch live music on the huge back patio. Other times, there’s a happy hour special, and if you visit on a weekend, you can enjoy the sunset over the water while sipping a blueberry cucumber mule. The atmosphere is cozy and decorated with rustic charm, and, no matter when you drop by, there’s a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Menu highlights stay consistent, but you can count on things like the Stilt Burger, Fiesta Shrimp Tacos, and the outstanding Maple Bacon Chicken sandwich.
The Farmstead
$$ | (262) 375-2655 | WEBSITE
There are about a dozen cozy dinner spots in Cedarburg, but The Farmstead might be the best (top three, at the very least). It’s unpretentious, but the food is top-of-the-line, and every server knows what they’re doing. So even if you’re unsure about the menu, they’ll guide you with a few suggestions. Settle in with a few friends, and claim one of the rustic wooden tables. Or stop by with a date.
This place gets crowded, so be prepared to wait by the old farmhouse door if you come here on a weekend.
The Chocolate Factory
$ | (262) 377-8877 | WEBSITE
With its cheerful red-checkered tablecloths and vintage candy shop decor, this family-friendly spot feels like a childhood birthday party you wish you could relive. Consider the rotating ice cream flavors mandatory, especially if it’s their rich, satisfyingly creamy chocolate fudge ripple. Or for the less adventurous, try the classic vanilla bean. This smooth, sweet scoop is topped with rainbow sprinkles, and served in a waffle cone—nostalgic as any summer memory, but twice as delicious.
The Chocolate Factory is also great for a quick lunch break, ideally with someone who’s up for sharing the wonderfully savory meatball sub.
The Fermentorium Brewery and Tasting Room
$ | (262) 421-8593 | WEBSITE
Visiting The Fermentorium in Cedarburg feels like spending an afternoon in a friend’s spacious workshop—if that friend happened to brew and study dozens of varieties of craft beer. There’s technically no printed menu here. Instead, all you need to do is chat with the passionate owner, Kristopher, about what you enjoy drinking (or what you’re curious to try for the first time).
Whether you’re looking for a single pint, a $25 flight, or something special from their rotating selection that includes everything from light lagers to robust IPAs, the team at The Fermentorium is going to pour you something satisfying every time.
Toast Cedarburg
$ | (262) 421-8007 | WEBSITE
Another weekend-morning staple, Toast Cedarburg is Cedarburg’s best family-friendly brunch spot. This is not where you go for a quick, quiet bite alone. This is where you come when you want to seem like a Cedarburg regular and have a fantastic meal with people you already know and (hopefully) love. Everything about this place—from the excellent (albeit large) portions to the vinyl-record decor—is impressive. Keep in mind, service can be slow at busy times.
North 48
$ | (262) 421-8723 | WEBSITE
North 48 is a cozy, sophisticated spot, and it’s where you go to relax with a quality drink among friends. They also have live bands on certain days, so check the schedule if that’s what you’re after. Expect this place to be busy when the music’s on, however, and take note of the extensive tap list of hard-to-get beers and seasonal cocktails. The Bloody Mary is a standout favorite. Order one.
Hefner’s Frozen Custard & Jumbo Burgers
$ | (262) 376-0601 | WEBSITE
Hefner’s Frozen Custard & Jumbo Burgers has all the fun parts of a classic American burger joint (jumbo portions, friendly staff) without the bad parts of a fast-food spot (rushed service and generic flavors). Like many Cedarburg favorites, Hefner’s is also nice and cozy, so it’s a fun place to come with the family. Grab a massive burger, try the rotating frozen custard flavors, and stick around in the summer if you want to enjoy the shaded outdoor seating under those mature trees.
Union House Cedarburg | Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (262) 421-8068 | WEBSITE
Union House Cedarburg is a Wisconsin spot that feels like a cozy neighborhood tavern with a touch of city sophistication. The intimate space is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting that creates a relaxed vibe. If you’re looking for a place to unwind with friends over shared plates and good drinks, it’s a solid choice.
Order a round of sangrias, sample some tapas like the baked goat cheese or pesto steak crostini, and enjoy the friendly service from attentive staff like Kimberly. The patio seating in summer with occasional live music adds to the casual charm, making it perfect for a laid-back evening out.
Jim’s Grille
$ | (262) 377-7177 | WEBSITE
Finding a small-town diner that nails comfort food can be tricky. Many spots miss the mark—but Jim’s Grille is one that gets it right. The food here (especially that crispy chicken sandwich) is consistently awesome, and it adds to the feeling that you might have just stepped into a classic American roadside joint from decades past. More reasons why we love this place: a great value, those homemade potato chips, and that amazing fish fry.
Chiselled Grape Winery
$$ | (262) 377-8777 | WEBSITE
Chiselled Grape Winery is as refined a tasting room as you’ll find anywhere in Cedarburg, but it’s also a personalized experience, where reds, whites, blends, and everything in between find a place on their expertly curated list. Because of that, it’s never a bad idea to head to Chiselled Grape—there’s always a wine to discover.
And on the off-chance that you’re not sure what you like, they have a welcoming atmosphere, reasonably priced tastings around $15, and a surprisingly good time with the knowledgeable staff who really care about helping you find wines you love.
