Burnstad's European Restaurant Has Closed

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For a number of years this was Burnstad's European Restaurant's website. Unfortunately according to Yelpers, the restaurant closed sometime in 2017.
Content is from the site's 2016 archived pages and Yelp reviews.
Sad to see it's closed.

 

Burnstad’s European Restaurant
Burnstad's Village Mall
701 E Clifton Street
Tomah WI 54660

Yelpers report this location has closed.

Welcome to Burnstad's European Restaurant and Pub

Imagine you are on vacation in a small village in central Europe. You stroll cobblestone paths, looking into unique and quaint shops. This village has a restaurant and pub where the locals flock. The restaurant has amazing comfort foods - both old world favorites and native finds. The pub has classic cocktails, regional beers and wines.  Both have genuine, friendly staff. 

The place looks fantastic with lots of attention to details. Construction is a combination of local stone and brick with "old world" touches of cobblestone and wrought iron. It is warm and comfortable with many places to sit, relax and enjoy. You would feel comfortable being here in business, casual attire, khakis or jeans. Everyone feels comfortable and fits in.

The longer you stay, the more convinced you are that you would like to live here.  You will return - again and again - and cannot wait to tell your friends about your European experience -- in Wisconsin.

 

European Restaurant

Our restaurant features Wisconsin fare with a European flair. Our casual, relaxed atmosphere invites you to come in and experience delicious made-from-scratch meals using only the freshest ingredients.

Our offerings range from hearty, familiar fare to lighter, healthy dishes. Mouth-watering Certified Angus steaks - cut daily by the Market butchers,  seafood and European specialties are ppared using seasonal and natural ingredients whenever possible.

• We have been using the same recipes for our popular chicken salad and German chicken spaetzle soup for over 20 years
• New favorites include Jager Schnitzel with Spaetzle and Roasted Duckling with Cranberry Chutney
• Seasonal menu changes
• Experience with gluten free entrees.
• Extensive wine list
• Pies and cakes baked home made and fresh baked dinner rolls.
• Fresh baked breads and herb butter served with all entrees
• The attached menus are a sampling.  The items and pricing are subject to change. 

Open daily for Lunch and Dinner
Lunch: 11:00am - 4:00pm  Monday - Sunday

Dinner: 4:00pm - 9:00pm   Monday - Sunday

Pub stays open later

Reservations: 608-372-4040

 

 

The Pub 

Relax and enjoy our smoke-free pub. Savor one of our Winter Warmers - Rumchata Hot Chocolate, Hot Buttered Rum and the Hot Cranberry Cider.

Try one of our more than thirty European and Regional beers. 

Our menu offers wonderful pub fare - appetizers for sharing, sandwiches and salads. Our Pub is the ideal place for an after-work cocktail or gathering.

• Serving lunch daily at 11:00am
• Nightly Happy Hour from 4:00pm - 6:00pm featuring appetizer and drink specials
• A warm and friendly place to meet friends for a drink
• Wines by the glass
• Creative cocktails --  Key Lime Martini, Fudge Brownie Martini or the Espsso Martini

• Signature cocktails - Burnstad's Bloody Mary made with our "secret" recipe mix

• Regional and European beers  

• Shareable appetizers from pizzas to a bucket of shrimp
• Traditional favorites - Chicken Salad Croissant or the Wisconsin Croissant
• Hours: 11:00am - Close  Seven days a week

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Banquets & Catering

Planning a wedding?  We have rooms available for Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers or Brunches.........

Rely on our meeting planners to coordinate every aspect of your event, whether it's a family reunion, a rehearsal dinner, birthday or graduation party, a business meeting or cocktail party.

Our meeting rooms are available for breakfast, lunch or dinner seven days a week - fresh wholesome food ppared from "scratch"

• A variety of plated, buffet and customized options are available
• Two dining rooms available for seating of 35 - 50
• Our catering facility offers full china, silver, glass and linen service - all provided at no extra cost
• We custom create menus based on your tastes, dietary needs and budget
• Special arrangements can be made for floral centerpieces, ice sculptures and cakes to make a truly memorable event
• Click on the links below for a sampling of our menus
• Off-site catering can be arranged

 

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Bus / Motorcoach Tours

Burnstad’s European Village, Restaurant and Pub offers a unique shopping and dining experience that is unequaled in this region. We have been serving motorcoach tours for over 20 years.

Our specialty shops include the Amish Country Store, a Hallmark store and Floral and Gift shop. Our Ladies'  Boutique has unique one-of-a-kind items - from jewelry to sweaters and handbags.  Our personal service has guests returning often.

We highly recommend pre-planned meals to ensure fast and efficient service. All group visits must be set up in advance with Judy Danielson, the Food and Beverage Director. She can be reached by phone at (608) 372-3320

• Our facilities are completely smoke-free
• Complimentary meals for the tour guide and driver when planned in advance
• Group menus are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• One of our most popular lunch menus is the Chicken Salad Croissant with a cup of our Chicken Spaetzle Soup. Both recipes have been standard for over 20 years!!!
• Our dinner selections include Grilled Chicken Breast with Cranberry Ginger Sauce, Herb Roasted Pork Loin with Door County Cherry Chutney or  Home-style Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Caramelized Onion Gravy. 
• All meals are served with coffee, tea or soda.  Each pot of coffee is brewed with fresh ground beans.
• Top off your meal with home made pie - cranberry crunch, cranberry apple, blueberry or Door County cherry

 

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YELP REVIEWS

Sam T.
Minneapolis, WI
4.0 star rating 1/22/2018
I just wanted to add my two cents about Burnstad's European Restaurant & Pub. I always stopped at Burnstad's on my drive back from visiting my folks in Milwaukee. It's a great pit stop both ways on the 5 hour trip via I-94. Really good food, nice relaxed atmosphere where you could watch the sports channel if you sat at the bar.

I used to make this trip every three months, sometimes more frequently, to check up on my father who had been an alcoholic for years but was trying the sinclair method to get his drinking under control. Unlike traditional treatments that require complete abstinence from alcohol, the Sinclair Method allows you to continue drinking alcohol at the beginning of treatment. When you take Naltrexone prior to drinking, it blocks endorphins from being released when alcohol is consumed. Over time, the brain learns not to associate alcohol with pleasure, resulting in reduced cravings and improved control over alcohol use. However, you need to take Naltrexone must be taken at least one hour before your first drink. My father had tried abstinence programs, detox, and residential rehab over the years, but the abstinence part always tripped him up. I am glad to say that the Sinclair method worked well for my father, as long as he or my mother reminded him to take his meds. He passed in January of this year from cirrhosis. My mother subsequently has moved back to New England where she is from. And I no longer make my five hour drive to and then back from Milwaukee. I guess that is just as well since Burnstad's European Restaurant & Pub has closed. Such a shame. Great little restaurant.

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Jon H.
Dubuque, IA
4.0 star rating 6/8/2017
A really good place to eat. They have specialties from four different countries. I've been here twice and not disappointed. I've had German and Norwegian dishes and they were primo. And of course, since it's in WI, they have deep fried cheese curds.

Nice decor with little shops next to it. Almost like a small village inside the building.

The only downside I see is they are a little steep on price for the area but you won't break the bank either.

I do suggest to give it a shot. Or two. I know I'd come back.

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Joshua F.
Madison, WI
4.0 star rating 8/2/2016
I pulled off Hwy 90/94 freeway onto the Tomah exit looking for some lunch. I started driving toward Culver's, which is always a good option for on the road food. As I was heading toward the restaurant, I saw a billboard for Burnstad's European Restaurant & Pub. It caught my attention, and I had been wondering what kind of local restaurant I might find. So I followed the signs.

The restaurant is a couple of miles through and then out of town. It would have been a little easier to get to from the next exit (I was coming from the west) Typical pub food with a couple of extras. One surprising item were the fish tacos. I thought the Sriracha ranch dressing was particularly surprising to find in a European style restaurant.

But what is really interesting about the restaurant is getting to it. Not the drive, but the walk through a massive building that is designed to look a little bit like a walk through a European Village. There's a little gift up here, a little bit there, all very cute. Reminded me a little bit like the streets of Old Milwaukee.

Photo of Burnstad's European Restaurant - Tomah, WI, United States. Fish tacos with pollock.

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Tyler P.
Shawano, WI
5.0 star rating 9/11/2016
Imagine you are driving 5 hours, for the second day in a row, with two kids, after a wedding, and the packer game is on.   You have survived in fast food all weekend.  Everyone is cranky.  Got that picture??  You are looking for a place to stop and have lunch and hopefully watch the game.

Look no further.  Like an actual oasis along along the highway we were saved. 

We were met at the door by a smiling face, shown to the pub area and seated instantly.  In less then 2 minutes I had a drink, and the kids had coloring pages to keep them entertained.  But that wasn't all of the entertainment.  This place is like a tiny city inside of a building!!!!  It made my kids freak out, they thought it was the coolest place ever!  Seriously it was pretty cool, the layout of the building and all. 

The food was REAL food!  Not fast food!  I had the soup sampler, great idea and really great bread.  My wife had a vegetarian portobello sandwich that she loved.  The kids had Mac and cheese and a hot dog and fries.  Both liked the food!!!!! Now this may seem insignificant to you but this is truly epic in our family!  At least one of the two is guaranteed to not like their food.  But they both did!  Apparently the Mac and cheese is just like Kraft Mac and cheese(which is hard to find in a restaurant). The hot dog, "nice and soft" says the 4 year old, "like it should be".

Overall, we spent $35 including tax and tip!  Holy smokes!  This place literally saved the day.  I got to watch the second half of the game (they won!) and everyone left full and happy.  We even picked up food for dinner at the attached natural grocery store. 

Basically if you are between Madison and the twin cities, driving that long lonely stretch of road, with bored and tired kids, and you need food, stop here.  You won't be disappointed.  They just may save your day like they did mine. 

PS: they don't even have all of that tourist trap stuff that every other place near the dells has to distract your kids and make them whine that they want this and that and makes you say no 100 times.  None of it!  An oasis I tell you, atrue

Photo of Burnstad's European Restaurant - Tomah, WI, United States. The pub, three tvs and they all had the game on!
The pub, three tvs and they all had the game on!
The pub, three tvs and they all had the game on!

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Dana Z.
Schofield, WI
4.0 star rating 2/10/2017
I wanted to see more European dishes to choose from.

I ordered the Jager schnitzel and was very happy worth it. It was prepared perfectly and was loaded with flavor.

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Brian B.
Chicago, IL
3.0 star rating 5/1/2017
Was OK. I had the Jaegerschhnitzel which was OK. I'm a little snobbish on German food as I go there pretty much every year. Typically jaegerschnitzel is thinner cuts of pork or veal, not so heavily breaded if breaded at all and the sauce is a more orange colored paprika, bacon and mushroom sort of thing. This one was more cream colored with a little spaetzle swimming in it underneath. Overall not bad but not what I am used to. Nice beer selection with a handful on draft. Service very good. Would go back here.

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Jason Leisha B.
Fairbanks, AK
1.0 star rating 10/19/2016
We are honestly rarely dissatisfied with restaurants the give an honest effort with decent food.  I would not eat here again, nor would I recommend it to friends, family or acquaintances. 

One hostess and one waitress for a lunchtime crowd is insufficient and resulted in poor table service.  This fault belongs to the owner and manger.  The food was mediocre, nothing spectacular for an establishment that claims to be a "taste of Europe."  Small portions compound the mediocre food (e.g., ¢0.53 cents a cheese curd).  We had the French dip; the waitress took. I opportunity to share that "their" version was one piece of bread with sliced beef and cheese in open face format.

Save your money and time and go somewhere else, this restaurant needs to remedy a lot of issues before they become competitive.

 

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LB L.
Eden Prairie, MN
3.0 star rating 9/7/2015
This was a nice little visit.  I got the trio of soups which typically comes with wild rice (a creamy blend), chicken spaezel and the soup of the day (it happened to be tomato basil bisque). All of the soups were good and enjoyable.  The dish came with crackers covered in a variety of seeds and spices which were lovely, Zesta saltines and an herby bread with butter. The bread didn't have as much flavor as it could have- perhaps the spices used could be fresher as they appeared to be dried spices that were not as flavorful.
For dessert we split the triple berry crisp and the Dutch Apple pie- both were terrific and would be worth ordering again.  The pies were the highlight in a solid choice.

Photo of Burnstad's European Restaurant - Tomah, WI, United States. Trio of soups

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Jessica R.
Galveston, TX
5.0 star rating 8/22/2016
The menu has lots of great choices. I shared the duck dinner with my spouse,along with an extra side salad and dessert.
The salad had various greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, croutons and a good balance of all (i.e. It had more than a few bits of cucumber and not just one slice). 
The duck was excellent and especially moist. The cranberries was a good complement.
Last, we had the raspberry rhubarb dessert and was a perfect balance btwn tart and natural fruit sweet favors.

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Paul C.
Mauston, WI
4.0 star rating 11/28/2011
I have never been disappointed eating at his place.  The food is good, the help is polite and the menu and prices are very good.

They need a little extra help in the bar from time to time.  They seem to try and cover the bar and pub food with one bartender and no servers.  So, sit back and have a drink, enjoy the game and be patient on the food, it is worth it.

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Foodie Extraordinaire T.
Delavan, WI
5.0 star rating 2/19/2012
For being in the middle of nowhere, I was pleasantly surprised!  Very fresh salads, delicious, homemade soups and yummy desserts. Don't pass this one by if youre in Tomah.

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Mike B.
Port Orchard, WA
4.0 star rating 3/29/2012
I travelled through nearby Volk Field on a Sunday night.  I used Yelp to find Burnstad's and I was very pleased with the duck entree I ordered.  The house salad was great and the service was very good too.  This place is a Tomah gem!  I even returned the next day to try the chicken salad sandwich that is touted as being a house speciality for twenty years.  It was great.

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Becky Z.
Wausau, WI
4.0 star rating 1/29/2012
1 check-in
It doesn't look like much on the outside but I was pleasantly surprised by the menu choices and prices. For a nice lunch in this area, I recommend this restaurant.  I loved the house salad but nice variety of lunch items to choose from.  They have wraps, soups, salads, burgers, pasta, wine & cheeses, sandwiches, and home made pies made daily.

 

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More Background On BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com

 

BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com functioned as the official digital home of Burnstad’s European Restaurant & Pub, a distinctive dining and hospitality destination once located in Tomah, Wisconsin. Active primarily through the 2000s and mid-2010s, the website presented an immersive narrative centered on European-inspired food, architecture, and social experience—translated into a Midwestern context.

Although the restaurant ultimately closed around 2017, the website remains an important archival artifact. It documents how a regional, family-owned restaurant used early-to-mid web design and storytelling to convey atmosphere, values, and community presence well before social-media-first marketing became dominant. BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com now exists largely through archived snapshots and third-party references, but its content still provides valuable insight into a once-beloved roadside institution.

Ownership and Business Structure

Burnstad’s European Restaurant & Pub operated as a privately owned, family-run business, associated with the broader Burnstad family enterprises in Wisconsin. The Burnstad name has long been connected to grocery, retail, and food-service operations in the region, with roots going back to the mid-20th century.

Rather than existing as a standalone restaurant venture, Burnstad’s European Restaurant was integrated into a larger ecosystem that included specialty retail shops and food operations. This multi-faceted structure influenced both the physical layout of the restaurant and the scope of services promoted on the website, including catering, banquets, motorcoach tours, and gift card sales.

The website consistently reflected this family-business orientation: emphasizing longevity, continuity of recipes, personal service, and repeat visitation rather than novelty or trend-driven dining.

Location and Regional Context

Burnstad’s European Restaurant & Pub was located at 701 East Clifton Street in Tomah, Wisconsin, a small city in Monroe County strategically positioned near Interstate 90/94. This placement made the restaurant a natural stopping point for travelers moving between Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and other Midwestern hubs.

Tomah’s character as a transportation crossroads shaped Burnstad’s identity. The restaurant catered not only to local residents but also to long-distance travelers, tour groups, and families seeking a memorable break from highway dining. Its proximity to major roadways allowed it to function as a destination rather than simply a convenience stop.

BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com leaned heavily into this role, presenting the restaurant as an “oasis” along long stretches of rural interstate—a place where visitors could slow down, eat well, and experience something unexpected in central Wisconsin.

Architectural Concept and Interior Experience

One of Burnstad’s defining features was its European village-inspired interior design, which the website described in detail. Rather than a single dining room, guests entered a space designed to resemble a small European town, complete with cobblestone walkways, stone and brick construction, wrought-iron accents, and multiple adjoining specialty shops.

This architectural approach blurred the boundary between restaurant, pub, and retail environment. Visitors often passed through gift shops, boutiques, and specialty stores before reaching the dining area, creating a sense of discovery and leisurely exploration.

BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com emphasized warmth, comfort, and inclusivity. The atmosphere was described as suitable for everything from business lunches to casual family dinners, with décor meant to feel inviting rather than formal or intimidating.

Restaurant Identity and Culinary Philosophy

Burnstad’s positioned itself as offering Wisconsin fare with a European flair, a phrase repeatedly echoed across the website’s archived content. The culinary philosophy emphasized comfort, familiarity, and craftsmanship over strict authenticity.

Rather than replicating any single European cuisine, the menu blended influences from German, Scandinavian, and Central European traditions with Midwestern staples. This approach allowed Burnstad’s to appeal to a broad audience while still offering dishes that felt distinctive within the regional dining landscape.

The website frequently highlighted:

• Made-from-scratch preparation

• Longstanding house recipes used for decades

• Seasonal menu changes

• Attention to freshness and ingredient quality

This messaging reinforced the restaurant’s image as reliable, consistent, and rooted in tradition.

Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights

BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com devoted significant attention to menu storytelling, presenting food as both nourishment and memory.

Signature items included:

• Chicken spaetzle soup prepared from a recipe used for over twenty years

• Jäger schnitzel served with spaetzle

• Roasted duckling with fruit-based chutneys

• Certified Angus steaks cut daily

• House-made pies and desserts baked on site

The restaurant also emphasized freshly baked breads, herb butter served with entrées, and an extensive wine list. Gluten-free options were noted, reflecting an awareness of evolving dietary needs even before such accommodations became standard.

Menus were described as “a sampling,” reinforcing the idea that offerings evolved seasonally and encouraging repeat visits.

The Pub: Social Space and Casual Dining

In addition to the main restaurant, Burnstad’s operated a smoke-free European-style pub that played a central role in the establishment’s identity.

The pub was positioned as:

• A gathering place for locals after work

• A comfortable stop for travelers

• A social hub for watching sports and sharing food

BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com highlighted:

• European and regional beers

• Creative cocktails and signature drinks

• Wines by the glass

• Pub-style appetizers, sandwiches, and salads

Happy hour specials, late closing times, and relaxed seating arrangements reinforced the pub’s function as a social anchor rather than merely an extension of the dining room.

Banquets, Catering, and Group Events

A major component of Burnstad’s business model involved private events and group dining, which the website promoted extensively.

Offerings included:

• Rehearsal dinners

• Bridal showers and brunches

• Graduation parties and reunions

• Business meetings and corporate events

Two dedicated dining rooms accommodated mid-sized groups, with customized menus available for plated meals, buffets, or specialty requests. The restaurant also offered off-site catering, providing full service including china, linens, and tableware.

BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com emphasized flexibility, personal planning assistance, and attention to detail—framing events as collaborative experiences rather than transactional bookings.

Motorcoach Tours and Tourism Appeal

Burnstad’s European Restaurant & Pub actively marketed itself to motorcoach tours and organized travel groups, a strategy well suited to its location and architectural design.

The website described the venue as a “European Village” experience, combining dining with shopping and rest opportunities for large groups. Amenities included:

• Pre-planned group menus

• Complimentary meals for tour guides and drivers

• Efficient service designed for tight travel schedules

• Smoke-free facilities throughout

This positioning placed Burnstad’s within a broader tradition of Midwestern roadside destinations that catered to tour operators, retirees, and travel clubs.

Audience and Customer Base

Burnstad’s served a diverse audience, including:

• Local residents

• Interstate travelers

• Families with children

• Tour groups

• Business diners

• Sports fans

Reviews consistently described the restaurant as approachable and welcoming, with particular praise for its suitability as a family stop during long drives. The village-style interior was frequently mentioned as especially engaging for children.

The website reinforced this inclusive tone, avoiding exclusivity or fine-dining pretension in favor of comfort and familiarity.

Reviews and Public Reception

Public reviews during the restaurant’s active years reflected generally positive sentiment, with frequent praise for:

• Portion sizes and value

• Homemade soups and desserts

• Friendly service

• Unique interior design

Some reviewers noted occasional service delays or expressed differing expectations regarding European authenticity, but even critical reviews often acknowledged the restaurant’s distinctive character and ambition.

BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com itself rarely addressed criticism directly, instead focusing on storytelling, hospitality, and tradition.

Cultural and Social Significance

While not a destination restaurant in the national sense, Burnstad’s held significant regional and cultural value. It represented a type of Midwestern entrepreneurship rooted in:

• Family ownership

• Long-term community presence

• Experiential hospitality

• Blending tradition with accessibility

The restaurant’s closure marked the end of a particular era—one in which themed dining, roadside destinations, and standalone websites played a central role in how regional businesses connected with their audiences.

Closure and Digital Afterlife

By approximately 2017, Burnstad’s European Restaurant & Pub ceased operations. While the physical location closed, BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com continued to exist through archived versions and secondary references.

Today, the website functions primarily as:

• A digital memory of a local institution

• A case study in early restaurant web design

• A cultural record of regional dining history

Its preserved content offers insight into how businesses once communicated identity, atmosphere, and values before algorithm-driven platforms reshaped online visibility.

Why BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com Still Matters

Even in closure, BurnstadsEuropeanRestaurant.com remains meaningful as:

• A historical document of regional hospitality

• An example of immersive branding before social media dominance

• A record of how food, place, and community intersected in small-town America

For researchers, digital archivists, and cultural historians, the site captures a moment when websites were narrative spaces rather than merely functional listings.

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