Whitewater boasts a vibrant foodie scene with a diverse lineup of restaurants serving creative, delicious lunch fare. From traditional Mexican cuisine to classic cafe fare to mom-and-pop Italian eats, we guarantee you’ll want to do lunch at one of these six downtown hot spots.

SweetSpot Cafe

226 W Whitewater St.
(262) 473-5080
*GF, Vegan, and Vegetarian options

The SweetSpot Cafe is a casual, warm, friendly coffee shop with some of the best deli sandwiches in the city. They’re well known for their yummy coffee drinks and baked goodies, but you can also get breakfast for lunch! Grab your place in line ASAP because they’re a favorite go-to. Vegetarian? Try the Very Veggie Grain Bowl!

Casual Joe’s

319 W James St.
(262) 753-2407
*Some GF and Vegetarian options
*Accepts Purple Points!

Real wood smoked meat in an old garage turned shabby chic restaurant is the vibe of Casual Joe’s. You can get Smash Bowls, meat platters, and sandwiches of your BBQed meat(s) of choice and those perfect sides you’d expect with BBQ (mac & cheese, potato salad, slaw, etc). For those in the family who want a lighter meal, they offer salads, and if you’re popping in for the first time, Casual Joe’s manager recommends the Sampler Platter (3 meats, 3 sides) or the Smash Bowls where you get to eat everything you want all mixed together. Enjoy with a beer or vanilla bean lemonade!

Tienda y Taqueria La Preferida

132 W Main St.
(262) 473-6558
*Vegetarian options

The Taqueria offers the most authentic Mexican cuisine in Whitewater. Nestled in the back of a tiny store on Main St., the taqueria is intimate--just a smattering of tables and an open kitchen. The owners are kind and the food is beloved. Owner, Luis, highly recommends the Big Mama (a giant quesadilla with your choice of meat) or a burrito with your choice of fillings. Belly up to a table and indulge, and then grab a few groceries on your way out!

Jessica’s Family Restaurant

140 W Main St
(262) 473-9890
*GF and Vegetarian options

Classic diner in the heart of our city makes Jessica’s a well-loved (and busy!) restaurant. You can get anything from burgers and melts to seafood and Italian dishes. And while it made our list of downtown lunch spots, it’s well known for serving breakfast all day. So when you roll out of bed at 11 or noon, you know you can still get a delicious skillet to wake you up. And you do want one of the skillets. Stick to your ribs goodness.

Fanatico

162 W Main St.
(262) 472-0747
*GF and Vegetarian options

Fanatico offers an authentic Italian experience in a dimly lit, cozy environment perfect for a little escape from the world. Go for a dish of pasta or set yourself up with a three or four course meal! Owner and Executive Chef, Benny, is passionate about food, and it shows. He highly recommends the fan favorite signature pasta - Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken.

Taco Fresco

175 W Main St
(262) 473-1287
*GF and Vegetarian options
*Offer delivery

Taco Fresco is a playful, creative restaurant that serves up way more than just tacos. Considered “multi-cuisine,” their menu lists dishes by what their primary ingredient is: Cow, Chicken, Pig, Vegetable, and they offer a Market Special that uses locally sourced ingredients from the Whitewater CIty Market. Owner and Chef, Garret, highly recommends the Fish Taco or the Harvest Potato Taco. Colorful place. Colorful food. Happy customers.