The best restaurants in Merrill

25 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 25 places · showing the latest additions first

Subway

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

210 S Pine Ridge Ave

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

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A&W Restaurant

Restaurants

Fast-food outlet serving up namesake root beer, plus burgers, chicken & fries.

207 N Center Ave

Fast-food outlet serving up namesake root beer, plus burgers, chicken & fries.

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Subway

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

505 S Pine Ridge Ave

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

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Culver’s

Restaurants

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

3349 E Main St

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

Pizza Hut, 901 N Center Ave #275

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

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Hardee's

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving fried chicken, big burgers & made-from-scratch breakfast biscuits.

2609 Stewart Ave (Wausau)

Fast-food chain serving fried chicken, big burgers & made-from-scratch breakfast biscuits.

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When you need a low-stress outing that entertains the kids and your inner 12-year-old, Wausau on Water (WOW Family Entertainment Center)…

1300 N River Dr (Wausau)

When you need a low-stress outing that entertains the kids and your inner 12-year-old, Wausau on Water (WOW Family Entertainment Center) delivers with arcade games, laser tag, solid food and drinks, and breezy riverfront vibes. Easy win for birthdays, group hangs, or just blowing off steam midweek.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Toppers Pizza

Restaurants

Pizzeria chain making pies with unusual toppings (wings too), offered at counter or via delivery.

1700 Stewart Ave (Wausau)

Pizzeria chain making pies with unusual toppings (wings too), offered at counter or via delivery.

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Milwaukee Burger Company - Wausau nails the Wisconsin comfort trifecta with super-sized cheese curds, creative burgers like the Cheese Curd…

2200 Stewart Ave (Wausau)

Milwaukee Burger Company - Wausau nails the Wisconsin comfort trifecta with super-sized cheese curds, creative burgers like the Cheese Curd Cheeseburger or Milwaukee Style Smashed, and an extensive craft beer tap list.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Faraway Place

Restaurants

Faraway Place is that downtown hangout where locally sourced smash burgers and hand-breaded chicken meet live music and open mic nights.…

408 N 3rd Street (Wausau) · ✓ checked Aug 28

Faraway Place is that downtown hangout where locally sourced smash burgers and hand-breaded chicken meet live music and open mic nights. Slide into the lounge for a cocktail or catch the game on big screens, then stick around because somehow weeknights turn into late nights here.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 1, 2026

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From sizzling hibachi shows to fresh rolls like the Godzilla, plus bento boxes, tempura, and cozy staples like Miso Soup, Masa Sushi Grill…

1800 Stewart Ave #100 (Wausau)

From sizzling hibachi shows to fresh rolls like the Godzilla, plus bento boxes, tempura, and cozy staples like Miso Soup, Masa Sushi Grill And Bar hits the spot. Family-owned and flavor-forward, it’s an easy win when you want Japanese comfort without leaving Wausau.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 26, 2026

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When the bourbon BBQ craving hits but your brain also whispers sushi, Chop-Stix Bourbon BBQ & Sushi makes both happen with saucy bourbon…

2111 Stewart Ave Ste 100 (Wausau) · ✓ checked Aug 13

When the bourbon BBQ craving hits but your brain also whispers sushi, Chop-Stix Bourbon BBQ & Sushi makes both happen with saucy bourbon chicken, classic lo mein, and a lineup of fresh rolls. Treat yourself this week, because choosing between comfort and craveable never felt so unnecessary.

From the Central Wisconsin newsletter, August 22, 2026

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When the week needs a pick-me-up, Oishii Ramen オイシイラーメン in downtown Wausau delivers with handcrafted ramen bowls piled with tender char siu…

2105 N 2nd St (Wausau)

When the week needs a pick-me-up, Oishii Ramen オイシイラーメン in downtown Wausau delivers with handcrafted ramen bowls piled with tender char siu and brothy comfort. Split some crispy tempura, or stray happily toward donburi and creative stir-fry noodles.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Ciao

Restaurants

Go for the handmade stuff. Ciao turns out silky pastas like cacio e pepe and ravioli di carne, backed by starters that flex and desserts…

307 N 3rd Street (Wausau)

Go for the handmade stuff. Ciao turns out silky pastas like cacio e pepe and ravioli di carne, backed by starters that flex and desserts made in house from tiramisu to affogato. Perfect when you want dinner to feel a little celebratory on a regular Wausau night.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Craving a low-key spot where breakfast gets its due and catching up with friends feels easy? Westsider Diner & Lounge keeps the 1920s…

628 N 3rd Ave (Wausau)

Craving a low-key spot where breakfast gets its due and catching up with friends feels easy? Westsider Diner & Lounge keeps the 1920s Wausau diner spirit alive with honest food, good drinks, and that cozy Liberty Gardens feel you wish every weekday had.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 30, 2026

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6th Street Filling Station is basically Wausau’s brunch HQ, turning slow mornings into easy wins with fresh, tasty breakfast plates and an…

1314 N 6th St (Wausau)

6th Street Filling Station is basically Wausau’s brunch HQ, turning slow mornings into easy wins with fresh, tasty breakfast plates and an easygoing vibe. Put it on your rotation this week for a legit fuel-up for body and soul, then coast through your Sunday.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Wausau Mine Company nails the whole gold-mine vibe, then backs it up with from-scratch pizzas, the Original Italian Fries, and hefty…

3904 Stewart Ave (Wausau)

Wausau Mine Company nails the whole gold-mine vibe, then backs it up with from-scratch pizzas, the Original Italian Fries, and hefty half-pound burgers. It’s family-friendly, with a game room and a saloon, plus gluten-free picks when your crew needs options.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Back When Cafe

Restaurants

Back When Cafe keeps Wausau’s dinner game strong with New American plates in a 100-plus-year-old downtown space that mixes old-school charm…

606 N 3rd Street (Wausau)

Back When Cafe keeps Wausau’s dinner game strong with New American plates in a 100-plus-year-old downtown space that mixes old-school charm and northwoods flair. Expect thoughtful cooking, a warm vibe, and a serious wine and beer list that turns midweek into something worth celebrating.

From the Central Wisconsin newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Family-owned since 1968, Loading Zone Eatery is that no-nonsense local spot for steaks and seafood, a Friday fish fry people plan around,…

157024 E Hamilton St (Wausau)

Family-owned since 1968, Loading Zone Eatery is that no-nonsense local spot for steaks and seafood, a Friday fish fry people plan around, and scratch-made everything from soups to dressings to homemade cheesecakes. When dinner this week needs to feel easy and reliably great, this is the move.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Meet Lemongrass Asian Fusion Restaurant & Bar in downtown Wausau, serving slurpable pho, zesty tom yum and tom kha, crunchy spring rolls,…

316 N 3rd Street (Wausau)

Meet Lemongrass Asian Fusion Restaurant & Bar in downtown Wausau, serving slurpable pho, zesty tom yum and tom kha, crunchy spring rolls, dynamite shrimp, and wok-fired bites that actually wake weeknights up.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Sourdough & Co.

Restaurants

Craving a sandwich that actually respects bread this week? Sourdough & Co. stacks premium meats, artisan cheeses, and crisp veggies on…

601 Forest St (Wausau)

Craving a sandwich that actually respects bread this week? Sourdough & Co. stacks premium meats, artisan cheeses, and crisp veggies on tangy sourdough with an al dente crust and soft center, plus daily New England Clam Chowder (bread bowl, obviously), rotating soups, hearty salads, and creamy mac when comfort calls.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Sam's Pizza keeps it classic with homemade pies born from a family tradition you can taste in every bite. Build your own with the hits like…

111 Elm St #4669 (Wausau)

Sam's Pizza keeps it classic with homemade pies born from a family tradition you can taste in every bite. Build your own with the hits like Italian sausage, green olives, mushrooms, or pepperoni, and make this the easy, delicious weeknight plan you don’t have to overthink.

From the Central Wisconsin newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Treat yourself this week at The Velveteen Plum, an elevated-casual spot known for hand-crafted cocktails, weekend brunch, and rooftop…

1520 Elm St (Wausau)

Treat yourself this week at The Velveteen Plum, an elevated-casual spot known for hand-crafted cocktails, weekend brunch, and rooftop dining with Rib Mountain front and center. Sink into the fire-lit lounge or the shaded rooftop bar, and let Wausau do the scenery work.

From the Central Wisconsin newsletter, August 25, 2026

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CHAR Grillhouse

Restaurants

CHAR Grillhouse throws down a chef-inspired, locally sourced menu that actually earns the word bold, from steaks and seafood to burgers,…

203 Jefferson St (Wausau)

CHAR Grillhouse throws down a chef-inspired, locally sourced menu that actually earns the word bold, from steaks and seafood to burgers, with wine, cocktails, and craft beers dialed to match. When you want a downtown Wausau dinner that feels a little special without trying too hard, this is it.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 30, 2026

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BB Jacks Pizza and Sandwich Lounge keeps it classic with a handmade pizza recipe, an arcade for extra fun, and options for birthdays,…

900 Golf Club Rd (Wausau)

BB Jacks Pizza and Sandwich Lounge keeps it classic with a handmade pizza recipe, an arcade for extra fun, and options for birthdays, parties, music, and catering. When you need an easy win this week, it is your dinner plus entertainment solution right here in Wausau.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 13, 2026

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