80 Restaurants & Cafes with Outdoor Dining in the Fox Cities to Visit this Summer!

Wissota Chophouse Outdoor dining
Wissota Chophouse, Neenah

One of the best parts of summer is eating outside. Date night, family dinner, brunch, coffee, cocktails, cheese boards… we’ll take any outdoor dining at any time on a warm sunny day. Actually, we’ll even take it on a cloudy day. A leisurely time on a patio really cannot be beaten and in Wisconsin, we have a short window to enjoy it!

Before you head out, check to make sure if reservations are needed. Some outdoor seating is first come first served, so you might have a short wait. Don’t forget your sunscreen, we’ve been surprised by a sunburn acquired during a Sunday brunch!

Editor’s Note: Some of these businesses continue to have altered hours, make sure to check their website or social media for current hours before heading out to eat. Email govalleykids@gmail.com or comment below if we missed your favorite spot. Also, we would love to add your feedback. What’s to love about your favorite spot?

Read More: The ABCs of Summer Snackin’: A Bucket List of Local Goodies!

Waterfront Dining

  • Bridge Bar & Restaurant, 101 W Main St, Fremont
    • Kids Menu starts at $4.99 and includes cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and grilled cheese
    • Located on the Wolf River
  • Clearwater Harbor Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, N2757 County Hwy QQ, Waupaca
    • Kids’ Menu
    • Playground
    • Moo’s ice cream shoppe is open daily in the summer
    • Live Music on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons
    • Located on Chain O’ Lakes
  • Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant, 501 W. Water St., Appleton
    • Kids’ Menu with great side options and amazing chicken tenders
    • Great for watch pelicans, herons, and eagles.
    • Located on Fox River
  • The Hotel Fremont, 218 Wolf River Dr, Fremont
    • Located on the Wolf River
  • Mr. Brew’s Taphouse, 201 S. Riverheath Way, Appleton
    • Kids Menu
    • Kids Eat FREE on Sundays and lunch specials each day of the week.
  • The Nauti Turtle, 710 Wolf River Dr, Fremont
    • Located on the Wolf River
  • Pullmans at Trolley Square, 619 S Olde Oneida St, Appleton
    • Live music Tuesday nights
  • River Rail Bar & Grill,  N5547 River St, Shiocton
    • Located on the Wolf River
  • River Tyme Bistro, 425 W Water St, Appleton
    • Located on the Fox River
  • Tempest Coffee Collective, 181 S. Riverheath Way, Appleton
    • Dog friendly. 
    • Located on the Fox River
  • The Waters, 815 W Wolf River Ave., New London
    • Located on the Wolf River
  • Waverly Beach Bar & Grill, N8770 Fire Lane 1, Harrison
    • Located on Lake Winnebago
    • Live music on Sundays 
    • Family Nights each Wednesday from 5 – 7 pm with free activities for kids
    • Closed on Mondays
  • Westridge Golf Course, 8130 Golf Course Drive, Neenah
    • Charcuterie Boards
    • Overlooking pond and golf course

Kids Eat FREE Deals

For complete offer details visit: Kids Eat FREE (or for less) – 50+ Restaurants with FREE Kids Meals! Contact restaurants to confirm.

  • Sundays: Ground Round, Mr. Brew’s Taphouse
  • Tuesdays: El Agave Mexican Grill & Cantina
  • Wednesdays: The StoneYard

General Outdoor Dining & Patios

Coffee, Brunch, Lunch & Snacks with Outdoor Seating

Read More: The Ultimate Ice Cream Lovers Bucket List: 60+ Favorites!

Downtown Appleton Outdoor Dining

Most locations offer limited seating on College Avenue. Those with a * have a separate patio 

  • Antojitos, 204 E College Ave, Downtown Appleton
    • $5 Kids Menu with burrito, quesadilla, tacos, chicken nuggets, cheeseburger and more, includes soft drink
  • Author’s Kitchen & Bar, 125 E College Ave, Appleton
    • Kids Menu with breakfast, pasta, and chicken options
    • Currently closed on Saturday and Sunday
  • The Bar of Appleton – The Avenue, 427 W. College Avenue, Downtown Appleton
    • Kids menu
    • celiac-friendly menu
  • Bazil’s*, 109 W College Ave, Downtown Appleton
    • Food from lunch to 1 am
    • During the farmers market, vendor food allowed on the patio
  • D2 Sports Pub, 403 W College Ave, Appleton
  • McFleshman’s*, 115 State St, Downtown Appleton
    • McFleshman’s hosts food trucks in their beer garden and allows carry-in or delivery from any restaurant
  • Spats*, 733 W College Ave, Downtown Appleton
    • Lunch and dinner menus
    • Sunday Brunch 
  • Wooden Nickel*, 217 E Wisconsin Ave, Downtown Appleton
    • Kids menu items under $5 with mini corn dogs, chicken tenders, or hot dog

Drive-Ins

Read More: Drive-in & Diner Restaurants in Northeast Wisconsin

Food Trucks

Date Night Outdoor Dining: Cocktails & Snacks

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