You’ll notice an abundance of locally owned and operated dining establishments when you’re out and about in New London. There are no fast food chains, only restaurants that create freshly made entries. There are no chains of coffee vendors but community-supported and locally owned establishments. The large variety of choices means new and fresh foods are always available.
Here are some of our favorites:
Lake Affect Coffee
Drool over the selection of muffins, scones, caramel, or cinnamon rolls to accompany your freshly brewed latte, expresso, or other custom beverage. This little gem also has mouthwatering food, including a breakfast menu and a variety of freshly-made sandwiches and salads. Inside, you’ll find the Flyleaf Book Shop, a local favorite for gently used and some new books.
Goat Ridge Brewing Co
Relish in beautiful outdoor seating along the Crow River. Or choose indoor dining under the vaulted ceiling at the family-owned Goat Ridge Brewing Co.
Initially, a brewery appealing to a variety of tastes, GRB has expanded its venue to include a full-service menu. This is a family-friendly place where the community and visitors alike enjoy food, custom beers, and even music. The pickin circle meets weekly on Sunday afternoons, and you might be fortunate enough to hear the beer choir. Live music on Saturdays. Check their calendar for events.
McKale’s Catering
For your next event or out-of-town company, consider reaching out to McKales for a beautiful presentation of appetizers, charcoal grilled kabobs, or a picnic buffet. Your guests will love the mini-fruit kebob displays and the pork & meatball presentation. McKale’s does wedding catering, where the Chicken Cordon Bleu w/ White Wine Sauce is a perpetual favorite.
The Country Stop A & W
Get your root-beer fix at this family-owned gas station and car wash. Your A & W favorites are here. And come by every third Wednesday, May-September, and see between 50 to 100 hot rods and classic cars. Make it a family event and enjoy one of the A & W basket specials available for these events.
Sweet River Cafe (formerly the Middle Fork Cafe)
Known for creating homemade sandwiches, soups, salads, and wickedly decadent desserts from fresh ingredients. The cafe is on Main Street along the Crow River and has an outdoor patio. Experience a welcoming atmosphere for coffee, wine, beer, food, and sometimes live music.
Deep Freeze
Not your typical “ice cream shop” by any means, as this family-owned business creates premium soft-serve cones with creative dips. It’s been voted “Best Ice Cream” for many years. Enjoy a cone, sundae, or shake there and take some of their novelty frozen treats home to enjoy later.
New London Bakery
Located in the heart of New London, this bakery has lots of divine bread and pastries to choose from and now has box lunches available Tuesdays-Fridays. Custom orders for anything you want are possible. Besides a variety of fresh loaves of bread, there are cakes and cupcakes available and, of course, their finger-licking, gooey, delicious caramel rolls.