Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant
Renowned for its breathtaking Fox River views and sophisticated dining in a historic power plant setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Renowned for its breathtaking Fox River views and sophisticated dining in a historic power plant setting.
Patio Seating
Secure a spot on the red brick patio for the best river views and wildlife spotting, especially in warmer months.
Birthday Treat
Celebrate your birthday with a complimentary, rich, and delicious chocolate cake.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, Seafood, American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Riverfront Views
Dine with breathtaking views of the Fox River and its dam, offering a serene and scenic backdrop for your meal.
Exceptional Wine List
Impressive Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner, boasting a curated selection for wine enthusiasts.
Signature Pasta Dishes
Savor delectable pasta creations like the short rib pappardelle and pasta with mussels, a fan favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Patio Seating
Secure a spot on the red brick patio for the best river views and wildlife spotting, especially in warmer months.
Birthday Treat
Celebrate your birthday with a complimentary, rich, and delicious chocolate cake.
Off-Menu Cocktails
Don't hesitate to ask staff for cocktail recommendations not listed on the menu; they can create anything.
Igloo Dining Experience
Reserve a private igloo for a comfortable and unique dining experience, especially for special occasions.
Tips
from all over the internet
Patio Seating
Secure a spot on the red brick patio for the best river views and wildlife spotting, especially in warmer months.
Birthday Treat
Celebrate your birthday with a complimentary, rich, and delicious chocolate cake.
Off-Menu Cocktails
Don't hesitate to ask staff for cocktail recommendations not listed on the menu; they can create anything.
Igloo Dining Experience
Reserve a private igloo for a comfortable and unique dining experience, especially for special occasions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant offers a captivating dining experience with its stunning river views and generally attentive service. While many praise the atmosphere and select dishes like the shrimp and pizza, some diners report inconsistencies in food preparation and blandness, with occasional issues like dry meatballs or overly fatty prime rib. Despite these critiques, the restaurant is often celebrated for its unique ambiance and wine selection, making it a notable spot in Appleton.
"Very good restaurant in a beautiful location. Plenty of parking and they have outdoor seating when it is warmer out. One of the get restaurants that still do a free dessert on your birthday. The dessert was a very rich, delicious chocolate cake. Service was very good.
Chicken tenders salad was great, fresh and flavorful. The potato bacon soup was excellent.
My daughter had the miso salmon which was very flavorful and moist.
The burgers, wagyu and the original one were both juicy and perfectly cooked.
No one had a bad meal.
Large selection of cocktails and if it’s not on the list they will make it anyway.
Prices are fair for the quality. We will eat here again."
Melissa Christensen
"The first thing I noticed was the absolutely stunning view of the river. I think the atmosphere of the brick building really rounded out the visual experience. However, the real star of the show was the food. The freshness of the food and the care in which it was prepared, made for an unbelievable dinner. The staff was friendly and answered all my questions about the food and the history of the building and the downtown area as a whole. I would not hesitate to go back."
Jason T
"Wow!! Talk about Appleton's secret.. hidden gem! The most amazing food, VIEW, and staff! Mama and I shared the walleye, and they kindly split or plates and gave us extra sides. We will definitely be back...."
T Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting during warmer months for patio seating or securing a window seat year-round offers the best opportunities to enjoy the stunning Fox River views.
Yes, Fratellos offers a complimentary rich and delicious chocolate cake for birthday celebrations.
Yes, reservations can be made, often through platforms like Open Table, and it's recommended to request a window seat for optimal views.
Yes, Fratellos features an outdoor red brick patio that is ideal for enjoying the riverfront scenery, especially during pleasant weather.
Popular choices include the Bruschetta, short rib pappardelle, pasta with mussels, and Thai Shrimp and Noodles.
Yes, Fratellos offers private dining experiences such as igloos, which can be reserved with a minimum spend.
The restaurant generally maintains a fine-dining atmosphere, but dress is typically smart casual, suitable for a relaxed yet elegant meal.
While not extensively detailed, Fratellos does offer some dishes that can be adapted or are naturally vegetarian, such as their Mushroom Ravioli and a noted 'Charred Sweet Potato (Vegan)' special.
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5 bars, restaurants on the Fox River
It's not the most spacious outdoor dining area, but those lucky enough to be seated at one of the dozen or so tables on the red brick patio get a view of a dam and likely some wildlife. (On a recent Friday morning, ducks and white pelicans were tooling around near the water's edge.). Fox River Brewing Co.'s Blu Bobber blueberry ale, served from the tap with a handful of blueberries, is pretty much made to be consumed on a sunny patio.
Where to Eat
With one of the best riverfront views in the Fox Cities, Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant is the place for wonderful service and amazing food. The contemporary atmosphere is built in an old hydrolectric plant with beautiful architecture. Serving a full menu for lunch and dinner with a variety of chef inspired unique dishes as well as our own Fox River Brewing Co. handcrafted beer, wine and craft cocktails.
Brunch Club - Fox Cities Magazine
Fratellos in Appleton started serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays last fall, which means they also added a menu of morning-minded libations. This Blood Orange Fizz is the drink of choice when you crave something sweet but not syrupy. Green Bay Distillery citrus vodka, blood orange sorbet, peach liqueur and fresh lemon juice are topped with Prosecco for a sophisticated drink perfect for spring.
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Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant, located on the site of the historic 1909 Vulcan Hydroelectric plant overlooking the Fox River, is a fine-dining eatery that offers spectacular water views for the perfect romantic date night. It features a tasty array of seafood, steaks, pasta, sandwiches, and pizzas. In addition, the full-service bar features various craft beers, wines, and liquor.
20 of the BEST Restaurants in Appleton, Wisconsin by a Local
I would say I’ve been to Fratellos more than any other restaurant on this list. It’s been my go-to spot for fine dining since high school – I even went here for prom one year and also went here with my family after I got married at the Appleton courthouse (that’s a long story). While the menu has changed over the years, it has been consistently good, in my opinion.
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You'll also find information on nearby restaurants and bars, such as Slipknot, Jim & Linda’s, and Fratello’s, marinas like Sweetwater, Bayshore, and Pioneer, and public boat launches from Fremont to Fond du Lac and up to Appleton. Are you looking for an event on Lake Winnebago that's accessible by boat?. We've got you covered!.
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Water Street, AppletonNestled alongside the river, Fratellos features delicious dishes and a picturesque dining experience. Located in the former Hydro Electric plant, built in 1907, with a patio within the Vulcan Heritage Park, dining at Fratellos allows its diners a peek into history as they savor every bite.
Fine Dining in Appleton
Enjoy views of the waterfront while savoring delicious drinks and eats!. This restaurant, located in downtown Appleton, features an open and casual environment with some of the best entree options around. With a wide range of dishes - you can't go wrong with whatever you end up choosing to eat.
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Brunch is a highlight, with places like Fratello’s Riverfront Restaurant offering views of the Fox River. There is an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients in the city, and the food scene has something for everyone.
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501 W Water StAppleton, WI 54911(920) 993-9087 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Fratello’s Riverfront Restaurant is a one-of-a-kind dining establishment nestled on the banks of the Fox River.
Best Things to do in Appleton, Wisconsin
With one of the best views of the Fox river, Fratellos is one of the best Italian restaurants in town.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit