In recent years, the Waukesha dining scene seems to be exploding, offering a broader range of options for area diners.
Here is an updated account of what the city 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.
Albanese's Roadhouse
2301 Bluemound Rd., (262) 785-1930
albanesesroadhouse.com
A family-run business since 1941, Albanese's has been a Waukesha favorite for decades. Similar to the Milwaukee location in Riverwest, you'll find a casual, Italian dining experience with homemade pastas, sauces and pizza.
Bobanna's Pizza
1403 Summit Ave., (262) 521-3300
bobannas.net
This family-owned pizzeria serves homemade, thin crust pizza. In addition to its fresh pizza, it provides classic Italian sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs.
Brewers Two Café
821 Meadowbrook Rd., (262) 513-1883
brewerstwocafe.com
This specialty coffee and sandwich shop prides itself on being heart healthy and offering many organic eating options. The menu features bakery, soups, sandwiches and desserts.
Cafe de Arts Roastery
136 E. St. Paul Ave., (262) 446-1856
cafedearts.com
This Turkish family-owned cafe provides hand-roasted, fair trade, organic coffee. It also serves European-inspired sandwiches and homemade bakery treats.
Ching Hwa
1947 E. Main St., (262) 544-1983
chinghwachinese.com
Serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Ching Hwa has been a downtown Asian staple for years. It's a good place to bring a group.
Christina's Family Restaurant
350 Delafield St., (262) 542-6739
This family favorite is a great place to start your day with a big breakfast or grab a burger at lunch.
Dady-Oh's Restaurant
250 W. Broadway, (262) 547-7011
dadyohsrestaurant.com
Dady-Oh's is perhaps best known for its extensive Friday night fish fry selections, but the restaurant is also open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday.
Divino Gelato Cafe
227 W. Main St., (262) 446-9490
divinogelatocafe.com
While the focus here is obviously gelato (and how divine it is!), Divino delves into lunch and dinner menu items, such as soups, sandwiches and a variety of pizzas.
Eric's Porter Haus
229 Wisconsin Ave., (262) 542-1300
Eric's is known for its juicy steaks, but it also specializes in German foods, like sauerbraten and schnitzel. It's a comfortable place to enjoy a Friday night fish fry or have a few beers at the bar.
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
2137 E. Moreland Blvd., (262) 522-3210
famousdaves.com
If you want ribs out west, this is your spot. Famous Dave's has won awards for its classic BBQ fare, which includes, chicken, fish, burgers and sandwiches.
Fuzzy's on Main
627 E. Main St., (262) 524-8899
fuzzyssportspubandgrill.com
It's a sports bar, so expect a good selection of bar food: wings, tacos, ribs and a Friday night fish fry. It's also not a bad place to grab a breakfast Bloody Mary.
Generations at the Five Points
294 W. Main St., (262) 446-3300
This Waukesha newcomer brings small-plate dining to the area. Enjoy an eclectic menu of international tapas.
Golden Gate Restaurant
1427 E. Racine Ave., (262) 547-2171
ggr.5u.com
Golden Gate is a Milwaukee and Waukesha area favorite. It features affordable Cantonese and Hunan / Szechwan cuisines, available as hot, medium or mild.
J Lotti's Pub & Grill House
225 South St., (262) 522-3009
jlottis.com
This upscale burger joint is perfect for watching sports with friends and family. It features fine sandwiches, burgers and delicious side dishes.
Jack's Café
N4W22496 Bluemound Rd., (262) 521-2444
Jack's is where good taste and Wisconsin's charming history meet. You'll find classic Americana fare at this quaint restaurant with small store attached.
Jimmy's Grotto Pizza John's Drive-In Key Westconsin La Estacion Mama Mia Matteo's Italian Ristorante Meiji Cuisine Michael's Italian-American Restaurant Pat's Rib Place Rochester Deli, Inc. Sakura Japan Sushi & Grill Salty Toad Sloppy Joe's Soda Fountain Sprizzo Gallery Caffe Taylor's People's Park The Spot on Sunset The Steaming Cup Weissgerber's Gasthaus Wildflowers Restaurant
314 E. Main St., (262) 547-8906
jimmysgrottopizza.com
Although it has moved many times, Jimmy's Grotto has been serving pizza and ponza rottas (similar to a calzone) in Waukesha since opening in August 1946.
1317 Arcadian Ave., (262) 542-2842
For over 20 years, John's Drive-In (also called John's Root Beer) has been a Waukesha favorite. Open year round, this drive-in food stand serves root beer in ice-cold root beer mugs and a variety of sandwiches and ice cream treats.
331 Riverfront Plaza, 9262) 446-2346
keywestconsin.com
Key Westconsin brings Key West to Waukesha with great seafood at an affordable price. It has been called a "gluten free paradise" because of the wide variety of gluten free options on the menu.
319 Williams St., (262) 521-1986
As the name suggests ("The Station" in English), this Mexican restaurant is located in a former railroad station. It's a local favorite known for its homemade chips and salsas and extensive, authentic menu featuring steak, chicken, chorizo and some of the best beans around.
800 Clinton St., (262) 547-6503
mamamiasmilwaukee.com
"A Milwaukee tradition since 1954," Mama Mia is probably best known for its decadent garlic bread, but has also made a name for itself thanks to its classic thin crust pizza, lasagna and spaghetti.
1608 E. Sunset Dr., (262) 544-6022
Locally owned and operated, Matteo's has served Waukesha for nearly 20 years, but is still one of the area's best-kept secrets. It offers homemade spaghetti sauce, made daily, a Friday fish fry and a variety of dinners in a casual dining atmosphere.
2503 Plaza Court, (262) 717-9858
meijicuisine.com
Meiji combines authentic Japanese, Chinese and Asian cuisines. It promotes Asian cultures with its Hibachi Japanese grills and sushi bar.
1400 S. Grand Ave., (262) 549-0406
Michael's locally-famous pizza recipe dates back to the mid-1950s when the restaurant opened in Waukesha. You'll find a classic Italian menu: lasagna, chicken Parmesan and veal.
151 E. Sunset Dr., (262) 544-4099
patsribplace.net
Pat's brings Southern comfort food to Wisconsin. Claiming to have the best ribs and pulled pork in town, it also provides a variety of barbecue and southern favorites.
143 W. Broadway, (262) 522-9611
rochesterdeli.com
It's been called one of the best sandwich spots in the area, known especially for its hand-carved corned beef and pastrami. If you're looking for an outstanding Reuben, look no further.
332 W. Broadway, (262) 408-5681
Sakura opened in 2008 as Waukesha's first sushi restaurant. Owners Jenny Kim and Jin San Koh are originally from South Korea, though Koh trained at the Tokyo Sushi Academy in Japan before moving to Wisconsin to open a restaurant.
921 Friedman Dr., (262) 549-3669
thesaltytoad.com
Since the Toad is primarily a bar and nightclub, the food menu sticks to modern bar fare, such as burgers, appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and chili.
280 W. Broadway, (262) 544-1610
sloppyjoes.vpweb.com
Kick it old school with this '50s style diner owned by Divino Gelato.
378 W. Main St., (262) 513-5640
sprizzo.net
This locally owned café serves up soups, cold and grilled sandwiches, salads and daily lunch specials in downtown Waukesha. The artichoke dip appetizer is not to be ignored.
337 W. Main St., (262) 522-6868
From the folks who brought us Milwaukee's Taylor's, the People's Park is an upscale bar / restaurant with affordable food, lots of good beer and drinks and a smoke-free environment.
316 W. Sunset Dr., (262) 446-6722
thespotonsunset.com
The Spot on Sunset includes a variety of American, Mexican and Italian dishes. Its prime rib and pork ribs are customers' favorites.
340 W. Main St., (262) 522-3605
steamingcupwaukesha.com
This is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat, sip on coffee and people watch.
2720 N. Grandview Blvd., (262) 544-4460
weissgerbers.com
Considered one of the finest German restaurants in all southeast Wisconsin, the Gasthaus gives patrons a genuine Bavarian atmosphere, authentic recipes and a Beer Garden that makes Oktoberfest a year-round event.
2810 Golf Rd., (262) 547-0201
countryspringshotel.com
Located in the Country Spring Hotel, Wildflowers serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an upscale setting.
