Tucked along Vine Street in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, La Crosse Distilling Co. has become a locally owned hidden gem that pairs house-distilled spirits with a genuinely creative food menu.
This tasting room and restaurant specializes in regionally sourced Driftless Area cuisine, using fresh ingredients and scratch-made recipes that change with the seasons. 🥃
It’s the kind of place where a craft cocktail and a genuinely inventive plate of food go hand in hand.
How La Crosse Distilling Co. won La Crosse’s hearts
What makes La Crosse Distilling Co. a true local favorite is the way its seasonal, farm-driven menu never sits still, giving regulars a reason to keep coming back to see what the culinary team has dreamed up next.
The restaurant leans into bold, global flavor combinations, from Korean-inspired gochujang brussels sprouts to Mexican-style birria tacos, giving the menu a distinctly adventurous personality that’s rare for a distillery restaurant.
That constant reinvention, paired with a genuine commitment to sourcing in Wisconsin, is exactly why this spot has built such a loyal following in downtown La Crosse.
The team’s occasional special-event offerings, like a four-course prix fixe dinner with an optional shared wagyu tomahawk, show a kitchen willing to go well beyond typical bar food.
Vegetarian and vegan diners are also genuinely accommodated here, with dishes like the Grain Bowl and Summer Pasta built to satisfy without feeling like an afterthought.
That inclusive, ambitious approach to food is a major reason this locally owned La Crosse restaurant has earned such devoted regulars.
Food Highlights
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Distiller’s Burger: A short rib patty topped with American cheese, Buckdancer Bourbon bacon jam, and dill pickle malt aioli on a warm brioche bun. 🍔
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Fried Chicken Sandwich: A buttermilk-brined chicken thigh with lettuce, dill pickle, and chipotle ranch on a toasted brioche bun.
- Smoked Wings: Twelve hickory-smoked chicken wings served with chipotle ranch and jalapeño buffalo sauce. 🍗
- Papas Machas: Crunchy potatoes tossed in a chile-peanut sauce with pepitas, whipped ricotta, and sugar-cured jalapeños. 🥔
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Birria Beef Tacos: Three shredded beef tacos with chihuahua cheese, onion, and cilantro on white corn tortillas, served with chile-beef broth for dipping 🌮
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Grilled Catfish: Served over a wild rice salad with roasted peppers, charred scallion lemon butter, pecans, and crispy prosciutto
- Summer Pasta: Grilled vegetables tossed with pesto, mascarpone, pine nuts, and parmesan 🍝
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Smoked Trout Dip: Smoked trout blended with cucumber, dill, chives, and cream cheese, served with Fayze’s dark rye
Atmosphere
The space blends the industrial character of a working distillery with a warm, welcoming tasting room feel.
It’s equally comfortable for a laid-back happy hour or a more elevated dinner, especially during special prix fixe events.
Outdoor seating adds an easy option for warmer evenings in downtown La Crosse. The overall vibe stays approachable, never stuffy, even with an ambitious food menu.
Bottom Line
Visit for the constantly changing seasonal menu, the house-distilled cocktails, the bold global flavors on every plate, the genuine vegetarian and vegan options, and the occasional wagyu tomahawk prix fixe experience worth planning a trip around.
Address:
217 South 4th Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
📞 (608) 519-5476
🕔 Wed-Sat 4 PM–close, Sun 10 AM–2 PM (closed Mon-Tue)