Great food, amazing staff, great atmosphere. My friend just came in for food but left with so much more. You must join the bitters club!!! made so many friends at the bar. Touch tunes, pool, darts, throw a dollar up for a good cause. This bar perfectly encapsulates what Wisconsin is!!! read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

The single star is for the sweet young man (possibly age 16-19?) that was extremely apologetic several times. If it wasn't for him this establishment would get 0 stars. We stopped in on a Monday with a large group of 12. The place was slightly busy with about 5-6 tables, including a larger group of 6-8 in the back that was eating. The kind young man greeted us and told us he could seat us separately. We were not happy with that option, but with many places closed Monday afternoon - we decided that would be okay. After realizing the tables in the back were moved together, I very politely approached the young man along with a second older man (longer mixed grey hair, who was feverishly writing something down). I politely said, "excuse me, do you mind if we put together the tables like the one on the back?" Before I even finished the sentence the older man quickly turned around and literally screamed as loud as he could "NO WE DONT DO THAT!" Then turned right around and started writing. I was so taken aback - that I walked back to our table and sat. The young man came over clearly embarrassed by what happened and apologized saying the other man was having a bad day. We sat there for 5 more minutes. Finally my husband went and grabbed menus. After waiting a bit longer, we decided to leave. That man left me feeling completely uncomfortable. He appeared very angry and we were just not comfortable being there. Give that sweet kid a pat on the back - and the other man - wow - I have no words read more

Party of 9. First they didn't want to move over a table to have a place for all of us to sit. The waitress was blonde and told us we couldn't move the table because it would scratch the floors-restaurant policy. Then someone else came over and told her it was fine. Then she didn't want to let us split our checks. We left and no one cared! She CLEARLY didn't care to serve our group, and no one else did anything, either. Not sure how any business these days, on an Island especially, wouldn't want to accommodate nine adults wanting drinks and food on the last Sunday of September! Guess our money isn't any good here. Absolutely terrible. read more

Look, you know and I know, that what you're really coming here for, is to join the Bitters Club. We entered the bar and were greeted with a stereotypical Wisconsin bar vibe. We grabbed our seats, the bartender took our order, and somehow in the conversation told us that bitters taste like Christmas. She was lovely, and told us the deal: You sign the card you're given. You down the shot (it DOES taste like Christmas!!!). You dip your thumb in the remaining drops of bitters in your shot glass, and make a thumb print on your card. You sign the guest book. Done, Done, Done, DONE! And, I'd do it again. I even purchased a bumper sticker, because, c'mon, TOURIST!!! There are 2 sides to this place, the dining room and the bar. We didn't eat here, so I can't speak to that, but again, that's not why you REALLY came here....just do the shot of bitters and join us...... 44/2022 read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - the label on the table - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

Nelsen's is an absolute easy recommendation because you're literally willingly stuck on an island next to the infamous Port De Mortes. Number one on the Hit List is the fact you'll be in a bar and restaurant that includes the world's finest drinkers on the Planet, Yes Authentic Wild Wisconsin Cheeseheads!! Plus you're required by no one to definitely have a Shot of Angostura Bitters to be in The Exclusive Nelsen's Hall Bitters Club. Then you have a card that states you'll be back year after year. The food is classic Wisconsin Supper Club with Booze, and then dessert with more Booze!! The bartender is probably in a great mood especially if the Packers are killing the Bears. There's pool and huge bar, plenty of room for everyone from anywhere in the Midwest. #GoBears PS- There's a small motel stumbling distance nice door too. read more

Good food old time atmosphere. The door county old fashion is excellent. Don't forget to join the bitters club! read more

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As one of the handful of places that open daily at 11, I decided to have brunch here, and later on dinner. The entire building has an old, rustic wood feeling to it. The bar area has definitely seen years of age, sort of like stepping back in time. The lunch/dinner menu is limited, but the options they provide are plentiful. I opted out for my traditional burger combination for brunch and I was surprised by the quality of ingredients. Impressed by how lunch went, I decided to revisit again for dinner (fancier menu) and I was not disappointed! It may look like a shack from the outside, but if you're looking for some history, a drink, or food...look no further! Pros: Vegetarian options Attentive bartenders Vast lunch/dinner menu Pool table/dart boards/slots Outdoor seating Cons: no AC WiFi available: I tested the speed : 0.12mbps read more

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Always a great place to visit and enjoy the drinks and great Food. A pure treasure ! A definite must see & visit on Washington Island ! Hosts are great people and very friendly ! read more

So this is a really unique Pub on Washington Island As A Former Bartender I do know That Angostura Bitters are delicious To be a member of the Bitters Club you take a shot of bitters. Sounds Gross but really isn't. Nelsens from what Im told is the largest user of Angastora Bitters in the country... well maybe but definitely stop by read more

While this place is a restaurant, too, we went here for gin and tonics. So be prewarned I cannot speak for the food. Our bartender was a really nice guy. Made us feel welcome. Our drinks were really good and stout with Tanqueray. The history here is that a fellow on the island started making bitters to get around prohibition. The 90 proof "tonic" was not banned by prohibition. So Washington Island folks became the biggest drinkers of bitters in the country. The main attraction here is joining the Bitters Club. You are presented with a shot of bitters ($5) and you drink it. When done you put your thumb into the shot dregs and put your thumbprint on your membership card. You are now an official islander with "priveledges". I slamed my shot! It wasn't bad...very clovey. After I survived my sweetie took her shot. We're in! Had cloves burps for the rest of the afternoon. Not that bad...I like cloves. If you're on de island and you want to try something unique it would behoove you to check this place out. We had fun! read more

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This a must on the island it's a friendly spot with locals and toursit blended together. Depending on the time of year, they have a supper club, tavern menu, and pretty great pizzas. Love the tap selections. Mel is a great bartender to chat it up with. Many friendly people to talk to that have a history of the island to share. Join the bitters club and get the story! The walls are covered with island history worth looking at. Lots to see here for a quick beer or a long hang and watching a game or playing pool. read more

Its okay. Fun bitters club if you do a shot. Drinks were not consistent - my husband and I got brandy old fashioneds that seemed like they were from different bars. The bartenders ignored us because we sat at the wrong side of the bar I guess. We had the chicken masala and the sauce was literally the best masala sauce I've ever had had but our chicken sandwich was average. A little disappointing we couldn't get separate checks for a larger table as it left us trying to do the math and settle the tab. read more

We stopped in for a beer after touring the island. Good draft selection, friendly bartender and a lot of history. A good place to stop and take in the atmosphere. read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - We stopped in for a beer after touring the island. Good draft selection, friendly bartender and a lot of history here. - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

Historic place in the center of town. We dined inside and joined the Bitter's Club. Food not outstanding but solid enough lunch. Great ambiance and good service. read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - Island burger - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

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Prices are too high. A sandwich, burger, onion rings and two beers set us back $52 with tip. The server was a very helpful pleasant young man. The bartender was a bit grumpy and overwhelmed. Ambience is old-style Wisconsin bar with old tools decorating the walls. The place is clean and tidy. Service is friendlier to groups who are regulars, who are ordering expensive steaks. This is the oldest continuously running bar in the USA -they did it by serving bitters during Prohibition. Food was quite good. read more

Great service and great food. The bathrooms were clean too. My daughter has food allergies and the waitress was very nice to double check the ingredients of the buns and hoagie bread. There was no wait which was awesome. Our kids were hungry! You can't sub chips for fries but that was no biggie. Their onion rings were tasty and the bacon in their island burgers were tasty and thick! read more

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Delicious dinner, superb service. We loved the cherry old-fashions! special place Thank you!!

Not very "kid" friendly in my opinion. My teenage son wasn't allowed to use the pool tables. He's a little old for a claw machine. We would've stayed but left. We took our shot of bitters and left. Staff wasn't overly enthused to take time and give us the history. I felt as though we were inconveniencing the bar tender. Oh well. read more

Becoming a member of the Bitters Club involves taking a shot of bitters- surprisingly not terrible - and then you spend the next 20-30 minutes feeling like you're floating. ;) The brandy old fashioned's were delicious. The bartender was very knowledgeable regarding the history of the hall. We shared the island burger and a side of fries, both very good. Will definitely return to this lovely and historical place read more

This place might be my favorite place on earth. We came out first night on Washington Island and loved it so much we came back on our second and last night. It's the best place to get to know the locals and get tips on what to do on the island. The bitters club is super fun and a very unique story to the business- I highly recommend doing the challenge when you stop by. I had the best Old Fashioned of my life here. The beer selection is also good. They serve food as well although we did not eat here. The service is great and some of the friendliest people I've ever met. Nelsen's is a MUST if you ever find yourself on the island. read more

A group of us were exploring Washington island and stopped in here for lunch. Since we were early in the season, we had the place to ourselves. Our group of 12 ordered quite a bunch of the items off the menu including Pizza, fried chicken, cheese burger, veggie burger, and special white fish wrap. To be honest the food and service weren't anything special but the joint has a great historic feel having been a fixture on the island for Decades. The fried chicken was fine, nothing special and the 8-piece "bucket" was 2 large breasts, 2 thighs, 2 wings and 2 drumsticks-enough for three of us for lunch (note: all you get is chicken, no sides). The highlight of our visit was "joining" the bitters club. Walk over and take a seat at the historic bar. The super friendly bar tender will give you a Full (like up to the very top) shot of angostura bitters and you chug it right down. Apparently this tradition started as a work around to the restrictions of prohibition with this "tonic" being deemed a digestive to settle the stomach after a meal. Cost is $4.50 and you will get a little membership card and you can write your name in the big membership book too-this was fun! Don't worry, the shot itself wasn't too bad despite bitters being 90 proof-tastes like cough medicine - and much more pleasant that tequila shots! And, you will have a great story to share when you get home. read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - Join the bitters club - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

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Service is great, historic drinks, no food on certain days or times. Very helpful people

Definitely need to stop here if you're visiting Washington Island. We were a group of 5, with the youngest being 3. They allow kids, have a couple or arcade games, and pool tables. We came in around 2 and it wasn't busy at all. Had a couple of beers, cheese nuggets, and of course bitters. Our waitress was great. Very friendly and attentive. She told us the history of the bitters shot and took our picture while we drank it. After you take the shot, you sign a members book and receive a card. Fun and unique. read more

Very fast service, and food was great. We made sure to try the Bitter Shot. They were very polite as well. Its a must if you come to the island. read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - Bitter shot - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

Typical pub/bar atmosphere with a few locals and some tourists. Service was great. We had sandwiches with chips - grilled white fish, burgers, and grilled chicken. Served hot and tasty. read more

If you visit the island it's pretty much a requirement that you stop here and join the bitters club. Otherwise a nice low-key place to grab a drink and they make really good pizza - thin crust with lots of toppings and reasonably priced.I have not tried any of the other food but I can vouch for the pizza. read more

This is my second time here and my boyfriend and I got food here for our vacation and honestly the salmon with the dill sauce was amazing, the servers were nothing but kind. I would come back for the salmon next year for sure!! read more

They serve sit down meals- not sure why Yelp is saying takeout only. Obligatory stop on the island for a shot of bitters. It was mid afternoon and not busy so we got to have a conversation with the bartender who was great. Decent beer selection but not overwhelming by any means. We had some cheese nuggets (curds) as a snack but they really didn't stand up to WI standards. Fun stop and the shot of bitters isn't anything to worry about. Sweeter than I would have guessed so don't get scared away from joining the club! read more

The best Burgers, friendly service, a Historic place that has been open non stop since 1899, right through prohibition. Join the Bitters Club and become a part of history. Wonderfull old photo's, the back bar is beautiful, just lots of fun. read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - Nelsen's Hall and Bitter's Pub, the back bar. - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

I have - so far - always dedicated my Yelp milestones to something special. I am dorky like that. Don't hate. This time is no exception. 400 = Nelson's Hall Bitters Pub, and it's probably the most special of 'em all. Washington Island, WI. Beyond the tip of the Door County thumb. You take a ferry, and you are there, in Scandinavian land. We arrived in the rain and the wind. I didn't even want to start thinking about how desolate the place must be in the dead of winter. That's why people up there need warmth, comfort and bitters in their whiskeys, gin, rum, ....milk?!? Nelsen's is the longest running drinking establishment in Wisconsin. Some say the country. Who cares. The Prohibition left them untouched (Eliot Ness?!? Such an amateur!); bitters were viewed as 'fortifiers' despite being 90 proof. Odd much??!? Well it was the 20s guys. I just know that you feel special when you push the door at night. History is everywhere and you can read the walls at length on your way to the bathroom. That night we were quite a few to have found 'refuge' in Nelson's. We were all at the bar. We ordered a couple of old-fashioned, and kicked back. The barman was great, and told us stories about Australia, surf and extreme sports. He was soon moving back to Chicago to try to find a 'career'. He grew up on the island. Had a rocky voice. I felt....comfortable. If you decide to cross the Death Passage, do yourself a favor and go to Nelson's. You can become a member of the Bitters Club, and feel like an old sailor too. read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

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On a recent trip to Door County we took the ferry over to Washington Island, a great idea. We also thought, what the heck, we'll have lunch there, terrible idea. The Ferry ride was fabulous and fun. The Island itself is gorgeous and if we hadn't had our car we would have rented scooters or bikes. If you come here, I would recommend doing all of that. But eat lunch in Door County. We looked over all the lunch choices and read the Yelp reviews and chose to eat here. There really weren't a lot of viable options. If we were looking to get loaded this probably would have been a good choice. But we just wanted some burgers and something to go with it. We ordered the burgers and a broccoli/cheese appetizer. It all arrived together. The app was obviously frozen and then heated up in the oven, it was completely gross. The burgers were obviously precooked and then microwaved. The buns were cold, the meat rubbery. The lettuce and tomato were fine as were the cokes. Our server was earnest and the bar was full of interesting collections and memorabilia. By all means, take the Ferry to Washington Island but unless you are hoping to get wasted, do your eating before you board or bring a picnic. I wish I had thought of all this BEFORE I visited! read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - Outside of bar - it's not a restaurant, really just a bar - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

This place is great. Not only because of the history that is deeply rooted in this establishment, but just the fun you can have hanging out with the locals and chatting with the bartenders/servers. The food here is always good. It is not an elaborate menu, but pretty standard. Again, it's still good food. Hang out, have a good meal, a cheap drink - and then face the inevitable. Most people, if you come to the island enough, know that you have to get your Bitters Card. You need to take, "The Cure". It has become tradition that this place has been serving Bitters to customers since the days of prohibition, now, you can be a part of that history. Step up to the bar, and tell the bartender you need to take your shot and get your card. They set you up, and you take your shot! You then get to sign the book and say how much you loved it! Ha! Then, you get to sign your Bitters Card, and carry it with you proudly! It is valid for one year, so that means you need to go back every year to keep yourself in the Bitters Club. Great place, and I never miss it when I am on the island. read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - Bitters Shots - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

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The kitchen is fabulous this summer. Keep it up. Steak was superb and beyond what we expected. Wish we had tried the tasty lamb shank on special. White fish is refreshing. Pizza is so-so, but fine for the kids. Salad bar is small but healthy. The cherry crisp dessert had other diners turning their heads and was outstanding for those consuming. read more

We loved it here. Came on a Friday night and everything was exceptionally good -- the food, drinks, service, and ambiance. I had a veggie burger and manhattan, and my husband had the white fish and a beer. Everything was excellent, especially the manhattan. We'll definitely be back. read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin

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Joined the bitters club. Had a cherry old fashioned. Was delicious. Wife and sister in law who don't like old fashioneds, loved it too. Would've like to have spent more time there but was in a hurry to catch the last ferry off the island. read more

We finally made it to the island and we were so looking forward to joining the bitters club and celebrating my daughter's birthday. We were warned immediately that it would be a 15 minute wait. We had no problem with that. I tried to get a menu and was snapped on by a female bartender that she needed to add something. She added whatever and then she completely ignored me and walked away. The other female bartender finally got to us and we ordered our bitters and we also ordered waters that we never received. We wanted to order food and she came back with our total. I get that they were short staffed but the bartenders were filling the other drinks around the bar and completely ignored us. We tried to eat there but were pretty much pushed out. A complete disappointment. We took our business down the street the Middle Bar, where they actually talked to us and had a great meal!! read more

Excellent food! Island burger is to die for! Good service! Would definitely come back again!

This place is all about ambience. Other than that it's your average country bar. There is a historical tribute to prohibition and how the owner became a licensed pharmacist so he could sell "patients" shots of Angostura bitters during prohibition. You can become a bitters club member by buying a shot. They have a full bar and about 6 tap beers. The menu consists of typical bar food. If you're on the island, stop in just to say you did. read more

How have I never written a review for Nelsen's?? I've been coming here since I was a little girl (in the 80s) and have always loved it. From the time I was little I'd sit next to my parents and aunts & uncles as they watched a race or football game on the tv (as our cabin on Washington Island has never and will never have a tv) while chowing down on a burger or playing the awesome tabletop Pacman game they used to have. As an adult, I stop in when I can for lunch or to introduce friends new to the Island to the Bitters Club. While I myself have avoided joining this hallowed club of orange thumbs, I've been there for many others to join. My sister, in her wedding dress, en route to the reception. Friends. Cousins. It's always a good time. The food is really good and you can eat at the bar (easiest at lunchtime or early in the evening) or in the dining room (especially good for families). The service is always good and the barstaff are always chatty and friendly. The faces have changed over the years, and the hall itself has had a few alterations, but the spirit of Nelsen's, and the good times I always have there, carry on. read more

First of all, there is the bitters shot. Its like swallowing Christmas. It makes me feel totally at peace with the world for about 20 minutes after. And then there is the history and lore of the bitters, and the tales of the ghosts that haunt the place. The building and decor are Northern WI charming and homey. The bartenders are super friendly and seem to really enjoy talking to people and their job. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub - American Near Me - Washington Island, Wisconsin