The town of New Glarus, in south central Wisconsin, is charming and picturesque. Located 28 miles southwest of Madison, New Glarus is known as “America’s Little Switzerland”. Home to 2,200 residents, New Glarus boasts Swiss-style chalet architecture, family-owned shops, and authentic Swiss food. Below, I’ll highlight a few of the top restaurants in town.
Cultural Festivals in New Glarus
New Glarus hosts cultural festivals throughout the summer and fall to celebrate its heritage. A few of the most popular festivals include:
- Polkafest
- Beer, Bacon & Cheese Festival
- Blues, Brews, & Food Trucks
- Volksfest (Swiss Independence Day)
- Art in the Park
- Wilhem Tell Festival
- Oktoberfest
For more detailed information, check out the New Glarus Event Calendar.
Swiss Heritage
Have you ever heard the sound of an alphorn? Years ago, herdsmen in the Swiss Alps used this traditional wind instrument for communication. Today, you can observe the alphorn during the Oktoberfest Festival. The alphorn produces a low, deep and resounding tone – you can’t miss it!
New Glarus Ecotourism
The city actively supports 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 picturesque Sugar River State Trail, which connects the communities of Monticello, Albany, and Brodhead, Wisconsin.
“America’s Little Switzerland”
If you’re riding the Sugar River State Trail or just happen to find yourself in town, there are numerous options for a great meal. For authentic Swiss food, a craft brew, post-ride meal, or sweet treat, you’ll find what you’re looking for in town! Below I’ll highlight a few great options for food and drink.
Top Restaurants
Glarner Stube
For an authentic Swiss meal, I encourage you to check out the Glarner Stube. From Swedish meatballs, classic Swiss Roesti (fried hashbrowns with aged Swiss cheese) and cheese fondue to bratwurst and wiener schnitzel, this is the place to be for a hearty meal!
New Glarus Hotel Restaurant
Located at 100 Sixth Avenue, the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant is currently under renovation, with plans to open a new eatery, “The Yodel Room” in 2026. This is 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. Puempel’s menu includes sandwiches, soup, cheese trays, and New Glarus brews. Outdoor patio seating available.
Sugar River Pizza Company
For a delicious pizza, check out the Sugar River Pizza Company, one of the top restaurants in town. Located at 700 Railroad Street, this is located 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!
Other Sugar River Pizza Company locations include Sun Prairie and Verona, Wisconsin.
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 Sweets | New Glarus Bakery
For a sweet treat, check out the New Glarus Bakery, located at 534 1st Street. The bakery offers 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! You’ll find hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hot and cold sandwiches, soda, coffee, and a nice kid’s menu. Outdoor patio seating is available. There is nothing better on a hot summer day!
In New Glarus, you’ll 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!
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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