LA CROSSE, Wis. — A new locally owned restaurant will join the La Crosse dining scene this winter. The Vintage Kitchen La Crosse will officially open Dec. 6, 2025, bringing modern comfort food and nostalgic décor to the former Restore Public House building.

“The Vintage Kitchen is going to be a love letter to my family and all the incredible women who came before me… To the women who nourished my mind, body and spirit”

Chef Megan Larson has spent years cooking privately for families across the Coulee Region, but her new restaurant marks a major milestone. Rather than building a menu from trends, she turns to the dishes that shaped her childhood. Handwritten recipe cards from her grandmothers will appear throughout the dining room, giving guests a look at the traditions that inspired her cooking.

Menu highlights at The Vintage Kitchen La Crosse

To start, diners can expect elevated takes on familiar dishes. The Grilled Chicken and Gnocchi features a creamy white sauce with spinach and artichokes, and it can be made gluten-free. Meanwhile, the Roasted Cauliflower Steak offers a flavorful vegan option served over poblano crema and corn succotash. Another standout is the TVK Burger, a revived favorite from the previous restaurant, now served with duck fat fries.

For pasta lovers, the Roasted Red Pepper Pasta blends housemade pasta with spinach Alfredo sauce. Desserts include a memorable hot chocolate tiramisu, caramel apple bread pudding and a flourless chocolate cake made from a family recipe.

Beyond the menu, The Vintage Kitchen La Crosse aims to create a cozy, vintage-inspired space. Soft lighting and playful touches, including tomato-shaped soaps, round out the atmosphere. The historic character of the building helps set the perfect home-style ambiance.

For background on Larson’s journey, listen to a recent Coulee Region Cooks episode featuring her story:

As opening day approaches, residents can explore more local dining options on the Around River City Food & Drink page.