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Three Must-Try Bars and Lounges Serving Northwoods Patrons Top-Notch Experiences

If you’re looking to sit down and have a drink, the Northwoods holds nearly limitless options. We’ve got your pubs and taverns, sports bars and grills, and dive bars galore, all offering their unique take on the quintessential qualities of the Northwoods. We’ve also got your supper clubs, lodges, and resorts that provide you with classic cabin retreat comforts and opportunities to sip your beverage while taking in a gorgeous Northwoods view. Last but not least, the Northwoods offers establishments that seek to provide an intentionally curated, handcrafted experience to their patrons. Whether you prefer craft beer, fine wine, or creative cocktails, you’ll find something you’ll love among these three Northwoods gems.
Rhinelander Tap Room – Rhinelander
Located inside the Rhinelander Cafe & Pub, a family-owned restaurant serving downtown Rhinelander for more than one hundred years, is the Rhinelander Tap Room, the largest beer tasting room in northern Wisconsin (established in 2018). Rhinelander Tap Room features craft beers from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota and offers 24 beers on tap in addition to their full bar. So grab a seat and taste the great finds of the Great Lakes region. You can order a pint, or if you’re on a quest to find your new favorite, order a flight of six samples. Although their selection is always changing, you can find brews from the likes of Stevens Point Brewery, Founders Brewing Co., Sawmill Brewing Company, 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, Keweenaw Brewing Company, Lift Bridge Brewing Co., Central Waters Brewing Company, Hinterland Brewery, and many, many more. You better come hungry, too. The Taproom offers small plates, such as wings, tacos, and flatbread, but the Rhinelander Cafe & Pub’s full menu is available, too.
Bitters + Bull – Lake Tomahawk
Bitters + Bull breathes new life into the old-fashioned. Unique variations on this classic include maple, blood orange, tamarind, chai & vanilla, and the extra tangy “Because I Said So.” But old-fashioned aren’t all you’ll find here. Some of Bitter + Bull’s other creative craft cocktails include inventive Moscow mules ranging from the Cajun mule to the hibiscus ginger mule, seasonally themed margaritas, and martinis (try the almond joy martini—it tastes like a candy bar). In addition to these delicious bar offerings, Bitters + Bull also has a menu full of your favorite dishes (from ribs, steaks, and burgers to lobster mac & cheese) all prepared from scratch and incorporating locally sourced ingredients.
The Vine – Minocqua
Whether you’re looking for somewhere with modern panache for date night, a calm corner to sip a glass of wine while poring over the book you can’t put down, or a relaxed spot to catch up with your friends, The Vine is a great choice. They offer an excellent selection of imported and domestic beers, high-quality wines to enjoy by the glass or the bottle, cocktails like the decadent tiramisu martini or refreshing citrus martini, and coffee beverages that can be enjoyed spiked or sans alcohol. Feeling peckish? The Vine serves tasty tapas, ranging from blue cheese & honey served with fresh fruit and warm bread to seared sashimi-grade tuna with pickled ginger and cracker flats. Linger longer, and treat yourself to one of The Vine’s award-winning desserts. Pair your pint with a piece of chocolate Guinness cake, or splurge on the cocoa desire or slice of cheesecake you have your eye on. You won’t be sorry you did.
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