Best Week of the Year!

Fox Cities Restaurant Week

by Tony Reffke

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the food lovers of Appleton. Restaurant Week Fox Cities is returning for 12 days from September 29 to October 10 to bring the spotlight back to our favorite restaurants. The event has come under new leadership at the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau for 2021 with the goal of getting everyone to explore new or familiar restaurants and bring back the community spirit that makes our region special. Guests are strongly encouraged to dine in to enjoy the distinct atmosphere at each location.

Restaurant Week Fox Cities provides local restaurants the ability to create delicious three-course meals for lunch or dinner at a discount to the patron. New this year, some restaurants or cafes are also offering a breakfast special (which may not be a three-course). Meals will be priced at $10 for breakfast or $15 for lunch. Dinner will either be $26 or $32, depending on the meal and restaurant. To streamline the dining experience, the menus will be provided using a QR code on your table. In addition, the restaurants will have their standard full menus available. 

As always, diners should be aware that these restaurants will be busier than usual during the 12-day event, so they ask that you remain respectful and understanding of any serving or seating limitations. Keep in mind that some restaurants may require reservations on busy evenings. The week spans two full weekends so there is plenty of time to take advantage of the specials, find a new favorite, or try them all. 

With Restaurant Week starting at the end of September, we wanted to provide a sneak peek at some of the participating restaurants. The exclusive menus at each location are not yet known, as the chefs may be waiting to offer a seasonal specialty or unique item, but with the profile of the restaurants in mind, we can look forward to some fantastic meals. 

Fress Restaurant and Bar 
511 W. College Avenue, Appleton

Fress Restaurant is a scratch kitchen in Downtown Appleton that serves worldly cuisine with an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. This award-winning restaurant is known for their fantastic seasonal menu as well as their ambiance.

Stone Arch Brewpub 
1004 S. Olde Oneida Street, Appleton

Operating as the oldest, continually running brewpub in the state of Wisconsin, Stone Arch Brewpub offers a selection of pub style foods as well as burgers, sandwiches, and pizza.  They strive to provide sustainable, locally sourced foods to create healthy and tasty meals. 

Osorio’s Latin Fusion
1910 N. Casaloma Drive, Appleton

True to the name, Osorio’s has developed an appealing menu of Latin cuisine with a unique twist and lively libations. Osorio’s is located close to Fox Cities Stadium with plenty of parking and an outdoor patio.

The Melting Pot
2295 W. College Avenue, Appleton

Dinners at The Melting Pot create their fondue experience with a unique menu of entrees, salads, and desserts. The restaurant can provide either an intimate dining escapade or a fun family event.

Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant
501 W. Water Street, Appleton 

Fratellos offers northern Italian-inspired cuisines with a casual, spacious dining room, as well as an outdoor patio overlooking the Fox River. Tucked away in the flats of Appleton, the scenery is spectacular both inside and outside.

OB’s Brau Haus
523 W. College Avenue, Appleton 

A gastropub in Downtown Appleton, OB’s Brau Haus serves authentic German and Bavarian styled dishes. Their large bar is very welcoming with locally produced beers from Old Bavarian Brewing Company made with the finest imported German barley and hops. 

Zuppas Café and Catering
1540 S. Commercial Street, Neenah

Zuppas Café is run by a top-flight chef team and is known for their delectable soups, salads, and sandwiches. The contemporary cafeteria-style atmosphere ensures your meals are made fresh and fast.  

Mark’s East Side
1405 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Appleton

A staple in our city since 1967, Mark’s East Side came under new ownership in 2021.  They serve German-style cuisine with specialty Schnitzels and Old Country fare.  

Fox River Brewing Company
4301 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Appleton

Fox River Brewing Company is in the Fox River Mall and has an on-site brewery to accompany their pub-style restaurant. This convenient location is perfect for relaxing after a shopping excursion and enjoying a few of their craft beers.

Sticky Fingers Café and Catering
145 E. 2nd Street, Kaukauna

Situated in the heart of Kaukauna, Sticky Fingers Café offers brunch all day with a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. They brew organic coffee and teas and provide homemade baked goods. 

ACOCA Coffee and Cafe
500 W. College Avenue, Appleton

Acoca is in downtown Appleton and offers sustainably sourced and in-house roasted coffee. Their breakfast and lunch menu has a selection of burritos, bowls, waffles, and toast.