- Attraction: The Breakfast Club & Pub
- Location: 214 Main St, La Crosse, WI 54601
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.breakfastclub-pub.com/
Picture this: bright egg-yolk yellow walls, John Hughes movies playing on loop, and the sweet scent of pancakes filling the air while Cyndi Lauper croons in the background. Welcome to a place where Saturday detention never felt so delicious.
Since opening in 2016, The Breakfast Club & Pub has transformed downtown La Crosse into a time machine that whisks you straight back to the radical 1980s.
This isn’t just any ordinary breakfast joint – it’s a full-blown tribute to the decade that gave us big hair, neon colors, and some of the most beloved coming-of-age films ever made.
From 7 AM to 2 PM daily, you can indulge in all-day breakfast alongside tot-dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and more, all while sipping from their full bar featuring 16 beers on tap. Whether you’re a Gen Xer looking to relive your glory days or a millennial curious about the magic of the 80s, this downtown gem delivers nostalgia by the plateful.
Menu Highlights That’ll Make You Say “Bueller? Bueller?”
The Ol’ 96er Steak & Eggs: This massive dish pays homage to the classic John Hughes films with a hearty combination that’ll fuel you through any adventure. The perfectly cooked steak pairs beautifully with fluffy eggs, creating a breakfast that’s as satisfying as watching your favorite 80s flick.
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Keep Exploring →Uncle Buck’s Griddle Pancakes: These aren’t your average flapjacks – they’re thick, fluffy masterpieces that have become a local favorite. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of sweetness and texture that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve finished your current stack.
Tater Tot Specialties: The restaurant’s creative tot-dishes transform the humble tater tot into something extraordinary. Whether loaded with cheese, bacon, or other creative toppings, these crispy golden nuggets elevate comfort food to an art form.
The Shermer High Burger: Named after the fictional high school from Hughes’ movies, this Angus beef burger comes stacked with smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. It’s a classic done right, with generous portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Chicken and Waffles: The loaded chicken and waffles earn consistent praise for their beautiful presentation and incredible taste. The crispy chicken perfectly complements the fluffy waffles, creating a sweet and savory combination that’s absolutely irresistible.
Stuffed French Toast: This indulgent creation showcases the kitchen’s creativity, transforming traditional French toast into something truly special. Each bite delivers layers of flavor that make breakfast feel like a celebration.
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Discover MoreBiscuits and Gravy: These house-made biscuits and gravy stand out as an exceptional version of this classic comfort dish. The rich, creamy gravy pairs perfectly with fluffy, buttery biscuits that melt in your mouth.
Atmosphere & Décor
80s Movie Paradise: The restaurant is decorated with extensive 80s and 90s memorabilia, complete with movie posters, quotes, and references to John Hughes films plastered throughout.
A large “The Breakfast Club” movie mural painted by local artist Mike Martino dominates one dining room wall, while small details like posters in the restrooms and 90s movies playing on small screens create an immersive experience.
Interactive Entertainment: 80s trivia cards wait on tables, challenging you and your dining companions to test your knowledge while you wait for food. Magic 8 balls add another layer of nostalgic fun, letting you ask your fortune questions between bites.
Bright and Cheerful Space: The egg-yolk yellow walls create a bright, happy atmosphere that instantly lifts your mood. Red school lockers topped with TVs showing continuous John Hughes movies complete the high school theme, while the upbeat environment welcomes everyone from families to solo diners.
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Keep Exploring →Non-Stop Entertainment: 80s music videos and movies play continuously throughout your visit, creating a soundtrack that perfectly matches the visual feast surrounding you. The combination of sights and sounds creates an immersive dining experience that’s both entertaining and comfortable.
Other Considerations
Affordable Pricing: The restaurant maintains very reasonable pricing that makes it accessible to everyone who wants to experience this unique dining adventure. The generous portion sizes ensure you’ll get excellent value for your money, with many dishes providing enough food for leftovers.
Wait Times Worth It: Weekend visits might require a 40-minute wait during busy brunch periods, but the experience consistently proves worthwhile. Arriving early helps avoid the longest waits, especially on weekends when brunch crowds flock here.
Full Bar Experience: The Molly-Mosa with Pop Rocks on the rim exemplifies their creative approach to cocktails, while 16 continually-changing craft beers on tap provide plenty of options for beer enthusiasts. The full bar makes this equally suitable for breakfast meetings or leisurely weekend brunches.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Owners designed this as a fun, upbeat and family-friendly establishment, with a dedicated kid’s menu ensuring younger visitors have plenty of options. The nostalgic theme appeals to multiple generations, making it perfect for family gatherings.
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Discover MoreNo Reservations Policy: The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no call-ahead seating or reservations, so planning ahead means simply arriving when you’re ready to dive into this 80s wonderland.
Unique Downtown Location: Owners Mark Goede and Jackie Miller identified a need for an all-day breakfast spot with a full bar in downtown La Crosse, filling a gap in the local dining scene while creating something truly special.
The Breakfast Club & Pub
📍 214 Main St, La Crosse, WI 54601
