The wood fired pizza is absolutely delicious. I can't say enough about the crust and toppings. The service was top notch. Will be back. More pizzas to try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David B.
I like the service and how cozy the seating is. Haven't had a bad meal yet. I recommend the pizza made with pepperoni and spicy honey!
Courtney Jones
Favorite brunch and dinner spot in Eau Claire.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Olivia M.
The atmosphere and service is really nice, but the food isn't great and it's very pricey for what you're getting.
Linh Nguyen
Thanks for ruining my anniversary datenight Mr. Joe bartender.I came in with my husband. Mr Joe let us sit & wait for his royal appearance for a while after taking ONLY my husband's order. So I'm just sitting the bar for show ain't I? So I waited for a bit more and he ignored me again... oh sad face. Anyway, I thought the wait would make the drinks worth it but nah, sucks big time.Thanks again Mr. Joe for ignoring me so I can take my business elsewhere :)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Brittni A.
Husband and I were looking to celebrate Valentine's Day a day earlier to avoid long waits or a crowd on the day of. On a whim we stopped in at 5 pm, fully prepared to be told the restaurant was full. Pleasantly surprised when they were able to seat us immediately, even thoughtful enough to hold a table for us while I was trying to find a parking spot. Definitely recommend the Lion's mane "crab" cakes- I would come back just for this and this alone. I had the scallops which were a seasonal special and they did not disappoint. Husband had the pineapple pizza which was great also. Looking forward to coming back to try more!
Cheng Cha
Food ok, but way overpriced. But if it's the atmosphere you looking for, then pay those high prices. First and last time for me.
Lawrence Sprecher
I have not eaten at the Informalist for at least four years. Today I had a candidate entertainment meal planned, and there were six of us. The candidate and his wife were both vegetarian so we selected the Informalist because there were many good vegetarian options.We selected three vegetarian Appetizers. I was completely surprised at how much I enjoyed each one of those. I don’t think I have ever had cauliflower that I liked better. I would never have thought the cauliflower would be a winner. The pretzels were great. The roasted summer squash with a salad on top was also very good, but a bit overpriced.Three people in our party got the salmon which had a great taste to it, and a nice char/crust on it.I got a steak with the chimichurri sauce and it was remarkably good. I have never had that kind of sauce before.Taken is a whole, it was a very pleasant experience, and everyone enjoyed their meal. I especially thought the vegetarian options Were top-notch.Although I haven’t entertained clients there in the last four or five years, I will do so in the future. This was a great step up compared to when I came there for years ago. Thanks for the nice experience.Vegetarian options: We selected three vegetarian appetizers, and they were all excellent. Several people in my party were vegetarians and they chose smash burgers made with plant-based option and they really liked it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Scott Campbell
Joe introduced me to a fine Bourbon called Angel's Envy.I made it into the Informalist thanks to Molly's recommendation- it was the just right prompt."Everyday I walked by without giving it a try- after having a relaxing drink and a slice of pie....I can't tell you why."Love the atmosphere for a relaxing adult evening in a vibrant Downtown.I added spicy honey to the banana jamma pizza ? ? ?I highly recommend ? you stop in for a drink and experience the penny bar first hand.
Fred R.
Very expensive. Limited menu. Service was ok. Stood at east entrance for 3 or 4 minutes without response. Went to west entrance. Response, too bad!
Salmon dish was perfect. Perfect. Wife had chicken over pasta. Also excellent. Got a complimentary desert for our anniversary. Attentive service. Sweet experience to start the evening. Staff appeared to enjoy their work. Best wishes for continued success. Had lunch al fresco a few months ago. Also good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zachery S.
I really wanted to like the place because of the ambiance and it being a date night/birthday celebration for my wife, but it was overpriced and the food was very below average.
Tracy Ostrom
Classy atmosphere, elegant music, great food awsome waiter! A+++
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael N
What we ordered, Fried Green Tomatoes, Smashburger, Supreme Pizza.Fried green tomatoes felt underwhelming for the price paid, they were OK, and to be fair, we have never had them before, so it may not be something that we like. Fair enough, awesome they have something like that.The smashburger and fries were awesome. I would go back for that one. I did not read it closely, but it has sauerkraut, which I like… the wife does not.The supreme pizza was good, not the greatest as the crust had more burnt up parts and some crust had to be thrown away… sad day for crust people. The toppings were good, the sausage was the best topping.Service was not so great. We got there at our reservation time and were seated within a minute or two. The problem was that we were left with menus for just over 15 minutes before our waiter stopped by. Just before they stopped by, we had our phones out looking for the next closest restaurant with burgers or pizza. Waiting for service was off putting, I was eyeing waiters as they passed, the “are you our waiter” look. They would meet my eyes but no one would help us. Perhaps I am ugly or scary looking. Turns out our waiter made eye contact with me several times and still did not help us or even let us know he was our waiter.Of course the comment can be, “just be vocal and ask” and that was the next stop, going up to the hostess and asking if someone had been assigned to the table. Yet it became an issue of do I ask or do we just leave and walk-in to another restaurant.Disappointed by the service experience.Also, a note to the restaurant, please do not put the water glasses on the table with the rims down. You know why. If it has to be done, then a simple napkin between the cups and the table surface fixes the issue.We have other restaurants to try. So not one we will be going back to, but as I outlined we had three items which is not representative of all their foods. We also had poor service to start the dining experience, so we may be biased.Feel free to give it a try, this was just our experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Christopher Ryan
We ate with another couple on new years Eve off their special menu. The food was great, our waiter did a very good job but when the scallops course came out with the the vegan version with mushrooms substituted, it went downhill from there. We asked one of the wait staff if mushrooms were substituted for scallops, they called a manager and he took the food back to the kitchen. After a little while I was told they were preparing another plate for me and would only be a couple minutes. Everyone else had finished their meal and I was still waiting for my food. When it came back, it was in a bowl but I did not get my risotto that was with the meal. I appreciated them taking care of my food, but I had to ask them if I was getting risotto and they told me they were told just the scallops and extra prawns that I had ordered. I was not given the option of keeping the initial risotto that I had three or four bites of. After a little while I was finally given my risotto. We all felt like we were an annoyance asking them to make it right and received a half hearted apology. We visit often but will eat elsewhere when in town.
The wood fired pizza is absolutely delicious. I can't say enough about the crust and toppings. The service was top notch. Will be back. More pizzas to try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I like the service and how cozy the seating is. Haven't had a bad meal yet. I recommend the pizza made with pepperoni and spicy honey!
Favorite brunch and dinner spot in Eau Claire.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The atmosphere and service is really nice, but the food isn't great and it's very pricey for what you're getting.
Thanks for ruining my anniversary datenight Mr. Joe bartender.I came in with my husband. Mr Joe let us sit & wait for his royal appearance for a while after taking ONLY my husband's order. So I'm just sitting the bar for show ain't I? So I waited for a bit more and he ignored me again... oh sad face. Anyway, I thought the wait would make the drinks worth it but nah, sucks big time.Thanks again Mr. Joe for ignoring me so I can take my business elsewhere :)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Husband and I were looking to celebrate Valentine's Day a day earlier to avoid long waits or a crowd on the day of. On a whim we stopped in at 5 pm, fully prepared to be told the restaurant was full. Pleasantly surprised when they were able to seat us immediately, even thoughtful enough to hold a table for us while I was trying to find a parking spot. Definitely recommend the Lion's mane "crab" cakes- I would come back just for this and this alone. I had the scallops which were a seasonal special and they did not disappoint. Husband had the pineapple pizza which was great also. Looking forward to coming back to try more!
Food ok, but way overpriced. But if it's the atmosphere you looking for, then pay those high prices. First and last time for me.
I have not eaten at the Informalist for at least four years. Today I had a candidate entertainment meal planned, and there were six of us. The candidate and his wife were both vegetarian so we selected the Informalist because there were many good vegetarian options.We selected three vegetarian Appetizers. I was completely surprised at how much I enjoyed each one of those. I don’t think I have ever had cauliflower that I liked better. I would never have thought the cauliflower would be a winner. The pretzels were great. The roasted summer squash with a salad on top was also very good, but a bit overpriced.Three people in our party got the salmon which had a great taste to it, and a nice char/crust on it.I got a steak with the chimichurri sauce and it was remarkably good. I have never had that kind of sauce before.Taken is a whole, it was a very pleasant experience, and everyone enjoyed their meal. I especially thought the vegetarian options Were top-notch.Although I haven’t entertained clients there in the last four or five years, I will do so in the future. This was a great step up compared to when I came there for years ago. Thanks for the nice experience.Vegetarian options: We selected three vegetarian appetizers, and they were all excellent. Several people in my party were vegetarians and they chose smash burgers made with plant-based option and they really liked it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Joe introduced me to a fine Bourbon called Angel's Envy.I made it into the Informalist thanks to Molly's recommendation- it was the just right prompt."Everyday I walked by without giving it a try- after having a relaxing drink and a slice of pie....I can't tell you why."Love the atmosphere for a relaxing adult evening in a vibrant Downtown.I added spicy honey to the banana jamma pizza ? ? ?I highly recommend ? you stop in for a drink and experience the penny bar first hand.
Very expensive. Limited menu. Service was ok. Stood at east entrance for 3 or 4 minutes without response. Went to west entrance. Response, too bad!
Restaurantji Recommends
Salmon dish was perfect. Perfect. Wife had chicken over pasta. Also excellent. Got a complimentary desert for our anniversary. Attentive service. Sweet experience to start the evening. Staff appeared to enjoy their work. Best wishes for continued success. Had lunch al fresco a few months ago. Also good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I really wanted to like the place because of the ambiance and it being a date night/birthday celebration for my wife, but it was overpriced and the food was very below average.
Classy atmosphere, elegant music, great food awsome waiter! A+++
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What we ordered, Fried Green Tomatoes, Smashburger, Supreme Pizza.Fried green tomatoes felt underwhelming for the price paid, they were OK, and to be fair, we have never had them before, so it may not be something that we like. Fair enough, awesome they have something like that.The smashburger and fries were awesome. I would go back for that one. I did not read it closely, but it has sauerkraut, which I like… the wife does not.The supreme pizza was good, not the greatest as the crust had more burnt up parts and some crust had to be thrown away… sad day for crust people. The toppings were good, the sausage was the best topping.Service was not so great. We got there at our reservation time and were seated within a minute or two. The problem was that we were left with menus for just over 15 minutes before our waiter stopped by. Just before they stopped by, we had our phones out looking for the next closest restaurant with burgers or pizza. Waiting for service was off putting, I was eyeing waiters as they passed, the “are you our waiter” look. They would meet my eyes but no one would help us. Perhaps I am ugly or scary looking. Turns out our waiter made eye contact with me several times and still did not help us or even let us know he was our waiter.Of course the comment can be, “just be vocal and ask” and that was the next stop, going up to the hostess and asking if someone had been assigned to the table. Yet it became an issue of do I ask or do we just leave and walk-in to another restaurant.Disappointed by the service experience.Also, a note to the restaurant, please do not put the water glasses on the table with the rims down. You know why. If it has to be done, then a simple napkin between the cups and the table surface fixes the issue.We have other restaurants to try. So not one we will be going back to, but as I outlined we had three items which is not representative of all their foods. We also had poor service to start the dining experience, so we may be biased.Feel free to give it a try, this was just our experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
We ate with another couple on new years Eve off their special menu. The food was great, our waiter did a very good job but when the scallops course came out with the the vegan version with mushrooms substituted, it went downhill from there. We asked one of the wait staff if mushrooms were substituted for scallops, they called a manager and he took the food back to the kitchen. After a little while I was told they were preparing another plate for me and would only be a couple minutes. Everyone else had finished their meal and I was still waiting for my food. When it came back, it was in a bowl but I did not get my risotto that was with the meal. I appreciated them taking care of my food, but I had to ask them if I was getting risotto and they told me they were told just the scallops and extra prawns that I had ordered. I was not given the option of keeping the initial risotto that I had three or four bites of. After a little while I was finally given my risotto. We all felt like we were an annoyance asking them to make it right and received a half hearted apology. We visit often but will eat elsewhere when in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2