Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen

"Check Our Facebook For Our Specials!"

About Us

Welcome to Jen’s Alpine Cafe & Soup Kitchen, proudly serving Baraboo, Wisconsin since 2001. As the torchbearer of "The Alpine" legacy, spanning over 95 years, we offer an extensive menu featuring delightful breakfast and lunch options, irresistible desserts, and our renowned Friday Fish Fry. Our commitment begins with sourcing the finest ingredients and crafting each recipe with care, ensuring every dish is made from scratch. Exceptional service is at the heart of what we do.

Our soups and desserts hold a special place in our culinary offerings, lovingly prepared each week by Jen Rindfleisch herself. Known for her homemade touch, Jen’s soups and desserts are a true testament to her flair.

Join us for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or our legendary Friday fish fry. Be sure to indulge in a bowl of homemade soup and a slice of homemade pie!

Our Story

Situated in the heart of downtown Baraboo, Wisconsin, Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen is not just a restaurant but a cherished piece of local history. The building, originally constructed in 1888 by Jasper Ewing as a livery stable, played a vital role in the bustling commerce of downtown Baraboo. Its original large doorway, once a portal for carriages and horses, still stands as a reminder of its storied past.

In 1925, the building underwent a significant transformation when N.H. Smith purchased it and completed an extensive remodel. The structure was divided into two storefronts, and a new facade was added, setting the stage for its future as a culinary landmark in Baraboo.

By 1930, the western half of the building became The Alpine Ice Cream Parlor and Lunch Room under the ownership of Al Behrman from nearby Portage, Wisconsin. Behrman’s vision included tile counters, cozy wooden booths, and intricate millwork crafted by local artisan Bert Kramer. The Alpine quickly became renowned for serving soft drinks, ice cream, candy, and light meals, with specialties like Behrman’s famous chop suey and chili drawing locals and visitors alike.

Throughout its nine-decade history, The Alpine has changed hands several times, each owner contributing to its legacy while preserving its unique charm. Today, under the stewardship of Jen Rindfleisch, the cafe continues to thrive as Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen, a beloved gathering place where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy hearty meals and warm hospitality.

Jen’s connection to Baraboo runs deep. She moved to the town from Eau Claire with her father, Bob, who partnered with his brother Jack at the Hiway House. Jen’s journey into the culinary world began at the Country Kitchen, where she started as a cook and worked her way up to manager. Later, she joined her father at the Hiway House, eventually becoming the chef when the business transitioned to her cousin Jack and his wife.

When Jen learned that The Alpine was available for purchase, she eagerly took the opportunity to realize her dream of owning her own establishment. Known for her delicious homemade soups, Jen has continued The Alpine’s tradition of culinary excellence, offering a variety of soups that have become a staple for locals and a highlight for visitors.

Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen opens its doors at 7 AM on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, serving delightful breakfast and lunch dishes until 2 PM. Fridays are special at Jen’s, staying open until 7 PM to host their famous Friday Fish Fry, a cherished tradition among Baraboo residents. Every meal at Jen’s is prepared with care and dedication, using recipes that have been passed down through generations, ensuring that each bite is a taste of the cafe’s 95-year history.

More than just a restaurant, Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen is a testament to Baraboo’s enduring spirit and sense of community. With its warm atmosphere, rich history, and commitment to quality, it continues to be a beloved destination where customers feel like family and every meal feels like a celebration.

Areas Served

Our Professional Associations

Downtown Baraboo Inc

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Specials - Follow Us On Facebook to see our specials week to week!
Friday Night Fish Fry
Family Friendly

Our Services include:

Carryout

Our Products include:

Fish Fry
Vegetarian Options
Homestyle Cooking
Homemade Soups
Homemade Pies
Homemade Granola
Sandwiches
American Cuisine

Testimonials

On 8/3/2026 Robert Rose had this to say:
Nice old fashioned café. The owner was very friendly. Good breakfast.

On 7/30/2026 Wendy W. had this to say:
Jen's Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates food done right. The hash browns are a standout: golden and shatteringly crisp at the edges, soft and steamy in the center, with that perfect griddle sear you can't fake. The rotating daily soup selection is where the kitchen really shows off, each one built on a rich, well-developed base that tastes genuinely made-from-scratch, never phoned in. You can taste the freshness in every dish, from bright, crisp produce to bread that actually has texture. Add in an immaculately clean dining room and staff who are attentive without hovering, and you've got a place that respects both its ingredients and its guests. Come hungry and don't skip the soup and hash browns!

On 7/19/2026 Stacey O. had this to say:
We loved our flavorful lunch so much on 7/12/26 that we returned the next morning for breakfast! The curry chicken salad on a pita was the best chicken salad I've ever tasted! My husband had a beef stir fry in a wrap, that was also delicious! The sweet potato fries and straight cut fries were so good it's hard for me to say which was better! Be sure to try the Watergate cake, so good with pistachio frosting. We were so full from lunch so had to take the cake to go. This will be our go to place when we are in the Dells/Baraboo area!

On 7/11/2026 Brady Reed had this to say:
Loved this retro place!

On 7/9/2026 Susan Cerny had this to say:
Our friendly server brought a delicious lunch! We will return!!

Contact Us

Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen
117 4th Street Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone: (608) 356-4040
Email: jacsk1930@gmail.com

Located in the courthouse square

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Apple Pay, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM Breakfast served all day, lunch served starting at 11:00AM
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM Breakfast served all day, lunch served starting at 11:00AM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM Breakfast served until 3:00PM, lunch served from 11:00AM - 3:00PM, fish fry served from 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM Breakfast served all day, lunch served starting at 11:00AM
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM Breakfast served all day, lunch served starting at 11:00AM

News

Friday Fish Fry Is Back!

Make Friday your favorite day of the week with a delicious Fish Fry at Jen's Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen!

Join us for a Baraboo tradition featuring crispy, golden fish served with classic favorites like coleslaw and fries. Prefer something different? Our flavorful baked fish option is cooked to perfection and ready to satisfy.

Bring your friends and family and enjoy great food, warm hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere where every Friday feels like a celebration. We extend our hours until 3 PM on Fridays so you can stop in and enjoy this weekly favorite.

📍 117 4th Street, Baraboo, WI 53913
🌐 More info: jensalpinecafeandsoupkitchen.com

#FridayFishFry #BarabooWI #LocalDining #FishFryFriday #ComfortFood

🎆 Happy 4th of July from Jen’s Alpine Café & Soup Kitchen! 🇺🇸

Start your Independence Day off right with a cozy, delicious breakfast—we’re open from 7AM to 2PM! ☕🥓

There may not be a parade in town this year, but we’ve got something special waiting for you… ❤️🤍💙
✨ Try our Red, White & Blue Waffle—a festive treat you won’t want to miss!

Plus, we’re kicking things off with our new July Menu Features starting today, so there’s even more to enjoy when you stop in.

Bring your friends, bring your family, and celebrate the 4th with us—great food, friendly faces, and small-town charm. 🎉

We can’t wait to see you! 🍳🥞

Take the Flavor Home from Jen’s Alpine Café & Soup Kitchen! 🥣🍽️
Craving homemade comfort food but on the go? Jen’s Alpine Café & Soup Kitchen makes carryout easy so you can enjoy their delicious, made-from-scratch soups, sandwiches, and café favorites wherever you are. From hearty bowls to satisfying bites, every order is packed with fresh flavor and cozy vibes. Skip the wait and grab your next feel-good meal to-go today! 🥪

📅 Every week, Jen's Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen features new, tantalizing homemade pies and desserts. Don't miss out on this week's lineup of scrumptious, seasonal delights! Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and satisfy your sweet tooth with our ever-changing selections. 🥧🍰

🍲✨ Craving a comforting bowl of soup? Look no further! Dive into our delicious Homemade Soup Specials featuring a rotating selection of soups crafted fresh every week. Stay in the loop by following our Facebook page for the latest updates on our weekly flavorful offerings! 🥣🌟

Info

July Breakfast Features
July Lunch Features
Daily Menu

FAQ

Do you offer desserts along with your soups?

Yes! We take pride in crafting homemade pies and desserts. Our desserts and pies change weekly and feature seasonal options and everyday favorites.

What kind of soups do you serve?

Our menu features a diverse range of soups, from hearty classics to innovative creations that cater to all palates, including vegetarian options.

Are your pies and desserts made in-house?

Absolutely! Jen of Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen prepares the pies and desserts herself.

Do you have seasonal menu items?

Indeed, we do. Our soups, pies, and specials evolve with the seasons.

Do you have vegan or vegetarian dessert options?

Here at Jen’s Alpine Cafe and Soup Kitchen we do our best to accommodate every customer. Our daily soup selection always features a vegetarian option. We are also happy to make modifications to a specific menu item whenever possible in order to accommodate your dietary needs.

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