
Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty in Wisconsin Dells
The Wisconsin Dells in central Wisconsin is a great family destination. It is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World”. During the summer months, it is filled with thrill seekers and those looking for a great family adventure. The natural beauty of the area is one of the highlights but the Dells also has some great food to enjoy as well. Here are our picks of the best Wisconsin Dells restaurants:

Del Bar in Wisconsin Dells
Del Bar
The Del Bar Supper Club has been a Wisconsin Dells staple since 1943. It is a local favorite and is often compared to the best steakhouses of Chicago. It is located on the Wisconsin Dells Pkwy near beautiful Lake Delton and is an interesting restaurant with several dining rooms for seating. The food is fine dining quality but the restaurant has a casual charm that makes it perfect to bring the whole family.

Cheese Curds from Del Bar in Wisconsin Dells
My own children insist that we start with the cheese curds which they call the best they have ever tasted. The steaks here are top notch but I often find myself ordering the shrimp de jonghe which is fabulous. Every Sunday through Thursday is Happy Hour in the lounge so be sure to get there early to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail. My family has been going to the Del Bar for years and we truly feel that it is one of the best restaurants in the Dells.
Sarento’s
Sarento’s is a great restaurant that features fabulous Italian cuisine. It is located on Wisconsin Dells Pkwy near the famous Wilderness Resort. This is a great place that uses fresh ingredients. They feature traditional pasta dishes but anything you order is sure to be a great meal.
Sundays through Thursdays is Happy Hour at the bar and Thursday and Saturday nights features live music. Sarento’s also serves some fantastic pizza that you can either order at the restaurant or have delivered to your resort. Sarento’s is a great option for large groups (there is a party room available) and is also a perfect place for a date night. There is also patio seating during the summer months.

River Walk Pub in Wisconsin Dells
The River Walk Pub
The River Walk Pub is next to downtown Wisconsin Dells right next to the Wisconsin River. It features on outside terrace with beautiful views and ample space while you eat. Inside is a large sports bar with a cozy rustic look.

The view from River Walk Pub in Wisconsin Dells
The pub is casual dining featuring comfort food like hamburgers and french fries. I really enjoyed the Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich and my kids loved the Kickin Chicken Sandwich.

River Walk Pub Bar in Wisconsin Dells
The patio is dog friendly and is available for seating during the summer months. You can also listen to live music Friday and Saturday nights.

Eating with our dog on the patio at River Walk Pub in Wisconsin Dells
House of Embers
The House of Embers is a great choice when you want ribs! It has a fabulous patio area overlooking the Wisconsin Dells Pkwy. It features a beautiful stone fireplace that can be seen from the road. The House of Embers also has specialty dining rooms that can seat two to eight people.

House of Embers in the Wisconsin Dells. Photo credit: House of Embers
Rooms like the Humphrey Bogart Room or the Ben Franklin room are uniquely decorated and offer a cozy space for more private dining. They feature a daily happy hour at the bar and live music on weekends.
Kaminski’s Chop House
Chula Vista Resort is a stunning property in the Wisconsin Dells and it is home to an upscale dining experience called Kaminski’s Chop House. Known for hand cut, dry aged beef, Kaminski’s frequently is called one of the top Wisconsin Dells restaurants.
Every meal will render huge portions so you will never leave hungry. It is best to book reservations in advance since Kaminski’s is one of the best Wisconsin Dells restaurants.

Moosejaw Pizza in the Wisconsin Dells. Photo credit: Moosejaw Pizza
Pizza Places
It is impossible to go to the Wisconsin Dells area without seeing all the amazing pizza places in town. They are all family friendly restaurants and some are truly unique. Pizza Pub is located on Wisconsin Dells Pkwy and is known for a fabulous lunch buffet featuring all the pizza you can eat. For dinner, you can enjoy pasta, sandwiches and wraps as well as their famous pizza. Pizza Pub will also deliver to your resort.
Buffalo Phils is a fun place that is best known for delivering your food by train. Located near the Outlets of the Dells just off of I-90 at exit 92, it specializes in rotisserie chicken, bbq, and of course, pizza. You can also go there to see the unique lego brick city.

Train delivered food at Buffalo Phil’s in Wisconsin Dells. Photo credit: Buffalo Phil’s
Finally, you would have to be blind if you didn’t notice the Moosejaw Pizza cars delivering pizza all over the Dells area. It is located on Wisconsin Dells Pkwy. Known for their iconic mooses that top the cars, Moosejaw Pizza can be delivered, or you can eat at their large establishment. Moosejaw is also a brewery featuring several original brews. The basement is a large arcade so it is a fun place to bring your kids.

Huge statue of Paul Bunyan in Wisconsin Dells
Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty
No list of best Wisconsin Dells restaurants would be complete without including Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty. This iconic establishment is known for their all you can eat family style feasts. This is a place that the whole family will enjoy. It is located on State Highway 13.

Famous Buttermilk donuts at Paul Bunyans in Wisconsin Dells
The breakfast with their famous buttermilk donuts is my family’s favorite meal in the Dells. When you walk up to the entrance you will smell the incredible aroma of the donuts baking in the oven. There is often a long line in the front but don’t worry, the line moves fast. Large groups are welcome in the shanty.
The rustic cabin interior makes a unique setting with a camp like feel. There is also a large gift shop so leave enough room to browse for souvenirs on your way out. Finally, don’t forget to take a family picture in front of Paul Bunyan himself as you leave.

Denny’s Diner in Wisconsin Dells
Denny’s Diner
I had to save one of my family’s favorites for last. Denny’s Diner is an old-school eatery known for their “world famous cinnamon rolls”. It is the perfect place to grab a classic breakfast with an old 50’s vibe. It is located on Munroe Ave. (right where rt. 12 takes a turn) near Moosejaw Pizza.

World famous cinnamon roll at Denny’s Diner in Wisconsin Dells
The restaurant is filled with nostalgic pieces of Americana, such as the life-sized Superman in a real phone booth. Or the Donald Duck, unicycling on a tight rope strung across the restaurant. There is an old fashioned train running the length of the ceiling and even the grinch himself meets you as the pay the check year round. My teenagers love the classic video games in the back and we all love the best food made from scratch. A trip to the Wisconsin Dells is never complete without a breakfast at Denny’s Diner!

Playing on a pinball machine in Denny’s Diner at Wisconsin Dells
Conclusion
The Wisconsin Dells is a great destination that the entire family will enjoy. You are sure to have a great time at the outdoor water parks while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Be sure to check out our list of the best Wisconsin Dells restaurants. They are sure not to disappoint.
Happy Travels!
Your thoughts
Have you been to the Wisconsin Dells? Which of our recommendations have you done? Which of our recommendations are you going to try? Do you disagree with any of our suggestions? What are we missing? Join the conversation and share any tips, questions or additional thoughts in the comments!
For more travel ideas be sure to check out our other posts!
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