By Lauri Lee
Northside Economic Development Coalition

The pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences has become the trend for socializing with friends. Because it is a common thread among people — we all need food, love food, and we structure our lives around food, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular topic. Food is powerful. It brings us together and shapes significant memories. Sharing a meal often forges or strengthens bonds so that strangers sitting across the table feel like strangers no more and friends become even closer.

There’s power in food
What I’ve been hearing from Northsiders for years has been a dinner bell, a loud and persistent call for more restaurants on the Northside. I encourage you to look around — we’re well on the way to becoming a restaurant destination. If you check out the Northside Restaurant Directory in the sidebar, you’ll find 30 restaurants on this foodie guide that reflect the Northside’s rich diversity and shapes the uniqueness of our community. There are Italian, Mexican and Japanese restaurants, as well as brew pubs, barbecue joints and comfort food.

There’s always room for more restaurants. People travel sizable distances to eat good food and check out new establishments. As the dining choices increase, it draws more revenue to our community. It won’t take long for the rest of the region to discover our hidden gems.

Why eat local?
It’s not only foodies who are interested in eating in good restaurants. Being a food destination helps our neighborhoods grow stronger and empowers our community so it can thrive.

Eating at local restaurants strengthens the local economy. Money is like blood. It needs to keep moving around to boost the community’s overall income and level of economic activity. It keeps money in local communities and helps generate jobs, which in turn can help reduce crime. Perhaps you thought all you were getting was a really good meal.

Northside restaurant highlights
The Northside boasts two great ways to enjoy autumn and the turning color. Betty Lou Cruises provides a view of the color along 22 miles of Lake Mendota shoreline. The food is made by the chef at Mariner’s Inn. The season closes Oct. 21.

A wine tasting tour at Drumlin Ridge Winery is a fun way to enjoy seasonal wines and colorful foliage. A vineyard map allows you to take a self-guided tour.

If you love:

• Mexican food, check out Habanero’s and Enrique’s Market.
• karaoke, check out Bistro Honda and the Japanese appetizers.
• supper clubs, check out Mariner’s Inn and The Esquire Club.
• Mediterranean food, visit Banzo or the new Athens Grill.
• comfort food, stop by Bierock, Smoky Jon’s or Beef Butter barbecue.

Your Northside Restaurant Dining Directory

What’s cooking on the Northside?

Pull up a chair and discover these great Northside restaurants.

• Athens Grill, 5430 Willow Rd.
• Ale Asylum, 2002 Pankratz St.
• Alt Brew, 1808 Wright St.
• Banzo, 2105 Sherman Ave.
• Bear & Bottle, 601 N Sherman Ave.
• Beef Butter BBQ, 3001 N. Sherman Ave.
• Benvenuto’s, 1849 Northport Dr.
• Betty Lou Cruises, 5339 Lighthouse Bay Dr.
• Bierock, 2911 N Sherman Ave.
• Bistro Honda, 1865 Northport Dr.
• Café LaBellatalia, 1026 N Sherman Ave.
• Chico’s Villa Tap, 2302 Packers Ave.
• Culvers, 1325 Northport Dr
• Drumlin Ridge Winery, 6000 River Rd.
• Enrique’s  Market, 1417 Northport Dr.
• Esquire Club, 1025 N Sherman Ave.
• Falbo Bros Pizzeria, 1207 N Sherman Ave.
• Haberneros, 2933 N. Sherman Ave.
• JJ’s Top of the Swamp, 5344 State Rd. 113
• Karben4, 3698 Kinsman Blvd.
• Manna Café, 611 N Sherman Ave.
• Mariner’s Inn, 5339 Lighthouse Bay Dr.
• McDonalds, 2901 Dryden Dr.
• Murphy’s, 5344 State Road 113
• Nau-Ti-Gal, 5360 Westport Rd.
• Pat O’Malley’s Jet Room, 3606 Corben Ct.
• Pizza Hut, 1438 Northport Dr.
• Smoky Jon’s, 2310 Packers Ave.
• Subway, 2813 N Sherman Ave.
• Willy Co-op North, 2817 N Sherman Ave.