The atmosphere of a restaurant is almost as important as the quality of the food, and it can easily make or break a customer’s experience. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse offers a high-end vibe with an expansive gourmet menu, and remains the reigning champ of this category for the fourth consecutive year. Houligan’s Steak & Seafood Pub is a longtime staple of downtown Eau Claire and is the go-to eatery for many locals, both for its food and classy atmosphere. The Good Wives (Eastridge Center) may be relatively new to the local dining scene, but it’s made quite the splash with its elegant, unique menu and intimate, stylish vibe. —McKenna Scherer