2025 WAKTC: Explore Appleton
Expiration: Apr 6th 2025
Welcome back to Appleton for this year's World Axe and Knife Throwing Championships! When you aren't competing, take time to explore our Downtown Appleton bars, restaurants, entertainment, attraction, and shopping spots to make the most of your trip! Every check-in you make into one of our downtown businesses using the passport gets you entries into the WAKTC Raffle Basket! The passport will be active from April 1st-April 6th, 2025. Our Downtown Appleton community welcomes you and we hope you have a great time exploring!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Walgreens
Drugstore chain with health & beauty aids, prescriptions & photo services, plus mini-mart basics.
Kush Kafe
Angels Forever - Windows of Light
New Age store offering books, crystals, jewelry, and candles, as well as psychic readings.
Tandem Wine & Beer
Tandem Wine offers a unique blend of Lounge and Retail experience. The lounge offers two levels for gathering with a wide selection of wine by the glass.
What's Included
- BOGO Draft Beer Or Wine Glass Pour
Lumberjack Johnny's Axe Throwing & Pinball
Lumberjack Johnny's is Appleton's new elevated axe throwing and pinball lounge! Johnny's features 7 axe throwing double lanes, pinball machines, kitchen and bar with elevated food and drink offerings, and VIP lounge. Adjoining Escape Room Wisconsin - Appleton. Proud to be an official WATL Venue!
Appleton Axe
Recreational venue offering axe throwing, shuffleboard, cornhole, and an escape room, plus a bar.
The Wild Goose Exchange
A curator of clothing that is trendy, designer, vintage, unique and sustainable. Buy, sell, trade or collaborate with us!
The Vintage Garden
Home goods store specializing in vintage-inspired décor and gifts, including Christian-themed items.
What's Included
- Enjoy 20% Off* Your Regular-priced Purchase!
The Book Store
Store buying, selling, and renting used and new books in a variety of genres.
Sugar Rushlow Boutique
Olive & Rose Boutique
Olive & Rose is a lifestyle boutique located at 121 E. College Ave. in downtown Appleton, WI.
What's Included
- 20% Off A Regularly Priced Item
Marley's Smoke Shop
Lillians of Appleton
Boutique carrying a range of women's apparel from extra-small to 3X, plus jewelry and handbags.
What's Included
- 20% Off Anything Full Price At Lillians
Flanagan's Stop & Shop
Family-fun liquor store featuring a large selection of beer, wine, and spirits. Discount Liquor, Beer, Wine Superstore. Largest selection of wine and craft beers in the state. Lowest prices in the Fox River Valley.
Eroding Winds Record Shop
Record store offering new and used LPs across a range of genres, including metal, hip-hop, jazz, and classical
Eco Candle Co.
Store for handmade soy candles, beeswax candles, and natural bath products, plus essential oils.
DVSN 1 VNTG
Vintage apparel is bought, sold, and traded at this store.
DePawsitory
Store offering pet food and treats, toys, and gifts, plus adoption services.
Cedar Harbor
Cedar Harbor Gift Shop in Appleton WI, is an eclectic mix of a little bit of this & little bit of that. "There is a lot of a one-of-a-kind.
Blue Moon Emporium
A curated marketplace featuring the work of small businesses, independent artists and designers.
What's Included
- 10% Off Total Purchase
Beatnik Betty's Resale Butik
Store with an array of contemporary and vintage clothing, as well as locally made items and accessories.
What's Included
- 15% Off All Regularly Priced Items
Alyssa & Anna Fine Jewelry
Store specializing in custom-designed and fine jewelry, including engagement rings. Check out their new charm bar!
The History Museum at the Castle
Step into the captivating world of the History Museum at the Castle, founded in 1872. Our three floors of exhibits unfold the rich history of Appleton and the Fox Cities, including a featured exhibit dedicated to Harry Houdini.
The Fire
Located in charming, vibrant downtown Appleton, The Fire art studio offers people of all ages the opportunity to explore their creative side by painting pottery, creating mosaics, & fusing glass,
Whether you’re a confident artist or feel a bit shy about expressing your creative side, we’ll help you feel comfortable and inspired. Our studio provides everything from simple painting projects to a chance to create your own vision (one of our recent favorites is an incredible mosaic mailbox).
Stop by anytime we’re open; there’s no appointment necessary. We welcome groups or individuals, and our studio provides a mix of workspaces, so you can catch up with a friend, enjoy a fun family project, or relax by yourself, soaking in a cup of coffee and clearing your mind of any worries.
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What's Included
- 25% Off 1 Item
Pinot's Palette
Attendees paint during evening classes at this art studio chain serving alcohol at most locations.
Board & Brush Creative Studio - Appleton
Do-it-yourself workshop where visitors create their own home decor such as signs and doormats.
Appleton History Museum
The new Appleton History Museum at 231 W. Franklin Street.
The Appleton History Museum presents permanent exhibits including Courtney Woolen Mill, Gloudemans-Gage Lamson Preffered Cable Cash Carrier, David L. and Rita E. Nelson Map Gallery, and the Claudine and Jim Happel Fireside Library. The library features Appleton authors Gladys Bagg Taber, Mary Ellen Ducklow, Bonnie Buchanon, and Edna Ferber.
The Appleton History Museum features rotating exhibits: Made in Appleton, The Mary Beth Nienhaus Sports History Gallery currently featuring basketball, Presto Products, Air Wisconsin, Trolleys, and the Dave Kalz photo collections.
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Trout Museum of Art
The Trout Museum of Art is a primary location for the visual arts in east central Wisconsin. TMA features three floors of galleries and hosts 12-18 exhibitions a year, sharing work from local, national, and international artists. Look up when you arrive to see a giant paper crane on top of the entrance!
Hearthstone Historic House
Hearthstone Historic House was the first private residence anywhere in the world to be illuminated using hydroelectricity from a central Edison system. The switch was thrown on September 30, 1882 and anyone who tours will see the residence still contains the original Edison electroliers, light switches, and some of the world's only examples of original Edison wiring.
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Gibson Community Music Hall
Gibson Community Music Hall is located in the historic, Art Deco style Gibson building in the heart of downtown Appleton. A top-notch live music venue, Gibson is known for showcasing original music artists representing a variety of musical genres. Are you a fan of Mile of Music? Mile fan-favorite performers make pit stops at Gibson year-round. Photo Credit: Eric Hurm/Fox Cities Live
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Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
The Fox Cities P.A.C. is a premier venue for performing arts attractions in the heart of downtown Appleton. From Broadway shows to speaker series and everything in between, the P.A.C. serves as a multicultural gathering place for the community to engage with each other through the arts. Photo credit: Gary Parker
Voyageurs Bakehouse - Appleton
Victoria's Italian Cuisine
Casual eatery serving large portions of Italian favorites in a venue adorned with fine art murals.
Toppers Pizza
Pizzeria chain making pies with unusual toppings (wings too), offered at counter or via delivery.
The Bent Keg
Live music, lots of televisions to watch your favorite game, fun music, welcoming atmosphere.
Sushi Lover Appleton
Laid-back locale for all-you-can eat Japanese fare including sushi, sashimi, tempura & miso soup.
Starbucks
Sangria's Mexican Grill
Margarita happy hours feature at this colorful spot for burritos, tacos & recipes from Veracruz.
What's Included
- $5 Off A $25 Purchase
Sal's Pizza
Family-run standby dishing up New York-style pizza, pasta & calzones in a low-key setting.
Tipsy Taco & Tequila Bar
Casual locale with creative tacos, margaritas, and beer served alongside happy hours.
What's Included
- $5 OFF A $25 Purchase
Vince Lombardis Steak House
Hearty steaks & an extensive wine list amid wood-paneled, old-school decor & football photos.
Pullmans At Trolley Square
Located riverside on the serene bend of the Fox River, Pullmans at Trolley Square invites you to savor a culinary journey specializing in seafood and specialty salads. Situated along the tranquil Fox River, Pullmans offers a unique dining experience with picturesque views and a serene atmosphere. Our acclaimed patio provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying our signature dishes amidst the beauty of the river, ensuring memorable dining moments for all.
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Player 2 Arcade Bar
Retro-themed bar with classic arcade and video games, plus cocktails.
Pierri Pizza
Casual setting serving pizzas including those with homemade sausage, and known for its roast beef sandwiches.
Olde Town Tavern
Casual bar supplying an extensive selection of beer, spirits, and cocktails, plus bar food and bar games.
What's Included
- Buy One Old Fashioned, Get One Old Fashioned 50% Off
My Lee's Egg Roll House
Egg & spring rolls, fried rice, crab rangoon & other Asian comfort foods served at a basic counter.
Mondo! on the River
Relaxed wine bar with small plates, thin-crust pizzas, and a view of the Fox River.
We have expanded our menu. In addition to the cheese boards and pizzas we’ve always had, we now have house made pastas, sammies on house made focaccia, entrées, and more. Let us help you find the perfect wine or beer to pair with your meal.
Mai's Deli
Pad Thai, pho & other Southeast Asian staples are prepared to eat in or take out at this cozy cafe. Best stuffed chicken wings!
Lindo Mexican Restaurant & Supermarket
Colorful, informal eatery serving traditional Mexican plates paired with beer, tequila & margaritas.
Lil Taco
Monster burritos, street-style tacos, and other Mexican staples served in a casual restaurant.
Legendairy Cookies 'N Creamery
Trending ice cream shop featuring sandwiches made with custard and cookies.
What's Included
- $1.00 Off Any Cookie Sandwich Or Frozen Custard Dish/Cone
Leg Lamp Lodge
The Leg Lamp Lodge offers a warm, relaxing place to catch up with your friends. A casual bar full of throwback furniture, accessories, and BEER is punctuated by a staff sporting bowling shirts and fishnet stockings. Several separate and intimate seating areas are highlighted with vintage pendant lighting, beers signs, and novelty items. The nostalgic music selection is always a customer favorite whether they are playing shuffleboard or tossing a game of darts. Cozy up by the fireplace with a retro board game and enjoy some friendly competition. The Lodge can also be rented for parties ranging from 25 to 200 people. Let the Leg Lamp Lodge provide you with a "not so ordinary" night on the town.
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Spats
Spats is located on College Avenue in Downtown Appleton. This restaurant offers a wonderful Friday fish menu where guests can enjoy perch, coconut shrimp, or pan fried walleye (just a few of their delightful options!)
OB's Brau Haus
OB’s Brau Haus serves authentic German & European cuisine in a modern atmosphere – we also brew six micro brews in the German tradition of purity law which are Lager, Pilsner, Oktoberfest, Maibock, Doppelbock and Hefeweizen.
Rye Restaurant
RYE restaurant offers a refined fine dining experience in a stylish rustic setting. The menu focuses on fresh local and seasonal produce, high quality steaks and fresh seafood. Craft cocktails are created with homemade simple syrups, fresh juices & house grown seasonal herbs. Enjoy a glass from our extensive wine list or enhance your dining experience by pairing your meal with one of our featured whiskey/bourbons, we have you covered with 30+ selections to choose from…our name is RYE after all.
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Skyline Comedy Club
Skyline Comedy Club brings national, headlining comedy acts to the Fox Cities. Located "Between the Locks" in Appleton, you can grab dinner or drinks at Stone Arch Brewpub below and head up to Skyline after for a night of laughs.
Katsu-Ya of Japan
Artful, contemporary chain outpost serving inventive sushi rolls & traditional hibachi grill fare.
Josef's Gyros & Kabobs
Casual eatery serving Mediterranean fare & burgers in a snug space with outdoor seating.
Jimmy John's
Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.
Jim's Place
Beer, cocktails, and bar food served in a small, easygoing setting with an outdoor patio.
What's Included
- BOGO
Apple Pub
Casual, family-owned bar offering a large beer selection, cocktails, and live entertainment.
Firefly Lounge
What's Included
- $1 Off Any Tap Beer
Hunan 1
A mix of Chinese basics, from chop suey to chow mein, for dine-in, carry out or delivery.
Good Company
Located in the heart of downtown Appleton, Good Company serves unique, flavorful American dishes in a family casual atmosphere. Come on in! We’re just minutes away from the Expo Center and Sports Center, Fox River Mall, and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, which makes us a convenient spot to grab a bite for lunch or dinner.
Our menu features a variety of classic American dishes such as burgers and steaks along with a bit of Mexican and Italian fare as well. We have a two story, century old building with themed areas such as the cabin, garden, library & French Quarter. We can even accommodate groups of up to 60 people! It’s important to us that everyone feels welcome and taken care of from the moment they walk through the door.
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General Store
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Appleton, this charming tea room and market offers a unique blend of traditional tea service, a curated selection of wines by the glass, and a variety of gourmet specialty goods.
Garden View
Casual operation serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with beer and wine.
Fox River House
Old-school saloon with a rotating tap list, plus a patio and regular live music.
Emmett's Bar & Grill
Casual bar featuring live music, bar food, and open mic nights, plus beer and drink specials.
The Durty Leprechaun
Long Islands and other drinks feature at this laid-back bar with a historic feel.
Dr. Jekyll's
Cozy bar with a beer garden, vintage movies on TV, and bar games, plus live music.
Home Burger Bar
Down-to-earth watering hole providing cocktails, beer & a burger-centric menu.
Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant
Renovated historical water plant with spacious dining rooms and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Fox River. Relax and enjoy house specialties including fresh seafood, steaks, pastas, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Fantastic wine and cocktail list plus our own handcrafted Fox River beers. Outdoor and seasonal patio and winter river domes. Open daily 11 am.
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Dong Po Restaurant
Casual restaurant serving a variety of Asian fare, including sushi, in a comfortable setting.
Deja vu Martini Lounge
Refined cocktail bar offering nightly specials, karaoke & live bands in a 1930s-inspired setting.
Crazy Sweet
Ice cream parlor and candy store with a large selection of sweets, including hand-dipped chocolate.
Commodore Club
Craft cocktails and beer served in a cozy spot with fast service.
Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar
Sports bar and restaurant inside the Hilton Hotel offering pub grub, happy hour deals, and many TVs.
Chicago Grill
No-frills counter serve selling Chicago-style hot dogs & subs, plus Mediterranean gyros & plates.
Chadwicks Bar
Casual bar hosting live performances, DJs, and dancing, plus beer, wine, and cocktails.
What's Included
- $3 16oz PBR & $5 Sunny D Seltzers
The Cozzy Corner
Cozy Southern restaurant serving BBQ plates, wings & fried chicken amid blues music & murals.
Calavera's Fine Fusions
Lively bar serving beer and cocktails, plus happy-hour food specials, and live entertainment.
What's Included
- BOGO Beer & $6 Classic Flavor Margaritas
Bona Fide Juicery
Smoothie bar preparing pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and other healthy snacks in a casual space.
Bowl Ninety-One
Bowl 91 features dishes that combine a variety of ingredients and flavors from Asia. Our dishes are inspired by our travels and family recipes. We offer a selection of entrees, including ramen and some of our innovative signature dishes.
Author's Kitchen and Bar
International dishes, brunch & cocktails served in a relaxed destination with wood & brick accents.
Appleton Cigar Co.
Tobacconist offering an array of premium cigars, plus pipe tobacco, and a full bar.
Apollon
Mediterranean & Greek fare & a long wine list served in a colorful setting with weekend piano music.
Antojitos Mexicanos
Margarita flights & a modern Mexican menu with many vegetarian options in a hip, colorful space.
What's Included
- 20% Off Food With Drink Purchase
Amberlulu Bubble Tea and Desserts (Uni Uni)
Casual stop serving milk tea and popping bubble drinks, plus anime-inspired decorations.
What's Included
- 15% Off Purchase
Ambassador
Craft cocktails served in a comfortable space featuring live music and quirky decor.
D2 Sports Pub
Sports bar featuring TVs, drink specials & American grill fare in high-energy surrounds.
What's Included
- 15% Off All Food & $1 Off Any Tap Beer
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill
Sports-centric haunt with burgers & other bar food, plus drink specials & trivia nights.
What's Included
- Half Priced Appetizers From 10pm -1am
Bazil's Pub & Provisions
Local gathering place offering pub grub & many brews in chill surrounds with a convivial vibe.
What's Included
- Half Price Yellow Cheese Curds ALL DAY
Cleo's Brown Beam Cocktail Lounge
Cleo's is a world famous cocktail lounge where every day is a holiday.
What's Included
- $1 Off Dirty Snowball Cocktail
The Bar - The Avenue
From refreshing baja fish tacos, fried haddock, perch sandwiches to clam chowder - The Bar on The Avenue offers an excellent Friday Fish Fry experience!
What's Included
- $5 Off Purchase Of $30+
Rookie's Sports Bar & Grill
Rookie's Sports Bar & Grill offers their fish fry menu on Wednesday and Friday!
What's Included
- $10 Off $35 Purchase
Lawlss Coffee - Appleton
Lawlss Coffee is located in Downtown Appleton and offers a variety of inventive drinks and pastries.
Copper Rock Coffee Company
Cozy hangout featuring house-roasted coffees, sandwiches & gelato, plus board games & live music.
What's Included
- 10% Off Drink Purchase
il Bar Coffeehouse & Bistro - Appleton
Awakening your international senses! We are a community-oriented coffeehouse serving up coffee with a purpose. We offer international inspired flavors of coffee, teas, made in house baked goods, serving breakfast and lunch panini. Our goal is to provide a cozy atmosphere were people can come in slow down and connect over their favorite handcrafted drink, pastry or food item.
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Doughlicious
We are an edible cookie dough and ice cream shop located in the heart of downtown Appleton. We offer a fun and inviting environment with treats, a board game room, and a small arcade area!
What's Included
- Buy A Double Scoop, Get A Second Item 50% Off Of An Equal Or Lesser Value
Brewed Awakenings
Comfortable cafe to hang out with friends or family. We serve breakfast all day, variety of lunch options, homemade baked goods and of course delicious coffee drinks!
What's Included
- 10% Off Your Order
ACOCA Cafe and Roastery
ACOCA Coffee and Roastery started as a small, 1200 square foot coffee shop back in 1997. It was started by two young entrepreneurs and coffee visionaries. They purchased Fair Trade Organic (FTO) coffees, prepared coffee via the pour over method, and even began to roast their own green coffee beans. They were early adopters of the small specialty coffee shop movement. In 2007, Kim, who loves coffee, and Bill, who loves Kim, became silent investors in the business. In late 2015, Kim and Bill bought the business outright and began envisioning a bigger space with more food options. Just maybe, this could become the restaurant Bill had long dreamed of having.
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What's Included
- Free Twelve (12) Ounce Drip Coffee With Any Purchase
McFleshman's Brewing Co.
What's Included
- Buy One Pint, Get One Pint 50% Off
Stone Arch Brewpub
At Stone Arch Brewpub, we take pride in our rich brewing heritage and commitment to excellence. With a history rooted in tradition and a passion for craft, we've been serving up exceptional handcrafted beers since our inception. Our welcoming atmosphere, brimming with warmth and character, invites you to savor our award-winning brews alongside a delectable menu that perfectly complements our diverse beer offerings. Whether you're here for the cozy ambiance, the live music, or the mouthwatering food, our dedication to providing an unforgettable experience shines through in every aspect of our establishment. Join us for a taste of the legacy and an embrace of the craft that defines the heart and soul of Stone Arch Brewpub.
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Appleton Beer Factory
WE BUILD BEER BETTER.
We have an obvious and delicious priority – beer. Our goal is to put top-notch brew in your glass while putting you in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Appleton Beer Factory beers are crafted to deliver what is so often missing from many beers on the market today – balance. This balance was struck from passionate experimentation by knowledgeable brewers who have focused on respecting the ingredients they use and the people they serve.
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What's Included
- 15% Off Entire Bill