Cheese - it's the first thing you think of when someone says the name Wisconsin, and here in Racine County, there is no shortage of it! Whatever way you shred it, we have our take on this dairy delight all across the county. Here are our top picks of places that the cheesin' is pleasin':
Guinness Beer Battered Cheese Curds at Ivanhoe
231 Main St., Racine
There's no trip to Wisconsin complete without grabbing these golden nuggets at any local pub or eatery! Ivanhoe makes these with their specialty Guinness beer batter served with homemade dressing. You can get them all deep-fried, or split the order to keep 'em squeaky!
Cream Cheesecake Kringle at O&H Danish Bakery
Photo Credit: O&H Danish Bakery
Flagship Location: 5910 Washington Ave., Mount Pleasant
Cheesecake Kringle? Yep, it's a very real (and delicious) thing! Rich, silky smooth Cream Cheesecake Kringle becomes more and more popular every year. It probably has to do with the fact that this uses only the best 100% Wisconsin Cream Cheese as the main ingredient. Pour some coffee, pull up a chair, and enjoy this classic Wisconsin treat. Pick one up at any of their bakeries or have it shipped to your home!
Nachos at La Tapatia
1951 Mead St., Racine
This Mexican style starter is perfect for game time or any time when you're in Racine County! La Tapatia, a favorite among locals, is the perfect spot for dining in at their grocery and marketplace when you're looking for this easy and cheesy shareable snack!
Bloody Mary at Pepi's Pub
618 6th St., Racine
Recurring Bloody Mary Champions of competitions all across the state, Pepi's has been voted the best Bloody Mary by both the locals and the professionals. Crafted with your choice of 11 vodkas and topped with mountains of cheese strings, this one takes the cake (or the olive stake, if preferred). Pair this up with their signature Great Bambino Sandwich and keep an eye out for their Annual Bloody Sunday competitions!
Cheesy Crab Dip from Joey's Yardarm
920 Erie St, Racine
Come for the fish fry, stay for the hidden gems on their menu like this cheesy rock crab and shrimp dip served with a side of crostinis! This nautical-themed pub is plum full of a patio for seafood, sandwiches, and more cheesy fried fare, plus plenty of pints and bands.
Charcuterie Boards at Rustic Roots
597 N Pine St, Burlington
Easy, breezy, and especially cheesy. A new addition to the streets of downtown Burlington, this farm-to-table inspired gastropub serves delicious and creative dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. This gastropub also houses a wide variety of craft and domestic brews, wine, and handcrafted cocktails, in a country-chic and friendly atmosphere.
Pizza at Wells Brothers
2148 Mead St, Mt Pleasant
Named one of the best pizzas in the country, this landmark pizza parlor and bar has been serving thin-crust pies in an old-school setting since 1921. Although their classic red sauce style pies are what they're known for best, we highly recommend you try one of their chicken artichoke pizzas, topped with lots of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses!
Lobster Macaroni & Cheese at Reefpoint Brewhouse
2 Christopher Columbus Causeway, Racine
Alongside their spotlight dishes such as the lobster mac and cheese, Reefpoint offers a varied menu and terrific views of Lake Michigan and Racine's ReefPoint Marina. Other menu items include sandwiches, soups, salads, and entrees plus an extensive selection of craft beers.
Dunk Public House's Pretzel Board
3207 Washington Ave, Racine
The first bar in over a century in the Western Racine neighborhood, Dunks Public House's prohibition theming is the perfect way to celebrate the end of a dry season for this community - and their pretzel plate is the talk of the town! This 10' pretzel is served with salami, prosciutto, cheeses, fruit, and a choice of cream cheese, nacho cheese, and honey mustard.