MEET YOUR MEAT. Johnny's Italian Steakhouse in Eau Claire.

If you’re got carnivorous cravings coming on, there are scores of restaurants around the Chippewa Valley who’ll serve you up a big burger or a savory steak. But which of them are the best? According to Volume One readers, here are the most outstanding meateries – erm, “eateries” – around.

BEST BURGER

1. Court’n House Bar and Grill

2. Milwaukee Burger Company

3. Amber Inn

As the reigning champ for the 12th consecutive year, Girolamo’s Court’n House Bar & Grill (113 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire) certainly knows how to grill up the best buttery burger! While the eatery has been on the market since 2020, it’s still open for great eats. With the same runners-up from last year, Milwaukee Burger Company (2620 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire) offers a wide variety of burgers, tap beer, and Bloody Marys, and Amber Inn Bar & Grill (840 E. Madison St., Eau Claire) is known not only known for its Friday fish fry, but also for the half-pound Amberger – which certainly won’t disappoint. They also celebrated their 140th anniversary in 2021! Happy (Belated) Birthday, Amber Inn! –Stephanie Nesja

BEST BARBECUE

1. Red Coal BBQ

2. Karl’s Bar-B-Q Express 

3. Famous Dave’s

Red Coal BBQ Family Restaurant (2235 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire) is known for flavorful meats and combo platters, but their new location offers breakfast options including biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict, a Texas Ranger skillet, and Early Bird Curds. Karl’s Bar-B-Q Express (1456 Kennedy Road, Chippewa Falls;1410 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire) has great barbecue (with terrific ribs), fast service, and a new location in Eau Claire. And if you’re looking for a classic feast with lots of options (including great cornbread), head to Famous Dave’s (2911 Mall Drive, Eau Claire). –Briana Novacek

BEST RESTAURANT FOR CHICKEN

1. Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill

2. Bresina’s Carry Out

3. Anderson’s Chic-N-Fish Take Out

Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill & Bar (4890 Golf Road, Eau Claire) roasts its chicken in a giant wood-fired oven, adding extra flavor to tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. Bresina’s Carryout (10 Jefferson Ave., Chippewa Falls) is a take-out chicken place perfect for summer picnics. Located near Leinenkugel’s Brewery, Bresina’s Carryout is a great stop after a brewery tour! Anderson’s Chic-N-Fish (615 W. Park Ave., Chippewa Falls) is the place to go when hungering for some crispy chicken. Offering meals in buckets full of fish or chicken, Anderson’s understands the market for bigger (and better) portions, as well as the desire for fun fair food year round. –Kelly Carlson

BEST RESTAURANT FOR STEAK

1. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse 

2. Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub

3. Texas Roadhouse

The Chippewa Valley does more than meat expectations: It steaks a claim for the best food in western Wisconsin. Taking first place for its meaty eats is Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire). We would expect Johnny’s steaks to be worthwhile, considering they’re right in the name! The same goes for Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub (415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) with its all-American fare plus beer and cocktails. Next up is Texas Roadhouse (5019 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire), which is known for more than its to-die-for rolls. –Rebecca Mennecke