Before you walk in, take a moment to study the rough-hewn, hand-carved columns outside. Cool. I…read morewonder who made them but didn't bother to ask anyone about their history.
Inside, it's all lodge-like knotty cedar on it's high ceiling and walls, and while that may not be novel for this part of the state, it is especially good quality, well-maintained, and nicely designed compared to the interiors of many of the other well-worn taverns in the area. However; that does not carry over to the bar seats that are well worn-out and held together with electric tape. So who cares, no one can see it once their butt is firmly in place.
Highly recommended: Prime Rib breakfast every Saturday and Sunday from 8a.m. til 12 p.m. Tender, juicy, lightly browned, served with tasty au jus, eggs your way, and hash browns made "special" with the addition of onion and melted cheese, on request.
Noteworthy touches: an adorable, elderly poodle mascot behind the bar, a lazy calico cat with her name embroidered on her own stool, and customers are welcome to bring in their well-behaved pups, as well; I would be remiss not to mention a small but adequate selection of slots in a side room near the screened back door.
The requisite beer and alcohol are available but served in plastic "glasses", so do like the natives and drink beer from the bottle. Full, decent quality pub grub menu. Ask the bartender for directions to Trader's tiki bar and food on the adjacent camp grounds on the Wisconsin river. It's called an island and it has the vibe.
If the upscale, aggressive bar scene in Chicago is beginning to seem more chore than it's worth, the quasi-dive/restaurants and supper clubs strung like wooden beads on a coir chain along the by-ways of this close-in Driftless Region (Google it) of Wisconsin are well worth the scenic, pastoral drive and time--especially if you're not looking to hook up, fall in love, get married, and have kids.
It's simply a great way to unwind, relax, and just be yourself by yourself, with your best buds, or SO--and return home with change for your ten-spot jingling in your pocket.