Welcome to Sheboygan, Wisconsin!
You've come to the right place if you're looking for the best restaurants in Sheboygan. I will reveal some top-rated restaurants in town, from classic breakfast spots to imaginative dinner restaurants. I include casual and fine dining options that will please all palates. So, look at my picks and plan your next meal, whether camping at Kohler Andrae State Park, visiting one of Sheboygan’s beaches, or checking out the Kohler Arts Preserve - it's time to explore Sheboygan's wonderful culinary scene!
Being a local, I have been to nearly every restaurant in Sheboygan. I’ve lived here my whole life, and it is with great pride that I love how Sheboygan has transformed into this food lover’s paradise within the last decade or so.
What are the three most popular restaurants in Sheboygan?
This one is hard to narrow down. There are many fantastic choices if you're looking for a culinary experience in Sheboygan. According to Trip Advisor, the top three restaurants are Lino Ristorante Italiano, Il Ritrovo, and Trattoria Stefano. Curiously, all three are Italian.
Lino Ristorante Italian
422 South Pier Drive. Phone: 920-457-5200
Dining at Lino Ristorante Italiano is like taking a magic carpet ride—the aromas and flavors of the dishes transport you to Italy, with the scenery and people of the Amalfi Coast just over the horizon.
You will want to savor your surroundings and every morsel of your meal. It’s nearly impossible to recommend any dish, drink, or dessert. I’m a scallop fan, so I choose scallops on a bed of creamy risotto for my main course. Dining at Lino’s is an experience! Reservations are recommended.
Il Ritrovo
515 South 8th Street. Phone: 920-803-7156
I have shouted the praises of Il Ritrovo to anyone who will listen to me. I LOVE pizza and could probably eat it every single day. And that, folks, is why I love this restaurant on 8th Street in Sheboygan. The pizza here isn’t just your average pizza. Il Ritrovo became the 5th VPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) Certified restaurant in the US in 2000.
This means all their pizzas go into a special wood-fired dome stove (a piece of artwork itself) and are baked quickly at an extremely high temperature. They must make the dough from a special unprocessed Italian wheat flour. They also ship in San Marzano tomatoes and Bufala mozzarella. Does that raise your curiosity?
My favorite pizza is Boscaiola, topped with truffle and mozzarella cheese, rosemary, pancetta, and mushrooms. There are also various other options, such as pasta, panini, salads, and antipasti, but I’ll admit I always have pizza when I am here! They also offer a gluten-free crust for $5.
Trattoria Stefano
522 South 8th Street. Phone: 920-452-8455
This is upscale Italian dining at its finest. Patrons come from near and far (I have heard of people making a special trip from Chicago) to eat at Stefano Viglietti’s first Sheboygan restaurant. Stefano currently operates this and two other Sheboygan Restaurants. Il Ritrovo, which I mentioned above, and Field To Fork. Also, the downtown food market, Stefano’s Slo Food Market. Trattoria Stefano was opened in 1994 in a picturesque brick building built in 1892 and on the Wisconsin Register of Historical Buildings.
The classic Italian dishes are made from locally sourced fresh Wisconsin ingredients and specially sourced ingredients from Italy. On Wednesdays, they offer a small plate and a regular menu. This is the perfect spot for that unforgettable special dinner. Reservations recommended.
What Food is Sheboygan known for?
Welcome to the “Bratwurst Capitol of the World.” Sheboygan is known for being the brat served on a classic Sheboygan hard roll. No hot dog or brat bun, that is the ultimate faux pas! Just Google "Sheboygan Brat", and everyone and their mother have jumped on the Sheboygan Brat bandwagon. I’m here to tell you that no one does it better than Sheboygan!
Sly’s Midtown Salooon & Grill
508 North 8th Street. Phone: 920-783-6644
If you want a traditional brat plate, look no further than Sly’s Midtown Salooon & Grill. A double brat served on a Sheboygan hard roll with a dollop of potato salad and a pot of beans topped with a pat of butter. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never added butter to my beans before and was in awe of how tasty they made them. You bite into that sizzling brat and feel the crack of the skin, followed by the juicy seasoned inside. Yum!
A side note: Sly’s uses brats from a famous Sheboygan meat market called Miesfelds. Miesfelds is a Sheboygan institution. I have not tried this yet, but Sly’s is also known for its breakfasts. Many locals tell me the go-to item is the Hangover Burger.
The Rest of the “Must-Try” Restaurants in Sheboygan
Breakfast
Field To Fork
511 South 8th Street Phone: 920-694-0322
Another of Stefano Vigliette’s restaurants, Field To Fork, is connected to Il Ritrovo and has a cafe vibe. You walk in, and you immediately hear the welcome sound of glasses clinking and lively conversation.
There are two levels, with the upstairs being quieter. This is a farm-to-table place serving fresh menu items. I enjoy the fluffy three-egg Chef's Omelette or Quiche with Greens. It’s always bustling here for both breakfast and lunch. If you're looking for a healthy option, try Field To Fork.
Harry’s Diner
2504 Calumet Avenue. Phone: 920-458-5200 and Harry’s Diner Interstate 4024 WI Hwy 42. Phone: 920-459-4530
Harry’s Diner has two locations in Sheboygan, so you know it’s a popular place. A classic 50’s diner atmosphere complete with a life-sized Elvis (the perfect selfie op), you are immediately taken in by the black and white checked wall, the red and gray vinyl chairs, and the poodle skirt-wearing servers. It’s a fun spot. The menu has everything. Skillets, breakfast burritos, omelets, yummy crepes, and pancakes. Try the Flat Breakfast, which is two scrambled eggs with sauce, cheese, and tomato served on toasted pita bread.
Lunch
Greece E Spoon
1217 North 8th Street. Phone: 920-287-3591
Greece E Spoon is the best spot to get a Gyro in Sheboygan. Walk in, order at the counter, and either take out or sit in the small dining area. If you're not a big gyro fan (that would be me), they also serve a great burger and a fabulous Pesto Chicken Sandwich (my recommendation). Order the Greek Fries; they are out of this world. It’s a popular spot for lunch since it’s fast.
Local Press Eatery
502 South 8th Street. Phone: 920-287-7338
Another popular lunch place is Local Press Eatery. They feature their unique twist on classic burgers like the Figalicious, topped with fig jam, prosciutto, deep-fried goat cheese, and greens.
You can also get paninis and sandwiches, like my personal favorite, not only for its name but also for its taste, the Mother Clucker. It’s fried crispy buttermilk chicken topped with zesty slaw, cheese, bacon, chipotle mayo, and an avocado slice. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the slaw, mayo, and avocado add a flavor explosion in your mouth.
Stefano Slo Food Market
731 Pennsylvania Avenue. Phone: 920-287-7128
I mentioned the newest addition to Stefano’s eateries in Sheboygan, Slo Food Market. This is mostly a downtown store that carries produce, wine, a meat counter, and a coffee bar with delectable sweet treats. I mention it here because they have a hot case for take-out meals that is always changing. To find out what’s in the hot deck weekly, follow along on the Facebook page. I’ve had grilled vegetables and stuffed squash from the counter. They have a window bar where you can sit and enjoy your drink and food. It’s a unique place just around the corner from Field To Fork and Il Ritrovo.
Parker Johns BBQ
705 Riverfront Drive. Phone: 920-453-0299
Parker Johns is your place if you’re looking for the best BBQ this side of Kansas City. I may be biased because Parker Johns BBQ was born in my little town near Sheboygan. They have since branched out to four other locations, with another set to open this year. They also have a stand at Road America, so even race fans can get their BBQ.
I have been to Parker Johns so many times I’ve lost count! They also have pizza, along with BBQ. I always switch between the Pulled Pork dinner and the Smokehouse Mac Bake. Don’t forget to order a side of cheese curds! What I love about the Sheboygan location is the ample seating and that it’s right on the riverfront, so it’s amazing to sit out on the deck in summer and watch the boats go by. Oh, and they have excellent Bloody Marys too!
Toy’s Restaurant
1229 North 8th Street. Phone: 920-452-2233
Our next eatery is a Thai restaurant. Toy’s Restaurant serves classic dishes like Pad Thai, Singapore Noodles, and delicious Pho. Generous portions at inexpensive prices ($9.70 for the Pad Thai), you’ll want to come back and try everything.
If you like ginger, try the Pad Ginger!
Dinner
Black Pig
821 North 8th Street. Phone: 920-457-6565
“Comfort food with a twist” is how they describe the food at Black Pig. Walking into the Black Pig is what I picture walking into a restaurant in New York would be like. Contemporary, yet historic. The stained glass, the massive brick wall behind the dark bar, the gray walls with black tin ceiling. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. This is the perfect place to have dinner if you are catching a show at the Stephanie H Weill Center across the street.
You can sample the small bites, handheld menu, or splurge on the out-of-this-world entrees.
Have the Truffle Fries; they are incredible!
Majerle's Black River Grille
5033 Evergreen Drive. Phone: 920-803-5515
You didn’t think I could write a list of the best restaurants in Sheboygan without including a supper club, did you? Of course not; this is Wisconsin, after all.
In Sheboygan, Majerle’s fits in the supper club category. A tenderloin grilled to perfection (the only time I will eat a steak out is in a supper club), seafood, and great Old-Fashioned drinks in a woodsy setting. Seems like the classic Wisconsin Supper Club experience. If you're in Sheboygan on a Friday, have their Fish Fry. Hopefully, you’ll sit by the window to glimpse the deer.
Harry’s Prohibition Bistro
668 South Pier Drive. Phone: 920-451-9100
Flashback to the roaring 20s. Gangsters and the speakeasy, flappers, and jazz. You’ll immerse yourself in that atmosphere when you visit Harry’s Prohibition Bistro. Enjoy wine and dine at the other VPN-certified pizza place in Sheboygan. Chef and owner Adrian Latifi is one of only two chefs in Wisconsin certified in Roman Al Taglio Pizza, the other being his uncle, Avni Latifi.
If you're asking if this Harry is related to the other Harry of Harry's Diner, you would be on to something. Both Harry’s are named after Adrian’s father Harry Latifi who, along with his brother Avni, started all the restaurants. Adrian and his wife Jusra took ownership of Harry’s Prohibition Bistro from his father in 2021. Along with pizza, they are known for their pasta dishes and mussels. Of course, being a pizza lover, I will take pizza (try the Marsala Beef) every day! If you are there to enjoy great wine and conversation, a wine-snacking menu is also available. They do not take reservations.
Bo Mallies
2427 Calumet Drive. Phone: 920-395-2868
Bo Mallies in Sheboygan may not be the easiest restaurant to find, it’s slightly hidden off Calumet Drive, but that is the charm of this place. There’s an artsy feel which is a great backdrop for the imaginative dishes served here. Bo Mallies started as a food truck in 2012 and branched out into a permanent location in 2017. The food truck and catering business still operates, but a table at the restaurant is a “must experience.” You’ll find Korean-inspired tacos, Truffle Mac and Cheese, pizza, and more. The eclectic mix of food is designed to suit every palette. They also have a fabulous Sunday Brunch. The best place to check their menu is on their Facebook page.
Pops Burger and Pizza House
920 Michigan Avenue. Phone: 920-453-0031
One of the newest kids in town on the food scene is Pops Burgers and Pizza House. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill burger joint. Its burgers are beefy and imaginative. If you’re not into burgers, there’s so much more. Pizza, wings, flatbread, and ribs are also on the menu. Order at the end of the bar, take your number and find a table. I love sitting by the window. There is also a bar to sit at. I recommend the Mac and Cheese, a 10-ounce burger topped with pulled pork and mac and cheese, and the Mushroom and Swiss. Pair your burger with fries, some of the best I’ve had, and you’ll walk away happy.
Pacifico Mexican Bar & Grill
820 Indiana Avenue. Phone: 920-395-2084
Sheboygan has a fantastic selection of excellent Mexican restaurants. One of those is Pacifico Mexican Bar & Grill. Its riverfront location makes for a great outdoor dining experience. Inside, it’s spacious with an understated Mexican vibe. The massive menu has all the authentic dishes you would come to expect. My daughter, who has been here several times, loves the Mexican street tacos with steak. I have had the massive Burrito California with chicken, and it is muy bueno! Don’t forget the drinks. The Margaritas are amazing. Try the Miami Vice version for a twist.
Sheboygan has an impressive variety of restaurants to choose from that offer a wide range of cuisines. From family-style diners to high-end gastropubs, there is something for everyone and every occasion. Whether you’re looking for something casual or formal, Sheboygan has many options to satisfy your cravings. With the help of this article, you are now ready to pick the perfect restaurant for your next dining experience in Sheboygan!
