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    The Informalist

    4.1 (249 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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    THE INFORMALIST ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy

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    Rie U.

    TLDR: creative cocktail and good menu with a Wisconsin twist. I brought my group of 8 family and friends here and everyone loved what they ordered! The menu features a lot of local Wisconsin produce and Wisconsin favorites with a twist, like Baked Cheese Curds (the tomato jam is SO GOOD) and Portobello Poppers with a wild rice and cheddar filling (it was so tasty I couldn't believe it was vegetarian!). Everyone really liked the Chicken Fried Rabbit (obviously, not our veg friend lol). The buttermilk-brined rabbit leg was so juicy and tender. The red cabbage slaw on the side was a perfect pairing. The Candied Pork Belly just melted in my mouth, no joke! And I love that it was seasoned with hoisin sauce and came with some baba ghanoush, which you'd think wouldn't go together--but it so does. For my main, I had the Grilled Ribeye and my bf had the Roasted Lamb. Both were cooked to perfection (medium rare) and both were phenomenal! The chimichurri on the side had some sweet kick to it but the steak didn't even need it bc it was plenty flavorful and tasty. The lamb was so tender and the mint gelee was *chef's kiss*. The Great Lakes Walleye was served on a nice tomato confit brodo and my bf's parents absolutely loved how imaginative it was. We all thought it'd just come out with a side of potatoes or something but the presentation blew us away AND they said it was very lovely. The kids loved their How 'Bout Them Apples pizza, which wouldn't have been my first choice (apples on pizza?!) but it did look tasty! For drinks, I ordered the Seamus (which is basically an old fashioned with Irish whiskey) and my partner ordered the Watermelon Mojito. I couldn't believe he liked the Seamus bc he usually hates old fashioneds but tbf it was a very well balanced cocktail! His Watermelon Mojito was refreshing and yummy (but a little too sweet for me). My bf and our friend both loved it tho! We'll definitely be back again the next time we pass thru Eau Claire!!

    Crème brûlée
    Donny S.

    The food was outstanding! Perfect spot to go for dinner or even a date night. Felt like a hidden gem as it's located inside of a hotel. The only thing is that it took a long time to be waited on. I will most definitely come back

    Eggs Benedict sans ham
    Yolanda G.

    Stopped by midmorning on a rainy day. This restaurant is inside a hotel. The walls have musical notes and have a cool vibe. The service was good. My friend had a bloody Mary and I had a classic mimosa. They were the perfect drinks for a rainy day. I had the eggs Benedict without ham. The hollandaise sauce was delicious. It was exactly what I needed. Nice place to stop in for when in Eau Claire.

    Steak of the moment
    Camille C.

    We enjoyed dinner before an event at the Pablo Center. It was a great location. The service was good and the food was excellent. I look forward to returning.

    Tyrese L.

    Great food, Great Service, Excellent Price Love this place for all that I've experienced

    Dani G.

    First time stopping here and after looking at places this one caught our eye. Located in downtown Eau Claire we went there around 8 pm. We found parking right next door. And we got seated in a timely manner. The ambiance was a laid back but also gave bougie vibes. So definitely a little upscale. They did have some vegan options and I decided on the cauliflower. I didn't think it was anything special, it was good. I think my favorite thing was the I Love Lucy drink which tasted almost like a Mexican frozen treat. Definitely paying for the vibe, the pizza did look good but the price wasn't it. Our server was AMAZING, she had such a great attitude and explained the food and drinks. Also informed me and they chefs are able to make almost anything vegan. I would love to come back another time and try the pizza (they do have Aa vegan cheese option).

    Alejandra G.

    I love the vibe here. There's a bar & restaurant. We ordered non-alcohol drinks and they were so good. You can order pizza, burgers or pasta their menu has a wide variety. Our server was very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back again!

    Provençal Pasta
    Mary T.

    What a surprise to find this great spot in my hotel! The food was delicious! (Totally not "hotel food"). The staff is welcoming, and helpful. Indoor, or outdoor, stop in for a quick bite with a beverage, or a leisurely meal. And there is breakfast too! Such a deal!

    Mike N.

    Eau Claire, Wi. I'm updating my review to reflect on my latest experience here. It seems like many of the failed experimental dishes are gone but the level of food quality and taste has gone up a notch in my opinion. I come here at least once or twice a year and this years offerings were outstanding. I sill like dining on the patio in the late evening with NO BUGS. Once again we were seated as walk ins with no problem.

    Homemade pretzels
    David R.

    Great place with both indoor and outdoor seating. Love the atmosphere of the wine bar on one side and the open kitchen on the other. Floor to ceiling windows open to the street and the outdoor deck give you great views if you don't happen to be facing the open kitchen. Not as many wines as you would imagine a wine bar would have but they do have an extensive beer menu. Points for making their own hot pretzels which were just ok but the mustard and beer cheese dipping sauces were outstanding lick the bowl outstanding. Loved their take on the Chicken parm with the sun dried tomato sauce and the fresh burrata topping, some new unique flavors to an old stand by. Shout out to Luke for the great service. I recommend checking this place out

    The Goldblum.  Superb.
    Russell J.

    Had the Gem salad, which wasn't much more than butter lettuce, some dill, and a few thinly sliced radishes. Barely a salad. The pizza is wood-fired and really pretty incredible. Open air kitchen allows those sitting at the bar to see the chefs and pizza artisans work. Overall, a little too pricey for what it is, but definitely worth a stop in..

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    Terry V.

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    4 years ago

    The food was horrible! The Goldblum pizza was horrible. Too spicy! The pierogis were awful. Tasteless and greasy.

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    Pablo G.

    Thank you, Scott!

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    4 years ago

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    Pablo G.

    Thank you, Craig! We appreciate your review and feedback!

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    9 years ago

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    Pablo G.

    Thank you for the review and feedback, Lisa.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Fantastic! The vegan pesto pizza is just amazing. The staff was excellent. A gem of restaurant in Eau Claire.

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    Thank you so much for this review!!

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    4 years ago

    Loved the wood fired pizza! Crust was amazing, crispy and chewy. Cocktails were delicious, too.

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    Thank you for the review and feedback!

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    Page 3 of 7

    Ask the Community - The Informalist

    The Informalist - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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