Keys Cafe

In the shadow of the Hudson water tower, rests Keys Cafe and Bakery. While this restaurant is not unique to Hudson, (there are numerous locations throughout the Metro area) it is a unique family run joint.

Our meal started off a little rough as we were unsure if we were to wait for service or order at the counter. There were few people in the restaurant when we sat down, but it still took longer than expected for our waitress to acknowledge us. After an initial rough road, things smoothed out nicely.

The menu is filled with home cooked comfort food in all it’s glory. In traditional diner fashion, fabulous breakfasts are featured. Although the counter of pastries and baked goods enticed, and the plethora of mouth-watering omelets and pancakes tempted, both Eric and Andrea chose something from the sandwich menu. Andrea was thrilled to find a Monte Cristo sandwich listed among the offerings and didn’t consider anything else. Her elation increased as the waitress carried it out and she found thick cuts of real turkey and ham stacked so high they were falling off the battered bread. Strawberry jam, carrot and celery sticks, and an average cup of joe rounded out the meal.

On the plate In our server’s other hand stood a bun overflowing with cubed steak seasoned and cooked to perfection, smothered in cheese, onion and green pepper, and garnished with a pickle. Keys Cafe’s ode to another diner favorite, the Philly Cheesesteak. This gourmet sandwich was nothing like ones found in other diner’s, yet would more than satisfy any carnivore.

A truly family restaurant, its children’s menu boasted a multitude of kids favorites. Much to Mom and Dad’s dismay our three year old chose the PB+J and wouldn’t consider anything else, despite the fact she had refused to eat the PB+J in the car for lunch. This was served with french fries, applesauce and a beverage.

One of the things we appreciated at Keys was the option to have carrots and celery sticks in lieu of fries or chips. The precious calories and fat grams we saved with this option, were put to good use when it came time for dessert. Keys Cafe could easily be called “Cake” Cafe with their full lineup of decadent cakes. We succumbed to the siren song of the House Chocolate cake. Due to it’s size, we decided to share a slice between the family and our server graciously split our cake for easier sharing. It was worth every carrot stick.

Two adult and one child’s meal, along with a dessert, one beverage and a tip equaled just under $35. With fresh baked goods filling the front counter every day, Keys Cafe is the perfect place to stop for a great meal, or a quick pastry to go.

Want to have your taste buds unlocked?

Keys Cafe and Bakery

840 Carmichael Rd
Hudson, WI 54016

715.377.0004

http://www.keyscafe.com/hudson.shtml

Barker's Bar & Grill

Burgers, brew and bistro - three words that may seem as strange to you as they did to us until we ate at Barker’s Bar and Grill. Barkers is a self proclaimed “bistro-style” restaurant, defining bistro as “1. A small or unpretentious restaurant and 2. A small bar or tavern.” They hit this right on the money, offering a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, and local as well as imported beers. The atmosphere was pleasant with high back booths for privacy, a nice patio section with a view of the St Croix and historical pictures of early Hudson on the walls. The highlight of course was the free self serve popcorn. However, due to the small size as well as ambient noise, we found it somewhat difficult to carry on a conversation.

On to the food. As we perused the menu, we were impressed with the extensive list of burgers and sandwiches, making just one selection tricky. Eric settled on the Louisiana Chicken, a chicken breast with spicy sauce, lettuce, tomato, and red onion on a toasted bun. Andrea enjoyed the Greek Chicken, topped with feta cheese, red onion, kalamata olives and lettuce. In classic bar fashion, each sandwich is served with kettle chips and a pickle. We chose to substitute Barker’s fresh, hand cut fries, a choice we did not regret. The portion sizes were just right, and each bite was jam-packed with flavor, leaving our taste buds excited for the next.

The service was about as expected for the number of customers in the restaurant. Our waitress, who wasn’t wearing a name tag, was polite and efficient. Our total bill, with tip, came to $30. This was a little steep in our minds for “just” a sandwich and soda. Substituting the fries added to the expense, but we’d do it again. If you love exotic sandwiches like yellow fin tuna, or a classic burger and fries this place is a must try. Come hungry if you dare to try their stuffed bacon burger, with over ⅔ lbs of beef stuffed with tomato, onion and cheese and topped with all the fixin’s. Let us know if you’re going and we’ll meet you there!

413 2nd St. Hudson,

WI 54016

715.386.4123

www.barkersbarandgrill.com

The Winzer Stube

A recent Sunday afternoon drive ended with a stop at another one of Hudson’s distinct restaurants; The Winzer Stube. After entering the small storefront and navigating the stairs, you enter old world Germany in the form of a small, family-run eatery with a truly authentic German atmosphere. The walk to our table doubled as tour of Germany as we gazed at the postcards and photos papering the walls. The uniquely rolled menus and our lovely waitress who spoke with a strong German accent, added to the ambience.

The menu read pretty much as expected with schnitzels, wieners and spatzle sprinkled liberally throughout. After some difficulty making a choice, and a recommendation from our helpful waitress we settled on Rinder Rouladen, a beef roll-up with mustard, pickle, bacon and onions for Eric, the Zigeunerschnitzel, a breaded pork cutlet with strips of Black forest ham, red and green peppers and a cream sauce, for Andrea, and Potato Cakes with applesauce for the little ones. Not being German, nor frequently sampling German cuisine, we underestimated the culinary delights we were about to experience. Shortly after ordering our entrees, our meal began with a handmade loaf of artisan bread. Even this generously portioned loaf didn’t last long when placed at a table of four hungry Christenson’s.

Soon after it was gone, our heaping plates arrived. Each entree was accompanied by two types of cooked cabbage, a red and a white. Eric’s meal included a side of spatzle and Andrea’s a side of bread dumplings with gravy. As we ate and shared our dinners together, each bite left us amazed at the wonderful flavors of German food. The only downside? Our girls aren’t big fans of onions so they didn’t enjoy their cakes as well as we did.

That was not the end. As the girls finished their cakes, around the corner came a large ice cream sundae for the girls to share (turns out, ice cream is included with their meal). Mom and Dad didn’t want to be left without a dessert, so we quickly ordered an Apple Strudel. Gazing at the behemoth that arrived, covered in ice cream and cinnamon whipped cream, we were glad we had decided to share and not attempt to eat one each.

When we finished our feast we were grateful we had ordered the lunch sizes, since we left with full stomachs and cash left in our wallet. Excluding tip, lunch for four came to under $30. At a place like this, we consider that a pretty good bargain.

Want to visit?

516 2nd Street

Hudson, Wisconsin 54016

715-381-5092

San Pedro Cafe

For our first culinary adventure, on the record that is, we chose to try the San Pedro Cafe. We remembered visiting years ago on our first anniversary, and couldn’t wait to try it again. The San Pedro did not disappoint.

The restaurant is nestled amongst the historic downtown area, one block east of the St Croix River. When we arrived there was a short wait - about twenty minutes. This allowed us to browse in some of the unique shops on that block. As we walked down the sidewalk, the enticing smells drew both of us in.

It could have been the charming brick building, the Caribbean atmosphere inside, or the fact we left our kids at home with the sitter, but we felt transported straight to the Islands.

With a wide range of entrees, from brick oven pizza to fresh fish options, there was a feast for every palate. After some deliberation, we chose: Eric - San Pedro Red Grouper and Andrea - Coconut Scallop Pasta.

The portions were generous, the taste was outstanding and the price just about right at twenty bucks per meal. One of the draws of Caribbean food for Eric is the heat. Both the wait staff and chefs happily added extra-extra spices for him, and substituted the red beans, not a favorite, for an interesting banana mashed potatoes concoction. Banana mashed potatoes? Definitely a must-have. Andrea had previously declared she didn’t care what she ate as long as it had grilled pineapple. The best selection was the scallop dish which she eyed warily, not sure if she even liked scallops. By the way the plate was licked clean, there was no doubt that, at the San Pedro anyway, Andrea is a big fan.

Drawbacks? Not many. There are stairs leading into the restaurant and the inside of the building is small which leads to close quarters and a higher noise level. Yet, if you choose to leave the kids home, these drawbacks seem to disappear in the glow of the brick ovens and the aroma of tropical food.

Our only regret? Not having room to sample the Chocolate Habanero Cake or a slice of Key Lime Pie. I guess we’ll have to visit again, maybe this time just to linger over dessert.

Want to visit?

426 2nd St

Hudson, WI 54016