Lovechild

If you are looking for a venue for a special evening, look no further than Lovechild—an upscale restaurant in the city of La Crosse that offers guests a sophisticated take on modern cuisine. This establishment is famous for its romantic and intimate atmosphere: dimmed lights, dark interior tones, and fresh floral arrangements create the perfect backdrop for gastronomic discoveries.

The restaurant seats 100 guests and features an open kitchen where you can watch the seamless teamwork of the staff. Lovechild's culinary direction can be described as American classics with vibrant Italian accents. It serves dishes made from seasonal and local products, turning simple ingredients into complex and intriguing flavor combinations.

This USA destination well deserves its high reputation—Chef Jay Sparks is a James Beard Award nominee, and the establishment itself regularly appears on lists of the most romantic restaurants in the country. Lovechild is equally suited for family celebrations as it is for high-level vegan or gluten-free dining.

For your convenience, we have gathered the restaurant's current contact information. We recommend booking a table in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a Friday or Saturday evening.

At Lovechild, the gastronomic experience begins with a selection of aperitifs. Be sure to try the Arancine—crispy rice balls with cheese and sausage—or the delicate beef tartare. If you enjoy unusual pairings, try the apple salad with Manchego cheese. A major favorite for many guests is the triple-fried French fries with parmesan and a zesty horseradish dip—they are incredibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Among the main courses, the gorgonzola pappardelle with pesto and sage stands out, as does the roasted halibut with fragrant salmoriglio sauce. For meat lovers, the roasted chicken thighs with serrano peppers or the juicy ribeye are excellent choices. The kitchen works masterfully, turning the presentation of every dish into a true visual delight.

Complement your evening with cocktails from the bar menu, such as the Sabroso #2 or a classic Old Fashioned. For dessert, we recommend the chocolate cake with mascarpone-espresso cream or the fragrant raspberry crème brûlée. The waitstaff are well-versed in the menu and always ready to provide professional recommendations, making your dinner as comfortable and memorable as possible.

The Lovechild restaurant is located at 300 3rd St S, right in the heart of the city. Thanks to its prime location, the establishment is easy to reach on foot from the Mississippi River waterfront or while strolling through the main streets of downtown. If you are traveling by car, there is usually plenty of parking available nearby at the restaurant or in municipal lots.

For those using public transport, La Crosse bus stops are just a few minutes' walk away. Taxi services, as well as Uber and Lyft, are also very active in the city, allowing you to reach the restaurant quickly from any neighborhood.

If you are arriving in the region via La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE), the drive to the restaurant will take approximately 20–25 minutes. Its convenient accessibility makes it the perfect spot to conclude a day of sightseeing in Wisconsin.

Although Lovechild opened relatively recently, it has already become a major milestone on the state's culinary map. The foundation of its success is the "love child" concept—a creative union of classic European techniques and hospitable American style. The establishment quickly gained recognition, earning the title of "Best New Restaurant" from the local tourism organization Explore La Crosse.

Special significance is brought to the place by the personality of Executive Chef Jay Sparks. His professionalism and attention to detail led him to become a nominee for the prestigious James Beard Award, often referred to as the "Oscars" of the culinary world. This achievement brought the restaurant to a national level, attracting foodies from all corners of the country.

The establishment prides itself on its connection to the region, working primarily with local farmers and seasonal product suppliers. This approach not only guarantees the freshness of the dishes but also supports the local economy, making the restaurant environmentally responsible and significant to the community.

Today, the restaurant is featured on Food & Wine's list of the 50 most romantic places in the USA. This recognition confirms that the establishment has become more than just a place to eat, but a true cultural landmark reflecting the modern gastronomic trends of the region.

To fully experience the restaurant's menu and its unique atmosphere, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours. This place is designed for a leisurely escape, where each course is served with attention to detail, and the service is geared toward helping guests completely relax.

If you are planning a romantic date or celebrating a special occasion, allow a little extra time to enjoy cocktails at the start of the evening and a slow-paced dessert to finish your dinner. The dark and intimate setting of the establishment invites long conversations and thoughtful tasting.

The restaurant welcomes guests in the evening according to the following schedule: from Monday to Saturday, the doors are open from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Please note that the establishment is closed on Sundays.

Given the popularity of the venue, final kitchen orders are usually taken until closing; however, for a comfortable multi-course dinner, it is recommended to arrive no later than 8:00 PM.

Exploring the surroundings before or after your visit to the restaurant will help you fully experience the city's atmosphere. Within walking distance, you'll find picturesque parks, historical markers, and riverfront promenades that will perfectly complement your evening.

Near the establishment, you can find places for quiet nature contemplation as well as interesting sites related to the transport and military history of the region.