A diner built in 1954 now serves biscuits made with three kinds of Wisconsin cheese.
It’s a fully restored Silk City dining car, and I love that a Southern classic found a home inside it.
The surprises keep coming. Another kitchen lets you build your own biscuits and gravy.
A Southern-inspired brunch spot lists its version as vegetarian.
One more piles juicy chicken right onto the plate.
This state gets loads of credit for cheese curds and fish fries.
Breakfast gravy rarely gets the spotlight, which feels a little unfair to me.
Plenty of cooks here treat a humble biscuit like it truly matters.
Scratch-made plates and gravy-smothered skillets both made this list.
So which plate deserves a detour, and which one deserves a second fork?
I’m hungry just thinking about it.
Napkins are strongly recommended.
Broadway Diner
Few breakfast plates come with a backstory as shiny as this one. The building is a fully restored 1954 Silk City diner, and it opened in Baraboo in May 2012.
That means your biscuits and gravy arrive inside a real piece of mid-century diner history. The retro look is part of the fun, so take a moment to look around before the food lands.
The star here is the Wisconsin Cheddar Biscuits and Gravy. The dish features fresh-baked cheddar biscuits smothered in bacon-buttermilk gravy.
All-natural pork sausage patties and eggs join the party on the plate. The sausage is a big part of what makes the dish stand out.
Want to switch things up? The menu also lists a version with chicken smothered in bacon buttermilk gravy over those cheesy biscuits.
Breakfast fans have other options too, including omelets, corned beef hash and eggs, and breakfast quesadillas. Save a little room, because malts and shakes are on the menu as well.
Service tends to move quickly, which helps when the booths fill up. Saturday and Sunday mornings are the peak times, so a weekday visit is calmer.
Baraboo is a fun stop on a road trip through south-central Wisconsin. A plate of cheesy biscuits in a 1950s diner makes that stop even better.
Address: 304 Broadway St, Baraboo, WI 53913
Honey Butter Cafe
The name alone sounds like a breakfast pep talk. Honey Butter Cafe sits in a Franklin strip mall and turns out scratch biscuits and gravy.
The biscuits have a great texture, and the gravy holds up its end of the deal. Portions run large, so you might leave with a box for later.
Pair your plate with fluffy eggs or the breakfast potatoes. Those potatoes are seasoned well enough that you can leave the salt shaker alone.
Grits fans get a treat here too. Shrimp and grits sits on the menu next to pulled pork rancheros, so Southern and Southwestern flavors share the spotlight.
Got a sweet tooth riding shotgun? The Queen Bee French Toast, Lemon Coconut Pancakes, and Honey Goat Loukoumades make choosing just one plate tricky.
Loukoumades are Greek-style honey puffs, and finding them at a Wisconsin brunch spot is a fun surprise. Ordering one for the table is a smart way to try them.
Coffee drinkers will appreciate the dedicated coffee bar. A tea selection is available if you’d rather sip something gentler.
Service is friendly and quick, which helps when the dining room fills up. Families are welcome, and there’s a kids’ menu for smaller appetites.
Weekends get busy from morning into afternoon. Brunch reservations are recommended, so plan ahead before you head south of Milwaukee.
Address: 7221 S 76th St, Franklin, WI 53132
Courtyard Cafe
Wisconsin Dells is famous for water parks, but your morning splash could happen in a pool of gravy. Courtyard Cafe on Broadway serves specialty coffee and a wide mix of breakfast dishes.
The fun twist is the BYO Biscuits and Gravy. You get to build your plate the way you like it, which is great news for picky eaters and gravy maximalists alike.
There’s also a Biscuits and Gravy Skillet. It comes loaded with crispy hash browns and smothered in gravy, so it’s a hearty way to fuel up before a busy day.
Here’s a quick history bit with your coffee. The Kilbourn City Omelet nods to the town’s old name, since Wisconsin Dells was called Kilbourn City until 1931.
Breakfast Nachos also tempt from the menu. Bagel sandwiches and omelets round out the choices if biscuits aren’t calling your name.
The coffee deserves its own mention, since specialty drinks are a big part of the identity here. Grab a cup to go if you’re heading out to explore.
Weather looking nice? Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along.
Kids are covered too, with a kids’ menu and high chairs. That makes it an easy stop between waterslides.
Saturday and Sunday mornings are the busiest. The kitchen closes in the early afternoon, so don’t sleep in too late.
Address: 434 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Breakfast Bear
Any restaurant named after a bear had better take breakfast seriously. Breakfast Bear in Wausau does just that, with a menu packed with benedicts, pancakes, and big morning plates.
Biscuits and gravy here come with a bonus that’s hard to ignore. The plate includes juicy chicken, and the gravy brings a deep, savory flavor.
That combo makes the dish feel closer to a full feast than a side. It holds up well even during the Sunday rush, when the kitchen is at its busiest.
Can’t decide? The Savory Dutch Baby and Sweet Dutch Baby let you go either direction, and both are puffy oven pancakes with plenty of personality.
Granite Crunch French Toast sounds like it belongs on a hiking trail. The name fits a region known for its granite quarries.
Chilaquiles and the Heirloom Honey Bear add even more variety. A group with mixed tastes should have an easy time ordering.
Need to catch up on email while you eat? Wi-fi is available, and solo diners fit right in.
Curbside pickup is an option if you’d rather eat at home in your pajamas. Weekday mornings are calmer than weekends, so plan accordingly if crowds aren’t your thing.
Central Wisconsin winters are long, and a plate of chicken, biscuits, and gravy seems like a smart defense. Consider it delicious insulation.
Address: 227308 Shrike Av, Wausau, WI 54401
The Coop
With a name like The Coop, you’d expect chicken somewhere on the menu, and you’d be right. This Waukesha spot puts creative spins on breakfast and lunch classics.
Biscuits and gravy here are not a dainty affair. The plates are huge, the biscuits come out crispy, and the gravy flows freely.
Speaking of chicken, the chicken fried breakfast and chicken and waffles are big draws. Chicken fried steak arrives with well-seasoned gravy, so gravy lovers have more than one path.
Hungry for something sweet? Pistachio pancakes and Banana Bread French Toast give you a fun break from the savory side.
The omelets are stuffed full, including the Village Omelet. Cheesy hash browns make a strong case for being your side of choice.
This place stays busy, and there’s usually a wait. Weekends are the busiest, with Sunday crowds lasting into the afternoon.
Planning ahead helps, and reservations are accepted. Curbside pickup works if you’d rather grab your gravy and go.
Nice weather brings outdoor seating into play. Dogs are allowed outside, so your pup can enjoy the smell of breakfast too.
Frequent visitors can join the rewards program. If biscuits and gravy becomes a weekly habit, those perks add up.
Waukesha sits just west of Milwaukee, which makes it an easy weekend trip. Wear stretchy pants, because the portions mean business.
Address: 350 Delafield St, Waukesha, WI 53188
Cottage Cafe
Early birds, this one’s for you, since the doors open at 6 a.m. Cottage Cafe on Madison’s east side serves elevated diner food in a simple, cheerful setting.
The biscuits and gravy have a serious fan following. They’re the kind of addictive that makes you plan your next visit before you pay the bill.
Chicken fried steak is another strong choice if you want gravy with a side of crunch. Portions are generous, and prices stay reasonable for the amount of food.
Wisconsin pride shows up on the menu too. The Walleye and Eggs Breakfast pairs a favorite Midwest fish with your morning eggs, which is a fun local twist.
Potato pancakes are another highlight worth a look. They’re a classic in a state with deep German and Polish roots.
The cafe is a true local favorite and stays busy, especially Saturday and Sunday mornings. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arriving early is your best strategy.
Timing matters here for another reason. The kitchen may wrap up around 1:30 p.m., so a late lunch plan could leave you hungry.
Servers keep a cheerful pace, and the mood stays upbeat. Families are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu ready to go.
Parking is free and easy to find. That’s one less thing to stress about before your biscuit fix.
Address: 915 Atlas Ave, Madison, WI 53714
Delilah’s
Green Bay may be famous for football, but Delilah’s brings a little Southern drawl to downtown breakfast. The Southern-inspired brunch spot sits on North Adams Street and serves homemade biscuits and gravy.
The biscuits are buttery and rich, and the plate stands as one of the kitchen’s signatures. Interestingly, the menu features buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy, a classic combination for this Southern-inspired brunch spot.
Pair it with the cheesy potato casserole for a side that feels like a church potluck favorite. Fresh cinnamon sugar donuts are another sweet way to round out the table.
The Pork Belly Benny, made with cornbread, hot honey, grilled pork belly, poached eggs, crispy kale, and hollandaise, is another signature breakfast choice. It’s a rich, Southern-style take on eggs Benedict that shows off the kitchen’s playful side.
Vegetarians have another fun pick in the Fried Green Tomato Benny. Lemon Blueberry Johnnycakes bring a bright, fruity option for anyone craving something sweet.
Chicken and waffles also appear on the menu, because a Southern brunch would feel incomplete without them. A chai latte pairs nicely too.
Plan your week carefully, since the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays. The other six days, breakfast starts at 7 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday mornings are the busiest stretch. Service moves quickly, and the food comes out thoughtfully prepared.
The room carries a cute Southern vibe that matches the menu. Think of it as a short trip south without leaving Wisconsin.
Address: 115 N Adams St, Green Bay, WI 54301
Chick-A-Dee’s Family Restaurant
A restaurant named after a cheerful little songbird sounds like a pleasant place to start the day. Chick-A-Dee’s Family Restaurant in Eau Claire delivers homestyle breakfast with a classic diner feel.
Biscuits and gravy are the headliner for many diners here. The dish ranks among the best versions out there, which is big talk in Wisconsin.
This is a small, no-frills spot on 3rd Street. It’s the kind of place where the food does the talking instead of fancy decor.
Prices stay friendly on the wallet, which is great news for college students. Eau Claire is home to a University of Wisconsin campus, and students show up here.
Not in a gravy mood? Cinnamon French toast and bacon are popular picks, and eggs Benedict is on the menu too.
Lunch brings a different set of comfort foods. Batter-fried fish shows up on the menu, a nod to the state’s love of a good fish fry.
Service is fast, so you won’t be waiting long for your plate. The atmosphere tends to stay quiet, which makes it a nice spot for a relaxed meal.
Doors open at 7 a.m. and close in the early afternoon. Early risers get the best shot at a calm table.
Weekend mornings are the busiest time. Since reservations aren’t taken, a weekday visit is the easier route.
Address: 1928 3rd St, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Rosie’s Cafe
Size matters at Rosie’s Cafe, and the biscuits and gravy here are downright humongous. This La Crosse diner makes its American breakfast and lunch standards from scratch.
The old-school, mom-and-pop feel fits the food perfectly. It’s the kind of place where bottomless coffee is a menu highlight, and that tells you a lot.
Bacon comes out crispy, and the toast is homemade whole wheat. Add eggs to your biscuits and gravy, and you’ve built a breakfast that could power a Mississippi River paddle.
Save a little room for a cinnamon roll if one is available. It’s a sweet way to balance out a plate full of savory gravy.
Supreme potatoes are another side to try. Rosie’s Sweet Griddle Breakfast gives sweet-tooth diners something to cheer about.
Lunch brings even more gravy to the table. Roast pork with mashed potatoes, dressing, and gravy is the kind of meal that feels like Sunday dinner.
Weekday hours start at 6 a.m., so early shifts and sunrise appetites are covered. Weekend hours run a little shorter, closing around 1 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday mornings get the busiest. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arriving early helps.
La Crosse sits right on the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin. A big breakfast here sets you up nicely for a walk along the riverfront.
Address: 2225 16th St S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Galvan’s Restaurant & Pancake House
Wood paneling and a pancake house name are usually a good sign at breakfast time. Galvan’s in Appleton has been family-owned and serving the community since March 12, 1998.
The Smothered Biscuit and Gravy is the plate to know. Its sausage gravy is thick, peppery, and packed with flavor.
Here’s a clever bonus for indecisive eaters. Skillets come with a choice of biscuit and gravy, so you can enjoy two breakfasts in one sitting.
The Build Your Own Skillet lets you pick your favorite fillings. A Mexican skillet is another option if you want a little extra kick.
Pancakes get their due here too, as the name promises. The Pancake or French Toast Platter and eggs Benedict give you plenty of other directions.
Coffee comes hot and strong, which pairs well with that peppery gravy. Portions run large, so sharing a side is a smart move.
Breakfast isn’t the only meal on the board. Burgers and other American diner favorites show up later in the day.
The atmosphere stays quiet and homey, a nice change from louder brunch scenes. Free wi-fi makes it easy to linger over a second cup.
Appleton sits in the Fox Valley, a region with plenty of family-run diners. This one has spent over 25 years earning its spot among them.
Address: 2220 E Northland Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
Village Cafe
Egg Harbor is a fitting name for a town with a great breakfast stop. Village Cafe serves American breakfast, lunch, and desserts surrounded by brightly colored decor.
The biscuits and gravy are the headliner. The biscuits come out soft, and the dish has a reputation strong enough to pull people back before they leave Door County.
Fresh ingredients show up across the menu. Quiche and French toast are other classic picks if you’re sharing with someone who skips gravy.
Door County sits on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Egg Harbor is one of its charming little villages, and this cafe sits right along Highway 42.
Hours are friendly for slow vacation mornings. The doors open at 8 a.m.
Monday through Saturday and at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Plan to eat before early afternoon, since the kitchen wraps up at 1:30 p.m. Reservations aren’t accepted, so weekend mornings call for a little patience.
Traveling with your dog? Dogs are allowed, which makes it easier to bring the whole crew.
The staff is friendly, and the colorful room keeps the mood cheerful. Kids are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs on hand.
Some trips deserve a grand finale. A plate of soft biscuits and gravy in Egg Harbor makes a mighty fine one.
Address: 7918 WI-42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
