Best of the Chippewa Valley

Reader Polls

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2022

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2023

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2024

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2025

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2026

Best Whiskey Selection

Wisconsin likes its whiskey. And if you enjoy sipping on a smooth batch of the stuff, you need to know who’s got the best selection out there. Our readers agree that Helix (1444 Front Porch Pl, Altoona) has the best selection of the stuff, from its craft bar to its bottle shop with a shockingly broad selection to take home. Ranking in second is The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen (402 Graham Ave First Floor, Eau Claire), which while it might have its fame for its enormous selection of tap brews, their cocktail bar is nothing to sneeze at. Coming in third is long-time fine dining institution Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (4751 Owen Ayres Ct, Eau Claire), proving the best side for that glass of whiskey is a perfectly cooked steak. — James Johonnott