Three-Day Foodie Adventure

Oh hey, foodies! Who’s ready to eat their way through Manitowoc? Grab your stretchy pants because this delicious three-day food crawl is mapped out just for you. Think of it as a love letter to drool-worthy cheese curds, traditional fish fries, craft brews, cozy cafes, and lakeside eats — with a dash of local charm. Spoiler alert: you’re going to want seconds of everything.

Day One

Kick off your food-venture at Retro Eighth Coffee & Açaí. This hip and healthy eatery is the perfect spot to start your day. Order a vibrant açaí bowl loaded with fresh fruits and granola. Pair it with a strong cup of coffee, and you’re officially ready to experience the star of Wisconsin — cheese!

Head to Pine River Dairy for a dairy dreamland featuring over 250 varieties of cheese, plus butter, local sausage and ice cream cones. Their fresh cheese curds are squeaky, salty, and perfect. With so many options, you’ll find a new favorite with every bite. 

In the downtown area, it’s time to taste your way through the premier breweries Manitowoc is known for. Fun fact: The local breweries use malt from Manitowoc’s very own Briess Malt & Ingredients. Supporting the local economy never tasted so good!

At PetSkull Brewing, grab a spot in the spacious taproom or dog-friendly beer garden. Order a refreshing pint of their house favorite, Schnitzky, or choose between 20 rotating beers like the Blue Collar Krewe Pilsner, then pair it with a made-to-order pizza. The pilsner pairs perfectly with the beer-battered cheese curds, too, so you might as well grab some! 

cheers with two beers at petskull

Day Two

Begin your next epic day of exploring the food in Manitowoc at 4given Coffee Shoppe for a quick caffeine fix. The airy, modern café is known for its house-roasted beans, which have made their slow-drip cold brew a local favorite. Pair your drink with some tasty bakery treats. 

Post-coffee, take a stroll through downtown and stop by On The Surface for a curated selection of local specialty goodies. Grab some fresh Pine River Dairy cheese curds, Wisconsin fudge, local meats, olive oils, or a variety of other specialty delicacies. If you’re looking for souvenirs to commemorate your tasty trip, this is the place to shop for take home treats. 

Lunchtime is all about the plates at The Wharf, just a stone’s throw from the S.S. Badger Carferry dock. They’ve got something for everyone, from burgers and seafood to pizza and salads. Picture this: a shrimp taco in one hand, a lakeside view in the background, and music in the air. Perfection, right? If you’re in town on the right day, you’ll catch a band or two to make those tacos taste even better.

Wharf Meal

It wouldn’t be a trip to Manitowoc without diving into a classic Wisconsin fish fry, and The Fat Seagull is where it’s at. Their perch and walleye are so fresh you’ll swear you can still hear the splash. Or head over to Harborside for that traditional, supper club vibe with a side of crispy, golden fish.

Day Three

After a good night’s sleep, start your final day by working up an appetite with a leisurely walk or bike ride through one of the wooded trails at Henry Schuette Park. Then close out your Manitowoc culinary tour with brunch at Dali’s Cafe — their homestyle cinnamon French toast is a crowd favorite! The restaurant is set inside an old bank building with high ceilings and marble and gold touches that add a touch of charm to every bite.

Last, treat your taste buds to a sweet stop at Cedar Crest Plant & Ice Cream Parlor, where you’ll find some of the freshest ice cream around! Try an ice cream flight to sample multiple flavors, or cool off with a classic root beer float. It’s the perfect way to cap off your three-day weekend of food in Manitowoc. 

Cedar crest blue moon

Can’t-Miss Foodie Events

If your visit aligns with some of Manitowoc’s top foodie events, consider yourself lucky. On Tuesdays during the summer, check out PetSkull Brewing’s popular Food Truck Rally for local eats on wheels. Craft beer takes center stage at the Malt City Brewfest in August, and October’s Curd Crawl is the ultimate way to satisfy your cheese curd craving. 

Consider this your invitation to a full-on flavor tour through Manitowoc. Start planning your trip and come hungry, friends!