Pizza & Wings 2022

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PIZZAS YOU’VE GOTTA SEE – AND EAT – TO BELIEVE

WORDS & PHOTOS: MCKENNA SCHERER

THE VALLEY’S FOOD SCENE HAS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING: delecta ble sushi and Japanese food, meals on wheels thanks to the food truck scene, good ‘ol American style bar food, and more. One thing that the Valley’s eateries really get right, though, is the pizza. There’s some thing, somewhere, for everyone, and although we couldn’t get around to every place to try their pizzas (if anyone would like to offer this to us though, please do), we did get glo rious glimpses of some of the most unique and tasty pies in the area.

THE ZETSY NEESTA TED’S PIZZA | 306 MAIN ST. E, MENOMONIE

CHEESE CURD PIZZA

THE DISTRICT PUB & GRILL | 101 GRAHAM AVENUE, EAU CLAIRE

It’s exactly what you think it is, and thank fully so. A squarecut piz za, The District Pub & Grill has a wide vari ety of grub on their menu, their pizza and flatbread section offering a doz en specialty pies plus the option to build your own. What would a Wisco za roundup be without a cheese curd appearance? The District’s Cheese Curd Pizza has big ‘ol deep-friedto-glory curds atop each individual slice, a wonderfully swirled blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese serv ing as its base. With a ranch sauce simmering under the surface, this is certainly not for the faint of heart (or lactose intolerant).

second. Decked out with rich mozza rella and crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkling of charred summer corn is a surprisingly delightful note that meshes well with the tajin dressing swirled overtop. This pie is rotating out soon though, so if you’re in trigued, you better go order it tonight.

THE GOLDBLUM THE INFORMALIST | 205 S BARSTOW ST., EAU CLAIRE

SQUASH THE PATRIARCHY COVIZZA | 800 WISCONSIN ST., SUITE 210, EAU CLAIRE

This mouthwatering pie is named after the owner’s mom, so the secret ingredient must be a mother’s love. Ted’s has been a total staple in the Valley area since it began serving up za in the Menomonie area in 1970. For the weaklings who think cilan tro tastes like soap, this one won’t be for you, but for the rest of us, the more, the merrier! The tang from the roasted tomatoes lifts the smattering of feta cheese, and its glorious col or nearly steals the show from the show stopping sauce – nearly. The four-pepper cilantro sauce peaks through the cheese and envelopes the chicken too, all resting atop clas sic Ted’s dough. Mmmmm.

THE ELOTE THE INFORMALIST | 205 S BARSTOW ST., EAU CLAIRE

The Eloté specialty pizza happens to be vegetarian and gluten-free, but don’t doubt this za’s palette for a

As suave and intriguing as its namesake, the Goldblum specialty pizza is a true classic pie, taken up several notches with its delectably paired flavors. It’s everything you want in a pizza but didn’t know you should ask for, the clas sic red sauce the perfect base for its cheese blend, supporting the mouth-watering gar lic and chili crisp. A kicked-up twist on traditional piz za pies, this one earned The Infor malist a second addition to this list – and, whew, it’s as delectable as Gold blum himself, if I’m allowed to say that (Juras sic Park is one of my favorite movies…)

Covizza has become one of the prized gems of Banbury Place in Eau Claire, flourishing from best-kept-se cret status just a couple years ago to their current shared kitchen space. Since it first shimmied into the area thanks to owner Jacob Paulsrud and partner Brittany moving to the Valley from Minneapolis during the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Covizza has become known for their distinctive pies and often quirky names. A perfect exemplification of that is their Squash the Patri archy za, which is as badass and yummy as it sounds. The squash puree drizzle is sweet and lush, flashes of acidity shining through thanks to the braised onion, and the unique pairing with walnuts and zip py maple makes for an entirely new, unique flavor party for your mouth.

SAUCE-O-METER we tried out 5 local sauces and ranked ‘em

WORDS: SAWYER HOFF + MCKENNA SCHERER

WE’RE NO SAUCE CONNOISSEURS BY ANY MEANS, but since the Volume One headquarters happens to be right above The Local Store, it would have been a wasted opportunity to skip out on the local sauces sitting right below us. Also, we just really wanted to eat them.

Luckily for locals, all five of these sauces are currently in stock and ready for you to dive into. We took the liberty of ranking each sauce based on spice and heat with a handful of one-liners to give the inside scoop on their flavors.

Visit The Local Store today at 205 N Dewey St., Eau Claire.

CHIP MAGNET’S SAUCE APPEAL: FRESNO

“That’s a hot chili, for sure. Oh, that’s got some kick right in the back of the throat. A traditional hot sauce that is going to hit your upper palate.”

Chip Magnet’s Sauce Appeal: Fresno

Chip Magnet’s Sauce Appeal: Fresno

“That’s a hot chili, for sure. That’s got some kick right in the back of the throat. A traditional hot sauce that is going to hit your upper palate.”

BUSHEL & PECK’S JALAPEÑO LIME

“Oh, it’s definitely lime-y. Not too spicy either right off of the bat, though it could build, but the lime is large and in-charge flavor-wise.”

BUSHEL & PECK’S CHERRY BOMB

“That’s a hot chili, for sure. That’s got some kick right in the back of the throat. A traditional hot sauce that is going to hit your upper palate.”

Bushel & Peck’s

Jalapeno Lime

“Oh, it’s definitely lime-y. Not too spicy either right off of the bat though it could build, but the lime is large and in-charge flavor-wise.”

“Oh, it’s definitely lime-y. Not too spicy either right off of the bat though it could build, but the lime is large and in-charge flavor-wise.”

“Wouldn’t say it’s very spicy, but there’s a little somethin’ happening there. The flavor is really nice, and it’s good for people that can’t really handle heat but still want a flavorful sauce.”

Bushel & Peck’s Jalapeno Lime Bushel & Peck’s Cherry Bomb

Bushel & Peck’s

Cherry Bomb

“Wouldn’t say it’s very spicy, but there’s a little somethin’ happening there. The flavor is really nice, but it’s good for people that can’t really handle heat but still want a flavorful sauce.”

“Wouldn’t say it’s very spicy, but there’s a little somethin’ happening there. The flavor is really nice, but it’s good for people that can’t really handle heat but still want a flavorful sauce.”

RED ROOSTER SWEET RED CHILI SAUCE

Red Rooster Sweet Red Chili Sauce

“Completely sweet, more ‘sweet’ than ‘chili.’ It’s a thicker sauce, for sure.”

Red Rooster Sweet Red Chili Sauce

“Completely sweet, more sweet than chili. It’s a thicker sauce, for sure.”

“Completely sweet, more sweet than chili. It’s a thicker sauce, for sure.”

BOURBON BARREL WHISKEY BBQ SAUCE

Bourbon Barrel Whiskey BBQ Sauce

“Not just your straight-up barbecue sauce thanks to the hints of whiskey. Rich bourbon hints, for sure. Not spicy.”

Bourbon Barrel Whiskey BBQ Sauce

“Not just your straight-up barbecue sauce thanks to the hints of whiskey. Rich bourbon hints, for sure.”

“Not just your straight-up barbecue sauce thanks to the hints of whiskey. Rich bourbon hints, for sure.”

PIZZA FARMS

grown, prepared, and enjoyed on the farm

ACROSS THE STATE AND THE MID WEST, picturesque farms have trans formed themselves into gourmet pizza purveyors. Farms have found a new way to use their resources by harvesting fresh, homegrown ingre dients to craft mouth-watering pizzas that can be enjoyed right there on the farm. Round up your family and friends for a picnic on one of Wiscon sin’s pizza farms!

A TO Z PRODUCE AND BAKERY - PIZZA FARM N2956 Anker Lane, Stockholm • (715) 448-4802 • atozproduceandbak ery.com This weekly pizza destination is open Tuesdays from 4:30-8pm during the Summer. Drivers arrive by car or even horseback. The later you arrive in the season the wait is (can be up to an hour) but the pie is worth it. If you’re in a rush, they can fix you one to go. Also a CSA farm. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and games, explore the farm, or pur chase beer while you wait.

FARM TO FORK - PIZZA NIGHTS S193 County Road BB, Mondovi • (715) 2101799 • farmtoforkretreat.com Head to the Farm to Fork retreat 5-9pm, Thursdays through Saturdays for wood-fired pizza nights. They close for weddings, so keep an eye on their website or Facebook to stay up to date. $15 for basic pizzas, and $18-22 for specialty pies. They serve a vari ety of local beers at their Milk House Bar.

NELSON STONE BARN - PIZZERIA S685 County Road KK, Nelson • (715) 673-4478 • thenelsonstonebarn.com/ pizzeria Open Friday through Sun day from 5-9pm through the spring and summer months, Nelson boasts a hand-rolled thin crust and meats from locally raised livestock. Nelson offers custom pizzas as well as wine, beer, and ice cream. New pizzas are added to the menu often, and you always customize your pie with a “build your own” option.

STONEY ACRES FARM - PIZZA FARM 7002 Rangline Road, Athens • face book.com/stoneyacresfarmandpiz za Pizza night at Stoney Acres is on Friday evenings from late April to early November. Some ticketed Saturday events are available. They serve up simple, seasonal, organic pizzas, have local beers & wines for sale, and you can check out their farmers market goods.

SUNCREST GARDENS FARM - PIZZA FARM S2257 Yaeger Dugway, Co chrane • (608) 626-2122 • suncrest gardensfarm.com Also a Community Supported Agriculture farm, Sun crest welcomes diners from 4:30-8pm on Fridays in May & September, and Thursdays & Fridays in June, July, August. Everything is served local, seasonal, and wood-fired. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Pies run $19-25. Also features live music on Friday evenings.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

(S)WING ON IN

the River Inn Bar is known for their iconic jumbo chicken wings

WORDS & PHOTOS: MCKENNNA SCHERER

THE RIVER INN BAR HAS BEEN A CLASSIC GO-TO IN CHIPPEWA FALLS FOR DECADES, AND IT EARNED ONE HECK OF A NOD IN SEPTEMBER from On lyInYourState.com, which said the spot was home to the best wings in Wisconsin.

River Inn is known for jumbo broasted chicken wings – bad boys that are definitely large and in charge. You can get an indi vidual order any day of the week, but the bar is also one of the only places around that has wing specials half the week, every week. Yes, you read that right: Monday-Thursday nights, all-you-caneat wings come

wedges, or curly fries. Grab a beer from the bar and you’re set.

Pricing de pends on how many wings you order (one, three, five, etc.) and if you also want a side with them, but for five wings and a side of fries (curly or wedges) the order is $15.45; for three wings and a side of fries, the price is $12.45.

Whatever size you order, you’ll likely fall in love. As the OnlyinYourState.com headline declared, “It’s Worth It To Drive Across Wisconsin Just For The Chicken Wings At River Inn Bar.”

The River Inn put down its roots back in the 1940s right on County Highway X in rural Chippe-

wa Falls, and while its original building was replaced in 1968, it’s stayed the same since then. With neon signs strung up on the walls, wood paneling decking out the space and backing the handful of game machines lined up, the tavern is a classic through and through.

Visit The River Inn Bar at 10418 County Hwy X in Chippewa Falls, the kitchen open Monday-Sunday from 11am-9pm. Call with any further questions (715-723-9481) or visit their website.

TOP 10 PIZZA & WING SPOTS

according to our 2022 Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll

WORDS: JAMES JOHONNOTT • PHOTOS: ANDREA PAULSETH

PIZZA

FOSTER’S FIRESIDE

This wood fired pizza joint and cheesemonger has a great patio and signature cocktails. Cauliflower crust available on all pizzas. Wide array of specialty pizzas including a par mesan pesto, creamy tuscan Alfredo, bbq chicken, meat lovers, and more.

THE INFORMALIST

A midwest-sourced, upscale restau rant that pushes boundaries with bold flavors, big ideas, and fresh ingredients. Classic pies include bbq chicken, pineapple & ham, and supreme, and rotating seasonal spe cialty pies like the Remy (stewed ratatouille), banana jamma (Italian sausage & peppers), Goldblum (sau sage, kale, mushrooms, garlic, and cheese) and more.

FILL INN STATION

This casual Chippewa classic serves specialty (like the bacon cheese burger, taco, maui), build-your own pizzas, and personal pan pizzas. Their pizza special (Tue-Fri, 4-6pm) features up to 7 toppings on a 15-in pie for $13.27.

WINGS

RIVER INN

Open until 9pm

This neighborhood bar serves broast ed jumbo chicken wings lauded by OnlyInYourState.com as the best wings in the state. Monday-Thursday you can order them all you can eat.

THE DISTRICT Open Until 10pm, 12am on weekends

Serves your choice of boneless or bone-in wings, served by 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, or 3 pounds. Sauces include garlic parmesan, teriyaki, bbq, Kore an bbq, Jamaican jerk dry rub, sweet chili, spicy bbq, buffalo, spicy buffalo, and habanero.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

Open until 12am, 1am on weekends

Watch game day at this national brand of wing joints. Serving tra ditional, boneless, and cauliflower wings with their vast array of sauces and dry-rubs.

HANGAR 54 GRILL

Open until 9pm, 11pm on Friday

GENO’S PIZZA

A longstanding pizza joint, Geno’s sells thin-crust speciality pizzas and deep dish pies. Gluten-free and ke to-friendly crusts available. Check out the Wallo Works, The Big Geno, and the Geno’s Special, featuring their signature sausage.

SAMMY’S PIZZA RESTAURANT & PUB

First opened in 1957, Sammy’s fea tures a signature crimped crust in a family-style pizza place with diner furniture out front and a full bar in back. Check out the Mouse Special, small-cut pepperoni and kosher sala mi. Express lunch deal includes sal ad bar and a small pizza. Also selling frozen pizzas.

LUCETTE BREWING CO.

Located on scenic Red Cedar Trail, this brewing company serves fresh pizza and craft beer. Seasonal spe cialties and recommended beer pairings for the pizzas. Be sure to try fennel sausage steeped in Farmer’s Daughter beer, beer-infused slow roasted chicken, and beer-infused bbq pizza sauce, and more.

PIZZA DEL RE

A casual, legacy pizza joint now par tially re-opened. Simple pepperoni, sausage, veggie, and cheese pies available for take-out.

TED’S PIZZA

A Menomonie institution since 1970, this Greek-American pizza parlor makes its own sausage, sauces, and crust. Build your own, or get one of their specialty pies like the greek special, four meat, gyro meat, and more. Features a daily lunch combo special and daily pizza deals.

JIMBOB’S PIZZA

A hometown pizza joint with a variety gourmet pizzas and desserts. Outdoor seating, gluten-free pizzas, meatless available, bake-and-take pizzas, and dine-in, carry-out, and delivery.

MILWAUKEE BURGER CO.

Open until 10pm, 11pm on weekends

This burger place, open late, serves bone-in or boneless wings with either a dry rub including Honey Chipotle, Cajun, Jalapeño, or an array of sauc es like Classic BBQ, roasted garlic parmesan, teriyaki, smoky candied bourbon, sweet chili, spicy garlic, buffalo, and inferno.

44 NORTH Open Until 10pm, 12am on weekends

Serves bone-in, boneless, chicken tender, and cauliflower wings with sauces including bourbon butter pecan, 44 fire, buffalo, cajun dry rub, general tso, Caribbean mango, chililime, cream soda bbq, Nashville hot, and more.

DOOLEY’S PUB

Open until Bar Close

This steakhouse & grill at the air port serves traditional and boneless wings, with smokey bbq or buffalo dry rubs or sauces including a super-hot buffalo, candied onion bbq, bourbon chipotle bbq, whiskey butter pecan, bacon sweet pepper, and more.

COWBOY JACKS

Open until Midnight, 1am Thursday, 2am Weekends

Open late, this bar & grill has a pizza & wings special on Sundays. Bonein wings include spicy buffalo, bbq, bourbon sriracha, honey garlic, dry rub, teriyaki, and more.

NORTHERN TAP HOUSE

Open until 10pm, 11pm on Weekends

COVIZZA

A husband and wife pizza making team born out of the pandemic. Open for dine-in or take-out regularly on Thursdays & Fridays, CoVizza makes pizza in a shared kitchen in Banbury Place. Their schedule and pizza changes often, so keep an eye on their social media for up-to-date info.

Specials include 80 cent wings on Wednesday and 3/4 lb. Boneless wings for $7.49 on Monday & Tues day. Sauces include buffalo, bbq, ghost bbq, parmesan garlic, teriyaki, mandarin orange, peach pepper, “stairway to hell”, and “raging buf falo”.

SMOKESTREAM Food Truck

If you can track down the big silver Smokestream food truck, you can en joy their signature smoked, dry-rub, and lime citrus wings.

A popular spot for game day and wings, they serve house-prepped boneless, bone-in, and breaded cauli flower wings. Signature dry rubs in clude honey chipotle and dill pickle, and sauces include bbq, sweet sesa me, roasted garlic parmesan, smokey candied bourbon, house specialty blackened, sweet chili, Jamaican jerk, spiced up buffalo, and more.