If you are from the Midwest, especially Wisconsin, a trip to Wisconsin Dells is a family tradition. We visit Wisconsin Dells at least three times a year, and most of our mornings, we go out for breakfast in Wisconsin Dells to fuel up for a busy day. This lets us play all day without having to leave the waterparks or other adventures to find lunch.
For those that have never been, Wisconsin Dells is a small city in the central part of the state. It’s located along the scenic Wisconsin River and is known for its abundance of natural wonders, waterparks, and waterpark hotels. Odds are you’ll work up quite the appetite exploring this neck of the (literal) woods.
Days spent hiking nature trails surrounded by sculpted sandstone formations and taking thrill rides down water slides will have one thing in common: You better start the morning off right with a hearty breakfast!
There are many restaurants in Wisconsin Dells perfect for a morning feast to fill you up. Be prepared for the most important meal of the day with all of these best breakfasts in Wisconsin Dells suggestions. Here are some of our go breakfast restaurants in Wisconsin Dells.
1. Mr. Pancake
Mr. Pancake is a homey outpost for breakfast in Wisconsin Dells. It’s been a local favorite for over 50 years. As you can guess, they’re most famous for their stacks of fluffy pancakes. Most are buttermilk, though you can also find potato, wheat, oat, and corn on deck.
They use family recipes and make the batter fresh each day. The topping choices tend to be sweet and decadent, like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even Reese’s pieces. Their delicate blintzes are also great for a lighter alternative. The menu offers Belgian waffles and three-egg omelets for a more savory option. The rush tends to begin around 10:00 am, so it’s best to arrive before this to avoid any wait.
This restaurant is a seasonal restaurant, so they typically open in May and will serve up their top-rated Wisconsin Dells Breakfast through September.
2. Denny’s Diner
Denny’s Diner in Wisconsin Dells is not a part of the famous chain of restaurants of the same name. Instead, it’s a locally owned neighborhood favorite that first opened way back in 1980. The fresh cinnamon rolls and sticky buns are made each morning and are a great side for any order.
The space is covered in kitschy vintage memorabilia. The A La Carte options make ordering any combination of classic breakfast foods super easy. Otherwise, all the traditional choices made the cut, like Corned Beef Hash, Steak and Eggs, and Biscuits and Gravy. If you go on the weekend, be sure to try the Eggs Benedict. Breakfast is served until 2:00 p.m. here.
3. Stuff’s Restaurant
Stuff’s Restaurant serves up all the breakfast staples. It’s a full-service spot that’s open every day year-round, until 2:00 pm. The most iconic order here is the Big Bubba Breakfast, a freshly baked bun stuffed with potatoes, sausages, eggs, and cheese and then covered in country gravy.
The Combos and Skillets are also very popular and even include some vegetarian options. The bar offers coffees with Kahlua and Bloody Marys as well. Inside, there’s an old-school Northern ambiance, complete with mounted deer heads on the wall.
4. The Keg Bar & Grill
Also commonly called the Patio, the Keg is located in downtown Wisconsin Dells. The spacious outdoor seating tends to be the main draw here in the warmer months. They have a large stage where live music is often being performed. This makes it an extra fun and lively dining destination.
Breakfast is served until 11:00 am on weekdays and 12:00 pm on weekends. They have a simple American menu with a few choices under each category of platters, skillets, bennies, sweets, and A.M. sandwiches. It’s more expensive than some of the diner-style breakfast spots in Wisconsin Dells but well worth it for the full brunch experience.
We like to go eat breakfast here on the weekend and then spend a few hours wandering around checking all the things to do in Wisconsin Dells in the downtown area.
5. BJ’s Restaurant
BJ’s is a local chain of family-friendly restaurants that’s been around for over 40 years. They cook familiar homestyle cuisine for breakfast. It was once voted the top mom-and-pop shop in the entire state. Today, it’s open seven days a week until noon.
Everything is made fresh to order in this kitchen. The deluxe pancakes are perfectly fluffy, and the Farm Breakfast includes a little bit of everything in the best way. You can always expect fast service with a smile here, and everything is super affordable. Inside, you’ll find it to be very clean, with plenty of cozy booths for an all-around comfortable experience.
Related Article: Best Pizza Joints in Wisconsin Dells
6. Bella Goose Coffee – Café on the River
If you are looking for the best coffee in Wisconsin Dells, this is it. This international coffeehouse and roastery goes by two names, both of which signify the best spot to grab some java in the city. They have a strong focus on ethical practices and community within the art of making a quality cup of coffee.
The trademark lattes are all made with in-house syrups, organic sugar, and no preservatives. Milk alternatives are also available. The fresh smoothies made with real fruit can be a great light option for breakfast. For a heartier meal, try the spelt flour waffles, sunrise plate, or house-made granola.
7. Howie’s Restaurant
Howie’s has been a family-run hotspot for serving one of the best breakfasts in Wisconsin Dells for over 50 years. It’s home to the famous Howie’s Huge Breakfast, which has one egg, two pancakes, hash browns, and toast with jam.
It’s open all week long from 8:00 a.m. until noon. The Country Fried Chicken is also a surprisingly good morning order here. Anyone with a sweet tooth should go for the Texas Style French Toast. The atmosphere has a down-home diner feel. It can fill up fast, so expect a bit of wait when showing up here.
8. Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty
Paul Bunyan’s Northwoods Cook Shanty is a long-running American eatery. It opened over 60 years ago and has been run by four generations of the same family ever since. As you may have guessed, the decor is cabin-themed for a fun country ambiance.
Paul Bunyan’s all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in Wisconsin Dells is a must. It is served up lumberjack style. The food selection is on the simpler side and includes pancakes, sausages, hams, scrambled eggs, potatoes, biscuits & gravy. Buying an order of the homemade Buttermilk Donuts on the way out to enjoy later is also a must, no matter how full you feel.
9. Trappers Turn Golf Club
Trappers in another local favorite for holiday and Sunday brunches in Wisconsin Dells. A golf club may not be the most obvious choice for a delicious breakfast, but it certainly lives up to all the hype. Its restaurant is open all year round with a set meal price.
The views from the dining room are gorgeous, looking out over the finishing holes of the course. The cuisine includes both traditional dishes and more inventive fares. Breakfast is served from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The deluxe dessert station and mac and cheese bar are some of the novelty bonuses here. The waffles and biscuits & gravy have both gotten rave reviews as well.
10. High Rock Café
High Rock is a relaxed cafe for enjoying creative New American cuisine. It is also one of the best restaurants in Wisconsin Dells for dinner. It’s a modern spot that truly has something for everyone to enjoy. It was opened in 2004 by two lifelong chef friends ready to live out their dreams.
The handcrafted cocktails (or mocktails) and seasonal draft beers make for a fun brunch every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The simple menu is quite a departure from the normal diner-style plates with much more inventive dishes, like French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Tacos, and Avocado Toast. The bi-level historic building has been refurbished to exude a trendy atmosphere.
11. The Wintergreen Grille
This breakfast-focused outpost is located inside the Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center. The space is refined yet relaxed, the food is freshly prepared, and everything feels affordable. The best part for any family traveling with the little ones is that kids eat for free. Even without this deal, their value for classic American comfort food can’t be beaten.
The morning cocktails include mimosas, bellinis, bloody Marys, iced coffees, and more. Breakfast is served daily until 2:00 pm here. The menu is very extensive, with omelets, pancakes, waffles, and combos, which offer a blend of all the usual breakfast favorites.
12. Myrt and Lucy’s Chat & Chew Family Restaurant
Recently Closed, hoping they reopen
Myrt and Lucy’s is a local institution in the heart of downtown Wisconsin Dells. It’s a family-owned and operated restaurant. It was named in honor of each of the grandmothers on either side of the family, Lucy and Myrt, both of whom happen to be chefs.
The food is all cooked and served up home-style. The portions here are HUGE, so be sure to arrive hungry. Everything is made from scratch and to order, which occasionally means the service can be a little slower. On our last visit, we waited for a table and then again for 20-30 minutes for food. We were there for about 1.5 hours, so just plan accordingly.
The hot coffee comes with free refills (the coffee is nothing special), so you won’t ever have to see the bottom of the mug. You can build your own breakfast platter or order one of their famous farmhouse skillets. The specialty omelets and traditional entrees, like Country Fried Steak, are very tasty as well.
We highly suggest the Corned beef and hash. If you are looking for one of the best breakfasts in Wisconsin Dells to keep you full all day long, this is it. If you decide to order the pancake, only order one. This thing is massive.
Where do you think is the best breakfast in Wisconsin Dells?
If you visit during the winter or have a rainy day, consider grabbing a pint at one of these breweries in Wisconsin Dells and possibly ordering a pizza. Here is where to find the best pizza in Wisconsin Dells.
Make sure to check out some of our other Wisconsin Dells articles: best waterpark hotels in Wisconsin Dells, Kalahari Resort review, and things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
We would love to try out some new restaurants in Wisconsin Dells on our trip later this year.
nancy ann weiland
Monday 15th of August 2022
Moosejaw was very good.
B
Friday 5th of August 2022
What about Rivers Edge?
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Sunday 7th of August 2022
Rivers Edge is another great breakfast restaurant in Wisconsin Dells for sure!