Appleton’s comfort food runs on supper club traditions, pub fare, and hearty breakfasts that get you through a Wisconsin winter.
These five favorites nail the essentials.
Stuc’s Pizza
A local favorite for pan and thin-crust pies, Stuc’s hits that cheese-laden, sauce-balanced sweet spot.
Pan pizzas are deeply comforting—golden edges, stretchy mozzarella, and toppings from classic sausage-and-mushroom to veggie-loaded.
Calzones, garlic bread with cheese, and simple salads round out a meal that tastes like Friday night at home. It’s unfussy, consistent, and deeply satisfying.
Apollon
When you need cozy elegance, Apollon’s Mediterranean comfort shines.
Think lemon chicken with velvety sauce, braised lamb shanks falling off the bone, and moussaka layered with béchamel.
Soup and salad starters feel generous, and the warm, softly lit dining room invites lingering over a glass of red and a slice of baklava.
It’s the kind of place locals choose for anniversaries—and also random Tuesdays.
Carmella’s an Italian Bistro
Carmella’s channels Italian-American comfort with a handmade touch.
House pastas—rigatoni bolognese, fettuccine alfredo, and lasagna—arrive in generous bowls, and chicken parmesan gets a crisp, cheesy crust. Starters like arancini and burrata set the mood, and tiramisu closes the loop.
The space is intimate, service is personal, and the whole experience feels like a warm blanket.
Houdini’s Escape Gastropub
A cozy gastropub with a magician’s name and a comfort-first menu.
Expect upscale pub favorites: short rib grilled cheese with caramelized onions, truffle fries, beer cheese soup, and a standout mac and cheese.
Rotating specials keep regulars engaged—braised meats, pot pies, and seasonal chowders.
The beer list is strong, the lighting is warm, and the booths invite you to settle in.
Mohnen’s Family Restaurant
For classic diner comfort, Mohnen’s delivers breakfast and lunch with no shortcuts.
Cinnamon-swirl French toast, omelets stuffed to the brim, corned beef hash, and biscuits with sausage gravy set the tone.
Lunch means hot beef sandwiches, turkey clubs, soups of the day, and pie for dessert.
Coffee refills are constant, the prices are kind, and it feels like everyone knows your name—even if it’s your first time.
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