Appleton’s downtown and riverfront have seen a fresh wave of restaurants that go beyond familiar supper‑club territory.
From modern small‑plate spots to thoughtful brunch and creative comfort food, these five newer or newly revitalized restaurants show how far the local dining scene has come.
1. Fress Restaurant & Bar
Fress brings a polished, urban feel to Appleton, with a stylish interior and a menu that skews contemporary American with global touches.
It’s the kind of place that works for everything from after‑work drinks to date night.
The kitchen turns out creative small plates and mains: shareable bites like crispy Brussels sprouts or wings with inventive sauces, mains built around steak, chicken, or fish with seasonal sides, and a few well‑executed sandwiches and burgers.
Brunch service often features playful takes on classics. Cocktails are a highlight, with house infusions, fresh ingredients, and a nice balance of approachable and adventurous options.
2. SAP Brunch, Brown Bag & Bakery
SAP has become a cornerstone of Appleton’s brunch and café scene, combining a bright, modern space with scratch‑made comfort food and serious baking.
The brunch menu leans hearty and indulgent: loaded hashes, Benedicts, creatively topped pancakes and waffles, and egg dishes that go well beyond the ordinary.
Lunch includes sandwiches, salads, and seasonal specials. The bakery case features cookies, pastries, and other treats worth taking home.
Good coffee and a relaxed, friendly vibe make SAP a regular habit for many locals.
3. Rye Restaurant
Rye offers a more refined dining experience in downtown Appleton, emphasizing seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients and careful technique.
The room is sleek and understated, with a calm, grown‑up energy. The menu is compact but thoughtful: starters that highlight local cheeses and produce, mains built around meats and fish with creative sides and sauces, and desserts that lean modern and not overly sweet.
Vegetarian and gluten‑free options are usually well‑represented.
A carefully chosen wine list and classic‑leaning cocktails support the food, making Rye a go‑to for special occasions or lingering, multi‑course dinners.
4. Wooden Nickel Burgers & Brew
Wooden Nickel brings a craft‑beer‑and‑burgers concept to Appleton, with a sports‑bar‑meets‑gastropub atmosphere.
TVs, taps, and a lively crowd make it feel like a natural hangout spot.
The star of the show is the burger menu—multiple options with different toppings, cheeses, and sauces, plus the ability to build your own.
Sides like fries, tots, onion rings, and appetizers such as curds or wings round things out.
A rotating selection of local and regional beers on tap, plus a simple cocktail menu, makes it easy to find something that pairs with whatever’s on your plate.
5. Fox River Brewing Company (Appleton Location’s Newer Era)
Fox River Brewing’s Appleton location, set along the water, has become as much a restaurant destination as a place to grab a local beer.
The interior feels expansive and casual, and the patio is a major draw when the weather cooperates.
The menu is broad but focused on crowd‑pleasers: pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees like fish, chicken, and pasta dishes.
Many items incorporate beer in some way, whether in batters, sauces, or pairings.
House‑brewed beers cover a range of styles, from easy‑drinking lagers to IPAs and seasonal specialties, making it easy to build a full meal and tasting experience in one stop
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