This post, featuring the best restaurants in Appleton for families with kids, may contain affiliate links. It was also written after a sponsored trip in partnership with Fox Cities CVB. All thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
We recently enjoyed a fantastic weekend getaway to Appleton and the Fox Cities, Wisconsin! This charming region, nestled between Lake Winnebago and the Fox River, offers a delightful mix of rich industrial history (paper milling), beautiful outdoor spaces, and an unexpectedly impressive foodie scene. From international flavors and creative fusion dishes to hearty home-style cooking, the local restaurants showcase passionate teams serving up delicious meals that cater to all ages and tastes. Whether you’re traveling with kids or exploring solo, Appleton has plenty of family-friendly eateries and hidden gems to satisfy any palate. Keep reading to discover the best places to eat in the Fox Cities, with or without little ones in tow!
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Tempest Coffee Collective
If you’re searching for the best coffee and breakfast restaurants in Appleton for families, kick off your morning at Tempest Coffee Collective, a cozy riverside spot near downtown Appleton.
With a full menu of espresso drinks, pastries, and hot breakfast options, there’s something for everyone. The vibe is relaxed, with both indoor seating and a patio for those warmer days. They even have a small basket of toys and games to keep little ones entertained!
If you’d rather take your breakfast to-go, pack it up and head to Telulah Park. Just a short drive away, the park’s playground, pickleball courts, paved paths, and open green spaces are perfect for burning off some early morning energy. It’s a great spot to enjoy good food and a bit of outdoor fun!
Copper Rock Coffee Company
Start your morning with a cup of perfection at Copper Rock Coffee Company in downtown Appleton. This place radiates passion for their craft—in fact, every bean is roasted in-house! You can truly taste the love in every sip. If you’re into seasonal drinks, they have a great menu of fun options to embrace the season at hand.
Alongside their impressive coffee lineup, they offer a full breakfast menu, from fresh pastries to hot, hearty options that will keep you going all day long. They also have tons of indoor seating (including tables to fit large groups) and a colorful patio for the warmer months. It’s the ideal spot to fuel up before embarking on your Appleton adventures. No wonder Copper Rock Coffee Company is one of the best places to eat with kids in the Fox Cities!
SAP
If you want a full, sit-down meal to start your day, SAP is one of the best restaurants for breakfast in Appleton with kids! Tucked a little out of the way, this local favorite is a hidden gem for visitors, and trust me, weekend reservations are a must!
SAP’s menu is all about scratch-made, made-to-order goodness, including a fantastic kids’ menu. My top pick? The chilaquiles—they’re out-of-this-world (though a bit spicy for my Midwestern taste buds)! Families will love the cozy, welcoming vibe, complete with coloring supplies to keep the little ones busy while you enjoy your meal. Once you’re fueled up, it’s time to head out and explore more of the Fox Cities!
Waverly Beach Bar & Grille
When it’s time for lunch or dinner, Menasha’s Waverly Beach Bar & Grille is the perfect laid-back spot for those looking for lake views while they dine! Situated right on the shores of Lake Winnebago, this place is best when the weather’s nice. The huge outdoor patio offers stunning lake views, lawn games, and even a sandy playground—kids will love playing here while waiting for food!
As one of the best places to eat in the Fox Cities with kids, the menu is packed with classic American favorites, including the must-try Wisconsin cheese curds. Share a table filled with appetizers, or munch on sandwiches, salads, and other entrees. They also have a dedicated kids’ menu. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back by the water, enjoy a delicious meal, and let the kids run off some energy.
Tipsy Taco & Tequila Bar
Low-key dinners packed with flavor are best at Tipsy Taco & Tequila Bar. The moment you step inside, you will be in awe of the vibrant atmosphere, with bold colors and custom Frida Kahlo-inspired artwork adorning the walls. The service is just as lively, and the taco and cocktail menus will not disappoint!
Try the birria tacos and table-side guacamole—everything is incredibly fresh and flavorful. Every dish at Tipsy Taco is made-to-order with top-notch ingredients, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu, so it’s a hit with the kids, too. Between the handmade tortillas, extensive tequila selection, and perfectly balanced tacos, this spot serves up a memorable experience in every way, making it one of the best restaurants in Appleton with kids.
Mark’s East Side
Wondering where to eat a supper club-style dinner in Appleton with kids? Head to Mark’s East Side for a cozy, family-friendly dinner. This family-run eatery combines German-inspired cuisine with that warm, welcoming Wisconsin supper club vibe, making it the perfect spot to wind down after a long day of exploring the area.
Start with the sauerkraut balls—they’re a local favorite for good reason! If you’re craving something classic, you can’t go wrong with some cheese curds, too. From there, dive into hearty German dishes like Wiener Schnitzel or Kasseler Rippchen, packed with flavor and tradition. And don’t worry; the kids are covered with a dedicated menu that’s sure to please them.
Pro tip: Reservations are a good idea, except for Fridays when it’s first-come, first-served. Mark’s fills up fast, so plan ahead to guarantee your table—trust me, it’s worth it!
Ellinor
Our favorite restaurant from our recent visit is also one of the best restaurants in Appleton for families! Ellinor is a local favorite with a warm, welcoming vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. It gave me the same cozy, neighborhood feel as some of our favorite spots in Seattle.
The menu at Ellinor strikes the perfect balance, offering everything from upscale dishes like duck and fjord trout to more laid-back options like pizza. While there’s no official kids’ menu, kids will devour their cheesy pizza. The atmosphere is relaxed but with a touch of refinement, making it an ideal spot for a special family meal on vacation. Just be sure to snag a reservation—it’s a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, and for good reason!
Legendairy Cookies ‘N Creamery
Looking for the perfect spot to grab ice cream in Appleton with the kids? After dinner or for an afternoon pick-me-up, stroll around downtown Appleton and stop by Legendairy Cookies ‘N Creamery for a sweet treat. This local hot spot serves up delicious frozen custard and freshly baked cookies. Combine them, and you get a dreamy, gourmet ice cream sandwich.
While their cookie sandwiches often steal the spotlight, the real magic lies in their frozen custard, made from creamy Wisconsin dairy. It’s rich, velvety, and served at just the right temperature to complement the cookies. Everything is made in-house, and each bite is packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why this place is a hit with ice cream lovers and cookie fans alike!
Doughlicious
For a sweet treat in downtown Appleton, head to Doughlicious, the go-to spot for edible cookie dough and ice cream. This family-owned joint is a must-visit for anyone with a serious sweet tooth, offering a fun and welcoming vibe for kids and adults alike.
With a wide variety of cookie dough flavors and ice cream options, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re indulging in a scoop of edible cookie dough or a creamy ice cream scoop, you’re in for a delicious experience! The bright and inviting space, with plenty of seating, makes it a great spot to relax and enjoy dessert together.
Restaurants in Appleton + the Fox Cities We Saved for Next Time
You can’t fit all of the best restaurants in Appleton, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area into just one weekend getaway! Here are some excellent places to eat in the Fox Cities for families with kids that we saved for next time:
- Apple Valley Pancake House (Appleton) for a hearty breakfast
- The Sweet Lair LLC (Menasha) for board games and a low-key cafe lunch
- Mihm’s Charcoal Grill (Menasha) for a no-fuss, juicy burger joint
- Bowl Ninety-One or Ototo (both in Appleton) for ramen
- Sangria’s Mexican Grill (Appleton) offers a traditional Mexican restaurant experience
- Katsu-Ya of Japan (downtown Appleton) for hibachi-style dining and a DIY Japanese grill experience
- Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant (Appleton) serves a chef-inspired menu on the river
- Rye Restaurant (downtown Appleton) for an upscale menu + cocktails
- Cannova’s Pizzeria (downtown Neenah) for pizza, pasta, and seafood
- Crazy Sweet (downtown Appleton) for bulk candy + tasty treats.
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Keep Eating + Exploring Appleton + the Fox Cities with Kids!
I hope this article featuring some of the best restaurants in Appleton with kids helps you plan your upcoming family trip. We had so much fun exploring the many things to do and places to eat in the Fox Cities with kids. Indeed, Appleton, Wisconsin, is a fantastic destination for foodie families and other travelers!
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.