BITES OF E.C. HISTORY. This year, Galloway Grille (409 Galloway St., Eau Claire) has returned to its former brick-and-mortar in downtown Eau Claire. While the current staff has introduced new food and drink items to its menu, nods to the former eatery and Chippewa Valley history are at the core of this area restaurant's 'second act.'

Galloway Grille, a beloved Eau Claire eatery, was welcomed back to its original brick-and-mortar space on Galloway St. earlier this year. The downtown restaurant was known for its Friday night fish fry and family-friendly dinners before its surprise closing – The Cranky Buzzard purchased the space in 2022 before shuttering about a year later – and has now settled into its "second act."

“It’s a bit of the old and a bit of the new,” Brett Berg — co-owner of Galloway Grille — said, describing Galloway Grille's first six months since reopening this spring. “We have taken a lot of the things that were real staple (items) on the menu and brought them back — but also (are) looking to throw a little pizzazz into the menu; do something that you can’t just go anywhere to get.”

Galloway Grille served residents from all walks of life for 18 years prior to being sold in 2022, a result of co-owner Jody Kvapil’s — and many restaurateurs' — struggles to continue service during and after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the original closure, Kvapil, along with new partner Berg, decided to give the bar and grill another chance.

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WHAT (REOPENING) ALLOWED US TO DO WAS BUILD OFF OF SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE DID REMEMBER.

BERG

CO-OWNER, GALLOWAY GRILLE

Renovations for Galloway Grille’s return diverged from typical upgrades. Instead, the business reverted back to another of Kvapil's specializations: Curating a collection of archival and vintage signage, memorabilia and tchotchkes of Chippewa Valley history.

“A lot of what’s in (the restaurant are) treasures from eras of the past,” Berg said. “There are so many things that you can look at; it brings back memories and (Kvapil) has got oodles more.”

Kvapil continues to amass vintage and never-before-seen signage from around the Chippewa Valley to adorn the walls of Galloway Grille. Berg has since joined in on the fun, adding his own nods to family and friends from days spent at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair.

To be able to refresh customers’ memories of the city of Eau Claire — complemented by Galloway Grille’s signature menu items from way back when — is a primary goal of Berg’s moving forward.

Patrons can look forward to the classic corned beef sandwich and the “Galloway Burger” from the original menu, along with handmade items including their signature clam chowder recipe.

Beyond the return of Galloway Grille’s regular brunch hours and menu, guests can also enjoy drinks including its classic Bloody Mary and spiked iced coffee.

Its cocktail menu also rotates with the seasons; from a “Strawberry Smash” gin-based drink in the summertime to limited-edition Angry Orchard “Thriller Pack” ciders to celebrate the fall harvest and spooky happenings around this time of year.

A “rebirth” would be the best definition of what the space has become today, Berg said. Thanks to the support of new — and former — team members, community feedback has allowed the space to bring new creative spins to what the establishment had always been.

“What (reopening) allowed us to do was build off of something that people did remember,” Berg said. “We brought back one of the old staff members who’s the manager of the restaurant right now; she’s been able to give more feedback on what (the Galloway Grille) was.”

With a growing staff and over six months under their belts with the “new” Galloway Grille, both Berg and Kvapil aim to create daily specials, day and night offerings, and ensure their food can be shared with customers daily in the Chippewa Valley.

Whether you are a long-time patron or first-time visitor, it seems Galloway Grille is set to offer a “best of both worlds” environment for all and a chance to delve into the rich history of the Chippewa Valley — all while indulging in a homemade meal.

Galloway Grille (409 Galloway St., Eau Claire) serves brunch, lunch and dinner from 8am-9pm from Thursday through Monday. For new menu updates and specialty announcements, check out the restaurant's Facebook page (@GallowayGrilleEC).