- Attraction: Waupaca Woods Restaurant
- Location: 815 W Fulton St, Ste 1, Waupaca, WI 54981
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.enjoythewoods.com
Finding exceptional home-style cooking in a cozy atmosphere becomes an adventure at Waupaca Woods Restaurant, where plate-sized cinnamon rolls and legendary fish fries have made this family-owned establishment Waupaca’s most beloved dining destination for over three decades.
Owned by Dan and Marsha Johnson, this restaurant has earned recognition as the top dining spot in Waupaca repeatedly, serving up comfort food that transforms first-time visitors into lifelong regulars.
Located in the back of Waupaca Woods Mall, this unassuming spot delivers an extensive menu featuring everything from all-day breakfast to renowned Friday fish fries.
Dan Johnson celebrated 30 years of ownership in August, making breading from scratch for fish fry nights and creating new ideas for their weekly Dessert of the Week feature.
Best Things To Experience
The Legendary Fish Fry: Widely considered among Wisconsin’s finest, the beer-battered lake perch features a light coating that enhances rather than masks the fresh fish flavor. You can choose between deep-fried and broiled preparations, with options including haddock, walleye pike, and cod.
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Keep Exploring →Dan makes the breading from scratch, and the fish comes with your choice of potato sides, coleslaw, and marble rye bread. The restaurant buzzes with excitement on Friday nights as locals flock here for what many consider the ultimate Wisconsin fish fry experience.
Massive Cinnamon Rolls: Made from Dan’s mother Evie Johnson’s original recipe, these legendary pastries arrive at your table the size of dinner plates. Diners regularly marvel at their enormous proportions, often requiring multiple people to finish. The restaurant sometimes sends these treats to your table while you wait for your entree, creating that special family-style hospitality that keeps customers coming back.
All-Day Breakfast Excellence: Dan’s made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes, scramblers, and omelets are crowd favorites, with breakfast served throughout operating hours. The John Ryan scrambler and farmers omelette are particularly beloved, with portions so generous that sharing becomes almost necessary. You’ll discover that ordering one egg often results in receiving two or three at no extra charge.
Signature Entrees: The restaurant is renowned for its meatloaf, turkey, and chicken, alongside daily dinner specials and homemade soup selections. The broasted chicken and prime rib (available only twice yearly) receive exceptional praise, with many describing these dishes as the best they’ve ever tasted.
Homemade Desserts: Dan creates weekly dessert specials and makes what Marsha calls the finest chocolate frosting around. Popular options include chocolate cake and lemon dream torte, with each dessert crafted to complement the restaurant’s commitment to scratch-made quality.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Setting
Cozy Family Environment: The restaurant features nice decor with a cozy fireplace where you can sit, creating a warm atmosphere that makes every guest feel at home. New booths installed in summer 2024 provide comfortable and inviting seating, enhancing the already welcoming environment.
Unique Location: Located behind Waupaca Woods Mall, the restaurant’s slightly hidden location adds an element of discovery to your dining adventure. Once you navigate to this unexpected spot, you’ll understand why locals consider it worth seeking out. The setting contributes to the restaurant’s charm, making it feel like a well-kept secret among those in the know.
Bustling Community Hub: Many patrons are regulars who know the staff personally, creating a genuine neighborhood restaurant atmosphere. Dan and Marsha host the weekly WDUX Morning Show on Thursdays, followed by the Woods’ Classic Rock Hour, further cementing their role as community pillars.
Other Considerations
Outstanding Value: Prices are extremely reasonable given the generous portion sizes you receive. The combination of quality ingredients and substantial servings makes this an exceptional value for your dining dollar. You’ll consistently leave with leftovers, stretching your meal investment even further.
Timing Your Visit: Friday nights get crowded around 5:00 PM for fish fry, so arrive early or wait until after 7:00 PM. The restaurant closes early at 2:00 PM on weekends and some weekdays, so plan accordingly for your visit.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The restaurant welcomes families with children and creates an environment where multiple generations can enjoy meals together. Outdoor seating and dog-friendly policies add to the welcoming nature for all types of diners.
Parking Convenience: Plenty of free parking is available in the mall parking lot, eliminating any concerns about finding a spot during busy periods.
Special Events: St. Patrick’s Day represents their busiest day annually, featuring slow-roasted corned beef with between 1,500-1,700 pounds of corned beef brisket prepared for the event.
Waupaca Woods Restaurant
📍 815 W Fulton St, Ste 1, Waupaca, WI 54981
