Racine's dining landscape is ever-growing and while you'll still find your fair share of small, mom and pop diners and supper clubs, new, contemporary and ethnically diverse restaurants are popping up downtown.
Here is an updated account of what our neighbor to the south 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.
Buckets Pub
2031 Lathrop Ave., (262) 633-8951
You'll find classic bar food here, done well. Hit it up for your Friday night fish fry or grab a burger during the game.
Buona Vita Pizzeria Restaurant
3701 Durand Ave., (262) 554-5508
It's known locally as an "Italian gem." Go for the pizza, stay for the fun.
Charcoal Grill & Rotisserie
3839 Douglas Ave., (262) 884-9400
www.charcoalgrill.com
As the name suggests, the Charcoal Grill prepares its homestyle food backyard BBQ-style over coals or wood and its pizzas are made in a wood-fired brick oven. Overall, the place feels casual and relaxing.
Corner House
1521 Washington Ave., (262) 637-1295
Famed for its prime rib, the Corner House has been a Racine surf-and-turf staple for years. Prime rib not your thing? Try the lobster and other seafood selections.
DeRango's Pizza Palace
3840 Douglas Ave., (262) 639-4112
www.derangos.com
The DeRango family pizza is consistently voted the best in Racine, but the restaurant also serves up plenty of other Italian specialties, as well as seafood, charbroiled steaks and sandwiches.
Farm Restaurant
3810 Durand Ave., (262) 634-1267
thefarmracine.com
It doesn't get much more family-style than dining at The Farm. You can't miss it; it's the size, shape and color of an actual barn and it dishes out good Midwestern eats, like burgers, fries, fish and chicken. Dig in.
HobNob Restaurant
277 S. Sheridan Road, (262) 552-8008
www.thehobnob.com
Rarely will you find a more stunning view of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin than at the HobNob. It has the feel of a '50s-style supper club, with classic entrees, swanky cocktails and live music on the weekends.
Infusino's Restaurant
3325 Rapids Dr., (262) 633-3173
www.infusinos.com
If you're looking for an authentic Italian dinner, this is one of your best bets in Racine. The huge menu boasts a complete tour of Italy, from veal and pasta to seafood and dessert.
Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery
231 Main St., (262) 637-4730
www.theivanhoepub.com
Once you make your way through its extensive beer and Irish whiskey selection, you might want to consider a meal. Choose from apps, salads, wraps, burgers, ciabatta bread or entrée items like shepherd's pie.
Jose's Blue Sombrero
6430 Washington Ave., (262) 886-5600
www.josesbluesombrero.com
Jose's offers standard, quick, Americanized Mexican fare with some interesting options added for good measure. Tip: order the tableside guacamole; it's prepared fresh in front of you at your table.
Kewpee
520 W. Wisconsin Ave., (262) 634-9601
www.kewpee.com
One of the only unique hamburger joints in town, Kewpee caters to downtown workers looking for a mid-day snack or evening meal. The 1950s diner-style sandwich shop serves 700-1000 hungry patrons everyday.
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
5880 Durand Ave., (262) 554-4511
www.lonestarsteakhouse.com
This Texas-style steak house and saloon specializes in hand-cut mesquite-grilled meats with all the sides you love: steak fries, twice-baked potato, Texas rice and homemade chili.
Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant Oh Dennis Saloon & Charcoal Olde Madrid Roosters Restaurant Sandpipers Water Front Grill Sebastian's Shogun Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Spinnakers Stone Corral Summit Restaurant Tacos El Rey Tommy's Chicago Dogs Subs Soup Waves Pub & Grill Whey Chai Chinese Restaurant Yardarm Bar & Grill
5821 Washington Ave., (262) 884-0770
www.losmariachis-wi.com
How about some beef tongue tacos tonight? Yep, they've got them (and we hear they're good!), but if you're looking for a your favorite Mexican dishes, you'll find them here in many tasty varieties.
4301 Douglas Ave., (262) 681-1715
If the words "finger-licking good" apply to any restaurant on this list, it's Oh Dennis. Here you'll find hearty BBQ ribs that have made it a local favorite for generations.
418 6th St., (262) 619-0940
Olde Madrid is a relative newcomer to the Racine dining scene. Specializing in Spanish cuisine, this modern tapas restaurant has been big hit with those looking to spice up their dinners.
1521 Yout St., (262) 638-8383
www.roosterswings.com
Roosters family restaurant caters good home cooking to area residents seven days a week.
303 Dodge St., (262) 633-5717
It's an American seafood restaurant near the shores of Lake Michigan, but it does so with an Italian twist. Prices are moderate and the setting is pleasant and casual.
6025 Douglas Ave., (262) 681-5465
www.sebastiansfinefood.com
Fine food and fine spirits equal fine dining at Sebastian's. Choose from small plate dining or regular sized entrée items, such as salmon or rack of lamb.
518 College Ave., (262) 637-0777
Shogun does beautifully presented sushi, as well as a fun-to-watch hibachi grill.
2 Christopher Columbus, (262) 633-8250
Spinnakers is really one of those something-for-everyone dining experiences. Pulling from many regions of the world, customers choose from meats, sandwiches, fajitas, salads and pizzas.
3012 Rapids Dr., (262) 632-7348
This small, family-owned establishment dishes out delicious food, from American and Greek to Asian and Mexican.
6825 Washington Ave., (262) 886-9866
www.summitrestaurant.com
Here you'll find traditional dinner service -- soup, salad, main entrees and choice of starch -- as well as a classy, professional servers and a relaxing lounge. Fine dining at its best!
2207 Lathrop Ave., (262) 632-6340
www.tacoselrey.com
There's nothing fancy about this counter-service Mexican stop, but the salsa and topping bar make it a satisfying meal to return to again and again. Dine in or carry out.
3701 Durand Ave., (262) 554-7624
www.plazabowl.com
You'll find this little eating oasis inside the Plaza Bowling Center. If you work up an appetite at the lanes, stop in for a quick burger, Chicago-style hot dog or fries.
107 4th St., (262) 634-7668
www.wavespub.com
As its name suggests, you'll find an amazing selection from the sea, prepared in ways that draw from all regions of the world.
400 Main St., (262) 633-8000
Whey Chai is about as authentically Chinese as you're going to find in the area. The restaurant prides itself as a local favorite for Peking, Canton, Shanghai, Hunan and Szechwan cuisine.
920 Erie St., (262) 633-8270
This English-themed bar and grill does seafood with an ongoing nautical theme that carries over into the décor. It's a Racine favorite for more than a quarter of a century.
