Beloit Ain’t What It Used to Be: 8 New Spots You Need to Check Out

A lot has changed in the southern part of Wisconsin in the last decade and one city in particular has received a major glow up. We’re talking about Beloit of course! Their dining, hotel, infrastructure, and sports destinations have been completely revitalized. People are not only migrating there to live and enjoy the southern part of the state permanently, it’s also becoming a hot spot for mini-vacation getaways.
Check out these 8 hot spots in Beloit to visit on your next weekend getaway or staycation in south central Wisconsin!

Dining

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Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian 

You don’t need to travel far to find a truly amazing gourmet meal. Velvet Buffalo Modern Italian in downtown Beloit is the perfect blend of rustic charm with timeless taste. You can always taste the difference when restaurants use fresh ingredients to really bring their dishes to life. Plus, they keep a rotating seasonal menu with dishes made from scratch by using different regions of Italy as their source of inspiration. 
Beyond the gourmet food, this is also a hot spot to enjoy a killer wine list. As a matter of fact, the Velvet Buffalo just earned their Wine Spectator Restaurant Award in 2020 for their outstanding wine list. (If that doesn’t make you want to pop the cork on a bottle, I don’t know what will).  
From house-made pasta and artisan-style bread to sustainably sourced seafood and fun spins on traditional desserts, this is a must-stop restaurant for those enjoying the finer things in life. Velvet Buffalo is perfect for a date night, or if you’re looking to treat yourself to a really nice meal (P.S. – go ahead, you deserve it). 

truk’t

Feeling the pull for tacos and tequila? Trick question, I know you are. And with a truk’t margarita in hand and their garage doors open in the summer, you’ll be in a happy place (trust me).
truk’t takes culinary inspiration from around the world and serves them up in Beloit in the form of street tacos, tequila, and unique craft cocktails. You can enjoy a delightfully laid-back atmosphere for socializing and tasting off their taco options. truk’t provides those in, or visiting, Beloit the opportunity to experience Latin and other unique global-themed tacos, appetizers and sides unlike anything else in the city.

Bessie’s Diner

Okay, so this one is technically a town over in Janesville, but it’s worth the drive! This original home-town diner will give you all of the nostalgic feels while watching the planes take off from the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport. 
Bessie’s is the perfect crossover of traditional diner food that you love from your childhood, with a gourmet twist! You can dive into a plate of seasonally flavored pancakes, homemade apple doughnuts, a spicy Bloody Mary or a 4-egg destination omelet! Named after Beloit’s own Bessica Raiche, Bessie’s Diner offers family fun and a timeless experience for all ages.

Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering night, you’ll find the solution at Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar. This spot is right in the heart of historic downtown Beloit. Lucy’s #7 combines neighborhood traditions with a fun and inviting atmosphere with exceptional service (which really soars a restaurant experience over the top). Stop in for classic Wisconsin delicacies, like cheese curds and 20 Wisconsin beers on tap all year round, and one-of-a-kind stuffed burgers to get a true taste of the Midwest! 

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint

If you’re in the mood for a really top-notch steak, then this is the spot for you! Merrill & Houston’s is a classic steakhouse offering the freshest steaks and seafood around. You’ll love the rustic feel with hardwood floors, leather seating and historic photos abound. It just gives the quintessential Wisconsin steak house vibe! 
But the unique advantage here is that Merrill’s tells the story of Beloit’s industrial heritage on top of their focus for the highest quality food to serve to their guests. Good atmosphere, good food, and good nod to history? Sign me up!

The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin

Summer is upon us, and in a post-pandemic world, I know that you could use a glass of wine on a gorgeous rooftop. The Rooftop at Hotel Goodwin is Beloit’s only rooftop bar and event space, so this is your go-to space! 
The indoor/outdoor rooftop space hosts anything from wine tastings to weddings and everything in between. Whether you enjoy a handcrafted cocktail or a refreshing craft beer, there is something for everyone to enjoy when you’re on top of the town. This Rooftop is the perfect place to relax with friends, all while giving guests exclusive access to the views of vibrant downtown Beloit! 

Staying

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Hotel Goodwin

Speaking of the Hotel Goodwin, the rooftop isn’t the only fun part! Head downstairs and stay the night in one of their chic and classic boutique hotel rooms! The entire hotel was inspired by the 19th century Goodwin House, so Hotel Goodwin is an incredible mixture of history and modern luxury. Each room is distinctive with eye catching art, turntables and unique record collections, and glass showers. You will feel like you’re having a 5-star experience at this spot in Beloit! 

Ironworks Hotel

The Ironworks Hotel might be my personal favorite on this list! It’s a luxury boutique hotel located on the banks of the Rock River in downtown Beloit. It’s the perfect combination of rustic, Wisconsin vibes and luxury. 
Bonus? Merrill and Houston’s Steak Joint is inside of this hotel! Plus, it’s within walking distance of many other area attractions and nightlife. This is definitely the spot for people to work hard, play hard, and come together.  

For Sports Fans 

Bonus for sports fans! Beloit is currently expanding their downtown area to include a brand-new stadium for their minor league baseball team. The ABC Supply Stadium will be home of the Beloit Snappers, so make sure to check out a game and grab some popcorn when this space is up and running!
Whether you hit up one of these hot spots in Beloit (or all 8!) I think we can all agree on one thing: Beloit ain’t what it used to be. 
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To hear more about Beloit’s recent transformation and why this should be at the top of your list for new staycation destinations, check out this interview with Jeff Whiteman in episode 68 of The Cabin Podcast. 

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About Geronimo Hospitality Group
Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, Geronimo Hospitality Group owns and operates a growing collection of award-winning, upscale boutique hotels, restaurants and clubs. Committed to providing memorable guest experiences through its genuine service and original brands, Geronimo properties are distinguished as destinations of choice for locals and travelers in the cities they operate. For more information, visit: www.geronimohospitalitygroup.com.

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Susan Fochs: Marketing Coordinator for Discover Mediaworks. A self-proclaimed non-profit aficionado, coffee connoisseur, marketing nerd, and lover of all things Wisconsin.