This one is a bit of a doozy. I’ve lived in the Fox Valley for a number of years, including all of high school. So I’ve spent a very long time going to various places in Appleton. Still, though, I sometimes think that I have nothing to say when it comes to this town. And yet I can come up with places to go or things to do when I really think of them. This place is varied, and I encourage anyone to mention someplace I might have missed.

Food

To begin with food, I can look at breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, groceries… But the majority of times I eat out here is at diners for brunch. I like using brunch to catch up with family, friends, etc. I also love breakfast foods. However, I will try to minimize the amount of diners I cover! There are so many places in Appleton, that I think I would do it a disservice to only focus on that area.

Still, I might make some entries on each place I leave out.

Black Bear Family Restaurant

Starting off with the place I’ve been to the most. Black Bear is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. They’re open holidays, and until 10PM most days. They’re along Richmond street, a nice large place with a lot of seating.

This is my default brunch place. I quite enjoy their breakfast specials, and the cost is quite affordable. I’ve been surprised many times when I’ve been given the check. Huge plus in my opinion.

The staff are nice and accommodating, and the coffee is serviceable, if not good. The food is well done, and the various specials they have are often pretty good as well.

They’re also welcoming of fairly large parties. I’ve brought groups of up to 9 here before. Just don’t be rude about it!

Sai Ram Indian Fine Dining

I have a more in depth review of Sai Ram, but I would be remiss not to mention it.

This place is tucked along an outlet on Northland, between the roundabout and the Circle K. Sai Ram might be a bit small, but the quality makes up for waiting a bit longer. The inside is a refreshing change of pace from the outside.

There is quite the selection of drinks, including a number of wines. I had one of their new drinks recently, and it was creamy with a licorice aftertaste. Regardless, the mango drink they have is terrific.

The staff is very friendly, and their conversation is never annoying or otherwise. All of the food smells good! It tastes good as well, and portions are very generous.

If you want Indian, this is a good place.

Sal’s Pizza

Sal’s is located downtown, across the street from the Performing Arts Center. Its tiny, and you have to really squeeze yourself inside.

However, this is the place I went to if I went out with friends. Starting in high school. The pizza is incredible, with a variety of them always set out for you to peruse. Cheesy garlic pizza, pepperoni, all the classics. The price point is also very good.

I’d say good service and good atmosphere, but those aren’t the main draws to Sal’s. The pizza makes up for any problems that may arise, if any indeed occur. If you want a quick bite to eat, try it.

Drinks

There is absolutely a bar scene in Appleton. Oktoberfest is one of the best parts of living here, definitely come if you can. As for places, there are a lot of good options.

McFleshman’s Brewing Co.

My parents are out and about? This is where they start. McFleshman’s is a nice, atmospheric pub with a quality selection of beers, ciders, and the occasional canned sangria.

I never know where to start here- I’m not much of a beer person, but I do love ciders. I spent new year’s eve here one night, and it was a very nice experience. A tall glass of any cider and I’m perfectly happy!

The atmosphere is top notch. The aesthetic of the inside and outside seating areas are perfect for the type of drink. The second story is a nice place to get away if the first floor is packed.

The staff are helpful, and they know their drinks. Typically, asking them for their opinion has me getting something I do not regret.

McFleshman’s is one of the first places on this side of downtown Appleton, so it’s a perfect place to start your crawl.

Deja Vu Martini Lounge

Not far from McFleshman’s is Deja Vu. This “Martini Lounge” specializes in an incredibly variety of martinis. Just to name a few: key lime, various sidecars, and a licorice one I can’t quite remember the name of. It’s an unusual place, but the drinks are generously poured and the seating is nice.

The staff are very knowledgeable about drinks as well. One of them made me the best Fuzzy Navel I’ve ever had!

It’s usually pretty crowded, in my experience, so keep that in mind. Arguably a nice stop when getting drinks, especially for the novelty.

Conclusion

If you’re visiting Appleton, these are the food drink places I’d recommend first. There are a variety of places there. But don’t feel the need to only go to each of these places! Appleton has a varied food scene, and the downtown area itself has quite a few places to choose from.

Simple put, these are my go-to places when I want to spend some time out and about. Or brunch, where applicable. If you do visit, let me know what you think! And whether there’s something I forgot.