Wissota Chophouse - Chippewa Falls — Restaurant in Chippewa Falls

First time here. We were up from Milwaukee for a family birthday. Normally, we would go to a steakhouse in Eau Claire, but with a recent move to Chippewa Falls, we wanted to try something closer. The Chophouse had good reviews, so we gave it a try. (Spoiler — it was a delightful meal!)

The Wissota Chophouse is inside the Cobblestone Hotel. It has a separate entrance that leads right into the dining room. It's not a very big space, but the table arrangements are comfortable, with different-sized tables to accommodate larger groups.

We had a 7:00 reservation and were seated right away. Menus and waters came quickly, and our server checked in with us immediately. In addition to taking our drink order (Huckleberry Old Fashioned for me), our server did a nice job of explaining the menu items. He was also candid about the dishes he didn’t think were the “best” choices. I really appreciate it when a server feels connected to the customers and confident enough in their own palate to share honest opinions.

We ordered the calamari appetizer. Our server wasn’t crazy about that choice, but we went ahead anyway. It was “okay.” It’s sautéed rather than fried, so you have to set your expectations accordingly. It was hot, flavorful, and a good portion. However, like a lot of sautéed calamari, the rings were overly chewy :( They also provide a complimentary bread service (French?), which was fresh and warm, served with butter and a couple of different salts. That was unique and very good.

Our entrées included Ribeye, Chicken Ballotine, Carbonara, and Sea Bass (for me). These items are à la carte, so we also ordered sides of Brussels Sprouts and Mac & Cheese. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time, and everything was served at the right temperature. The Ribeye was excellent, and big enough to share. The Chicken Ballotine was tender and flavorful. My Sea Bass was amazing, though the portion was a bit small. Both sides were very good, especially the Brussels Sprouts, which had just the right amount of crisp.

We saved room for dessert and shared two — the Chocolate Cake and the Raspberry Tiramisu. Both were excellent.

Overall, the evening was a big success. I really appreciated our server’s help and attention throughout the night (thanks, Bruce). The food was wonderful (with one exception). The atmosphere was upscale but casual. It’s not a cheap dinner, but for what you get, I feel it’s a good value. Overall, a memorable evening — I’d...

I think its important to note this Steak House is located in a hotel. I chose to eat her to celebrate with family and while our experience wasn't bad, it wasn't worth the price that is charged. Steak house type places charge hefty prices for their product and thus I think high standards are expected. The door into the hotel lobby was a few feet from our table, the door was constantly opening so that the parents who were hanging out in the lobby drinking and listening to music (I've done it, assume it was for kids sports weekend or something similar) kept coming in and out of the door to go to the bar. Brining in their yeti cups, wearing their hotel sweatsuits. When the door would open, we would hear their loud chatter, music, kids.... standard hotel lobby noise. Again, this really isn't a big deal, except for the price, it felt like this really impacted the environment. Another small detail related to the vibe, the front door when opened, slams shut heavily, making a loud thud every time the door opens. Small detail, but cmon, you are charging steak house prices, these things matter. Food.... I ordered the classic blue cheese wedge. This is a standard salad for a place like this, ice berg lettuce, blue cheese dressing, bacon and tomatoes. Very little bacon, a couple tomatoes and almost an entire head of lettuce that largely include the core of the head of lettuce. Before I could ask for more dressing because the chef barely dressed the salad my waitress noticed and offered, would you like more dressing. Seemed sloppy and just not up to par. Steak, it was good. However, I ordered the "peppercorn crust" for $4. The first words out of my mouth when I took a bit was "cmon man" as it had so much pepper burnt onto the steak that I ended up scraping it off with my knife and while I didn't take a picture, it was kinda gross. Not a huge deal, but again, $$$$. I ordered a glass of wine and it was clearly from a bottle that had been open for a good while. Tasted very flat, overly warm and it was dated, for sure. When I told the waitress about this she said, ok no problem I'll have him open a fresh bottle. With all of this said, I think the restaurant has a good product, most of my complaint was the overall, it didn't live up to a place for what I would expect for the cost of the tab. Our Waitress was very good, attentive and helpful. Cost of Bill after tip was $325, 3 people, two of...

Seven of us ate here after a work meeting.

Service - was great to start and they seated us before our reservation time. The overall service was a little clumsy and awkward at times. Multiple servers coming over asking how we were and filling up waters. That was nice, but wasn't sure who was our actual server at times. 3 stars

Atmosphere - not much to the place. Nothing makes you feel like you are eating at a "high end" chophouse. Feels cramped and dark. 2 stars

Food - we ordered the deep fried gator bites and pretzel for an appetizer. Both were good. Nothing to knock your socks off. The gator was run of the mill deep fried food. Flavor was meh. Pretzel was good, but not worth the cost you are charged. For entrees, I ordered the 14oz prime rib, medium rare, with the Oscar add on. Steak was cooked perfectly, there just wasn't any flavor to the steak. The Oscar add on is not worth the extra money either. Did not enhance the steak or dish overall. I've had better steaks at chain restaurants for half the cost that also came with a side dish or two. My wife ordered the scallops. I love scallops and was looking forward to trying them. When they were brought out I was in doubt on how they would taste. They are supposed to be pan seared and there was no visible sear (if you look on their Facebook page they show seared scallops). My wife was full and I tried the scallops. Undercooked and rubbery. The seasoning was good, but for $40, they should be cooked to perfection. We did a few different sides, I tried the blue cheese risotto and the truffle Mac and cheese. Save you money and don't order these. Mac and cheese was dry and very little flavor. I am not a phenomenal cook, but I make better homemade Mac and cheese without truffles. The risotto was not creamy, appeared to have been cooked to long. Was very sticky and balled up when you scooped it. 1 star

I am in no way a food snob or professional critic, but I have eaten at many places that bring in fresh meat and seafood daily on the east coast, Midwest and Las Vegas. This place charges you those prices, but does not deliver on quality. The food is edible, but again not worth what is being charged. Save yourself some money and go...