Pewaukee's dining landscape is ever-growing and while you'll still find your fair share of small bar-and-grills or classic supper clubs, new, contemporary and ethnically diverse restaurants are popping up, especially along the waterfront of Pewaukee Lake.
Here is an updated account of what our neighbor to the west is bringing to the dining table. While this list doesn't cover every last eatery, it includes the newcomers as well as several perennial favorites.
5 O' Clock Club
N28 W26658 Peterson Dr., (262) 691-9960
the5oclockclubpewaukee.com
This 1800s farmhouse-turned restaurant has been a Pewaukee Lake mainstay since 1929. It serves up classic American fare -- steaks, ribs, seafood, chicken and pork -- but also does lighter, vegetarian items and a kids' menu. The outdoor seating with lake views is wonderful.
Asiana
1198 George Towne Dr., (262) 695-3888
asianadining.com
This Asian steakhouse has just about any Eastern-style cuisine you might desire, including Japanese sushi and sashimi, hibachi, Chinese dishes and Thai favorites. It's open for lunch at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and for dinner daily.
Baja Grill
W279 N2221 Prospect Ave., (262) 696-4621
site.bajapewaukee.com
Milwaukee's Karma Bar & Grill owners Keith Klemowits and Drew Konop opened this Mexican-American (with a touch of Caribbean influence) restaurant in summer 2009. The menu has Latin classics, seafood, salads and burgers. The bar, of course, does all the refreshing tropical drinks.
Boomers Pub & Grill
N29 W24483 Watertown Rd., (262) 691-2558
boomerspub.com
Boomers is way more than a restaurant serving up burgers, pizzas and sandwiches; it's also a destination for sporty fun, with year-round volleyball leagues, and golf, basketball and softball leagues in the summer.
Canyon City Wood Grill & Saloon
2903 N. Grandview Blvd., (262) 446-9061
canyoncitywoodgrill.com
If it's a full rack of barbeque ribs or slow cooked rotisserie chicken you're looking for, Canyon City does some of the best around -- and the more than 10 burger choices aren't far behind. Don't forget to peak at the martini list.
Curly's Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill
W272 N2696 Lakeview Blvd., (262) 691-4243
curlyswaterfront.com
Curly's is a great spot to stop not only for its quality pub grub and drinks, but also because of its killer location: a beautiful waterfront view of Pewaukee Lake.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
1279 Capitol Dr., (262) 691-7566
fiveguys.com
The menu is as simple as it is delicious: Hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon burger, bacon cheeseburger. Regular or large fries (regular and Cajun flavor), hot dogs, veggie sandwich or grilled cheese. But who needs more choices when the few you have are major players in the top-tier burger franchise game?
Jake's
21445 W. Gumina Rd., (262) 781-7995
jakes-restaurant.com
Jake's has been a fine dining family-owned institution for more than 40 years. It's long been famous for its steak and duck entrees, but newer daily specials take seasonality into account to provide for the freshest produce.
Park Avenue Pizza
121 Park Ave., (262) 691-0503
parkavenuepizza.com
Thin crust pizza reigns supreme here, although the menu extends far beyond. They offer a fish fry, gyros, shrimp and a kids menu, as well, in a fun, casual environment.
Piano Blu
179 W. Wisconsin Ave., (262) 691-0200
pianoblu.com
Do you enjoy live jazz and blues music, an extensive wine list, iced-glass martinis, fabulous appetizers, steaks and seafood, two fireplaces and sunset dining on the Pewaukee beach lakefront? Done deal.
Pier 347
347 Park Ave., (262) 691-9347
pier347.com
This lakefront restaurant sits on a historic property and focuses, logically, on freshwater seafood entrees, sandwiches and appetizers. Think bluegill, walleye, halibut and tilapia prepared creatively.
Thunder Bay Grille
N14 W24130 Tower Pl., (262) 523-4244
thunderbaygrille.com
Cajun-inspired seafood and steaks are the specialty at Thunder Bay, so come with a hearty appetite for home-style meals like "rockin' ribeyes," slow-roasted prime rib, roaster spit rotisserie chicken and jambalaya.
Wildflowers Restaurant (at Country Springs Hotel)
2810 Golf Rd., (262) 970-5001
countryspringshotel.com
Wildflowers is one of the restaurants within the water park, hotel and conference center that is Country Springs. It's an upscale, but casual environment for family dining, and features pasta, seafood and steak.
Wisconsin Machine Shed
N14 W24145 Tower Pl., (262) 523-1322
machineshed.com
It's a familiar chain that's been going strong for 30 years now on the basis of its "farm-style favorites" such as fried chicken, baked ham, pot roast and pork chops. Plus, where else can you get beef liver and onions in Pewaukee?
