Flavors of Downtown La Crosse

Begin your day at Nom Sips & Eats. This charming spot serves nutrient-packed smoothie bowls, smoothies, salads, overnight oats, and more that will have you saying “nom nom nom.” Enjoy your meal in the cozy café space or grab it to go as you explore the city.

Come visit La Crosse’s first distillery! Tour the downtown facility and see firsthand how their gin, vodka, whiskey and other spirits are made. Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at the bar in the world-class tasting room, and have a meal featuring the finest ingredients of the Driftless region. La Crosse Distilling Co. brews their own house beer and features other local and regional taps. The distillery offers a genuine taste of La Crosse in everything they craft.

Head over to Taqueria Pato Azul for a tasty lunch! Taqueria Pato Azul, Spanish for blue duck, is a modern Mexican restaurant, serving authentic Mexican cuisine with a Bleu Duck twist. You can enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes for all ages and palates, as well as a full bar with craft cocktails, Spanish wines and beer. The restaurant also offers a vibrant, photo worthy ambiance with bright decor and artwork that pairs well with their exciting menu!

Taste some La Crosse-made craft beer at Turtle Stack Brewery! This craft brewery produces high-quality, local beer for the La Crosse area and visitors to the upper Mississippi River Valley. Enjoy sample flights in their tasting room or outdoor patio across from the La Crosse Center and Riverside Park path.

Sneak in a sweet little treat before dinner at The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor! Enjoy the historic ice cream shop’s 20 homemade Wisconsin dairy flavors including Mississippi Mud and Snappin’ Turtle.

Across the street, on the second floor of Buzzard Billy’s Flying Carp Cafe, sits The Starlite Lounge. This unique martini lounge will take you back to simpler, swingin’ times. With its retro atmosphere, you will feel like you are in the presence of Frank Sinatra and the famous Rat Pack. Find fun, orange carpeted walls, mood lighting, vintage seating with second-story views of downtown, and occasional live music.

Taste legendary La Crosse pizza at Big Al’s Pizza! This iconic downtown spot has been serving up specialty pizzas, toasted sandwiches, baked appetizers, and ice cream drinks since 1979. Enjoy a meal in the vintage Americana dining room or on the recently added patio.

To finish the day, head over to Lovechild for a fine dining experience. Lovechild is a 100 seat restaurant offering uncomplicated food with intriguing ingredients and big flavors – locally sourced and seasonally driven.