Looking for recommendations in west-central Wisconsin, Eau Claire to Rice Lake

[tlackner]

My wife and I will be near Chetek for 3 nights in mid-October. We're on the lookout for decent places to eat in or near Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Rice Lake. Is it Mona Lisa in Eau Claire? We ate somewhere in Eau Claire 2 years ago, it was vaguely Italian with a beer garden behind and not too bad. Rural supper clubs are OK, too, as well as in-town restaurants. Any lunch ideas? Breakfast isn't an issue.

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Mona Lisa's Restaurant
428 Water St, Eau Claire, WI 54703

[jumble]

I lived in Eau Claire a decade ago, but I still pass through there frequently. Here are some ideas - depending what you're in the mood for.

Acoustic Cafe is good for soup/sandwich and coffee/beer: http://www.theacoustic.com/

Chicken Unlimited is the last outpost of a former chain. Excellent fried chicken and a friendly, time-capsule atmosphere: http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/130/902223/restaurant/Chicken-Unlimited-Carry-Out-Eau-Claire

Kim Chi Cafe: Last time I was at Chicken Unlimited (a couple months ago) I was flipping through the local free weekly and saw a story on this new Korean place. I was intrigued...Korean in Eau Claire... I dunno. :) But the American owner studied cooking while teaching English in Korea, so... If you go, please report back. http://www.thekimchicafe.com/index.php

Mike's Smokehouse always got raves from the BBQ fans I knew, but I can't remember much about it myself: http://www.enjoyeauclaire.com/mikes-smokehouse.html

Norske Nook: At least get a slice of fruit or meringue pie at the Northwoods Brewery outpost of this celebrated bakery: http://www.norskenook.com/ I can't speak to the food at Northwoods.

Have a good trip!

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Chicken Unlimited
1410 S Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Norske Nook
10436 State Road 27, Hayward, WI 54843