🍽️ What to Order

Recommendations based on quality, value, and visitor feedback

Item Price
“Rat” Half-Pound Burger
Grilled, juicy, and stacked; ask for “Rats style” with a little Cajun kick and pickles on the side.
 $12.50
Fresh-Cut Onion Rings
Crisp, hand-battered rings with a peppery dip; easily shareable for two to three.
 $8.50
Loaded Bar Nachos
Heaping, “bar-style” nachos piled with shredded cheese, jalapeños, and your choice of protein.
 $13.00
Friday Fish Fry
Beer-battered cod with slaw and fries — classic Wisconsin comfort that sells out on busy nights.
 $15.00
Wing Basket
Crispy wings tossed or dry-rubbed; locals like the cayenne-forward house rub.
 $12.00
Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Golden-fried curds with ranch — a must-share starter.
 $9.50
Walleye Sandwich (Seasonal)
Lightly battered fillet on a toasted bun with tartar and lemon.
 $16.50
Smoked Ribs (Saturday Special)
House-smoked, sauced to order; hearty portion with fries.
 $17.00

What Diners Rave About

Hearty Portions
Burgers are thick and the nachos are legitimately massive — plan to share appetizers or box up leftovers.
Fast, Friendly
Servers move quickly even when the deck and bar are slammed, and orders typically land fast during peak game times.
Deck & Music
Outdoor tables fill before sunset on nice days and live-music nights can get loud and lively — arrive early to snag a view.
Dietary Tweaks
Go bunless on burgers, swap fries for a side salad, and request sauces on the side; fried items use shared fryers, so plan accordingly if you’re sensitive.
Reservations & Waits
Reservations are accepted and smart for groups or live-music nights; on busy weekends, expect 10–30 minute waits for prime seats.
Practical Payment
Bring a little cash for quick tipping and cover nights; tabs at the bar are common and make rounds smoother for groups.
Safety & Access
The riverfront gets crowded; mind railings on the deck and watch footing in winter when paths can be slick.
Solid Value
Most mains sit in the low-to-mid teens and apps are generously sized, so it’s easy to feed a crew without overspending.

✨ The Experience

🎶
What You’ll Feel
Expect an energetic marina vibe with big, satisfying plates — towering burgers, fresh onion rings, and piled-high nachos. Service is upbeat and fast, so even during music sets or game days the flow stays fun rather than chaotic.
🚗
Getting There
River Rats sits on tucked-away La Cres Pl near the Mississippi riverfront. There’s a small lot behind the building and metered street parking nearby (typically free after 6 pm); city lots a few blocks away are a reliable backup when events crowd the riverfront.
🕕
Best Timing
Weekday late afternoons are relaxed and great for quick meals. Summer weekends and live-music nights are lively and loud; for a sunset deck table, arrive 30–45 minutes before sundown.
📝
How It Works
Dine-in seating is available; during peak hours you may order at the bar first and settle up later. Reservations are accepted, there’s no delivery service, and the dog-friendly patio is a local favorite when the weather’s right.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do they take reservations?
Yes — reservations are accepted and are especially helpful for larger groups or nights with live music. If you’re aiming for a deck table at sunset, reserve or arrive early and ask to be added to the patio wait list.
Is delivery available?
No, there’s no delivery service. If you’re not dining in, call ahead to ask about current takeout timing, as kitchen pace can vary during events and game nights.
What are the crowd and noise levels like?
Lunchtime and early evenings skew casual and family-friendly. Expect a louder, high-energy scene on weekends and during live music — outdoor seating helps if you prefer a bit of breathing room.

📖 About River Rats Bar & Grill

River Rats Bar & Grill is a laid-back bar-and-grill near the Mississippi riverfront, known for hearty pub classics and a come-as-you-are atmosphere. It draws a broad crowd — from local families to boaters and music lovers — with generous portions and friendly service.

The space channels classic river-town bar culture, pairing straightforward comfort food with a relaxed deck scene when weather cooperates. Inside, expect TVs for the game, casual high-tops, and a lively bar that hums on busy nights.

Over time, it has become a dependable gathering spot for after-work meetups, weekend live music, and gameday watch parties. The kitchen leans into local tastes with burgers, fried favorites, and a Friday fish fry that feels authentically Wisconsin.

Today, the appeal is simple: big plates, quick service, fair prices, and a spot on the river where conversation and music carry late into the evening. If you want a classic La Crosse bar-and-grill experience, this is exactly that.

🛡️ Area Intelligence

Safety Assessment

Downtown La Crosse is generally moderate in safety. Stick to well-lit routes at night near the riverfront, mind personal items in crowds, and plan a safe ride if you’re drinking.

Tourism Patterns

Summer is peak season, with festivals and university events adding surges on weekends. Expect the riverfront to be busiest Thursday–Saturday evenings and during marquee events.

Traffic & Timing

Event nights can create congestion around the riverfront. Weekdays before 6 pm are smoother for parking; after 9 pm on weekends, plan a short walk from a municipal lot.

Area Demographics

La Crosse has roughly 52,000 residents and a college-town heartbeat thanks to nearby campuses. Expect a friendly mix of students, families, and longtime locals in this corridor.