When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving something cozy, Menomonie delivers a warm bowl for every mood. From homestyle classics to creative café specials, here are eleven local favorites to enjoy a hearty cup of comfort.
1. Acoustic Café
A downtown staple, Acoustic Café is known for its cozy vibe and fresh, rotating soups made in-house. Favorites include beer cheese, chicken wild rice, and vegetarian chili, all perfect with one of their famous hoagies.
Why go: A welcoming spot for lunch with friends or a solo soup-and-sandwich stop after exploring downtown.
2. Menomonie Market Food Co-op
The Co-op’s hot bar is a hidden gem for soup lovers, featuring rotating, scratch-made soups crafted with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Expect comforting classics like tomato basil alongside seasonal specialties such as curried lentil or creamy mushroom.
Why go: A healthy, sustainable lunch option where you can taste the freshness of local ingredients and support community-based food producers.
3. Menomonie Family Restaurant
This hometown diner is all about comfort food. Their homemade soups change daily, from chicken dumpling to vegetable beef, and come as an optional side with most meals.
Why go: Generous portions, friendly service, and a classic Wisconsin diner feel.
4. Golden Leaf Café
Golden Leaf Café is where freshness meets flavor. Their soups are crafted with quality ingredients and often include creative vegetarian or gluten-free options.
Why go: Ideal for a lighter, wholesome lunch or a workday pick-me-up.
5. Kyote’s Den Bar & Grill
A true local favorite, Kyote’s Den serves up hearty daily soup specials that pair perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, or Friday fish fry. Their soups are rich, flavorful, and always comforting, especially after a chilly day outdoors.
Why go: Friendly neighborhood bar vibes, great service, and a rotating lineup of satisfying soups worth stopping for.
6. Wilson Creek Inn
📍 932 N Broadway St, Menomonie
A true Wisconsin supper club experience, Wilson Creek Inn starts many of its dinners with a house-made soup. The clam chowder and creamy wild rice are local favorites.
Why go: A cozy, upscale dining experience that celebrates local flavors and tradition.
7. Culver’s
Beyond ButterBurgers and custard, Culver’s quietly serves up a rotating menu of soups like broccoli cheddar, chicken noodle, and George’s chili.
Why go: Reliable, fast, and perfect for a quick winter warm-up.
8. Exit 45 Restaurant
This hidden gem near the highway exit serves from-scratch soups alongside hearty Midwestern fare. Their soup-and-sandwich combos are popular with locals and travelers alike.
Why go: Great for comfort food on the go or a casual local lunch stop.
9. Hang’s Cuisine
📍 541 Broadway St S., Menomonie
Hang’s offers flavorful Asian-inspired soups, including pho and noodle bowls packed with fresh herbs and bold seasonings.
Why go: When you want a break from traditional American soups and crave something aromatic and soul-soothing.
10. Victory Revival Center Café
📍 1632 N Broadway St, Menomonie
More than just a community café, Victory Revival Center offers a rotating soup lineup often made from scratch and served with a side of kindness. Their soups are affordable, hearty, and often feature local ingredients.
Why go: Warm food with a mission and a place where good flavor and community spirit come together.
11. Log Jam Bar & Eatery
📍 709 Broadway St. S, Menomonie
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Log Jam occasionally features house soups and chili that pair perfectly with their sandwiches or Friday fish fry.
Why go: A local hangout spot where you can unwind with comfort food and good company.
No matter your taste, Menomonie’s soup scene proves that comfort comes in many bowls. Whether you’re catching up with friends downtown, grabbing a quick lunch between errands, or winding down after a day on the trails, there’s always a spot serving something warm, hearty, and made with care. So grab a spoon, explore a new favorite, and savor the simple joy of good soup shared in good company.
