A small cafe in the middle of Wisconsin quietly has some of the best food in the country. And it's been so consistent for years, I had to make another shout out. Their daily specials are generally inventive like Strawberry Rhubarb Fat French Toast, Pot Roast Omelette, Beet Panini, etc. They usually have equally interesting drink options such as the caramel apple latte, which was divine. They also are a full fledged bake shop, making all of their breads and cakes and pastries in house. All of it is worth checking out. Here's a place with a commitment to super high quality, better than average cafe fare, at a good price and friendly service. I always stop here whenever I go into upper WI to fish. read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

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What a cute diner!! They had a good mix of tables and booths for seating, and everything was very clean. We arrived around 9 am on a Wednesday and it was very busy--they had already sold out of one of the breakfast specials. That said, we were still seated right away and had water and our chosen beverages in front of us in a jiffy (and my coffee was topped off regularly). Dawn was our server and she was very pleasant and helpful when I had a question about the menu. My guy had two blueberry pancakes with bacon, and I had biscuits & gravy with hash browns. The pancakes were fluffy and satisfying, and the biscuits & gravy were packed full of flavor. LFG's breakfast was delicious, and a great price! read more

The atmosphere, the story and the staff were so great! I think they may locally source their food and most of it was delish! Only thing I would say is to make sure you ask for your eggs to be cooked through. Both the scrambled eggs and the omelet we got had raw egg leak out after eating a majority of it. read more

Fantastic basil burger on sweet potato bun! Service was warm and welcoming , friendly , and spot on! Enjoyed the daily soups - Harvest cheddar vegetable and Jalapeno Corn Chowder...both excellent. But the burger was truly unforgettable ! This will be a regular stop on any journeys near to Waupaca!! Worth the trip! read more

Fantastic breakfast and staff! Came here in July and again when back for Labor Day wknd. They are busy! Biscuits and gravy, omelet, egg sandwich and Benedict special were had this trip. All delicious and fresh. Good strong coffee and coffee drinks like espresso and lattes. Mimosas and beer as well. read more

Great breakfast and lunch spot! Don't miss the bakery case! Peanut butter indulgence was amazing! YUM!

Amazing food! Best and most interesting breakfast recipes - so so good! Great portions and prices. Great hot drinks - special coffees, chai teas, etc - and the very best pies! The service is outstanding - the crew is dedicated! read more

Service was great. Our server was wonderful. Food was accurate, and came out quick. Loved all the specials offered. I will definitely be back next time I am in town. Lavender Lemonade is a must! read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - BLT Sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

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LFG is a hidden gem that's worth the drive from out of town. Innovative specials, fun eclectic aesthetic, superb service. Breakfast or lunch - every dish we've tried has been excellent. read more

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Excellent food and service - cute atmosphere - Enjoyed the experience - will definitely go again read more

Amazing place! The food is amazing and it comes out kinda fast. It's a little noisy and has a door connected to a local bookstore, which I highly recommend. read more

EGGS-cellent! We came on a Saturday morning around 10:10am. They had a few tables open but it filled in shortly after we arrived. I had the 3 eggs, hash brown (nice & crispy), bacon and homemade white bread toast. Another person in our party had the biscuits and gravy, some of the best I've ever had. The prices are reasonable considering the food quality. We parked across the street, free street parking. Will be back next time we are in the area. read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - 3 eggs over easy, homemade white bread, bacon and hash browns. - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

Just a neat neighborhood cafe. Great food, conversation, just everything was great! Had breakfast & my husband & myself agreed we'd be back when traveling thru the area! read more

I can honestly tell you that I have been searching for a go to breakfast place for most of my life. Two times in the last three weeks. My wife and I have made our way to Little Fat Gretchen's's in Waupaca Wisconsin just so I could have their biscuits and gravy. When you walk into the joint, you are immediately reminded of an old school diner. Seats at the counter, as well as booths and tables and they are all full. When my wife and I went the first week, we got in quickly, because we were willing to sit at the counter. Truth be told, if it's only the two of us eating, I would probably almost always eat at the counter. There's just so much going on in this place, and from the counter, you can see the cooks in the kitchen, the waitresses as they scurry behind the counter, and a glance over your shoulder lets you see the rest of the patrons. Another cool feature of Little Fat Gretchen's's is their case of fresh made bakery. The first weekend we decided to take home a couple pieces of double chocolate cake to celebrate my wife's birthday. They had some fantastic pies this past weekend, but I managed to talk myself out of it. Back to our breakfast. My freshman year of college was spent in Troy Alabama, where I was introduced to that gastronomic breakfast known as biscuits and gravy. To say I have been disappointed by what is offered as biscuits and gravy in the north, would be putting it far too mildly . Seeing that they had biscuits and gravy on the menu I set the bar extremely low but ordered anyway. Thank goodness I did. Our server was incredibly friendly, checked on us often for coffee refills, and brought us our food in a timely manner. When I looked at the biscuits, my hopes rose because rather than store-bought biscuits, reheated in a steamer microwave, these were homemade biscuits. Too often restaurants will skip putting sausage in the sausage gravy and instead serve you a pasty white concoction. Were they have overcompensated with pepper to make up for the lack of sausage. Not so at Little Fat Gretchen's. The sausage gravy had sausage in it and just the right amount of pepper to make it interesting. The peace d'resistance of my breakfast that morning was a perfectly cooked over-easy egg. You would think that is not a difficult request, but it far too many restaurants an over easy egg comes back, medium or hard. That morning I was greeted by an egg that went pierced with a fork, sent a wonderful river of warm yoke over my biscuits and gravy. I think the amount of moaning I did while eating my breakfast that morning might've made the waitresses uncomfortable. I'm guessing they wondered whether or not I had gas I was having a foodgasm. Trust me... It was a foodgasm. So as to not embarrass my wife, I did not lick my plate clean. Instead, I scraped as much gravy from it as I could with my knife and fork. That's how much I loved that biscuits and gravy. It was the best I have had outside of Troy, Alabama . So get your butt over to Little Fat Gretchen's and order the biscuits and gravy. If that's your thing, you won't be disappointed. read more

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Since my original review, I've eaten at the restaurant several more times. I can't express enough how good the food and service are. Always some great menu choices for everyone at the table. No wonder the place is packed on every visit! read more

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First time here. Lovely retro new yorky kinda feel. Clean, Fun, Inviting, busy and delicious and unique foods. Lovely Door Co Pies and other decadent Desserts. Soups all homemade.Prices are reasonable .Staff considerate and kind. A must Stop We will definitely be back. Thank You read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - Mac n Cheese with bacon, marinated red onion & spinach! Outstanding And Chips - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

Bustling restaurant attached to a bookstore in downtown Waupaca. Lots of fresh pies and other baked goods. Very warm feeling here, quick service, good food. Often crowded, which speaks to their popularity. read more

This was a great little diner. Loved the small town feel of it. Clearly it was the spot to be. Biscuits and gravy are a must as well! Homemade! Danielle was an awesome waitress and so helpful, she said they make their desserts from scratch. Apparently, I got lucky because they don't always make coconut creme pie and banana creme pie. Those were soooooo good! Next time I'm in town I'm going to try and order the pie in advance read more

Great service! Food delicious tried specials beefy black and blue pumpkin, yumm maple cider fried chicken. yummm jalapeño cream cheese chicken wrap yummy no room for pie but taking some home. looks like major yummy read more

Good lord do I miss this place! I live in Minneapolis and only get over to the Stevens Point Waupaca area twice a year at best. I can't tell you how much joy this place brings me. the place is basic diner fare, but oh so well made. The staff are always warm and welcoming. One thing of note, this place is popular, so expect to wait for a table if you are arriving during prime dining hours. This has been my third time here, and I have to say I didn't venture far from my first love, which is their biscuits and gravy. sometimes I like to think biscuits are biscuits, but I don't know what is different here. Perhaps it's the thick unctuous sausage gravy. Perhaps the biscuits are a bit toothsome even when covered with their sausage gravy? I don't really care...it is my favorite thing here. My dining partner had (aka my wife) had their breakfast sandwich which was really enjoyable. really like the microgreens on the sandwich. I did also venture to try their Whitefish chowder too since we arrived late for breakfast/early lunch. That was really enjoyable too. I can't encourage you enough if you are in this neck of the woods to one, eat here, and two, experience all the wonderful shops Waupaca has to offer. read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

The cheese sandwich with homemade bread and a bowl of chilli was awesome. The naked carrot cake and German apple cake will make you hurt yourself. read more

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A great place recommended by several locals. Varied menu with food choices for everyone. Reminiscent of a New York style restaurant because it is narrow but deep. Street parking for sure and possibly a lot in back. A pleasant surprise and one we enjoyed. Check hours, may be a 2pm closing some days. read more

It took me a while to come here - even though I live just one town over. MAN - I am glad I finally came. The first salvo was the BlueBerryPieBar .... WOW!!! Love It!! My daughter had one ... and we ordered two more. Yup ... no diversity ... just smashing what tasted amazing. I most assuredly am going to have to come back and try the other deserts. They have pie and cake and muffins and ... well ... more delicious stuff. My wife had the banana nut muffin and my snitch of her treat was delectable. The coffee (I get mine black) was very good, smooth, and high quality. My mains were biscuits and gravy ... my son copied me, daughter has man-n-cheese and fries, and my wife has an egg with side of ham and bacon. The biscuits are crisp and good. The meat is all delicious and the gravy is scrumptious. The atmosphere also needs to be applauded. From our entry and immediate seating to Kate, our waitress, and the super nice lady (I think Gretchen) who kept refilling my coffee ... OUTSTANDING!! We will be coming back. read more

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The food was phenomenal! Blueberry pancakes that were huge! Mac and cheese with a big fresh fruit bowl for our 16mo old that she gobbled up! Husband got a mango chicken wrap with fresh grilled chicken that he said was very flavorful. This was our first time in a restaurant with our little one and everyone was so kind about our request for the fruit bowl early to appease the little one's stomach. If I could give more stars I would! read more

Don't go here!!! JK THE BEST food and the BEST service. I'd drive out of my way to go here. They really know how to run an eating business. Incredible! read more

Service fantastic. Lunch was good. Breakfast looked much better. Had a nice table on the sidewalk so we could dine with our dog.

The food and service are great at far Gretchen's. They have awesome breakfast dishes and great pies and cakes as well. I've eaten here many times and have never been disappointed. read more

This little gem of a restaurant that is quaint with a 60's decor with the quality menu to back it up. All homemade from scratch menu items from bread, unique menu items, pies & baked goods. We stopped by after a hard cross country ski workout & had hardy appetites. We tried their organic tea & Chi Lattes that we're out of this world. Our menu choices included Brussels sprout salad with cheese bread & a beet panini with a side of sweet potato fries. We were too full to try their scrumptious baked goods. One of their pie choices was cherry peach. Service was outstanding with fast & friendly service. Hats off to Kate who took great care of us. I left my debit card behind & they are mailing it to me since I live nearly 2 hours away. read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - Beet panini with a side of sweet potato fries. - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

We stopped here for lunch on a Sunday after a hockey game. When we arrived, every table was full. We were able to quickly find a table as a group left. We ordered a variety of items from the menu - grilled cheese, buffalo chicken wrap, burger, and kids' meal. From the reviews at the table, the simplest item was the best - the grilled cheese. The dessert case looked fantastic. I'd have definitely tried a piece of pie if we'd had more time. read more

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Amazing soup for lunch. Delicious and reasonable. Service was prompt and friendly. Love the atmosphere.

Fast Enviromental even during lunch. Great food and different from many other places. Cool environment.

Great spot right downtown. Retro style furnishings and fun theme. Food is very fresh and new specialties every day. Excellent service. Has become one of our favorite breakfast/lunch spots. read more

Had a very good lunch for our first visit. Omelette, and hash browns tasted great, taco salad, very big fresh ingredients chicken pieces tender and cooked well. Veggie burger very flavorful and fresh avocado added a nice contrast to burger flavor. Highly recommend going, was busy but we're there at 12:30 on a Friday. Danny was our server, and very pleasant service. read more

Ok they obviously know how to cook, everything tastes good. So if they know what they are doing why skimp on the omelette filling? The Southwest tasted mostly off egg, I could hardly notice any chorizo at all, hardly any cheese if any. And why cheap out on corn and beans? C'mon. Same issues with the Greek. And offer up some good salsa or hot sauce for those who may like that. The rye bread, as thick and dark as it is, is tasteless. Get rid of it or get some real rye. Very good coffee, but lattes are dismal. Ironically there are latte cups throughout the resturant used as holders for creamers. Order a latte and you get a regular coffee cup. The espresso is so weak it tastes like they poured it from the coffee pot. No froth, no crema, no latte experience. Send someone to a real coffee place and learn how to use your machine. Fast forward a few months and a waiter(Michael) actually prepares me a latte in a latte cup. None of the waitresses have been willing to do so. Proof is in the photo! (Yes, espresso still weak). Granola is very meh, but goes well with the berries from the fruit cup ordered separately. The so called chipotle burger on special is truly nothing special. The patty is square cut like Wendy's and only a quarter inch thick. The fact that they purchase precut burger patties tells me a lot about how they run their kitchen. (Cheap)! The so called chipotle is nothing but a heavily vinegared BBQ sauce, and way too much of it. The bacon was good even though overwhelmed by the sauce. The puck, forget it. Brioche bun was ok and somehow they knew to put the lettuce over the lower bun to protect it. This is a $10 burger so expectations were not too high but still disappointing. They are still instructing their waitstaff to ask "How is everything tasting?" God I hate that. read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - Latte in a real latte cup! - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

Was visiting family and ran into Little Fat Gretchen's for a quick lunch. Good Hamburger, mango chicken wrap and apple pie read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - Menu - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

Food is delicious service is great! Always packed out! A must visit if you're in the Waupaca area!

Really good biscuits and gravy ,great service, big portions, also had pancakes and there deserts are delicious. *****

Finally made it in to eat here after multiple trips to Waupaca and I should have done it sooner. We came in for breakfast and it was busy, which is a great sign. The service was fast and friendly; all three of us enjoyed our meals (two omelets and sweet potato hash). The homemade bread for the toast was amazing. I'll make sure to get something from their bakery next trip. (Frequent traveler from out of town) read more

Interesting place in downtown Waupaca. Worth the trip off the nearby highway if your looking for a good home-cooked meal. Prices are reasonable and serving size is large. Lunch seems to get pretty busy and the waitresses work hard to keep everyone happy, but I can be a little wait for you food or bill..... Go to McDonalds if you are in a hurry! I have an omelet with hash browns. Omelet was large and tasty. Browns were the old fashion type where it was more like fried mashed potatoes. I also had a parfait for desert. If was really good! Fresh strawberries and bananas with homemade granola. (It thought it was a steal at $2.50) I counted 8 freshly backed pies on the counter, along with cakes and cinnamon rolls. They also have smoothies and flavored coffees. Great find in the middle of a small tourist town! read more

Little Fat Gretchen's - Huge parfait for $2.50! - Cafes Near Me - Waupaca, Wisconsin

I can't get over how good this place is! Last time I visited for lunch and had the buffalo chicken wrap which was nothing short of amazing and today I tried the Cheesehead burger....SO GOOD!!! Not only was the food outstanding, the service was top notch. Let's just say I did not feel disgruntled leaving a tip for all their hard work, THANK YOU!!! read more