The town of New Glarus, in south central Wisconsin, is a charming, picturesque town located about 28 miles southwest of Madison. Home to a population of 2200 residents, New Glarus is known as “America’s Little Switzerland”, with its Swiss-style chalet architecture, family-owned shops, and authentic Swiss food; below I’ll highlight a few of the top restaurants in town.
As a note, New Glarus hosts cultural festivals held throughout the summer and fall to celebrate its heritage. Festivals include Polkafest, Beer, Bacon & Cheese Festival, Blues, Brews, & Food Trucks, Volksfest (Swiss Independence Day) Art in the Park, Wilhem Tell Festival, and the classic Oktoberfest, to name a few!
Check out the New Glarus Event Calendar.
New Glarus also supports biking ecotourism along the Sugar River State Trail, a crushed limestone trail covering 24 miles of rugged Driftless landscape. New Glarus is home to the northern trailhead for the Sugar River State Trail, connecting the communities of Monticello, Albany, and Brodhead, Wisconsin.
New Glarus, Wisconsin | “America’s Little Switzerland”
Whether you’re just passing through New Glarus, making a day of it, or riding the Sugar River State Trail and happen to find yourself in New Glarus, there are numerous options for a great meal. If you’re looking for authentic Swiss food, a craft brew, post-ride meal, or sweet treat, below I’ll highlight a few great options for food and drink.
The gentlemen in the image below are playing the traditional Swiss alphorn, a wind instrument long ago used for communication among herdsmen in the Swiss Alps. The alphorn produces a low, deep resounding tone, and can sometimes be observed in town during event weekends.
Top Restaurants in New Glarus
Glarner Stube
Located at 518 1st Street in downtown New Glarus, there is no better place for an authentic Swiss meal than the Glarner Stube. From Swedish meatballs, classic Swiss Roesti (fried hashbrowns with aged Swiss cheese) and cheese fondue to bratwurst and wiener schnitzel, if you’re looking for a hearty meal, this is the place to be!
New Glarus Hotel Restaurant
Located at 100 Sixth Avenue, the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant is currently under renovation, with expected opening in late Fall of 2025. Although I’m not sure how the menu might change with the renovations, this has always been a favorite post-meal spot for authentic Swiss food.
Puempel’s Olde Tavern
For a true New Glarus dining experience, be sure to check out Puempel’s Olde Tavern, located at 18 6th Avenue across from Brenda’ Blumenladen Garden Center & Gift Shop. Serving a variety of sandwiches, soup, cheese trays, and of course, New Glarus brews (and a Bloody Mary bar on the weekends!). Outdoor patio seating available. Puempel’s has been a staple of the New Glarus community since 1893!
Sugar River Pizza Company
If you’re in the mood for a delicious pizza, check out the Sugar River Pizza Company, one of the top restaurants in town. Located at 700 Railroad Street, conveniently right along the Sugar River State Trail. Bike racks are offered for bikers stopping for a meal, and outdoor patio seating is available. Pizza choices are endless, and include gluten-free options. Don’t take it from me – check out the menu! If you’re into craft beers, there’s a menu for those as well!
Sugar River Pizza Company also has locations in Sun Prairie and Verona, Wisconsin.
Ticino Pizzeria
Speaking of pizza, located at 100 6th Avenue at the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant, Ticino Pizzeria offers a variety of pizzas, and of course, New Glarus brews. Outdoor patio seating available. I have read that Ticino’s is currently closed due to the ongoing renovations at the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant; I have not found information on if or when they may reopen.
Dirty Dog Taphaus
Located at 101 6th Avenue, Dirty Dog Taphaus is the place to be for great food, friendly folks (and dogs, permitted outside!) great food and a large selection of self-pour craft beers, seltzers and ciders. The outdoor patio often has live music, and the vibe is friendly and festive!
New Glarus Bakery
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, check out the New Glarus Bakery, located at 534 1st Street. Offering a selection of freshly baked breads, pastries, donuts, turnovers, and morning rolls, there is something for everyone. My personal favorite is the apple fritter, which is a must after a long ride along the Sugar River State Trail (or a walk around town!)
Kennedy’s Ice Cream & Grill
Conveniently located right along the Sugar River State Trail, Kennedy’s Ice Cream & Grill is a great place to stop for a cold ice cream on a hot day. Located at 400 Railroad Street, Kennedy’s is a classic ice cream shop serving a variety of ice cream, specialty sundaes, ice cream flights, shakes, malts, and floats – even pints to go! Kennedy’s also serves hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hot and cold sandwiches, soda, coffee, and a kid’s menu. Outdoor patio seating is available. There is nothing better on a hot summer day!
A visit to New Glarus is always pleasant, regardless of the season. Whether you’re in town for a day, a weekend, or are just passing through, you will find a welcoming and vibrant community with numerous options for authentic Swiss food, brews and sweet treats!
Enjoy your visit to this charming Wisconsin town!
As a side note……..if you’re interested in biking and ecotourism, and want to learn more about Wisconsin’s rail trails, explore the Glacial Landscapes of Wisconsin – Glacial Drumlin State Trail.
-Erin
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