Unearth The Voyage
If river views could season a meal, Fratellos would be perfectly salted by the Fox River itself. Housed in a renovated power plant, this Appleton favorite pairs scenery with seafood, steak, and pasta that feel made for celebrations and cozy weeknights alike.
With a 4.5 star reputation and a wine list that surprises even seasoned sippers, it is the kind of place you plan for and then linger. Come hungry, bring someone special, and let the water set the pace.
Setting the Scene: The Historic Power Plant
Step inside and you immediately feel the character of Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant, where brick, steel, and soaring windows frame the Fox River. The renovated power plant bones give the dining rooms a sense of story without feeling stuffy.
You get warmth from the lighting and that welcome hum of conversation that promises a good night.
The river steals the show, with pelicans drifting by and the dam adding a gentle backdrop. If you are lucky, your table will angle perfectly to catch sunset reflections across the glass.
Even on colder nights, the ambiance stays inviting thanks to candlelight and comfy seating.
It is casual yet polished, a sweet spot for anniversaries, first dates, or Friday fish with friends. You can dress up a bit or slide in after a downtown stroll.
Either way, the setting makes your meal feel like an occasion without trying too hard.
Riverfront Views Worth Reserving
Fratellos is the place where you find yourself lingering between bites just to watch the water move. The Fox River widens here, and those big windows give you a panorama of dam, birds, and sky.
You feel connected to Appleton’s heartbeat without leaving your chair.
On busy evenings, a window seat transforms dinner into a mini getaway. In winter, the river looks fierce and beautiful, and the indoor warmth feels extra cozy.
When it is warm, patio tables make the whole experience even more vivid.
Reserve early for prime views, especially at sunset or during weekend rush. If you get seated lower level by the staircase, it can be lively, but the sightlines still charm.
Either way, the river becomes your quiet companion as the courses arrive.
Starting Strong: Bread Service and Starters
Kick off with the warm bread service and homemade butter that sets the tone beautifully. It is simple, craveable, and a smart companion to a cocktail while you scan the menu.
From there, go split style on appetizers so you can taste a spread without overcommitting.
Bruschetta arrives generously topped and bright, easy to share and easy to finish. Wagyu meatballs bring tender richness that pairs nicely with a red by the glass.
If soup is calling, the butternut or potato bacon options deliver comforting depth without feeling heavy.
Cheese curds nod to Wisconsin tradition with a lightly indulgent crunch. Truffle fries earn repeat orders for a reason, especially with a cold beer.
You will set a happy pace for the courses to come, and you might already plan a return visit.
Signature Walleye: A Local Favorite
The panko crusted walleye is the dish people rave about long after dinner ends. It lands perfectly cooked, tender inside with that crisp golden edge you hope for.
A squeeze of lemon brightens every bite and keeps things clean and focused.
Ask for a smart wine pairing if you like a glass with fish. Staff is happy to steer you toward something mineral and refreshing to match.
The plate’s balance keeps it from feeling heavy, so you can still share a dessert.
If you grew up on Friday fish, this is a polished, satisfying upgrade. Newcomers to walleye will appreciate how approachable it is.
It tastes like the region in the best possible way and suits the riverfront setting.
Miso Salmon with Crispy Rice
The miso salmon is one of those plates that turns a good night into a memorable one. The glaze adds savory sweetness, while the salmon stays moist and flaky.
Crispy rice underneath brings texture that keeps you chasing the next forkful.
It is a dish that rewards pace, letting you savor the contrasts. If seafood is your lane, this feels both playful and refined.
Add a side of broccolini or Brussels sprouts for color and char.
Pair with a bright white wine or a citrus forward cocktail to echo the glaze. You will appreciate how balanced it feels even when you are indulging.
When a restaurant nails salmon this precisely, you know the kitchen is dialed in.
Steak Night: Tenderloin and Short Rib
When only steak will do, Fratellos delivers with confidence. The tenderloin arrives cooked to your preference with a seared exterior and buttery center.
Short rib leans into slow braised comfort that practically melts at the touch of a fork.
Order a side of Brussels sprouts or mushrooms to bring char and savoriness. Potatoes round out the plate so you can settle into a classic meat and potatoes groove.
It is the kind of meal that pairs well with an old fashioned or a bold red.
Service shines here as servers guide you to pairings and pacing. You will feel taken care of without being hovered over.
By the last bite, the view and the steak form a memory you will want to repeat.
Sea Scallops and Corn Risotto
Sea scallops with corn risotto strike that sweet spot between luxe and approachable. Scallops are seared to a caramel edge, tender within, and set atop creamy kernels.
The dish sings with texture contrast and light sweetness from the corn.
If you love seafood but want something different from salmon, this is a standout. A squeeze of citrus brightens everything without overshadowing the scallops.
You will catch yourself slowing down to appreciate each bite.
Pair it with a crisp white or sparkling to keep things lively. The plate travels well from date night to celebration dinner.
It is one of those dishes that makes you glad you booked a table along the river.
Sides That Steal Bites
Share a few sides and you will see why tables keep passing plates around. Brussels sprouts arrive blistered and savory, potatoes come crisp edged and comforting, and simple sautéed mushrooms hit that pure umami note.
The broccolini brings green snap that plays well with fish and steak alike.
These sides give you license to customize any entree. Mix textures, add color, and keep your meal interesting from first bite to last.
It is easy to overorder, and you will not regret it.
If you are splitting mains, build your own tasting flight from the sides. They are seasoned with restraint so the ingredients speak clearly.
It is the kind of generosity that makes dining here feel festive.
Bar Favorites: Old Fashioneds and Cocktails
The bar knows how to mix a drink that suits the Wisconsin vibe with polish. The maple bourbon old fashioned earns repeat shoutouts, balanced and warmly spiced.
If cocktails are your thing, you will find a list that is creative without getting fussy.
Prefer a classic? Ask and they will shake or stir exactly what you want.
Bartenders are attentive, friendly, and quick with thoughtful recommendations.
It is a great plan to land early for a drink before dinner, especially if you want a window seat when your table opens. Sip slow, snack on truffle fries, and watch the river roll.
You will start the meal relaxed and ready for the main event.
Wine Spectator Worthy Sips
Fratellos surprises with a deep wine list that feels curated for curiosity. Whether you want familiar comfort or a bottle you have never tried, there is range here.
Staff will happily guide you without pressure, making pairings approachable.
Prices reflect quality, but the experience rewards the splurge when the mood is right. By the glass options keep things flexible if you are mixing courses.
You can explore whites for seafood, reds for steaks, or something sparkling for celebration.
It is the kind of list that makes you linger over labels and stories. If you love wine, you will feel seen.
If you are still learning, you will feel supported, sip by sip.
Seasonal Igloos and Patio Evenings
Winter in Appleton gets a whimsical twist with the outdoor igloo dining. Heated, cozy, and surprisingly intimate, it turns cold nights into a story you tell later.
You stay warm while the river keeps moving just beyond the clear panels.
When the weather turns, patio tables capture breezes and golden hour glow. Both settings deliver a sense of occasion without going formal.
It is a creative way to keep the river close year round.
Reserve early for igloos, especially on weekends or for special dates. The novelty pairs well with celebratory menus and a bottle of bubbles.
You get atmosphere, comfort, and a fresh angle on familiar views.
Service With Heart: Meet the Team
Servers here earn their praise by reading the room and making you feel at ease. Names like Morgan, Amanda, and TJ come up again and again in happy reviews.
Attentive without hovering, they time courses well and guide choices with genuine care.
If you have questions about food or Appleton’s history, someone always seems ready with an answer. Bar staff quickly notices when you need a refill or a pairing suggestion.
Birthdays and anniversaries are handled with warm touches that feel personal.
It is the kind of service that turns a nice meal into a great night. You will feel welcomed whether you booked weeks ago or slid in at the bar.
Hospitality here is consistent, which keeps locals returning.
Dessert and French Press Moments
Save room if you can, because dessert here makes a sweet finish. Chocolate lovers will find a rich slice that pairs beautifully with French press coffee.
On birthdays, the complimentary treat adds a celebratory note without overdoing it.
If you prefer lighter endings, share with the table and linger over coffee. The press service feels ritualistic in the best way, perfect for conversation.
It is a comfortable slowdown after a hearty mains lineup.
Sip, bite, and watch the river in the last light or after dark. The experience is as much about pace as flavor.
You will leave satisfied and a little reluctant to step back outside.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Parking, Tips
Fratellos runs steady hours from 11 AM to 9 PM daily, making lunch or dinner easy. Reservations help on busy nights, especially if you want windows or igloos.
Parking can get tight during winter or peak weekends, so arrive a few minutes early.
Expect mid range pricing that matches the quality and view. There is a separate gluten free menu, and staff is accommodating with questions.
If you are seated near stair traffic, ask politely about a different table when available.
Call +1 920-993-9087 or book online through their site for smooth planning. Dress code is smart casual by vibe, not rules.
With the Fox River as your backdrop, you are set for a memorable Appleton meal.
