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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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The Nucleus started as a small cafe with just a few tables and a great view of Water Street in downtown Eau Claire. Nearly two decades later, the tradition of full body and full flavor breakfast, brunch, and lunch remains. The Nuke, as locals call it, has more than doubled its seating and kitchen capacity over the years, but the classic menu offerings remain.
Compact, buzzy restaurant serving breakfast & lunch options including crepes, omelets & hotcakes.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 405 Water St, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 834-7777
Website: https://www.nucleuscafe.com/
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The Nucleus Cafe – Eau Claire
Eau Claire’s Heavyweight Champion of Food. The Nucleus started as a small cafe with just a few tables and a great view of Water Street in downtown Eau Claire.
The Nucleus Cafe | Eau Claire WI – Facebook
The Nucleus is a cafe on beautiful Water Street in downtown Eau Claire. Nearly two decades later, the. Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant · $$.
The Nucleus Cafe (@thenucleuscafe) · Eau Claire, WI – Instagram
Open Wed-Sun: 8am-2pm 405 Water St., Eau Claire, WI · There’s still time to dig into our latest specials at The Nucleus—but they won’t be around forever. · At …
Reviews
Randy & Shana Fraser
We had the most delicious first visit to The Nucleus Cafe! Their lemon ricotta hotcakes were absolutely heavenly—bright, fluffy, and full of that perfect citrus–ricotta balance. The peppered parmesan hash browns were crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Add a perfectly cooked side of bacon, and I was in breakfast bliss…
My daughter loved her sausage bagel sandwich with avocado, and we both couldn’t get over how delicious and pulpy the orange juice was. We even found a couple of seeds, which honestly just proved how fresh it really was—no complaints here!
As first-time visitors, we weren’t quite sure where the host stand was, but we quickly learned it’s located inside Racy D’lenes Coffee Lounge. Thankfully, the cutest manager helped guide us—she was upbeat, kind, and actively supporting her staff, which we really appreciated.
Our server wasn’t quite as warm or engaged as others we observed, but watching one of the male servers nearby checking in with his tables, answering questions, and making thoughtful suggestions showed us that hospitality definitely exists here.
Now that we know to enter through the coffee shop to get on the seating list, we’ll absolutely be back. Already excited to try more items on their menu! ✨
… moreMy daughter loved her sausage bagel sandwich with avocado, and we both couldn’t get over how delicious and pulpy the orange juice was. We even found a couple of seeds, which honestly just proved how fresh it really was—no complaints here!
As first-time visitors, we weren’t quite sure where the host stand was, but we quickly learned it’s located inside Racy D’lenes Coffee Lounge. Thankfully, the cutest manager helped guide us—she was upbeat, kind, and actively supporting her staff, which we really appreciated.
Our server wasn’t quite as warm or engaged as others we observed, but watching one of the male servers nearby checking in with his tables, answering questions, and making thoughtful suggestions showed us that hospitality definitely exists here.
Now that we know to enter through the coffee shop to get on the seating list, we’ll absolutely be back. Already excited to try more items on their menu! ✨
Kenneth Pizzurro
Great place for breakfast!!!
We were greeted right away with a friendly smiling bubbly person. They stated to sit anywhere. They even suggested going to the back. We loved walking through the building. The age, the decor, the use of the building. We sat in the back of the building next to a window.
A staff person brought water as soon as we sat. Menu’s and again more smiles 🙂 ! I had coffee and my son kept to water. Food order was taken! Food arrived in an acceptable time. The lemon crepe was very good. Both of our dishes were very tasty! We highly recommend a breakfast stop when visiting Eau Claire.
… moreWe were greeted right away with a friendly smiling bubbly person. They stated to sit anywhere. They even suggested going to the back. We loved walking through the building. The age, the decor, the use of the building. We sat in the back of the building next to a window.
A staff person brought water as soon as we sat. Menu’s and again more smiles 🙂 ! I had coffee and my son kept to water. Food order was taken! Food arrived in an acceptable time. The lemon crepe was very good. Both of our dishes were very tasty! We highly recommend a breakfast stop when visiting Eau Claire.
Doreen J.
While there was a bit of a wait to gain a table for our meal, there was a fantastic option to hang out in Racy’s Coffee Lounge, nestled between the front and rear dining areas of the Nucleus!! The coffees were fantastic and the area was lively so time flew quickly. A table was ready in about 20 minutes, as indicated when we first checked in with the hostess, truly not bad considering it was 11 a.m. on a Sunday. There was another 20 minute wait for the food but, it was worth it! The Breakfast Quesadilla and Real Housewives of EC Omelette were crafted perfectly with fresh ingredients and did not disappoint. Staff was all friendly, attentive and gracious.
… moreNatisha OBrien
I was really excited to try out this restaurant. When I sat down I ordered a mimosa for me and my girl. The mimosa was okay. Did lack a little flavor but it did the job.
Then I ordered pancakes , hash browns and sausage.
The hash browns were HORRIBLE!!!! Tasted like cardboard… it lacked so much taste… Then I tried the pancakes and those were super dry and to be honest … the box pancakes I make tasted way better. Idk what they are cooking with or without but definitely not buttermilk pancakes.
I’m from California and liverd in Louisiana so maybe my expectations were different… especially from me living in the south where food is full of flavor … but man this was BY FAR the worst breakfast I have ever had.
I drank my mimosa and ate my sausage… that was it !!! The waitress that had a shaved head came and asked how everything was and I was honest but she barely tried to remedy the situation.
Honesty you should of took the pancakes and hash-browns off my ticket since you seen I didn’t eat it.
I tried to not make a fuss about it… she said she’d give me a discount….
Mannn look…. She took 3.00 of my bill… I was like are you serious…. They outta pocket.
If a customer states the food is terrible and then you SEE they didn’t eat it … and still charge them .. outta line
So no… I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone honestly. Especially after that customer service.
Maybe they have better food off the menu but I’m not trying it.
♤ Since the owner replied let me set it straight. I’m a very straight forward individual! – I took a box because if I’m going to be charged for the food and not offered to take it off the ticket, then I might as well take it with me, right? I wasn’t trying to eat anything else of the menu if the basic pancakes and hash browns were bad. That’s basic breakfast… that’s hard to mess up! Now I said I didn’t make a fuss about the issue but it was just bad customer service and her whole attitude toward the situation… but next time I guess I should of asked for a refund.
Just was bad food and bad customer service. A phone call would of been better.
I’m fine with the situation, i just wouldn’t advise anyone to go there. Some people really like it, but im not into false reviews.
I do like the atmosphere! The guy I encounter was really kind and friendly.
Best Wishes … Hope it gets Better
… moreThen I ordered pancakes , hash browns and sausage.
The hash browns were HORRIBLE!!!! Tasted like cardboard… it lacked so much taste… Then I tried the pancakes and those were super dry and to be honest … the box pancakes I make tasted way better. Idk what they are cooking with or without but definitely not buttermilk pancakes.
I’m from California and liverd in Louisiana so maybe my expectations were different… especially from me living in the south where food is full of flavor … but man this was BY FAR the worst breakfast I have ever had.
I drank my mimosa and ate my sausage… that was it !!! The waitress that had a shaved head came and asked how everything was and I was honest but she barely tried to remedy the situation.
Honesty you should of took the pancakes and hash-browns off my ticket since you seen I didn’t eat it.
I tried to not make a fuss about it… she said she’d give me a discount….
Mannn look…. She took 3.00 of my bill… I was like are you serious…. They outta pocket.
If a customer states the food is terrible and then you SEE they didn’t eat it … and still charge them .. outta line
So no… I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone honestly. Especially after that customer service.
Maybe they have better food off the menu but I’m not trying it.
♤ Since the owner replied let me set it straight. I’m a very straight forward individual! – I took a box because if I’m going to be charged for the food and not offered to take it off the ticket, then I might as well take it with me, right? I wasn’t trying to eat anything else of the menu if the basic pancakes and hash browns were bad. That’s basic breakfast… that’s hard to mess up! Now I said I didn’t make a fuss about the issue but it was just bad customer service and her whole attitude toward the situation… but next time I guess I should of asked for a refund.
Just was bad food and bad customer service. A phone call would of been better.
I’m fine with the situation, i just wouldn’t advise anyone to go there. Some people really like it, but im not into false reviews.
I do like the atmosphere! The guy I encounter was really kind and friendly.
Best Wishes … Hope it gets Better
Marie L.
a great little breakfast/brunch spot with such a relaxed vibe. loved that we were able to wait for a table in the connected coffee shop and start our morning there! reasonably priced plates and love the option of doing half portions!
… moreNichole
Awesome great experience!!! Our waitress was so amazing!! She literally made us feel like family instantly the moment we walked in ! Is there a first time there and it won’t be our last 🙂 thank you for making it memorable and delicious .
… moreRyan Rugroden
We just love this place! Anytime we are in Eau Claire, it’s a must stop! The food is fresh and excellent, the service is always outstanding, and it’s just such an enjoyable experience!
… moreSara K
We went in with 11 people (called ahead but they don’t take reservations) and they were so amazing with accommodating us. I understand the struggle of fitting that many people together but all of the staff were very helpful and friendly. We ended up splitting the group for about 30 minutes, got drinks, and then when another table cleared out we were all able to sit together. The food was amazing with good pricing for the size, those crepes are huge! Definitely recommend coming here
… moreAnna Sacia
Food was tasty and priced well. This is definitely more of a new age, artsy, hip location. The staff was super friendly and seemed actually happy to be here. The only complaint is when it’s busy the sound is distracting. Overall, a delicious meal and supportive staff makes this a great stop to eat.
… moreRebekah Picard
First time visit; friendly waitstaff; excellent food; comfortable environment in a historic building with artsy flair; reasonable prices; wait for seating in the coffee shop with excellent coffee! We will be back next time we are in town. (Worth any wait time you may encounter).
… more