Eau Claire has a cozy, small‑city vibe and a deep love for classic Midwestern comfort food. That means burgers are serious business. From downtown pubs to riverside restaurants, these are five spots locals can’t stop recommending.
1. The Nucleus Café / Racy D’Lene’s (Honorable Mention for Breakfast Burgers)
The Nucleus is famous for breakfast and brunch, but their breakfast‑style burgers and sandwiches have a strong following.
Think beef patty or sausage, fried egg, cheese, maybe avocado, all on a solid bun or bread. It’s not a traditional burger joint, but locals swear by these when they want something burger‑adjacent and indulgent before noon.
2. The Livery Restaurant & Saloon
Set in a historic livery stable, The Livery offers an upscale‑casual vibe and a burger that locals happily rank among the city’s best.
Their burgers are thick, juicy patties often made from higher‑quality beef, topped with sharp cheddar, bacon, caramelized onions, and house sauces. Some versions lean gourmet with blue cheese, onion jam, or arugula.
Pair it with their fries and a good beer, and you get that perfect balance of rustic and refined that defines a lot of Eau Claire’s newer dining scene.
3. Court’n House Bar & Grill
Court’n House is a straightforward, old‑school bar and grill that many locals call the burger spot in town.
The burgers are hand‑pattied, cooked on a well‑seasoned grill, and dressed with classic toppings. You’ll find cheeseburgers, bacon burgers, mushroom‑Swiss, and more. Everything feels unpretentious but done with care.
It’s the kind of place where regulars sit at the bar, the game’s on, and your burger comes out hot, juicy, and exactly what you were hoping for.
4. Mogie’s Pub & Restaurant
Right near the university area, Mogie’s is a student and local favorite, especially for burgers and beer.
They offer a stacked burger menu with creative combos—bacon and cheddar, spicy jalapeño, mushroom‑Swiss, and often a “house special” with unique toppings. Patties are juicy, buns are substantial, and the side options (fries, tots, onion rings) are crowd‑pleasers.
If you want a low‑key, slightly rowdy burger night, this is high on the Eau Claire list.
5. The Lakely (For the Gourmet Burger Vibe)
Part of the Oxbow Hotel, The Lakely is more of a farm‑to‑table lounge, but when a burger is on the menu, locals pay attention.
Expect locally sourced beef, artisan cheese (think aged cheddar or gouda), pickled or roasted veg, and a carefully chosen bun. It’s less about huge portions and more about thoughtful flavor.
It’s the spot for a “date‑night burger” alongside cocktails and live music, and it rounds out Eau Claire’s burger scene with a more refined option.
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