15 Best Small Businesses in Racine, WI

Small Businesses in Racine, WI
Nejdet Duzen / shutterstock.com

Racine is the county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin.

This city is along the shores of the mighty Lake Michigan and 22 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago.

Historically, Racine was a known industrial city and the headquarters of various industries.

It includes the J.I. Case Heavy Equipment, Dremel Corporation, S.C Johnson, and Reliance Control Corporation, to name a few.

Racine is now home to a diverse community with a laid-back environment, plenty of outdoor recreation, and business opportunities.

Since Racine has a rich industrial past, it's a no-brainer that many of its businesses remain progressive up to this day.

These businesses are owned locally, taking over the local entrepreneurial scene.

So, what kind of businesses you'll come across in Racine?

Here's a comprehensive list of the 15 small businesses in Racine, Wisconsin.

Christmas House Bed & Breakfast

Exterior of Christmas House Bed & Breakfast
https://www.christmashouseracine.com/

Christmas House Bed & Breakfast is a charming place in Racine.

Drop by this bed and breakfast along 10th Street in Racine's famous Southside Historic District.

It has a charming and intricately designed Colonial Revival architecture house, one of Racine's sought-after bed and breakfast places.

Those visiting Racine will love to book a stay at this place.

A bedroom suite in Christmas House Bed & Breakfast
https://www.christmashouseracine.com/

One reason for its popularity is its proximity to parks, including Lake Michigan's shores, roughly a few minutes' walk.

Meanwhile, its rooms have the amenities for a comfortable and convenient stay.

It has upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi connection, mini-fridges, a coffee maker, and a television, while some rooms have a kitchen.

Moreover, staying at the Christmas House Bed & Breakfast lets you explore Racine's past through its well-preserved centuries-old architecture and furnishings.

Breakfast food in Christmas House Bed & Breakfast
https://www.christmashouseracine.com/

Olde Madrid

Olde Madrid is an intimate spot for Spanish specialties.

You can visit this restaurant along 6th Street.

It's most famous for its authentic Spanish tapa, paella, sangria, and many other Spanish cuisines.

It's one of the rare restaurants you'll come across.

It has an appealing dining area and a delicious menu, making it a haven for foodies.

Like most businesses in Racine, this one is proudly owned by locals.

Some of its must-tries include its duck croquetas, bistec, Seville crab cakes, beef stew, Pulpo a la Gallega, and Catalan scallops.

Of course, remember to order Old Madrid's famous Spanish tapa and paella.

These are best paired with its refreshing sangria for a mouthwatering experience.

Lighthouse Gallery & Gifts is a treasure trove of surprises and rare finds.

You can visit this gift shop along Main Street.

It's widely known by locals for its unique merchandise and gift items created by local artists.

It has an extensive collection of Racine-themed artworks and merchandise, such as the Wind Point Lighthouse in Lake Michigan.

At the same time, it has a photo gallery that features Scott D. Olsen, Myeyes Photography, and other items.

It has a wide array of patented-process gift items and artworks from glass arts, wood carvings, fused glasses, paintings, figurines, etc.

Plus, it has candles, home decor, and fashion accessories you can take home for an affordable price.

Check out Lighthouse Gallery & Gifts' display to reward yourself with unique and gorgeous items.

Carriage House Pedal Tours

People on a Carriage House Pedal Tour
https://carriagepub.com/tours/

Carriage House Pedal Tours offers Racine visitors a unique way to tour the city.

You can visit its office along State Street to book your unique tour aboard a 16-passenger party bike.

This locally owned mixed tour company offers visitors an adventurous way to explore Racine's famous attractions.

Its tours include the Racine Zoo and historical places throughout the downtown area.

It also has family-friendly tours, an excellent way to get your loved ones to experience this one-of-a-kind activity.

This kind of touring activity in Racine has existed for many years, making it a local attraction.

Check out Carriage House Pedal Tours for a fun way to explore Racine.

The Grind Café

The Grind Café is one of the go-to places for locals for their daily caffeine fix.

You can visit this coffee shop along Washington Avenue.

Instead of the typical coffee shops you come across, this one offers customers a welcoming and lively café atmosphere.

It opens early regularly, allowing locals to grab their preferred coffee blends as early as possible.

It has a spacious indoor café area where you can spend an hour or two.

Like most excellent coffee shops, this family-owned business offers various cold or hot coffee blends.

At the same time, you can pair your coffee or tea with its pastries, sandwiches, and other delicious treats.

With all that in mind, remember to drop by Grind Café to boost your day with its signature coffee and pastries.

Scores Sports Bar & Grill

Scores Sports Bar & Grill is your go-to place to catch your favorite live games with a cold bottle of beer on hand.

This sports bar is situated in Westgate Mall Shopping Center along Washington Avenue.

Locals love to spend their happy hours or evenings at this sports bar.

It has a lively atmosphere, cold beer, and giant televisions that regularly stream live games.

Whether you're an NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, or NBA fan, this sports bar has all the sports shows you want to watch.

Besides its fantastic sports shows and cold beer, it serves delicious beer-match food.

Its must-tries include grilled chicken wings, chipotle, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and other short orders that are perfect to pair with your drink.

Head to the Scores Sports Bar & Grill to watch your favorite team's big game with your pals.

Kouzena 220

Tables and chairs in Kouzena 220
https://www.kouzena220.com/

Kouzena 220 is a charming restaurant known for its homemade Traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

You can visit this restaurant along 6th Street in Racine's downtown area.

This family-owned restaurant takes pride in its traditional Greek dishes using wholesome and fresh ingredients.

Amazingly, this restaurant has served locals in Racine for many years.

Interior of Kouzena 220
https://www.kouzena220.com/

The restaurant is run by the owner's third generation, continuing its tradition of serving delicious Greek food to locals.

Its dining area has a cozy and Greek-inspired interior, giving you that relaxing feeling.

Meanwhile, its food is impressive, especially its gyro, pork souvlaki, Greek oven-roasted chicken, and salads.

Book a table at the Kouzena 220 and taste authentic and homemade Traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes, especially with your loved ones.

Racine Merchandise Mart

Racine Merchandise Mart is a quirky local store that sells a wide variety of items you can think of.

You can visit this shop along Washington Avenue.

This store has served Racine locals since 2004.

It specializes in top-quality, pre-loved furniture, home decorations, artworks, jewelry, pottery, and antique items.

Its store has plenty of shelves filled with pre-loved items in pristine condition.

Thus, it's an exciting place for shoppers, especially those fond of thrift shops.

You're guaranteed to have fun browsing thousands of unique items at affordable prices.

Drop by the Racine Merchandise Mart whenever you're itching to shop for pre-loved items.

Carriage House Liquors

Carriage House Liquors is your go-to store for alcoholic drinks, charcuterie, and other essential grocery items.

You can visit this convenience store along State Street.

Locals love to drop by this store to grab their favorite alcoholic drinks, whether beer, wine, or spirits.

At the same time, it has a wide array of food items, including cheese, hams, bacon, chips, sandwiches, and plenty more.

On top of that, check out its fully functional cocktail bar, where you can grab your favorite drink besides shopping for some for later.

It's a no-brainer why the Carriage House Liquor is one of the local favorites regarding convenience and options for drinks and whatnot.

Mocha Lisa Coffeehouse

Exterior of Mocha Lisa Coffeehouse
https://mochalisacoffeehouse.com/our-story

Mocha Lisa Coffeehouse serves some of the most delicious brewed coffee in the city.

You can visit this coffee shop along four and ½ Mile Road in a century-old farmhouse.

This family-owned coffee shop takes pride as Racine's first fully operational coffee house since 2004.

It has a wide array of hand-crafted coffee drinks and non-coffee-based drinks.

At the same time, it serves teas and an assortment of pastries and bakery treats, with plenty of gluten-free options.

You can enjoy all its offerings and sweet treats inside a warm and lively setting usually packed with coffee lovers.

Besides coffee and pastries, this place also hosts art galleries and art-related events.

Numerous local artists display their masterpieces for customers and other artworks such as jewelry, photos, and crafts.

With all that in mind, Mocha Lisa Coffeehouse is a one-stop shop for caffeine, delicious treats, and local arts.

R&V Night Club

R&V Nightclub is probably one of the few places to enjoy a night out.

You can visit this nightclub along 16th Street.

This club features various DJs with signature party beats, regularly providing locals with top-notch parties.

At the same time, it has a welcoming and lively atmosphere that instantly sets you mood to party.

It also offers a wide array of craft beer, local wines, imported wines, cocktail drinks, and other liquor.

For a worthwhile night out with your friends, head to R&V Nightclub and enjoy partying until dawn.

Avenue Pet Shoppe

Avenue Pet Shoppe is the one-stop shop for all pet goodies and essentials.

You can drop by this shop along Washington Avenue.

This shop mainly specializes in pet food from frozen, dried, and wet pet food for cats and dogs.

At the same time, it has pet foods for reptiles and aquatic animals.

Besides the typical pet food and essentials, it sells a wide array of dog and cat treats, toys, and grooming supplies.

Its in-house groomers also offer grooming services for your four-legged companion.

Its owner has vast experience working in the pet retail business, making her an expert in this particular business.

This store, established in 2014, remains Racine's go-to shop for everything essentials for pets.

Drive to Avenue Pet Shop whenever your pet cat or dog runs out of food.

Petals by Felicia

Table setup from Petals by Felicia
https://petalsbyfelicia.com/about-us/

Petals by Felicia is a floral boutique that creates many traditional, modern, and custom designs for all life's occasions.

You can visit this flower shop along Washington Avenue.

This shop creates exceptional flower bouquets, including birthdays, graduations, weddings, sympathies, funerals, and even your simple date with your other half.

Besides its leading service, this flower shop also offers event planning, specific weddings for flower decorations, and rentals.

Table centerpiece from Petals by Felicia
https://petalsbyfelicia.com/about-us/

Like most businesses in Racine, it's a family-owned and operated company that has been serving locals for many years.

Petals by Felicia is known throughout Racine for its excellent customer service, fresh products, and gorgeous designs.

Thus, it makes them a household name in this particular business.

Besides Racine, this flower shop also serves Kenosha and Milwaukee Counties.

Butcher & Barrel Gastropub

The Butcher & Barrel Gastropub is a fine dining restaurant with a modern pub twist.

You can dine at this restaurant along 6th Street.

Fascinatingly, this restaurant is in a 120-year-old restored historic building in the heart of Racine's downtown area.

It takes pride in serving top-quality seasonal ingredients cooked from scratch.

Its menu is known for its excellent comfort foods, steaks, and fresh seafood.

It also has excellent craft beer choices, fine wines, and hand-crafted cocktail drinks to pair with its delectable menu items.

Some of its must-tries include Steak Frites, porcini risotto, grilled salmon, smoked beef ribs, etc.

Enjoy the Butcher & Barrel Gastropub's delicious menu items and drinks in its welcoming and intimate dining area.

At Your Service Small Engine Repair

At Your Service Small Engine Repair is one of Racine's longest-operating multi-repair and improvement services.

You can visit its shop along Douglas Avenue.

It specializes in fixing and maintaining vehicles, outdoor power equipment, riding mowers, lawnmowers, snowblowers, and plenty more.

It has on-site and drop-off repair service options for its clients at competitive prices.

This business has been operating since 2007 and takes pride in its personalized customer service and top-quality products.

To solve your car and lawnmower problems, contact At Your Service Small Engine Repair.

Final Thoughts

These businesses continue to thrive and provide Racine locals with excellent products and services, inspiring those planning to open their businesses.

Continue supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs.

Start with these small businesses in Racine, Wisconsin!

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