Departments

Area Dining Scene Updates, Broken Down in one Digestible Review

NEW ON THE SCENE

Anchor & Port, Oshkosh
Located within the Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Anchor & Port not only brings a wide range of food and beverage options, but an updated look with a nod to the past.

“Our entire restaurant space is newly renovated and updated with beautiful new furniture and fixtures. The decoration is a throwback to Oshkosh’s past with denim and wood being the main themes,” David Helgeson, Marriott General Manager, says. “Our open concept dining area gives beautiful views of the riverside with plenty of natural light. Our 360-degree bar, where the pool used to be, is eye-catching and carries over 30 wines, great bourbons, local beer, as well as a rotating cocktail menu; there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Anchor and Port provides a dining experience unlike others in the area.”

Popular menu items include their Smash Burger: Two 4-ounce patties with American cheese, caramelized onions and Worcestershire aioli, on a potato bun; Beef Stroganoff: Dry sac sherry, tenderloin tails, porcini cream, pappardelle and truffle; Baby Spinach Salad: Glacial Lake dried cranberries, goat cheese, candied spiced walnuts, shaved red onion, strawberry vinaigrette; Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Roasted bell pepper, charred onion aioli, shredded lettuce, brioche bun; Beef and Frits: Braised beef tips, balsamic pearl onion, roasted mushroom, frits, herb fine.

“We have not finalized our future plans, but we look to have seasonal options as well as specials,” Helgeson explains. “That gives us an opportunity to try new creations out and get feedback before we put them on the menu!”

Biggby Coffee, Appleton and Green Bay
With up to 500 types of drinks to choose from—hot, iced and frozen—on their menu, owner/operator Tara Nyson says the name isn’t a coincidence.

“Biggby Coffee has a BIGG menu… throughout the year, we have different selling seasons where we introduce new drinks to the menu,” she says. “These drinks are very popular with our customers, as it gives them an opportunity for an exciting change in their day-to-day beverages.”

The Appleton location has had two beginnings. One in 2023 and one in 2025.

“On August 31… someone drove through the lobby and collided with the barista counter… In this event, the storefront was completely damaged, along with tables and chairs in the front lobby and the cubbie walls for people working or studying… By the grace of God, nobody was injured.

“We reopened on February 10, 2025 (and) served 1023 drinks and 182 Bragels, which was a record for us both with drinks and food in one day. The community welcomed us back with a lot of love and excitement!”

While Biggby is known for its drinks—particulary favorites like the Teddy Bear Latte, Butter Bear Latte and Banana Berry Crème Freeze and Strawberry Punch Mocktail—breakfast lovers can be excited too.

“We have something for everyone in the family, so that you only need to stop at one place. Biggby offers a made to order Bragel (breakfast sandwich and bagel) that is made fresh at the time of the order. Don’t forget to add the cream cheese—it’s a game changer,” Nyson says. “We also have muffins, donut holes, brownies and a BIGG cookie.

“There is plenty of space for you to work alone or with a group. We even have study spaces for privacy. The lobby has soft seating for your fun visit with a friend or there are 11 tables for you to sit and spend time with your family.”

Cheeky Doughnuts, Kimberly
Doughnut lovers can rejoice! Cheeky Doughnuts, the brainchild of owner Kim Thiel and her daughters, Finnley and Ellie, opened its doors in November of 2024 and has been providing the Fox Cities with sweet, bright flavors every weekend since.

“We are an artisan doughnut shop offering handmade made-to-order doughnuts,” Thiel says. “The brand slogan is ‘made with love, made to order’ and we’re committed to always serving warm doughnuts. The dough and toppings are made from scratch daily with whole ingredients, locally sourced when possible, and topped with nuts, herbs, spices and fruits.”

Cheeky Doughnuts offers three signature flavors each week: Classic Cinnamon Sugar made with royal cinnamon; Pistachio Cardamom, elevated by smoked black cardamom; and Brown Butter Maple Glaze with local maple syrup from Skarda Farms. One new flavor is launched each week, with past hits being Chai, London Fog, Hot Honey & Thyme and Raspberry Sumac.

“My love of food and community began in the summer of 1994 when my parents bought a coffee shop in Fish Creek,” Thiel reminisces. “To honor my Door County roots, Cheeky has partnered with Isely Coffee Roaster in Ephraim who roasts and delivers our fresh house blend coffee every month. Since Cheeky was conceived while living on Maple Street, we package and sell the coffee as our Maple St. House Blend.

A local artist, Swallowtail Studios, hand makes all our coffee mugs and AMANO Print House makes all our merch. We’re a brand built with many hands who love their craft.”

Fun fact: The building was originally built in 1988 as an ice cream shop and has remained a sweet treat destination in Kimberly throughout its life,” Thiel says. “We’re thrilled to be the ones to carry on the tradition and plan to carry an all-natural ice cream treat this summer in honor of its history while maintaining the integrity of our brand.”

Emery & Pearl Provisions, Appleton
Bringing area foodies the best of both worlds by combining an urban grocery and deli, Emery & Pearl Provisions quietly opened their doors on February 18 of this year.

“The deli side offers sandwiches, salads and soups on a regular menu in addition to deli meats and cheeses sliced to order and heat and eat entrees and sides,” co-owners Carl Sanderfoot and Nikki Sanderfoot, say. “The market offers fresh produce, dairy, pantry items, frozen foods, meats and cheeses, snacks, and anything else you might need or want between your big store shopping trips.”
The frontrunner favorite thus far is the “Californian,” a sandwich made with roasted turkey breast, bacon, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, guacamole, and a chipotle mayo.

“The DC Chicken Salad is also popular with diced chicken breast, dried Montmorency cherries, roasted salted pecans and celery mixed with mayo.

“We will have a rotating list of specials daily and seasonally utilizing products from our market.”

Funky Franks, Kimberly
Convenience, a casual atmosphere and one of America’s favorite food items is what you get at Funky Franks in Kimberly.
“We’re a quick service hot dog restaurant serving Vienna all beef franks, polish sausage, loaded nachos and Italian beef” owner Josh Young says. “We also have sides of chips or fries and offer a variety of soft drinks.”

Both classic flavors and hot dogs with a twist fill the menu.

“Our most popular frank is the Chicago Frank, which is a steamed Vienna all beef Frank on a poppyseed bun with all 7 classic toppings,” Young describes. “Other popular favorites are the Mac n’ Cheese Frank, Coney Island Frank and the Frito Pie Frank.
As an added bonus, Funky Franks will begin serving ice cream this spring/summer.

Mi Viejo San Juan, Appleton
Opened in November, Mi Viejo San Juan brings a new experience to guests craving good food.

“We have specials every week, and the soup also changes every week,” Chef Ashlie Baez says. “It’s all family owned and operated… Mi Viejo San Juan is a place that makes you feel at home and with family.”

Popular dishes include Mofongo with fried pork and white rice with beans and Red Snapper with tostones.

Mondo! On The River, Appleton
If you’re in the Fox Cities and think “Mondo” rings a bell, you’re right.

“We started in the heart of downtown Appleton in late 2017 on the first floor of the 222 Building as Mondo! Wine Bar & Retail,” co-owners David and Jane Oliver, say. “After our move into Atlas Mill on July 1, 2024, we became a restaurant and changed our name… (but) we continue to offer one of the best curated selections of retail wine in the Fox Valley.

Touting a “chef-driven” menu, Mondo! On The River Chef Colton Roberts makes many items from scratch, including focaccia and pasta.

“We have had mussels, lamb Osso Buco, steak au poivre and coq au vin on our constantly changing menu,” the Olivers say. “The menu changes regularly. We want to make sure that it’s not stagnant and to have new and exciting offerings for our guests.

“Our wine program is headed by David Oliver who has been in the restaurant and wine business for over 40 years. David’s restaurant experience includes New York City, Charleston, SC and Chicago in addition to the Fox Valley.”

Fun fact: The building was originally built in 1878 and was the first Kimberly-Clark paper mill in Appleton. At the time it was built, it was the largest in the state. Our restaurant offers the best river views in the Fox Valley, if not the state of Wisconsin. Overlooking a dam, there is the ability to see water pouring from the open gates and spillway. The summer brings a variety of water fowl to watch, including pelicans, egrets, herons, cormorants and eagles. We have a large outdoor deck that gives you unobstructed views. Our main bar and multiple tables allow for comfortable indoor viewing. We have a variety of spaces for dining or private events.”


MyMy Thai Street Food, Appleton
Bold flavor and authenticity is important to chef/owner of MyMy Thai Street Food, Lor Lee.

“We strive to keep it as authentic as possible and transport the diner to the streets and alleys of Bangkok,” she says.

“A couple of our most popular dishes are Pad See Ew and Pad Kra Pao with crispy pork belly. Our pad see ew is wok tossed with an in-house made rice noodle and savory soy sauce. The pad kra pao with crispy pork belly is a stir fried crispy pork with a generous amount of chilis, garlic, and basil. It is finished off with a fried egg.”

MyMy Thai Street Food plans to introduce new Thai street food dishes and offer specials throughout the year.

Ototo Appleton
A Japanese restaurant specializing in Japanese ramen, Ototo recently closed their doors to focus on opening MYMY Thai Street Food.

The chef/owner of both, Lor Lee, says the restaurant will reopen this month.

“Our menu is small and limited but with this, it lets us take extra time and give extra care to each dish,” she says.

“One of our favorite dishes amongst our customers are our pork buns. Almost every diner gets an order when they come in. It is slow braised pork belly that is seared and sandwiched between a soft bao bun with house pickles and a sweet and tangy hoisin.

Other favorites include the Spicy Miso Ramen with 24-hour pork bone broth and a blend of miso, chilis and spices.

“As we are constantly experimenting with new ramen bowls, the plan is to feature them as limited time specials. We have an open kitchen so it allows diners to see how each bowl of ramen is assembled just as if you were to dine in a tiny ramen shop in Japan.”

Patty & Pablo’s, Kaukauna
If you like Mexican food and appreciate a traditional brunch, Patty & Pablo’s in Kaukauna is a haven for both.

“We offer made from scratch traditional Mexican brunch as well as classic American breakfast. With a focus on the feeling of homemade comfort,” co-owner Noe Garcia says.

“Chilaquiles are our most popular dish as well as Chorizo Eggs Benedict. The chilaquiles are a staple of Mexican breakfast, house fried tortilla chips, tossed in tangy salsa verde served alongside refried beans and eggs anyway you like them! The Chorizo Benedict is one of our fusion creations that has been very popular among our guests. And the gorditas, a corn masa pocket stuffed with cheese and savory fillings, are a favorite among our Mexican guests, bringing them the flavors of home.”

The menu at Patty & Pablo’s maintains its staples but changes with the season. Examples include Butternut Squash Soup in the fall and the Turkey Club with Cranberry Aioli during the holidays.

“We try to keep a focused menu while also being creative with the fusions we incorporate,” Garcia says. “We try to have something for everyone, as well as options like our Hot Cake, which is a pancake with caramelized jalapeños, that showcase the best flavors of both cuisines.”


Rô Caphe, Appleton
Combining “Ro” from robusta coffee and “Ca Phe,” which means coffee in Vietnamese, Rô Caphe finds a permanent home in Appleton, having first started as a small coffee trailer.

“Our coffee beans are sourced directly from Buon Me Thuoc, Vietnam,” owner Hieu Ngo, says. “This region is famous for producing some of Vietnam’s finest Robusta coffee beans.”

Rô Caphe uses the traditional Vietnamese phin filter.

“The coffee is brewed slowly, drip by drip, creating a strong, concentrated brew. This method brings out the full-bodied flavor and intense aroma,” Ngo explains. “We also offer an innovative blend combining Vietnamese coffee with milk tea. The slow brewing process encourages people to slow down and savor the moment.”

The cafe also offers Vietnamese street food favorites like Banh Mi and Banh Mi Chao.

“Banh Mi is very popular in Vietnam, and is one of the best sandwiches in the world,” Ngo says. “We’re Saigoneer so our vibe is vintage Sai Gon, a.k.a. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We display vintage collections and hope our customers experience reading, working… studying: a place for every generation to sit down and chat.”

Scoop & Roll, Appleton
Want a one-of-a-kind dessert experience that promises a fun, interactive experience? That’s what owner Jamie Abitz says Scoop & Roll is known for.

“We opened Scoop & Roll after traveling as a family and discovering fun, unique desserts that brought people together,” she says. “Inspired by those experiences, we wanted to bring that same excitement to the valley—creating a place where our community can gather, share delicious treats, and make lasting memories together!”

Fan favorites include Hand-Rolled Ice Cream: made fresh before your eyes with flavors and toppings to choose from; Bubble Waffle Cones & Sticks: Light, fluffy, and slightly crispy, you can try bubble waffles as a cone filled with ice cream or as a fun bubble waffle stick; Refreshers: light, fruity and refreshing with a boost of natural energy; Handcrafted Sodas: a fun twist on classic soda, made fresh with unique flavors and fizzy goodness; Lemonades and teas: from sweet and tangy lemonade to delicious teas,
“There’s something for every taste!” Abitz says.

*Dave’s Hot Chicken; El Cubilete; La Baja Chicken & Taco Shop; Molo Asian BBQ & Hotpot; Nanglo Momos & Curry; Sweetberry’s Family Restaurant; Taqueria La Patrona; Teriyaki Lovers; and Thirst Bar and Grill have also opened in the area in the last year.

*Please check in with individual restaurants for updated days and hours of operation.

NEW NAME

AmberLuLu, Appleton
Formerly known as Uni Uni Bubble Tea, AmberLuLu says they’re beginning a new chapter with the same heart.

“We made the decision to rebrand to AmberLuLu Sweet Creation in August with a celebratory ribbon-cutting event,” Fanni Xie says. “This rebrand wasn’t just about changing a name—it was about embracing our true identity and vision for what we wanted this business to become,” they say.

While they were provided a foundation with recipes and structure to introduce the area to bubble tea, the AmberLuLu team began experimenting with their own creations while deepening their relationships with customers.

“We were creating something unique, something deeply personal,” she says. “For me, this shop is not just a business—it’s a reflection of the community we serve, the cultures we celebrate, and the creativity that fuels us. We’re excited for this new chapter, and we hope everyone joins us in making AmberLuLu a place where flavors, cultures, and creativity come together.”

With that being said, the menu will boast a more approachable menu with AmberLuLu Signature Milk Tea: Assam milk tea with brown sugar and tapioca; Strawberry Orange Fruit Tea with Crystal Boba: made from fresh orange and strawberry purées, blended with refreshing jasmine green tea for a fruity and invigorating taste; Mermaid’s Melody: a secret recipe that’s both creamy and fruity, this smoothie has become a customer favorite for its unique and delightful flavor.

AmberLuLu will also offer seasonal specials.

NEW ON THE MENU

Carmella’s an Italian Bistro, Appleton
Carmella’s is certainly not new on the food scene in the area, known for their flavor combinations and fresh Italian fare.

But new on the menu at the Fox Cities favorite is pizza! Neapolitan to be exact. The addition is a dream come true for co-owners and sisters Nicole DeFranza and Kristen Walzer.

“Neapolitan pizza is very different from the pizza we are used to here,” DeFranza says. “In order to make traditional Neapolitan Pizza in the authentic style that originated in Naples, you must use certain ingredients, form the dough using the traditional method and cook them in a very hot brick style oven. Kristen and I fell in love with this type of pizza on our very first trip to Naples over 25 years ago and have long dreamed of bringing this to our guests.

“We decided that if we were going to do it, we would do our best to replicate the pizza in the traditional way. To make this happen, we attended, along with our Executive Chef, Kari Mueller, a 5-day intensive course in Los Angeles. The class is led by a master, Peppe Mielle, who was born and raised in Naples and was making this style of pizza in LA long before it was fashionable to do so.”

Each student had to pass a written and practical test before earning individual certificates in the art of Neapolitan pizza making.

“We are SO excited to be able to share all we’ve learned with our staff and our guests!” DeFranza exclaims. “There are many traditional variations of Neapolitan pizza and we are working on creating some of our own unique creations as well, using authentic Italian ingredients. We will update more on our social media as soon as we can.”

Rye, Appleton
Catering to our Wisconsin favorite—cheese!—chef/owner of Rye Restaurant in Appleton, Nick Morse, introduces Nordic Fondue:
“(It’s) a classic cheese fondue made from a combination of Alpine and Swiss style cheeses,” he describes. “(It’s) served with house baked rye and sourdough breads, apples, grapes, cornichon pickles, roast potatoes, cauliflower & carrot.

“Additional items may be purchased as well for dipping such as any of our rotating charcuterie meats, crispy brussels sprouts, sauteed mushrooms, grilled shrimp or poached asparagus for an additional charge.”

The fondue will be featured in a 12-ounce cast iron fondue pot with enough accoutrements to feed up to four people as an appetizer.

NEW LOCATION

il Bar Coffeehouse & Bistro, Appleton
When a perfect location made itself available, owners of il Bar Coffeehouse, Monica and “Kell” Bales knew it was a match made in heaven for their third location.

“The location is just perfect, located next to Lawrence University and the new Trout Museum. We’re huge aficionados of art, music, culture, language—it’s an amazing fit for us,” they say. “We’re very internationally focused with our offerings—from flavors to atmosphere—to language and arts to our coffee with a purpose!”

il Bar Coffeehouse & Bistro Appleton and Kimberly locations offer a full selection of breakfast, lunch and dessert items as well as first-of-their-kind coffee flights, while their Heart of the Valley YMCA location serves food in grab and go style.

The Breakfast Burrito is amongst the bistro’s most popular menu items, “handmade to order with a large tortilla and fresh ingredients.

“Once a customer tries one, they fall in love! In addition… we offer authentic Cubano and Tripleta sandwiches with seasoned-in-house slow-roasted pork using high quality meats and cheeses. We receive amazing feedback on all our food items,” the Bales say.

“By and large we keep the same bistro menu all year round; our  handcrafted beverages change about monthly and definitely seasonally. We love our staff’s creativity and give them a lot of artistic liberty to create new combinations of flavors. Occasionally we’ll create a fun bistro item – like the Tailgater breakfast sandwich during the football season – consisting of a brat patty, egg, cheese, and served on a bagel – which we source from Jersey’s Bagels in Appleton. We’re always creating new flavors and items and occasionally will offer them those items that are most popular and get added to our menu!”

PERMANENTLY CLOSED

We are sad to see that these establishments have permanently closed:

Mom & Pops Bakery
SALT
Landreman’s
Crazy Donkey Burrito & Taco Bar
Sidelines Bar and Grill
TT’z BBQ
McGuiness Irish Pub
Dairyland Brew Pub
Wild River Cafe
Mer & Jackie’s Five Corners Supper Club