Kohler and Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Kohler offers a variety of dining options within the village, a quick trip outside to Sheboygan brings other local options.
Cucina is Kohler's Italian restaurant. Located at the Shops at Woodlake, Cucina is an intimate restaurant with a diverse wine and dining menu. Entrees selections include pasta with optional meats, steaks and seafood. A raw bar and appetizers are offered as starters, and the dessert menu includes an extensive list of traditional Italian sweets. The wine selection of the day was a velvety Chianti that our table loved.
Entrees are reasonably priced starting at $13 for pastas.
Kohler's grocery store is Woodlake Market, a complete grocery with a deli, bakery, fresh meats, and an impressive wine and beer section. From cereal to cleaning supplies and produce to paper goods, Woodlake stocks a full selection of necessities. Hours are convenient and staff is helpful. Stop by to pick up local brews and wine, or to grab a snack for the room.
We headed into Sheboygan one morning to see what the small town on the lake had to offer. We found many of the shops downtown to be vacant, but we came across a gem at the end of the old main street area--Victorian Chocolate Shoppe. From the second we walked in the door, the scent of chocolate overtook us making leaving without buying something impossible. They offer a wide variety of handmade chocolates, including many different kinds of truffles. Be sure to try the blueberry cheesecake or amaretto. They have a small section of old-style penny candy and retro candy bars, and I was thrilled to find bubble gum cigarettes that puffed out powdered sugar (a relic from the past!) Because we were there right before Valentine's Day, many holiday-specific candies were on display including hard candies, chocolates, and licorice. Stop by and watch the candy being made before buying some for the road.
Just a block down the main street from the Victorian Chocolate Shoppe sits Jumes Restaurant, a cozy diner where locals get great food and large portions. Opened in 1929, Jumes has been a part of the Sheboygan community for generations, and after a quick stop in for lunch, it's not hard to see why. While the inside is stark and decor is minimal, the food more than makes up for it. The ham and cheese omelet I ordered was large enough to fill me and two others at the table. The locals are warm and welcoming, and service was efficient. Catering is available.
Expect to pay $5-10 per person.
The Horse and Plow is Kohler's pub. Located inside the American Club, the restaurant/pub has a cozy almost British pub feeling. The menu is traditional American fare with burgers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Portions are very large, and prices are reasonable. Try the fried cheddar cheese curds--they're amazing. The bar menu is impressive, offering a number of microbrews on tap or by the bottle. Wine selections are very limited, and there's no bar menu other than for the beer, but there is a full bar if you know what mixed drink you would prefer. Service is leisurely paced, allowing for conversation and an unhurried dining.
Per person cost is $10-$15, not including drinks.
