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About
Cafe On the Park
Welcome to Cafe On the Park, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Located at 131 N Main St, this charming eatery embodies the warmth of a classic diner while offering an intimate and historical dining experience. Originally serving as a horse stable in the mid-1800s, its transformation into a beloved restaurant in the early 1940s speaks volumes about its enduring legacy.
The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a cozy atmosphere, where friendly faces create an environment that feels like home. With attentive staff that treat every patron as a valued guest, it's no wonder customers like Melissa Wierenga rave about the heartfelt service. She noted that, despite the bustling crowd, the owner personally engaged with diners, ensuring that everyone felt appreciated and served with care.
The menu at Cafe On the Park is a delightful showcase of comfort food. Diners frequently highlight the flavorful Veggie Omelette, a dish packed with cheese and jalapenos that pairs perfectly with hash-browns or country potatoes and your choice of toast—an experience that Brad Ruehle wholeheartedly endorses. For lunch, patrons can indulge in generous sandwiches and taste the flavorful soups, particularly enjoying the fish special on Fridays. Mike even remarked that the burgers here are some of the best around, showcasing the establishment's dedication to quality. If you're in the mood for something classic yet executed with finesse, you can't go wrong at Cafe On the Park.
What truly sets this diner apart is its rich history and the sense of community that resonates throughout. You may even find yourself chatting with staff members who have dedicated generations to this establishment—a testament to its enduring charm. As harvey gasall highlights, even those traveling from afar seek out this cafe when visiting family nearby, a sign of its significance in the local culture.
In a world where dining experiences can often feel impersonal, Cafe On the Park stands as a refreshing reminder of what it means to provide great food in a welcoming setting. Whether you're new to Lake Mills or a regular, the combination of quality dishes, accommodating staff, and a historic backdrop make every visit special. Drop by and discover why so many locals and travelers alike keep coming back—your taste buds will thank you!
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“ Great little old historical restaurant. Food was very good, I had the Veggie omelette with cheese and jalapeno. Comes with Hash-browns or country potatoes and your choice of toast. I also ordered a side of bacon. Everything was very good. I would absolutely recommend and will stop back again. The staff was very attentive and super friendly. I found out that this building started life as a horse stable back in the mid 1800’s and became a restaurant in the early 40’s. One of the waitresses is a third generation employee. Very cozy atmosphere. ”
“ Great little town diner. Friendly staff, too. Excellent sandwiches. Great soups and a nice selection of fish on Fridays. Even potato pancakes to go with the fish! Update: The diner changed hands in 2024 but is still very good. Stopped for lunch and had very large, tasty burgers, maybe even a little better than before. Same friendly wait staff. I would enjoy it if they had some interesting entrees that were ethnic or a little trendy, too. But for a classic diner, this one is great! ”
“ Owner and staff treat customers like it is 5-star dining, even though a full breakfast is only 10. High-end restaurants could learn from them. The restaurant was VERY busy this morning, but the owner took the time to come out of the kitchen and introduce himself and staff to us. SUPER great guy! It was so busy, but they were working like a well-oiled machine. Even offered us a free cup of soup as we had to wait 10 minutes to be seated, which was no big deal to wait. If you want great cafe food with a great location, great staff, and great prices -- look no further. We wish them the best of luck - highly recommend! ”
“ Nice place. Second time here and excellent both times. I live 200 miles away, so we only get here when visiting our son in Deerfield. Wish we could get here more often. Highly recommend. ”
“ Good food. Came out hot. Had eggs over medium and poached. Both were done perfectly. Hashbrowns were crispy. Coffee was good. Great little cafe in downtown Lake Mills. ”
“ What a perfect start for a Sunday! We were passing through and were looking for a place for a good family breakfast. We found the perfect place. The cafe is very nice, the owners and staff are super friendly and the service is simply excellent. Super tasty food rounded off our visit perfectly. There couldn't have been a better start to the day! ”
“ Stopped in after fishing for a quick lunch. Breakfast is served all day, food is homemade and good. Service was excellent! Kind and friendly. We'll be back! Lots of street parking in the area too. ”
“ We had a great meal at this diner! Even though we were firmly in the middle of the Saturday morning rush (11am) we had a seat at the counter. Ask the other tables and booths were filled. Great service, good food and friendly staff. Even though they were running their butts off, v they still smiled and accommodated special requests. I highly recommend them. ”