Preferred Restaurants

Make a night of it with a visit to a local restaurant before or after a performance at the Center. Each year, the Center selects a number of local establishments that provide a high-quality dining experience that will add to your enjoyment of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Print a PDF here.


ACOCA Coffee
500 W. College Ave., Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 993-1458
ACOCA Coffee is downtown Appleton’s original small, craft coffee roaster and coffee shop.  We’ve been roasting our own coffee beans since 1997 in Appleton’s Theater District. Our focus is on the customer and we strive to make each person feel a little better after a visit to our welcoming and inclusive shop. Our baristas are as eclectic as our music playlist or Artist’s Wall, and we have free high speed WiFi. Whether it’s a great cup of one of our Fair Trade Organic coffees, a tasty bite to eat, or outstanding conversation, ACOCA has a seat for you.


Appleton Beer Factory
603 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 364-9931
From the self-performed renovation to the custom-fabricated brewing system, Appleton Beer Factory was built to immerse patrons in beer cultuer and display the brewing process. We're proud of our beer and want you to witness its journey from tun to tongue. Our seasonal menu reflects the exploration of a new, "beer-centric" way of doing things. Focusing on natural, sustainable foods that are sourced locally and house-made, the menu features the best produce, fish and meats to ensure great flavor and experience for guests.


Beefeaters British Grill & Pub
2331 E. Evergreen Dr.
Appleton, WI 54913
(920) 730-8300
The best thing this side of the pond! Opened in 2007, Beefeaters is a British themed restaurant serving up classic pub dishes as well as American favorites. Sit back and relax in our beautiful outdoor patio, enjoy a cozy dinner for two by our fireplace, or have a good time with some friends and a pint in our beautiful pub.


Copper Rock Coffee
210 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 882-9462
Copper Rock Coffee is a family-owned business in its 15th year in the Fox Cities. Copper Rock serves deli-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, bakery, dessert and homemade gelato. We roast our own coffee, have a rentable gallery area boardroom and provide catering.


D2s Sports Pub
403 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 257-2582
D2 Sports Pub of Appleton is a unique yet casual “sports centered” dining atmosphere. Our menu includes a variety of choices from burgers to wraps to Mexican, steak and full dinner entrees. Enjoy a meal before the show or stop in for a cocktail afterward.

Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant
501 W. Water St.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 993-9087
With one of the best riverfront views in the Fox Cities, Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant is the place for wonderful service and amazing food. The contemporary atmosphere is built in an old hydrolectric plant with beautiful architecture. Serving a full menu for lunch and dinner with a variety of  chef inspired unique dishes as well as our own Fox River Brewing Co. handcrafted beer, wine and craft cocktails.  Open during the week at 11 am and Saturday & Sunday at 10 am with a brunch menu.
 

George's Steak House
2208 S. Memorial Dr.
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 733-4939
George's Steak House - Appleton's "Award Winning Steakhouse", consistent winner Fox Cities Magazine Golden Fork Award and Appleton Post Crescent Best of the Valley reader's polls for best steaks. Also serving a tempting array of seafood, chicken, lamb and veal. Join in the sing-a-long at the piano bar on weekends.

Good Company
110 N. Richmond St.
Appleton, WI 54914
(920) 735-9500
Located in a century-old building in downtown Appleton, Good Company is filled with antiques, memorabilia, and artifacts. Whether having a cozy dinner in a balcony booth, a business lunch in the garden room, a get together in the library or dining in our French Quarter Sidewalk Cafe area, you will always find a good time at Good Company Restaurant. Our menu includes burgers, sandwiches, Italian, Seafood, Mexican, salads, steaks and much more.
 

Houdini's Escape Gastropub
1216 S. Oneida St.
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 574-2616
From the beautiful brick patio with glowing fire tables, to the spotless open concept kitchen, Houdini’s offers a magical dining experience unlike anywhere in the Fox Valley. A selection of more than 160 local, craft, and microbrew beers, and a rotating wine list complement our seasonal food offerings and daily chef’s specials. Unexpected menu items aren’t the only things mesmerizing guests — enjoy a special plated brunch menu on Sundays or sip on a craft cocktail while watching the chefs work their magic. Open M–Sa at 11am, Su at 9am. houdinisescape.com.
 

Il Angolo Resto-Bar
201 N. Appleton St.
Appleton, WI  54911
920-993-8811
Il Angolo Resto-Bar’s charismatic vibe draws you in and holds you close, invites you to be seen, or just sit back and savor. We offer the finest seafood and steak, world-class wine and service.

Katsu-Ya of Japan
338 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI  54911
(920) 882-4183
Katsu-Ya of Japan would love to have you as their guest to experience the excitement and fun of Japanese style dining. Relax and enjoy our wide selection of sushi, hibachi tables or try a new experience with Yakiniku (Grill Your Own).


Katsu-Ya of Japan
201 W. Northland Ave.
Appleton, WI  54911
(920) 733-3205
Best Authentic Korean Cuisine in the Midwest and Home of the New Style Sushi and Sashimi.


McGuinness Irish Pub
201 S. Walnut St. 
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 830-7616
Cead Mile Fáilte. Welcome to McGuinness Irish Pub, Appleton’s only authentic Irish Pub. Our pub serves traditional Irish fare such as Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and every Thursday our Corned Beef and Cabbage dinners. We feature more than 85 whiskeys, a large collection of Irish, world and domestic beers, and specialty drinks. Stop in before or after the show for a perfectly pulled pint and experience a bit of Ireland. Slainte!


The Melting Pot
2295 W. College Ave.
Appleton WI 54914
(920) 739-3533
Unplug, relax, and be social with friends and family over fondue at The Melting Pot of Appleton, Wisconsin. Take a seat in our intimate dining room with private, comfortable booth seating, soft lighting, and original artworks, or choose our exclusive Lovers’ Lane for more romantic evenings. We’ll start your meal with a savory cheese fondue prepared tableside, complete with artisan breads and seasonal fruits and vegetables. If you choose to indulge in the 4-Course Experience, the next course is a crisp salad with house-made dressing. Then comes the entrée, which is prepared in your preferred cooking style and complemented with flavorful dipping sauces. Lastly, and most importantly, is dessert—creamy chocolate fondue with decadent dippers to satisfy your sweet craving.

Pullmans
619 S Old Oneida St.
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 830-7855
Enjoy sophisticated casual dining on the waterfront in a setting reminiscent of Grand Central Station. Seafood and gourmet sandwiches figure prominently on the menu and an elevated bar affords patrons a beautiful river view.

The Red Ox Seafood and Steakhouse
2318 S. Oneida St.
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 830-4121
Only minutes away from the P.A.C. Steaks, seafood, early bird specials, full bar and cocktail lounge. Meet for dinner and ride together.

Spats Food & Spirits
733 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 738-7171
Historic downtown restaurant and bar serving amazing American food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Stone Arch Brew Pub
1004 Olde Oneida St.
Appleton, WI 54915
(920) 731-3322



The Bar
427 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 882-0690
Downtown Appleton's best sports bar and happy hour, The Bar on the Avenue is your stop for a great night on the town. Featuring a full menu including salads, pizzas, burgers, and much more…and don’t forget to try our famous chicken wings!  Many Celiac Friendly options available as well. The Bar has 18 HDTVs to catch all of your favorite sports, and a friendly staff with a great downtown atmosphere, located directly across from the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. The second story above The Bar boasts an atmosphere unlike any other. Based off of the holiday movie “A Christmas Story” the Leg Lamp Lodge is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. Bring your friends and dance the night away with our live DJ, playing your favorite hits from all genres. The Leg Lamp is open to the public on weekends starting at 7pm.


Vince Lombardi's Steakhouse
333 W. College Ave.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 380-9390
Located directly across the street, experience Vince Lombardi's Steakhouse with dinner before the show or wind down with a savory dessert afterward. Enjoy one-of-a-kind dining set among Coach Lombardi's personal memorabilia and classic photos showcasing over 400 items in all. Our menu includes generous sides, mouth-watering desserts and the area's most extensive wine list that was named "one of the most outstanding in the world." Reservations recommended.