5 Best Restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI
Updated 26 September 2026 · 23 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists the top five restaurants in Downtown, Appleton, Wisconsin, based on Google ratings and review volume. We analyzed 23 qualifying businesses to create this ranked list for travelers and locals seeking quality dining. Each entry highlights specific menu items, atmosphere, and accessibility features mentioned by frequent visitors. Whether you need breakfast, pizza, or a gastropub, these spots offer reliable experiences verified by hundreds of local reviews.
#1
Author's Kitchen and Bar
★ 4.9 (512 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Author's Kitchen and Bar offers a vibrant dining space that feels larger inside than it appears from the street. Reviewers praise the build-your-own omelets, noting generous portions served with potatoes and toast. Guests frequently mention the exceptional salmon bruschetta and empanadas. The staff delivers elite service in a busy, welcoming environment. This spot features wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms. Hours vary by day, with lunch service typically ending at 2 pm.
Best for: Build-your-own breakfast and omelets
- Address
- 125 E College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–2 pm; Mon 8 am–2 pm; Sat Closed; Sun Closed; Thu 8 am–2 pm; Tue 8 am–2 pm; Wed 10 am–2 pm, 4–7 pm
#2
Mill City Public House
★ 4.8 (916 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mill City Public House is a popular lunch and dinner destination known for its smash burgers and tender, smoked ribs. Reviewers highlight the unique atmosphere and friendly staff, describing the OK Smash Burger as excellent and the Brussel sprouts as outstanding. The menu includes diverse options like soup upgrades and various sides. The venue is fully wheelchair-accessible with accessible parking and restrooms. Operating hours generally run from 11 am to 8 or 9 pm, closed Sundays.
Best for: Smash burgers and ribs
- Address
- 1103 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon 11 am–8 pm; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–8 pm; Tue 11 am–8 pm; Wed 11 am–8 pm
#3
Tomaso's
★ 4.9 (229 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Tomaso's serves phenomenal pizza with fresh ingredients and a well-balanced sauce. Reviewers rave about the deep-dish pie, noting its firm, bready pan-style crust that holds up well. The thin-crust options are also highly rated for their fresh taste. The kitchen offers gluten-free crusts for those with dietary needs. Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. The restaurant is wheelchair-accessible with accessible parking, entrances, seating, and toilets. Hours include lunch and dinner service on most days.
Best for: Deep dish and gluten-free pizza
- Address
- 115 E Washington St Ste 106, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–8 pm; Tue 11 am–8 pm; Wed 11 am–8 pm
#4
Sangria's Mexican Grill
★ 4.7 (2,546 Google reviews)Mexican restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Sangria's Mexican Grill is a busy spot known for serving authentic Mexican food in a clean, nicely decorated setting. Reviewers love the molcajete, nachos, and salsa, often highlighting the helpful staff who explain dishes clearly. The carrot salad, rajas poblanas, and guacamole are popular sides. The atmosphere feels welcoming to locals and visitors alike. This location offers wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms. It operates from 11 am to 8 or 10 pm, closed Sundays.
Best for: Authentic Mexican dishes
- Address
- 215 S Memorial Dr, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–10 pm; Mon 11 am–8 pm; Sat 11 am–10 pm; Sun 11 am–8 pm; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#5
Draft Gastropub
★ 4.7 (1,845 Google reviews)Gastropub$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Draft Gastropub features a great selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails alongside comfort food like French dip sandwiches and lobster bisque. Reviewers enjoy the charcuterie tower, grouper tacos, and Moody Blue Tenderloin. The venue is identified as women-owned and offers outdoor seating, fireplace, and fast service. It is fully wheelchair-accessible with accessible parking and restrooms. Prices range from $20 to $50. Open for lunch and dinner on most days, closed Sundays.
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
How we made this list
We looked at 23 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many people left one. 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 26 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Draft Gastropub takes reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- For an early start, Author's Kitchen and Bar opens at 8 am.
- 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?
Author's Kitchen and Bar ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 512 reviews. Mill City Public House is second at 4.8 from 916 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Sangria's Mexican Grill, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Draft Gastropub $20–50. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Draft Gastropub.
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