Author's Kitchen and Bar

Step through the brick-lined entry of Author's Kitchen and Bar and you’re met with a hum of conversation that feels both cosmopolitan and local. The wood and exposed metal ceilings evoke a timeless American bistro, but the menu quickly reveals an international ambition. This is not just another College Avenue eatery—it’s a spot where comfort food gets playful, each dish carrying hints of far-flung kitchens yet rooted in Midwestern generosity. The cheese risotto cake crowned with short ribs is a revelation—decadent, rich, and surprisingly elegant for this corner of Wisconsin. Empanadas arrive golden and bursting with slow-cooked flavor, the sort of thing you order “for the table” and then guard jealously. Brunch here means sharp Bloody Marys, smooth coffee, and eggs benedict that don’t skimp on punchy hollandaise or inventive sides. There’s a vegetarian-friendly streak running through the menu, offering everyone at the table something to linger over. Service exudes warmth without pretense; staff seem genuinely happy to chat about favorites or accommodate quirks. The pace can sometimes drift into leisurely territory—perfect if you’re lingering over lunch with friends, less ideal if you’re watching the clock between meetings. Evenings see locals mingling with visitors drawn in by downtown’s energy, each group finding their rhythm in the relaxed clatter of plates and low music. Author’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s become a gathering place for Appleton’s creative set, students swapping stories over burrito bowls alongside families celebrating milestones. Here, traditions aren’t simply preserved; they’re rewritten daily on chalkboards and in conversations between regulars and newcomers. It’s a place that welcomes anyone with an appetite for both good food and genuine connection.