While the city certainly captures a vibrant and delectable culinary scene, some of Wisconsin’s best restaurants are located far from the city lights and busy streets. Home to many tucked-away culinary treasures, Washington County’s secluded dining scene not only boasts of immaculate flavors but also incredible views. When dining in Washington County, there’s always a view, whether it’s the charming countryside or the peaceful lakeside. Join us as we explore Washington County–a hidden dining destination!
Countryside Restaurants
Beginning our dining discovery of Washington County, we’re heading to the small, unincorporated town of St. Lawrence, home to the iconic Little Red Inn. The Little Red Inn is centrally located, making it the ultimate community hang-out and meeting place.
Its charming and comfortable atmosphere, where everyone knows everyone, is paired with mouth-watering meals. Enjoy fine steaks, seafood, and chicken, any day of the week. Especially on Wednesdays, taste their famous dish–liver and onions. More specialty dishes are offered on Thursdays, and trust us, you’re in for a treat with ‘Hog Wild!’
To top it off, the Little Red Inn is home to some of the tastiest treats–ice cream drinks! One of the most popular flavors is the Butterfinger Blitz Ice Cream Drink, created by the bartender.
Another tasty countryside restaurant awaits in Jackson, Wisconsin…The Jailhouse Restaurant. This rustic restaurant believes that the entire staff is part of something bigger than themselves, taking pride in their mission of excellent service.
Aside from incredible service, The Jailhouse serves magical savory specials, including steak, seafood, prime rib, fish fry, and garden-herb roasted tenderloin, to name a few. The Jailhouse has been around since 1846, when it was a general store, however, has evolved over the years into a true culinary treasure.
Lakeside Restaurants
Dining in Washington County means high-quality foods AND breathtaking views, especially in the lakeside restaurants. Situated on the shores of Big Cedar Lake, and nestled in 85 stunning acres, Timmer’s Resort & Restaurant is a must when exploring Washington County’s secluded dining scene.
Since 1882, Timmer’s has been a historic tourist attraction, and today is even a popular event venue. For over 130 years, Timmer’s has been a well-known restaurant, started by the Timmer family in the 1880s. What started with a dining hall of the Timmer family home has become a remarkable restaurant that visitors and locals alike have the joy of relishing in both the flavors and the views.
The secret to Timmer’s food? An elegant menu ALL made from scratch! A few of the most famous dishes are the walleye and baked brie. These tasty dishes, along with the hideaway ambiance, will keep you coming back for more.
For another lakeside culinary treasure, add The Copper Dock to your must-try list. Located on Friess Lake, just outside of Hubertus, The Copper Dock offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience, carrying on the Wisconsin supper club tradition.
The Copper Dock is more than just a Wisconsin tradition, it’s a family tradition, run by a father-daughter duo. While their meals are traditionally selected, each is crafted with a unique twist. Taste their marvelous walleye, seafood casserole, and seared scallops. The list goes on and on…
From the Producer
Discovering Washington County–a hidden dining destination–is one of the most delectable experiences you can enjoy in Wisconsin. But don’t just take it from us, take it from Discover Wisconsin producer Jessica Vokoun, who was behind the camera:
“I’m a little bit of a foodie, so shooting at restaurants for Discover Wisconsin is definitely one of my favorite perks. We have the opportunity to visit and sample food from some of Wisconsin’s favorite restaurants. These are restaurants that the locals know and love! And of course, they always want to showcase their best menu options. The ‘Tucked Away Dining in Washington County’ short was especially fun – because it was 4 of the best dining experiences, in the most beautiful locations, in Washington County. I’m definitely going back to The Copper Dock at sunset for their beef carpaccio, the Jailhouse for blueberry cheesecake, Timmer’s for live music and a cocktail, and The Little Red Inn for a Friday Fish Fry!”
Check out the dining experience firsthand by watching Discover Wisconsin’s original short, ‘Tucked Away Dining, in Washington County’ below:
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Washington County is FULL of tucked-away culinary treasures that each offer unique flavors and incredible views, from the charming countryside to the peaceful lakeside. Now it’s your turn to go dining in Washington County–a hidden dining destination!
What’s your all-time favorite Washington County restaurant? Let us know in the comments below!
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
