If you've been following the Only in Wisconsin page long enough, you are well aware of the quirkiness that fills our state. This quirkiness can carry into our restaurants. So while it might seem strange to the rest of the United States, it makes perfect sense that, in Wisconsin, you can eat good pizza while listening to a man play an organ. Why isn't this a national chain by now, really?
This unique restaurant has been in operation since 1976.
A town that's known as the quiet side of the Northwoods is a little less quiet these days. Just head down County Highway Y, and see the commotion at a little Wisconsin restaurant called Pickles Bar and Grill. This is no ordinary country bar – it’s the place known for a burger that some say is a masterpiece. The experts agree – it recently won the Wisconsin Beef Council's first-ever Wisconsin's Best Burger Contest. So what makes this the best burger in Wisconsin? I had to step inside this hidden gem restaurant to find out.
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You’ll find Pickles Bar and Grill in the town of Hazelhurst, a place that calls itself the quiet side of the Northwoods.
This year, I couldn’t believe the crowds I saw gathering at the bar – at times, there were so many parked cars, it looked like a country auction was taking place!
I had to step inside to see what makes this place so great.
At a glance, it seems like any classic Northwoods spot. There’s lots of wood decor, there are fish on the walls, and the bathroom doors are labeled “does” and “bucks.”
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While I love a lot of Wisconsin establishments, there are many that lean heavily on food that’s largely crafted by food service companies.
It’s a blend of brisket, short rib, and ground chuck, flavored with a house seasoning blend. There are also a lot of little nice details liked smoked garlic mayo, and of course, some wonderful little pickle slices.
I just barely snuck in before service was called for the night – a visit to Pickles these days can takes a bit of patience.
Because of all the attention its burger has received, the bar has been absolutely slammed this year, and there are limits to what a small kitchen and staff can do. It’s worth the wait, but if you can’t wait for a table, make plans to return another day. The burger at Pickles is worth it.
This place really blew me away. I need to keep running those miles on Y to burn off the great food at Pickles – maybe I’ll see you there! Learn more about Pickles Bar & Grill near Minocqua on the bar’s Facebook Page – see if you agree that it’s the best burger in Wisconsin! If you’re planning a trip North, here are some must-haves for nature lovers.
The Cafeteria-Style Restaurant With Some Of The Best Home-Cooked Food In Wisconsin
The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc County offers fresh, locally-sourced meals at the Wisconsin Cafe, alongside interactive agricultural exhibits.
For some of the best and freshest home-cooked food you’ve ever had, head to a Wisconsin farm. For an even better meal, head to the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. This state-of-the-art, interactive agricultural education center is located in Manitowoc County and it has a little cafeteria that serves some delicious farm-fresh Wisconsin food. It’s called the Wisconsin Cafe and it’s a place you should visit. Here’s why this out-of-the-way museum might also be the best-hidden restaurant in all of Wisconsin.
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The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center opened in 2018 to tell the story of agriculture, and it helps people better understand the source of the food they eat.
But here’s also a delicious way to learn about the importance of farming – just head to the Wisconsin Cafe and sample a little bit of agricultural bounty!
Start with a little dessert - the center serves up delicious Cedar Crest ice cream in a place called “Ice Cream Acres.” There are 16 flavors to choose from!
But you might want to stick to one scoop – there’s a lot more dairy deliciousness waiting for you. The Wisconsin Café serves up fresh, locally-sourced options for breakfast and lunch.
Every dish is made with Wisconsin farm ingredients. Savor a Wisconsin grass-fed Angus burger, a plate of Wisconsin bacon and eggs, or a delicious order of hand-battered Wisconsin cheese curds!
The Wisconsin Cafe is a great place to grab a meal if you’re heading up the Lake Michigan coast toward Door County. You can eat in the cafe without touring the center – although if you have time, you’ll want to fully experience this place. Have you dined here and explored the exhibits? Let us know about your visit in the comments section!
You can learn more on the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center website. You can also follow the Facebook page of the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center and the Wisconsin Cafe for all the latest updates. There’s a lot to discover in Manitowoc – it’s one of Wisconsin’s most overlooked towns, and it's home to the Harbor Town Inn, a beautiful little hotel with a lot of local charm and delicious free breakfast.
