This review is long overdue for Angler's. As a true foodie, who worked for a food manufacturing company, who eats out almost 5x a week, and at many of Chicago's best restaurants for 40+ years, I believe I bring an experienced perspective on the quality Angler's provides. Furthermore, as a life-long vacationer/ owner in the Northwoods, I'm very familiar with almost every restaurant in the area. So here goes. ANGLER'S IS THE BEST RESTAURANT IN THE NORTHWOODS. Here are the top must tries and overview. 1. Best speciality soup offerings in the Northwoods (and Chicago!!!). You will not have a more flavorful experience. Not kidding--best ever. Seafood Gumbo is the daily delight, but return often for the different daily variations. The only disappointment I've ever had was a Tomato Bisque. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but just not SPECIAL like the others. 2. Best burger in the Northwoods. I've learned the keys to their taste are two-fold. Their proprietary seasoning is just remarkable--a huge difference maker. Secondly, they only buy premium meat, which makes their burgers (and other items) exceptionally tasty and tender. Together, they will make your mouth water. Again, from vast experience, none better in the Northwoods. And that says a lot considering every establishment offers one... but only Angler's has this catch of the day...everyday. 3. Steak Sandwich. With cheese, onions and mushrooms, it is as tender and flavorful as any I've ever experienced. Why? As referenced earlier, the premium cuts of the most tender (cut it with a fork) meat and seasoning will turn your mouth into a sea of flavor. Of course, this applies to any steaks, chicken, fish and other meals they serve as well. Definitely, no "bland meals" served here. 4. Like a salad? Get it made with any protein added and you will be wonderfully shocked. Homemade dressings are fabulous (blue cheese is exceptional). My wife is picky, and even she says they are one of the best she has ever had! 5. Pizza. Good pizza is hard to find up in the Northwoods, yet, Angler's has a hidden gem here--"Angler's Special". Simply said, compared to Chicago pizza, forgetaboutit! Their Special is killer! While I'm usually a cheese and sausage guy, order the Special. It's, well, to die for! Main dinner meals? Mouth-wateringly good. No throwaways here. All meals make your taste buds dance--no swings and misses. Co-owner Chef Paul and his well-trained Sous Chef are truly artists in the kitchen. Serving large portions, you can't make a bad decision off their menu. What's it like to eat inside there? Well, it's positioned as "a restaurant...not a bar". And, in all aspects, that's true. With a warm, quiet, cabin-like, atmosphere overlooking beautiful Vance Lake, it delivers a wonderfully relaxing Northwoods experience, but never 'bar food'. Additionally, it's combined with a new outside dining area with large screen tvs and live music often. Located on the bike trail, ride on over and grab a table or saddle up to their beautiful bar. Either way, it's a fun, lively time. With any great restaurant, service is key and Angler's over-delivers. Talented, uber-friendly (and kinda sassy in a good way) servers combined with a fun co-owner behind the bar serving perfectly proportioned drinks adds to the dining pleasure. And guess what? Angler's offers all of this at a fair price, too. What a concept! Downsides? Only two. It needs a sundae added to their wonderful dessert options. In Wisconsin, where dairy is so good, just add it. Nothing creamier than Wisconsin ice cream! Secondly, there is a select menu of wonderful faire for outside dining. Currently only available inside, customers would benefit from having Angler's fantastic soup options included on the outside menu. Just a thought...but a tasty idea. NOTE: While other places are given 5-star reviews like candy by, respectfully, less experienced diners/reviewers, trust me--this place actually is number 1. As a true foodie with 40+ years of daily dining at many of the finest restaurants in Chicago, and almost all of the "top" restaurants in the Northwoods over my lifelong experience coming up here, Angler's is simply he best. If you want a restaurant that will consistently tickle your tummy and bring a smile to your face, catch what Angler's is cooking up today. (Reservations are required for dinner.) Bon appetite! read more

See all

Good food, friendly service. They were a big help on the patio when the rain started. No big deal, sunshine was out again in no time. Cash only!! read more

See all

Got here late on a Friday night. Other place was out of fish fry. The seating now is outside only but there are nice tables, bar and picnic tables and bags to play. Had some folky music. Waitstaff was so nice. The halibut was very good. The walleye my hubs thought was a bit mushy...but he typically likes fried. The tuna was my rare enough but was a nice size. We went back a couple nights later...for the cheap drinks and the gumbo was soooooo good. Ordered pizza for take out and that was good too! Would recommend! read more

Anglers - Old fashioned...Whiskey,bourbon or brandy and sweet or sour. - Bars Near Me - Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

See all

Great experience at this restaurant in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. It was nice to get to a full-service restaurant after such a long respite due to the COVID-19 closures. Our family had a great experience. Our server was very friendly, outgoing, and helpful with the gluten-free options. read more

See all

I've never been to this restaurant before it was my first time, and they claimed that they knew me and that they've had problems with me before and it got to the point where the owner put his hands on me. I've never ever been there before. I can't believe this happened it makes. The staff here is the most rude and on top of it all the food is mediocre at best. read more

The best thin crust pizza I have eaten for years. Great job! Nice people, great food, fun place!

Three of us were first-time visitors for dinner and loved it. We were seated by a big picture window overlooking Vance Lake. In addition to an interesting menu, the daily specials were intriguing. Our server was especially nice and very attentive. Next visit we will try their lunch menu and very soon our weather will enable us to enjoy a meal on their outside deck. The three of us all give this restaurant 5 stars. read more

Make a reservation if you want an opportunity to visit this restaurant. Entrees here are not to be found anywhere else in the area. Highly recommend. read more

Great food! Great friendly staff! Right on the snowmobile trail. Pizza is delicious. Love this place!

Great fish and chips. Tasty mushroom soup. Ate at bar and had solid service and really quick meal prep.

Been here a few times this summer and have had the same crappy service. The owner/ bartender is the rudest person I've ever met. Food is so so, but the attitude of the owner is something I can't handle. Won't be back! read more

Out for a drive with family who are visiting, Anglers was our lunch stop. Not too crowded and a perfectly delightful server plus a delicious meal made it a great choice. The patty melt and fries were very good, but the cheese curds were over the top good. A piece of tiramisu cake was shared and it was so tasty! read more

First time eating here. Very happy with entire experience! First, had several excellent wine choices. Many Northwoods place only have those mini bottles of nasty cheap wine. Food was really great. Homemade gumbo that was outstanding and very solid thin crust pizza. Topping it off was a great server who managed the whole dining room largely alone (bar tender pitches in to help a few times). We will be back!!! read more

Michelle runs a great restaurant and the two main servers are dedicated professionals that know their craft so well. The Walleye is to die for and I just discovered the Chicken Parm is great too! And drinks are excellent and generous pours. Great family run place in beautiful Manitowish Waters! read more

Patio lunch in the Northwoods! Walked down to the lake across the street. Beautiful view from Anglers patio as well. Husband had a ribeye sandwich and I had a fresh caught trout sandwich. Ribeye hardy with grilled onions. The trout sandwich was moist and delightful with a lettuce tomato and a garlic aoli sauce. And of course I tried a strawberry margarita not so much strawberry but they don't short you on liquor up here. It's cash only bring it or there is an ATM there. read more

We met some friends here for dinner last week and the service was great. We all four ordered something different and we were all talking about how delicious it was and 3 of us needed to go boxes because there was so much food! Thank you Angler's for such a great experience... we will DEFINITELY be back! read more

Great place. Paul was wonderful. Outdoor bar is beautiful. Live music was very enjoyable read more

Anglers - Bars Near Me - Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

See all

Don't really know what is going on with Anglers. Owners seem nice but they are obviously burnt out on bar business. Sometimes open sometimes not. Hired help sometimes very rude. Suggest that you drive by and go to Shillelagh or Mannys - you will have more fun! read more

Great food, great service! Waitress was friendly! Sat right by the wood burner, so it was toasty warm in January!

A group of 4 of us stopped for a bite before going to shoot skeet. A bright inviting Northwoods atmosphere. A very brisk lunch business had the place 2/3 full. The front of the house (& bar) staffed by one of the owners. She was very pleasant and efficient. I had a very simple yet excellent 8oz burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Perfectly cooked at medium rare and not too compacted like so many are. A good sized portion of fresh fries comes with it. Others had chili, a Reuben, and wings. All received positive reviews. Wings, in particular, drew raves for taste and portion size. Beer selection was good. We'll definitely place this on a 'must return' list. read more

They don't have a clue. Is indoor and out two separate businesses? Why so rude? Better figure it out. Went to Manny's instead.

We were there yesterday for cocktails with a larger group. We sat outside and listened to live music. The owner was welcoming and absolutely delightful!!! We had an amazing afternoon. We had burgers and shrimp and they were awesome. Not to mention one of the waitresses gave one of our party members a much needed charger! Can not say enough good things about this place!!!! read more

Really great food. The owners are great at there job and the place is beautiful. The Walleye is wonderful. Best pasta in the North and the steaks and chops are always perfect. The prices aren't bad at all. And everyone loves there pizza. Highly recommend! read more

Major attitude. We don't need your business. Sorry for asking to see a menu! Won't go back

Very impressed with the Gluten Free offerings. Pretty much everything on the menu can be made GF and is amazing! Good service. You can tell that local traffic is really appreciated there and they all know each other. They are nice enough to visitors, but it's quite different. Still worth 5 stars. read more

The owners are some of the most entrepreneurial people in Manitowish Waters. They have transformed this business into one of the best culinary experiences in town. Good food good bar vibe. read more

Considering where this place is and how many places around here need staff/help, this restaurant is good. They accept reservations and were on time in seating said reservation. We have been here a few times and the food and service are consistently solid. A few highlights were the gumbo, walleye, and fried haddock. It is a nice clean establishment with a well stocked bar. read more

Tiffany our server was amazing! She was so attentive and anticipated our needs! You may not need the main dish because we ordered appetizers which were buffalo wings, cheese curds and appetizer medley portion size was significant! We almost couldn't eat our main dish. We ordered the Alfredo, fish fry and Ahe tuna. All dishes the dishes were very good. amazing! Would come again! read more

See all

A gem in Manitowish Waters for sure!! Excellent mouth watering steaks and amazing appetizers & atmosphere. Can't say enough good things. We shall return read more

Stopped in for lunch today, great burger, patty melt and fries. Our server was very nice. read more

Anglers - Lunch menu - Bars Near Me - Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

OMG! Everywhere you look the place has "DO NOT" signs which was immediately a turn off. DO NOT touch this. DO NOT do that. There is a huge handwritten sign about NOT letting your kids do anything except sit like statues in their seats. Instantly got a bad "vibe" in there. No one wants kids running around screaming in a restaurant, but seriously?!?! It's not like it was a fancy place either. They need to The food is ok. We ordered a burger for my son. The bun was icy cold but the burger itself was hot. They must freeze their buns. Nothing to write home about there. Absolutely positively the slowest place you will ever eat at. Fine if you know that going in, but we were seated immediately and spent 2 HOURS between waiting and eating. No wonder they have obviously had an issue with some kids getting restless. I know we were. read more

I like how it looks so rustic inside it fits the feeling of being up north. The food was excellent! We would order it again next time. Our waitress was really nice, however my dads food had a delay they got him something he did not order so they exanged it for what he wanted. Just remember to make a reservation because this place is always busy! read more

Anglers - Bars Near Me - Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

See all

We had a reservation for 10 people tonight. When we arrived our group was shown to 2 different tables. Apparently it was too much to ask that if you make a reservation for 10 people that your group would be seated together We asked if the tables could be pushed together. The waitress said "No, this is all we have'. We told her that wasn't acceptable and she replied "You don't have to be here." Unbelievably rude! When my husband asked Kim the owner if there was something she could do she said there was nothing. He told her it would have been nice to know we wouldn't be seated together when he made the reservation. She pushed him on the shoulder and said "Get out of my restaurant!" I have never seen such unwarranted rudeness from any one at all much less someone in the hospitality business! Needless to say, we will never again patronize this establishment. After reading other reviews this rudeness seems to be par for the course at Anglers. read more

Went Saturday night, had Prime Rib,Best one of the best Prime i have ever had. The seasoning on the outside was fabulous, the service was great. read more

Anglers - Bars Near Me - Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

Last 4 trips to Angler we've had great food and great service so we keep returning. Love Filet, Chicken Parm, Spaghetti and Pizza. Soups are good too. read more

Had a wonderful Friday night fish fry in the bar at Anglers on Memorial Day weekend. Never had better walleye than theirs. read more

Walked in and turned around and walked out. Do NOT come here if you have kids, they don't want your business. Which is a shame, because my boys were craving steak off the adult menu. No worries, we will head to Ding a Ling or Little Bohemia where kids are welcome. read more

Outstanding walleye!! Great new outdoor bar and seating area. A perfect spot if you're looking to social distance and have a great bite to eat. The owner is making an effort to keep people safe. Everyone was friendly and the service was quick. Paper menus, masks and limited inside tables. Recommend planning ahead. They get busy for take out. read more

Fantastic food & our server was wonderful! The Caesar Salad was great - pizza super tasty and the Haddock yummy!! The atmosphere was enjoyable and would recommend. read more

This joint is definitely one of the better restaurants in the MW area! I like it because it's more high end grub without the stuffiness of the other places in the area. It almost reminds me of The Rustic Inn.. No I don't need to dine on a friggin' white tablecloth in the Northwoods! First off, the bar is great..it's big with great TV's & also a pretty large beer list. They may have built it a few inches too high but that's ok! Started with a few apps and they were great/ would highly recommend the buffalo shrimp. Next came the salads.. these need work for sure..both of our salads had the "Heel" of the iceberg in the bowl? I mean like a big unappetizing chunk.. sold! Now onto the entrees.. we tried the ribeye and the filet, both large cuts. The chef hand cuts the meat everyday & it's prime, they said. The filet was phenomenal with some sauteed mushrooms and wild rice cooked a perfect MR! It was like the perfect combination. The ribeye was also very good & cooked perfectly! All the food took for what seemed like forever to come out of the kitchen but I think they are having trouble hiring good people.. they said? Also out of Baked Potato & Garlic Mashed on a busy night is no bueno/ but it happens! This would be my pick for a good steak in a relaxed atmosphere in MW.. get dat did! PS- skip the apple pie read more