We realize that northern Wisconsin isn’t exactly known for its healthy dining options. After all, we are a mecca of beer and old-fashioneds, brats and fish fry, cheese curds and ice cream. What’s more, we are a summer vacationland and winter wonderland, and the relaxed nutritional guidelines go hand in hand with our carefree cabin lifestyle. Plus, it’s helpful to have a little meat on our bones during the blizzard and polar vortex that will inevitably grace our presence come February, right? 

Clearly, we’ve got our excuses reasons.

But we also realize that among the best things about the Northwoods are its amazing lakes, hiking and biking trails, and rambling roads. It’s helpful to be healthful in order to enjoy them to the fullest. We know it can be a little tricky to find healthy eats when you’re exploring the area, so we’ve culled some suggestions for you.

Breakfast and Lunch

Cafe on Main (Tomahawk)

If you’re looking for a home-cooked-caliber vegetarian meal after cruising around Tomahawk in your side-by-side, this downtown breakfast and lunch spot has so much to offer. We recommend the herbivore scrambler for breakfast, the craisin walnut salad for a light lunch, or the portabella un-burger for a more substantial lunch that will fuel your afternoon adventures.

Crimson Cafe (Rhinelander)

Although the color crimson brings to mind autumnal coziness, this Rhinelander cafe has a light, beachy vibe inside. Crimson Cafe recently added South Asian–inspired dishes with meatless options to the new twilight menu (available Wednesday through Saturday evenings), but it has long been a go-to spot for sandwiches, wraps, and salads. For a balanced, summery option, try the strawberry cashew wrap. On a rainy day, when you’re needing some wholesome comfort food, try the brie and apple panini.

Eagle River Roasters (Eagle River)

This roastery and coffeehouse not only has free Wi-Fi, lots of comfortable seating, and a friendly staff; it also has many fresh and healthy options on its cafe menu. You can opt for a slice of the cloud-light quiche of the day, seek comfort in a cranberry panini, or snack on a fresh fruit plate. We’ll wax poetic about their coffee offerings in another post, but it’s worth noting here that if coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, there’s no need to despair. They also offer a wide variety of teas (including herbal varieties).

Island Cafe (Minocqua)

This popular lunch spot on the island of Minocqua has an impressive menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes. As Mediterranean cuisine is touted to be heart healthy, it’s no surprise that the health-conscious diner will find options here. We’ll have the salmon sandwich with a side of fresh fruit, please!

Signature JMK House (Minocqua)

If you’re feeling a little fancy and want your breakfast or lunch with a side of gorgeous lake views, then grab an outdoor table at Signature JMK. From the baked eggs and delicious sandwiches (we love the Camille) to the freshest fruit and gourmet coffee, your pick will be prepared and served with the finest touch.

Dinner

Aqualand Ale House (Boulder Junction)

Healthy living in the Northwoods is more fun and sustainable with some mindful indulgences! Aqualand Ale House is the perfect place for an evening when you’re in the mood for a heartier meal made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. We firmly believe that expertly crafted pizza has an important place in a balanced diet! Try their veggie, Mediterranean, or Margherita pizza, and you won’t be disappointed. Or if you do want something a little lighter, the Mediterranean wrap and lemon caper salmon salad are also sure to please.

Bortolotti’s Cin Cin (Eagle River)

Cin Cin has an amazing variety of small plates and large plates, so—lucky you—you’re not limited to just one of their mouthwatering, fresh, and balanced dishes. Healthy offerings include ceci arrostiti (roasted chickpeas), black bean chili (with or without cheese), nachos (which don’t sound like health food, but hear us out: they’re made with gluten-free chips, super fresh greens and pico de gallo, and the option of vegan taco meat). For a main course, try the basil and sundried tomato chicken breast or the lemon and dill grilled salmon.

Brown Street 151 (Rhinelander)

This sophisticated eatery in downtown Rhinelander is a popular place for romantic date nights and upbeat family meals alike. Brown Street 151 offers many options for the health-conscious diner. We recommend the grilled shrimp skewers or, for a more exotic variation on that theme, the Shanghai shrimp. (Note that Brown Street 151 is closed for maintenance and a little R&R but will be reopening on July 29.)

Outboards Bar & Grill (Tomahawk)

Relax on their patio overlooking the Wisconsin River, seat yourself inside, or carry out your new favorite sensible meal from this laid-back Tomahawk dining spot. The menu has several healthy options ranging from apps to main courses, like the seared ahi tuna steak, the blackened salmon salad, the southwest veggie wrap, and (our favorite) the blackened shrimp quinoa bowl.

The Brick Food & Spirits (Rhinelander)

Don’t let the casual, unfussy atmosphere at The Brick fool you; there are actually several vegetarian and healthy items here. Start with the ubiquitous but delicious avocado toast for an appetizer, and try their mahi lettuce wraps or their cauliflower and chickpea tacos for your main course.

Grab-and-Go and Take-Out

Golden Harvest Market (Rhinelander and opening a second location in Merrill in 2020!)

Check out Golden Harvest Market for their freshly made soups, salads, and sandwiches you can enjoy in-store or enjoy on the go. As a natural grocer, Golden Harvest has an impressive array of groceries to use in the healthy meals you make back at your home or cabin. 

Wild Berry Market (Minocqua)

Wild Berry is another outstanding natural grocer. In addition to their groceries and supplements, Wildberry has menu of delicious grab-and-go prepared foods, updated daily, featuring delectables such as the Bayfield turkey sandwich and the Mandarin broccoli chicken croissant.

Fusion (Tomahawk)

Fusion is a great place to stop to pick up a quick organic snack when you’re rolling through downtown Tomahawk. (Also be sure to check out their selection of Wisconsin craft beers and wines.)

Kobe Sushi (Minocqua)

This unassuming sushi restaurant offers many options for the health-conscious diner—from the miso soup and green salad to the Alaska roll and tuna avocado roll. Kobe Sushi also offers vegetarian rolls (like the spicy vegetable and mango vegetable rolls) and will make many of the rolls gluten-free upon request. Dine in or take out—it’s up to you.

Where do you go for a healthy bite while you’re staying and in the Northwoods? We’d love to hear from you!

Health-conscious folks from other regions in northern Wisconsin, we see you! Stay tuned for an upcoming post about healthy eating options in your neck of the woods.