Downtown Wausau has plenty of places to grab a beer, but Red Eye Brewing Company has become the one locals actually build their evenings around.
This locally-owned brewpub pairs house-brewed craft beer with a genuinely creative kitchen, and the combination has made it one of the top-rated restaurants in the entire city.
It’s proof that a small-town brewery can compete anywhere, as long as the food matches the beer.
How Red Eye won Wausau’s hearts
Red Eye built its reputation on a simple idea: brew great beer on-site and back it up with food that could stand on its own. 🍺
The restaurant brews its own lineup right in downtown Wausau, including the Bloom Belgian Wheat, Thrust IPA, and Scarlet 7 Belgian Dubbel, giving beer lovers plenty of reasons to keep coming back beyond the food.
What separates this brewpub from typical pub fare is its commitment to local sourcing and sustainability, a philosophy that shows up directly on the plate.
One recent diner specifically praised the beet hummus and called it “a must try”, while another described their Beet Risotto with Preserved Lemons as one of the most fantastic dishes they’d ever had.
Families have found a home here, too, with reviewers noting the menu has something for everyone in a group, from wood-fired pizzas to hearty salads.
One visitor even called their meal “consistently excellent,” pointing to standout dishes like The Forager pizza and a Nutella calzone shared among the table.
For a Wisconsin brewpub built on fresh ingredients and creative execution, it’s easy to see why Red Eye keeps earning repeat visits from locals and travelers alike.
Food Highlights
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Redeye Burger – Grass-fed beef topped with Nueske’s bacon, aioli, tomato, bibb lettuce, and sharp white cheddar on a brioche bun.
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Wisconsin Burger – Grass-fed beef with caramelized onion, Hook’s 3-year cheddar, Nueske’s bacon, and maple aioli on a brioche bun.
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Rooted Reuben Burger – A house-made beet, carrot, and sweet potato patty with Deppler’s baby Swiss, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing.
- Woodfired Meatballs – Lamb and beef meatballs served over Wisconsin white cheddar polenta with pomodoro sauce and parmesan.
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Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk marinated chicken with cabbage slaw, kimchi vinaigrette, gochujang aioli, and cilantro on a brioche bun.
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Red Eye Wings – Woodfired wings served with blue cheese dressing and a choice of buffalo, honey bourbon BBQ, or mango-habanero sauce.
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Beet Risotto with Preserved Lemons – Creamy risotto brightened with preserved lemon.
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The Forager Pizza – A woodfired pizza built around foraged, earthy toppings that regulars order as a table favorite.
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Red Eye Cobb Salad – Mixed greens with grilled chicken, Nueske’s bacon, farm egg, avocado, and blue cheese in a shallot-cider vinaigrette.
Atmosphere
Red Eye Brewing keeps things casual and welcoming, the kind of downtown spot where a quick beer easily turns into a full dinner. 🍕
The dining room pairs an industrial, brewery-driven energy with a genuinely warm, approachable feel.
Families and beer enthusiasts share the same space comfortably, aided by a menu flexible enough to satisfy both. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and built for lingering over a pint.
Bottom Line
Visit for house-brewed craft beer, standout dishes like the Beet Risotto and Rooted Reuben Burger, and a genuine commitment to local, sustainable ingredients. Add creative woodfired pizzas and a welcoming downtown atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Red Eye has become a Wausau favorite.
Address:
612 Washington St, Wausau, WI 54403
📞 (715) 843-7334
🕔 Tue–Sat 11 AM–9 PM (closed Sun–Mon)