'Classic' Wisconsin Eatery Named 'Oldest Restaurant' In The State
By Sarah Tate
May 20, 2025
Have you ever dined at the oldest restaurant in Wisconsin?
Restaurants open and close all the time but there are some that have lingered for decades, the establishments that have created a lasting legacy in some fashion, whether through charming decor, laid-back atmosphere or simply good food and service.
Using reviews, awards and accolades as well as first-hand experience, LoveFood compiled a list of the "oldest restaurant" in each state that is "worth seeking out and still serves great food." These are the establishments that have stood the test of time and have continued to draw in diners who return again and again to explore what the eatery has to offer.
So which Wisconsin restaurant was named the oldest in the state?
Red Circle Inn
This Nashotah eatery has been around for more than a century and continues to dish out hearty meals for everyone who stops by. Red Circle Inn, which has a 4.4 star rating on Google and more than 500 reviews, is located at N44W33013 Watertown Plank Road.
Here's what LoveFood had to say about this "classic" eatery:
"The gabled exterior of the long-running Red Circle Inn looks very inviting and has been welcoming customers since 1848, when Nashotah was the domain of fur trappers and traders. Now it's a hot spot for tourists, who come by for a mighty dose of historic charm, plus a menu featuring beef Stroganoff, steak and potatoes, and grilled wild salmon."
See the full list at lovefood.com to read more about the most historic restaurants around the country. You can also see our previous coverage of the eatery named the "best cult-favorite restaurant" in Wisconsin.