CHIPPEWA FALLS IS THE BEST! I mean, we're partial to the whole Chippewa Valley, but still, there are so many great features specific to C.F., including these! (Irvine Park Zoo pictured)

What would a Best of Chippewa Falls guide be without a list of the best stuff the community has to offer? We’ve combed through our Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll to find the top-tier locations, experiences, and more from Chippewa Falls (and a bit beyond in some cases). In wasn’t hard: Folks across the Valley know that some of the most enjoyable things around are found right in Chippewa Falls. Here’s a peek!

Best Restaurant in Chippewa Falls

1. Wissota High Shores

2. Max's Bistro & Bar

3. SandBar & Grill

Looking for a place to fuel up after a sunny day spent on Lake Wissota? Wissota High Shores (17985 County Hwy. X) takes the top spot to eat in all of Chippewa Falls. With a beautiful back patio that leads down to the lake and plenty of places to park your boat, float right up to the classic American supper club everyone will love. In second place, Max’s Bistro & Bar features upscale Baja California and Mexican food, dishing up margaritas, seafood, pastas, and more. SandBar & Grill is a popular spot to find comforting bar food with a bit of a twist. Try their spicy cheese curds for extra flavor and their burgers for classics done just right. –Kelly Carlson

Best Place to Impress Out-of-Town Guests

1. Eau Claire Downtown Farmer's Market

2. Leinenkugel's Brewery & The Leinie Lodge

3. Irvine Park's Zoo & Natural Areas

It’s weird; when our aunt Peggy and uncle Lou come to visit, all they want to do is hit Pizza Ranch and watch TV in our basement, but that’s probably because we have Hulu and they don’t and they’re mad that we won’t share our password. If your guests are a bit more interested in the full Chippewa Valley experience, start by taking them to Eau Claire Downtown Farmer’s Market, which every year grows into more of a carnival-like atmosphere. After that, make the drive up to Chippewa for the full visitor’s experience at Leinenkugel’s Brewery and Leinie Lodge, followed by a stroll through Irvine Park’s zoo and natural areas. No password necessary! –Eric Rasmussen

Best Place for Sweets (Non-Ice Cream)

1. The Nostalgic Bean

2. Chippewa Candy Shop

3. Josef's Cheesecake

If you’re looking for the Best Place for Sweets, and we don’t mean ice cream, then, oh, fudge! You’re in the right place! Leading the way, The Nostalgic Bean offers from-scratch, French-style baked goods, including macarons, cakes, and croissants. Come get your old-fashioned candy from Chippewa Candy Shop, including fudge, gummies, chocolates, and licorice. If you’re looking for cheesecake galore, then look no more: Josef’s Cheesecake Cupcakes (Chippewa Falls) has you covered! Also enjoy their selectoin of chocolates, macarons, cake, and bread. –Stephanie Nesja

Josef's Cheesecake.

Best Winemaker

1. River Bend Vineyard & Winery

2. Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines

3. Dixon's Autumn Harvest Winery

The award-winning River Bend Vineyard & Winery (Chippewa Falls) lands in first place with its locally renowned blends such as Magenta, Sunset, LaCrescent, and Moonlight. Second up, Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines (Eleva) serves unbeatable service and delicious varieties. Following closely in third is Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery (Chippewa Falls), where every step — from production to bottling, corking, and labeling — is meticulously done by hand at their facility.  –Hanah Angell

Best Supper Club

1. Wissota High Shores

2. Jake's Supper Club

3. Houligan's Steak & Seafood Pub

Step into the timeless allure of supper club dining in the Chippewa Valley’s most cherished establishments. Settled along the shores of Lake Wissota is Wissota High Shores Supper Club (17985 County Hwy. X, Chippewa Falls), a beloved spot that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, delectable cuisine, and panoramic views of the water. Jake’s Supper Club (E5690 County Road D, Menomonie) is a local favorite known for its cozy environment, delightful steaks, and timeless supper club charm that keeps patrons coming back for more. Experience the rustic elegance of Houligan’s Steak & Seafood Pub (415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) where succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality await in a relaxed and welcoming setting. –Nicole Lincoln

Best Community Holiday Event

1. Irvine Park Christmas Village

2. Bridge to Wonderland Parade

3. The Brewing Projekt Holiday Markets

This holiday season is full of festivities here in the Chippewa Valley. Take in the stunning 100,000+ lights of Christmas at the Irvine Park Christmas Village (125 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls). Stroll through their replica village of Victorian era local landmarks on a chilly night while keeping warm with your hot beverage of choice. If musical illuminated floats float your frozen boat, bustle on over to the Bridge to Wonderland Parade (begins at the intersection of North Bridge and Spruce streets in Chippewa Falls). Enjoy the 50+ floats, walking units, and animal entries with the whole family! (The 2024 parade is planned for Dec. 7.) If you’d like to get some shopping done, support local vendors, and enjoy an adult beverage while doing so, check out the Brewing Projekt Holiday Markets in Eau Claire in November and December. –Amanda Lamm

Bridge to Wonderland Parade. (Photo by Grace Cremeens)