It was really late, and we were staying at the fine Hotel across the street. Hungry and moreover,…read morein the mood for a nightcap; finding nothing else open for business, we piled into this place, expecting nothing at all.
It's a bowling alley bar, in far North central Wisconsin. No frills, no atmosphere, and swelling with the sad vibes of being some of the onliest people in the place besides the staff VERY close to closing time.
We had just played a sold-out show at a wonderful Arts Center in Minocqua, so we were not bereft of self-esteem, we were just hungry and thirsty.
Well.
Cocktails first-being in Wisco, I had to order a Brandy Old Fashioned. It came in a generous plastic cup, the same size as my wife's Diet Coke. It was well-made. Goal #1 achieved.
We learned, gratefully, the kitchen was "still open"
The menu was a bit surprising. It didn't look like a typical "Bowling Alley Bar" menu. I ordered a "Patty Melt"-not my usual order, but the menu claimed it would come on rye bread with Wisco Cheese.
Wife ordered Burger and Fries, and our pal Max ordered "Shrimp"--thinking it would be the typical frozen crap one would expect at a bowling alley bar near midnight.
Well.
The "Melt" and Burger were delicious, the Fries were excellent, and the Shrimp were nicely steamed and very fresh.
WHAAAAAAAA?
I was sober, folks. and not THAT hungry to mistake mediocre for anything else. Somebody had some pride in that kitchen.
Although they locked the doors, they didn't throw us out. A cocktail or two more and a fine nightcap was had by all.
Kudos to Morgan the Bartender, who appeared like a droll Gen Z'er, but turned out to be most pleasant. We were encouraged to see her doing cleanup most enthusiastically--told us a lot about why the experience there was so enjoyable.
They care...You find that a lot in Wisconsin Restaurants.