5 Affordable Restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI
Updated 27 September 2026 · 13 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five affordable restaurants in Downtown Appleton, Wisconsin, for diners seeking quality meals without high costs. The selection was determined by Google's price range of $20 to $60 per person, followed by customer ratings from over 13 qualifying businesses. Each entry highlights specific menu items, atmosphere, and service details based on verified reviewer feedback to help you choose the right spot for your next meal.
#1
Draft Gastropub
★ 4.7 (1,845 Google reviews)Gastropub$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Draft Gastropub serves comfort food and a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Reviewers praise the attentive service and specific dishes like the Moody Blue Tenderloin and French Dip with Lobster bisque. The venue features a fireplace, outdoor seating, and fast service. It is open daily except Sunday, with hours from 11 am to 9 pm. The price range sits between $20 and $50 per person.
Best for: Craft beer and comfort food
- Address
- 664 W Ridgeview Dr, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon 11 am–9 pm; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#2
Carmella's an Italian Bistro
★ 4.7 (1,124 Google reviews)Restaurant$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Carmella's an Italian Bistro offers a romantic setting with great cocktails, coffee, and desserts. Regulars recommend the roasted beet salad, chicken marsala, and crème brûlée for a memorable meal. The staff is noted for being attentive even during busy times. It is open for dinner from 4 pm to 9 pm on most days, closed Mondays and Sundays. Prices range from $20 to $50.
Best for: Date night Italian dining
- Address
- 716 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue 4–9 pm; Wed 4–9 pm
#3
Ellinor
★ 4.8 (293 Google reviews)New American restaurant$30–70 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Ellinor focuses on New American cuisine with a rotating menu and small plates. Reviewers highlight the thoughtful presentation and fabulous wine list with many options by the glass. The small 33-seat space offers a charming atmosphere. It is open for dinner from 4 pm to 9:30 pm, closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays. The price range is $30 to $70 per person.
Best for: New American small plates
- Address
- 1016 E Pacific St, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–9:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9:30 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 4–9 pm
#4
Mark's East Side
★ 4.6 (2,333 Google reviews)German restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mark's East Side specializes in German cuisine, featuring all-you-can-eat options and classic comfort food. Reviewers specifically recommend the French onion soup with its thick cheese layer, cheese curds, and Scheinensvhnitzel. The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with great beer, cocktails, and desserts. It is open for lunch and dinner, closed Mondays and Sundays, with prices between $20 and $30.
Best for: German specialties and soup
- Address
- 1405 E Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9:30 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–8:30 pm; Tue 11 am–8:30 pm; Wed 11 am–8:30 pm
#5
OB's Brau Haus (Restaurant & Dance Club)
★ 4.6 (588 Google reviews)Brewpub$10–60 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
OB's Brau Haus serves authentic German cuisine including schnitzel, goulash soup, and cheese spaetzle. Reviewers note that meals are handmade to order and the venue features live music and dancing. It is a popular spot for families and groups, offering private dining rooms. Hours run from 4 pm to 2:30 am on weekends and until 9 pm on weekdays, closed Sundays. Prices range from $10 to $60.
Best for: Authentic German beer hall
- Address
- 523 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4 pm–2:30 am; Mon Closed; Sat 4 pm–2:30 am; Sun Closed; Thu 4 pm–2 am; Tue 4–9 pm; Wed 4–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 13 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then Google price range of ₹600 or less per person, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 27 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Book ahead at Ellinor: Google lists reservations as required.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
Draft Gastropub ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.7 from 1,845 reviews. Carmella's an Italian Bistro is second at 4.7 from 1,124 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI are open late?
OB's Brau Haus (Restaurant & Dance Club) stays open until 2:30 am.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Draft Gastropub $20–50; Carmella's an Italian Bistro $20–50; Ellinor $30–70; Mark's East Side $20–30; OB's Brau Haus (Restaurant & Dance Club) $10–60.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Draft Gastropub, Carmella's an Italian Bistro, Ellinor, Mark's East Side and OB's Brau Haus (Restaurant & Dance Club).
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