North Pond

North Pond was a quite an experience. Let me just get this out of the way Diner23 gives North Pond 4 triangles for food and 4 for service/ambiance. The location in itself is beautiful. Lincoln Park pond and the trees all make it an amazing place to be. The building used to be an ice skating rental shelter. The warm arts and crafts style interior draws you in. The bar is small and not entirely a good place to hang out unless you are waiting for a table. Most of their libations are from local, organic, small distilleries. They have a nice wine by the glass list too. Once seated you are asked if you want to have the seasonal tasting menu, which is an assortment of Chef's selections starting with appetizers all the way to dessert. It is a great way to experience all they have to offer. WE chose to go with the regular menu. I think we felt we would be way to full at the end of the tasting menu. We tried the seared foi gras, it was tasty but, I think this diner was expecting it in a pate form. I had the Pork, Grits Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop, Suckling Pig Pavé, Bing Cherries, English Peas, Creamy Artisanal Grits, Pork Jus. It was very good. My friend (of 30 years : ) had Grassfed Beef, Cauliflower Grilled New York Strip Steak, Warm Purple and Gold Cauliflower Timbale, Almond Bulghur, Shallot Cream. All was expertly prepared and presented. There were times, briefly we half expected to see Agent Cooper stop in for some damn fine coffee.. Just the feel of the building I think. WE really liked it and yes we had room after dinner for some champagne at Pop's.

Lakeside on Lake Tomahawk

Lakeside is a great spot to fuel up your boat and fuel up your body! The only restaurant on Lake Tomahawk, Lakeside is a good one. There are plenty of spots to dock your boat, outside seating with umbrella tables and a gas pump for those who are low on boat fuel. The inside is decorated with pine beadboard paneling. Windows are on 3/4 of the walls, allowing ample sunshine in to make the place bright! The bar is equipped with just about anything you'd want and the people who work there are young and friendly. The food is pretty good. It is your basic bar food menu. Burgers, fish sandwiches, onion rings, wings etc... Their Bloody Mary gets high marks! Not too salty, not too spicy.. plenty of vegetables on a spear soaking in the tomato goodness. Don't worry about a dress code. Most people eating here have just got off their boat. I must say one time, only one time I was here, a lady came in wearing a thong bikini. Lets just say good thing Lakeside has plastic chairs...OOOOH!
Diner23 gives Lakeside 2 1/2 triangles for food; 3 for ambiance and service.

Mama's

Here is a place that to say the least is a tradition in the Northwoods area. It really is quite unique! Initially it looks sort of ..well..like a hole. BUT! If you really look at it, it looks like a quaint little well worn place, on a lake with great views. It is worn because it is well liked. We have been coming here for probably 10 plus years. There are people working here that were here when we started visiting. The cross, funny, sarcastic bartender that has to be at least 70 plus..makes any drink you could possibly want, as it should be made. The food is good. There are sub par selections, but honestly I think it is because the place is so popular quality can sometimes take a detour because of the volume of food that needs to be produced. Pizzas are expertly made with fresh ingrediants. Love the thin crust. Fish fry is very good, Herb chicken is a go to also. Mama's has been in Minocqua for 55 years. That says something! Mama's gets 2 1/2 triangles for food and 3 triangles for drinks and service.