Dining Right in Kenosha, WI

Last week, Jeremy and I experienced a wealth of Super Delicious eats while visiting my parents in Kenosha, WI. The East Side of the city is spattered with locally-owned restaurants, grocery stores, and shops that are definitely worth the visit. During our 5 day trip, we were only able to experience a few of the gems that make Kenosha so unique. If you don't listen to anything else I say, take a trip to Kenosha and check out at least one of these "fine dining" experiences!

For Breakfast:

The Coffee Pot - a true diner with a U-shaped bar and a few tables serves up breakfast in style. Jeremy and I both got omelets with hashbrowns and homemade toast. They make their own bread which becomes AMAZING toast! Jeremy got an awesome chili-cheese omelet which I will for sure be ordering next time!

Location : 4914 7th Ave

Frank's Diner - the history of this "lunch car diner" is reason enough to check it out, but the food tops it off (check out website below for historic info!). Their specialty is the "garbage plate" - a plate full of eggs, potatoes, veggies and choice of meat - I suggest Chirizo! So good! They also have a veggie garbage plate for those vegetarians out there... And for the kids, try PB&J Pancakes!

Location : 508 58th St
franksdinerkenosha.com

For Lunch:

The Daily Dose - a hidden gem: incredible paninis and killer soups! The owner works in the cafe; she and all the employees are very friendly. The paninis are original taste frenzies - I got the special of the day which was a Sundried Tomato Turkey - so good! My dad's favorite is "Le Beef"- loaded with roast beef and other goodness. The inside of the cafe is cute and cozy, a great place for a lunch date. Outside seating is also available.

Location : 6010 40th Ave

Jack's Cafe @ Andrea's - Nestled inside a cute gift store is Jack's Cafe - home of the best buttermilk pancakes. Jeremy and I met my mom here in the afternoon and ordered an ice cream sundae, which was, of course, Super Delicious! I have been here in the past and ordered a chicken salad sandwich was quite tasty, but according to my dad (and the Jack's website), what you need to go for are the buttermilk pancakes! My dad recommends going right around 11:00 so you can get a chocolate malt with your pancakes... Andrea's gift shop is also worthy destination - filled with fun toys for the tots, cute cooking gadgets and accessories for the young adult, and plenty of knick-knacks for mom and grandma!

Location : 2401 60th St.
andreasgifts.com/jacks.html

For Dinner:

The Spot - This is one of a few old-style drive-ins in Kenosha. Along side your burger and onion rings is The Spot's delicious home-made root-beer. Since I don't drink root-beer, you'll have to trust my mom, dad, Jeremy, and anyone else who has ever been to The Spot when they say that this root beer is smooth and tasty, something new and unique. Aside from the food and drink, it's always fun to get a little taste of the past at the drive-in. They are open year-round and have late night hours (open until 2 or 3 am...)

Location : 2117 75th St.

The Wine Knot Bistro - Kenosha's very own wine bistro is located in the historic downtown. We went here for my parent's anniversary with some of their friends, and everyone had a great time. The atmosphere was great for a group of any size, and definitly intimate enough for date night! The service was excellent - they let us bring a cake for the party a day early, and put up with our loud, mustache-wearing guests! The most ordered entree that night was the Halibut - and everyone was quite pleased. Jeremy also really enjoyed his meatloaf. As a wine bar, they offer a few different wine flights each night, but also some great martinis.

Location : 5611 6th St.
wine-knot.com

For Groceries:

Ruffalo's International Foods - For years my parents have been buying my sister and I bags of frozen ravioli to take home from our visits from Ruffalo's International Foods. This place is uninviting from the exterior, but once you take your first bite, you will be returning regularly to stock your freezer! They sell frozen Italian meals, like ravioli and lasagna, as well as pasties. It's the easiest weeknight dinner - all you do is boil some water and drop in the bag for a few minutes - and tastier than anything I have ever seen frozen!

Location : 4420 Sheridan Rd.

Tenuta's Delicatessen & Liquor - There is way more to this Italian deli and grocery store than I will remember to write, so you must must must go check it out for yourself! There are basically 3 parts to this store - a deli, a grocery store, and a liquor store. During the summer, they open up their outdoor "deli", where you can stroll up and order fresh sandwiches, Italian sausages, etc. for a deliciously easy lunch. These sandwiches are also available from inside at the deli during the colder months. They sell traditional Italian cookies and other great baked goods at the deli, too. The grocery store has all sorts of specialty Italian foods. Tenuta's makes and packages their own noodles, gnocchi, ravioli, sauce ... the list goes on and on! And everything I have eaten has been to die for! They also have a very large wine and liquor selection to enhance your evening dining experience.

My favorite's from Tenuta's include: Tenuta's Vidalia Onion and Poopyseed salad dressing, the fresh meatballs from the deli (also in the frozen section in larger numbers), and Tenuta's speghetti noodles.

Location : 3203 52nd St.
tenutasdeli.com

San Luis Mexican Food Store - My mom describes this place as going to another world when you enter the door. Much smaller than Tenuta's, this grocery store has the Mexican finest in 2 parts - grocery and deli. The grocery store carries both Mexican staples as well as American. They have a nice produce section near the deli, and some a very interesting deli selection. Jeremy and I bought a homemade "salsa verde," which proved to be a bit too spicy for me and my mom! I definitly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good amount of heat!

Location : NE Corner of 52nd St / 19th Ave