A Norwegian Culinary Roadtrip: Norsk Nook in Wisconsin

Though Swedish cuisine was amply represented in Chicago, we had been on the look out for Norwegian food for a while. Fortunately, we were driving to “Up North” Minnesota for a dear friend’s wedding, so we were able to drive near the Norwegian food stalwart, the Norsk Nook in Wisconsin (2900 Pioneer Avenue, Rice Lake, WI). With Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day approaching on May 17, we thought it would be an appropriate time to recap our delicious visit. It is perhaps unsurprising that we had to drive to the heart of central Wisconsin to find Norwegian food, as this area, along with Minnesota in the Upper Midwest was the heart of Norwegian immigration to the US.

The original branch of Norsk Nook in Osseo, WI was founded by Helen Myhre in 1973, and the Norsk Nook empire has grown to 3 locations today. At Norsk Nook one of the signature treats on offer is pie, which is not necessarily a Norwegian classic, but certainly is a Midwestern one. The pies were available in a staggering variety of flavors, by the slice or a whole pie, both of which were enticingly displayed in a retro-looking pie case. We got apple/lingonberry and blueberry with a crumble topping, both of which we highly recommend. The crust was buttery and flaky, and the delicious filling was impeccably fresh. Though we did not try them, the sky-high meringue pies also looked particularly scrumptious, and these were only a few of the dozens of varieties available. The pies are also available to pre-order online and Norsk Nook has its own pie cookbook.

Alongside a super-full bakery case, Norsk Nook also boasts a dine-in section with a menu full of American classics alongside a few Norwegian specialties. In terms of Norwegian options, you can get Norwegian pancakes topped with blueberry, lingonberry, or strawberry, or try an order of potato pancakes. Also on offer are Norwegian lefse, thin crepes made from potatoes. You can pre-order lefse in store or online, or try them as wraps in the restaurant. If you want to go all out with the Norwegian flavor, you can get a lefse full of fried smelts, though chicken and roast beef are also available, among other options. We took both our lefse wraps and our pieces of pie on the road, but everything was still delicious

Attached to the bakery is a small store stocked with assorted Scandinavian specialties, and plenty of Norsk Nook branded swag (much of it with a pie theme). A unique option to bring home is the wild rice and cranberry bread, which also gives a culinary nod to the Indigenous heritage in the region. Definitely make a detour to stop at Norsk Nook on your next Midwest roadtrip, especially if you are a pie lover!