Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Eau Claire, WI

EAU CLAIRE. Known for their hearty, homestyle fare, the Maple Lounge is one of Eau Claire's favorite breakfast...

EAU CLAIRE. Known for their hearty, homestyle fare, the Maple Lounge is one of Eau Claire's favorite breakfast destinations. The restaurant is located in a quintessentially American roadside motel, complete with redbrick exterior and huge neon signage. If your appetite is sharp, opt for the Big Maple Breakfast (three eggs, three sausages, three pancakes, and hash browns). Lunch options include everything from burgers to meat-n-threes.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-1:15pm; Sat-Sun 6am-11:15am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. When this traditional steakhouse opened its doors in the fall of 2002, it immediately became one of downtown's...

DOWNTOWN. When this traditional steakhouse opened its doors in the fall of 2002, it immediately became one of downtown's best-kept secrets. Colorful stained glass windows make Houligan's Barstow Street storefront stand out, and the restaurant's interior has all the warmth and charm of a traditional Irish pub (the original Houligan's, which opened in 1975, was a pub), complete with green ceilings, hardwood floors, dark-stained trim work, maroon-hued walls, and the melodic sounds of Irish folk music in the background. The menu brings a touch of the big city to Eau Claire, featuring everything from fresh Maine lobster to New York strips flavored with candied garlic sauce to seafood paella. Reservations are suggested.

Hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

EAU CLAIRE. Located in the downtown Ramada Convention Center and home to what is billed as "one of Eau Claire's best...

EAU CLAIRE. Located in the downtown Ramada Convention Center and home to what is billed as "one of Eau Claire's best Friday night fish fries," Porter's offers a refined but casual setting where travelers can enjoy a hot meal and a bit of pampering. The contemporary-decorated dining room overlooks Barstow Street, and cozy bar is a popular gathering spot for the downtown crowd. The menu runs the gamut, including everything from St. Louis BBQ ribs to grilled mahi mahi to prime rib to pasta dishes, appeasing most any craving. Early morning and mid-day diners are not overlooked either, as the Bistro opens early and offers a full array of hearty breakfast omelets, warps, burgers, and salads.

Hours: Mon-Thu 6:30am-2pm, 5pm-9pm; Fri 6:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 6:30am-10pm; Sun 6:30am-Noon, 5pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. One of Eau Claire's most popular pizza places is in a beautifully-renovated building whose interior features...

DOWNTOWN. One of Eau Claire's most popular pizza places is in a beautifully-renovated building whose interior features exposed red brick walls and a high gray-colored pressed-tin ceiling. The kitchen serves up a dizzying array of pies, from the Fantasy Island (marinated chicken, pineapple, and island sauce) to The Tropical Treat (Canadian bacon, shrimp, green peppers, and pineapple). They also prepare wings, burgers, and pasta dishes. A word to the wise, food here always goes down better with a cold glass of 1919 Root beer.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-1am; Thu-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. Aside from gourmet coffees and delectable sweets, this coffee shop features inviting...

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. Aside from gourmet coffees and delectable sweets, this coffee shop features inviting lounge areas with couches, cushy chairs, and floor lamps, making it an easy favorite with readers, students cramming for finals, or those who enjoy just enjoy discussing current events with friends over a latte or two. The Nucleus offers breakfast and lunch including signature french toast and pancake recipes, unique omelettes, homemade soups and quiche, and authentic hand spun crêpes.

Hours: Coffee Lounge Mon-Fri 7am-Midnight; Sat-Sun 8am-Midnight
The Nucleus Thu-Sun 8am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

WEST GRAND. A coffee shop on the proverbial other side of the river from downtown, this neighborhood charmer sits on the...

WEST GRAND. A coffee shop on the proverbial other side of the river from downtown, this neighborhood charmer sits on the corner of 2nd and Grand, offering a quiet scene where customers can relax, hot mug in hand, and catch up of the morning news, do a crossword puzzle, or read a book. Indeed, in addition to lattes, mochas, and everything in between, the Grand Avenue Café features a menu of homemade pastries, soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. In the background, the groovy sound of Ben Harper or Jack Johnson fills the air. Sidewalk seating is available.

Hours: Sun-Mon 7:30am-3pm; Tue-Sat 7:30am-7pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. Home to what many locals regard as Eau Claire's best lunch deal (a delicious burger...

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. Home to what many locals regard as Eau Claire's best lunch deal (a delicious burger that'll set you back less than a five-spot), Mogie's is one of the area's more famous watering holes. With all the style and charm of a neighborhood bar, Mogie's has developed quite a loyal following for itself over the years. For some, it's the food and beer. For others, it's the homey atmosphere: hardwood floors, wooden booths, and walls hung with a myriad of neat posters and old photos (a promo poster for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" featuring Liz Taylor's lovely visage understandably steals the show). After downing a burger or two, be sure to head to the poolroom downstairs and work off some calories.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-Midnight; Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

WEST GRAND. One of the area's best deals for breakfast, the Holiday Inn's famous Green Mill Restaurant sports casual...

WEST GRAND. One of the area's best deals for breakfast, the Holiday Inn's famous Green Mill Restaurant sports casual environs for a hearty start to your day or a quick bite at lunch. Morning eats include traditional American faves like pancakes and ham and cheese omelets, and their breakfast skillets (fried potatoes topped with everything from sausage and cheese to eggs and green peppers). The lunch crowd gets to enjoy tasty burgers, salads, award-winning wings, calzones, and famous Green Mill pizzas (a word to the wise: the Chi-town-style deep dish pies are a must!).

Hours: Mon-Thu 6:30am-Midnight; Fri-Sat 6:30am-1am; Sun 7:30am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EAU CLAIRE. Ask a local to point you in the direction of Eau Claire's top BBQ joint, and chances are good you'll hear...

EAU CLAIRE. Ask a local to point you in the direction of Eau Claire's top BBQ joint, and chances are good you'll hear this rustic North Clairmont gem mentioned first. The plank-wood exterior gives Mike's the look and feel of a roadside shack, and, inside, diners will find a cozy setting where the entire family can enjoy delicious, homestyle cooking. The house specialty here is Texas-style BBQ ­ Mike's uses a recipe that hails from Dallas ­ with everything from hickory-smoked beef and ribs to chicken and fish tastily prepared over in wood-burning barbecue oven.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WEST GRAND. Though this charming inn dates from just the 1960s, its authentic Victorian styling gives it a timeless...

WEST GRAND. Though this charming inn dates from just the 1960s, its authentic Victorian styling gives it a timeless quality. The inn's restaurant has received more than its share of regional and national press, including high marks from "Wine Spectator." Dinner crowds enjoy the likes of slow-roasted prime rib, hazelnut-encrusted scallop, roast duck Montmorency, and chateau briand for two. Fanny Hill also features a dinner theater that has been entertaining guests since its debut in 1978.

Hours: Box Office Daily 9am-5pm
Dining Thu-Sat 5:45pm-7pm; Sun 11:30am-12:30pm
Show Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 1:45pm
Event Dates and Times Vary

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club