Review: The Daily Grind Cafe in Mauston, Wisconsin.

Beyond the Daily Grind

March 31st, 2010 |

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Our mission to take in central Wisconsin’s small family diners and Cafés led us to Mauston last Saturday to visit the, “Beyond the Daily Grind Cafe”. The light colors and natural wood furnishings were certainly a nice change from the cloudy and otherwise dreary day it had turned out to be.

When we walked into the Daily Grind we were really impressed with the atmosphere. As I mentioned, it’s light and airy with a mix of natural wood furniture on a subtle floral carpet. The walls are wheat colored and decorated with antique portraits and framed still life paintings. Most of the paintings are for sale.

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When we first sat down in the austere little booth the placemat on the table caught my eye with something like, “Sexual Violence” or “Sexual Abuse” prominently displayed. The placemat was an victim advocacy group advertisement. I have to say I was happy our 9 year old had went to the restroom so I could turn over the placemats before he returned. Does the message need to get out? Yes. Does sexual violence need to be part of our lunch? Well, for me, no. I prefer as a parent to choose the time and place for such discussions. This was not that time. That moment’s pause gave me the opportunity to give the atmosphere a bit more attention.

Each table was supplied with a Christian newspaper with pro-life marchers on the front & a sales brochure for Advocare products. Advocare is sort of the Amway of the day offering wellness products, supplements, and what’s called a “debtbuster” service aimed at their direct sales customers. More Christian and Advocare literature and products were placed around the restaurant. Christian music was playing in the background. It was clear that the Daily Grind is a cafe’ with a theme. This will certainly be an real attraction to some, and a negative to others. Either way, the cafe’ does not hesitate to blend their religious and social-political views with lunch.

The menu contained a variety of breakfast and lunch items. For lunch we had a selection of mostly deli-style sandwiches, soup or burgers. I was referred to the cafe as a business lunch sort of place. Yeah, I can see that. We were a bit chilled from a walk at the local park around the corner so we all opted for hot sandwiches and soup.

I should mention that at one time I actually did manage a small town restaurant and have a bit of a feel for the inner workings. This experience tends to temper my views a bit regarding the food and the service. Let’s talk about the food for the moment. Most small restaurants and diners get their supplies from the same selection of state or national distributors such as SYSCO here in central Wisconsin. They more or less use the same cooking methods as well. More often than not their food will turn out “average” or generic unless they really go out of their way to do something special. That’s why you will hear me say “average” quite a bit. It simply means they did everything right, but nothing out of the ordinary. This is certainly the case at the Daily Grind.

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As I said we only had a couple “hot” sandwich choices, so I chose a Ruben. The Ruben is something I always hated as a kid and learned to enjoy as an adult. I find if I walk out having really enjoying my Ruben, it can only say good things for the restaurant. It’s also what I order when nothing else on the menu strikes my fancy. So how was it? Well, average. It was thinner than those I’d had at other restaurants which is good for my health obviously but did not compare well with other restaurants we have visited.

Both my wife and son had cheeseburgers. I’ve gotten them both to taste a bit of the burger plain now before smothering them in ketchup. We’re lucky to have a local beef market here in Baraboo and are very aware of the difference between fresh and factory beef. Good beef can save a bad cook..sometimes! Both my 9 year old and my wife said their burgers were just fine. Average. The one stand out was the vegetable soup which was thick, tastey and downright amazing if you love soups.

The Daily grind does not offer a wide selection of side dishes. French Fries and Onion Rings are out. Chips and cottage cheese are in.

Now I did want to mention this one little strangeness. For some reason our server kept ignoring our son. He’s a social kid and we ask him to order his own food and drinks. 2 times we had to get the woman to pause to take his order as well, both for drinks and lunch. I can’t say why that was but it stood out and he felt bad about it.

In the end we found the Beyond the Daily Grind in Mauston to be ok. I can’t say it really stood above other restaurants we’ve visited. The high point is the historic feel and beautiful wood furnishings. The sandwiches were ok. The soup excellent. It’s certainly more of “deli” style restaurant than a country diner. More devote & politically active adult Christians will I’m sure, enjoy the atmosphere. Others may be taken off guard by some of the literature and some parents may find it inappropriate depending on their politics and the age of their children. Whatever your take, if you go, take cash because the Daily Grind does not take plastic.

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