Discover great dining options in Oneida County

Bring your appetite on your next trip to Wisconsin’s Northwoods—Oneida County boasts an impressive collection of restaurants, from classic supper clubs and lakeside eateries to organic cafes and craft breweries. Here are a few suggestions on where to go.

Supper clubs & Northwoods favorites

A visit to a supper club is one of the rites of passage for visitors to northern Wisconsin, and Oneida County has lots of these iconic institutions to choose from. Norwood Pines Supper Club in Minocqua offers outstanding ambience—diners can enjoy their meal on a screened-in porch with views of Patricia Lake in the summer—and delicious food like their famous baby back ribs, as well as an extensive wine list. SpiritView Lakeside in Three Lakes sits on the shores of Spirit Lake on Highway 32 and is known for its broasted chicken (which you can also get to go if you’re in a rush).

In the mood for a Friday fish fry? (Of course you are.) Oneida County is home to some of the Northwoods’ best spots for perch, cod, walleye, and more—and don’t forget the coleslaw and fries on the side. Backwaters Bar & Grill in Rhinelander offers breaded or baked cod, walleye, and perch with an outstanding view of the Wisconsin River. The Boathouse, an iconic restaurant on Minocqua’s waterfront, serves great seafood options like walleye, salmon, and tuna daily, and on Fridays, diners can choose from cod, northern pike, and perch.

Lakeside & outdoor dining

Pelican Lake is home to some of Oneida County’s best fishing lakes, but visitors can also enjoy outdoor dining on the patio at Sunset View Resort on Upper Post Lake—be sure to try their homemade pizza. Lake Tomahawk, located between Rhinelander and Minocqua in central Oneida County, has several good spots for outdoor dining, including Shamrock Pub N’ Eatery and Lizzy T’s Tamarack Tap.

In addition to The Boathouse, the Minocqua Area boasts several other waterside eateries, including The Thirsty Whale on Lake Minocqua and Slo’s Pub on Big Arbor Vitae Lake.

Organically & locally sourced offerings

Discerning diners will find plenty to love in Oneida County as well. Tilly’s, a popular spot for breakfast and lunch in Rhinelander, has a wide selection of seasonal and organic foods, including artisan coffee and tea and made-from-scratch pastries and dishes that use Wisconsin ingredients.

Fika Bakery & Coffee in Three Lakes uses local produce and high-quality ingredients to craft their cakes, cinnamon rolls, and other treats. CT’s Deli in Rhinelander offers gluten-free and vegetarian options in addition to their homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Beer, wine & cocktails

If all that Northwoods exploration is making you thirsty, sip back and relax at one of Oneida County’s bars, microbreweries, wineries, or distilleries. Northern Waters Distillery in Minocqua makes whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and moonshine, and Rocky Reef Brewing Company in nearby Woodruff has been brewing beer since 2015.

Three Lakes Winery is a northern Wisconsin institution and has been producing its unique fruit wines (including its famous Cranberry Wine) since 1972. Wine lovers can also head to Catalyst Wine Bar in downtown Rhinelander to choose from a wide selection of reds and whites and tasty snacks like bruschetta, fondue, and charcuterie plates.

Pizza

Pizza lovers also have plenty of Northwoods spots to choose from. In Three Lakes, Pike’s Pine Isle Lodge makes their own pizzas from scratch using the lodge’s signature crust—popular picks include their BBQ Brisket Pizza and the Meatlovers Pizza.

The Haven in Rhinelander has been serving tasty pizza pies for more than 50 years, and favorites at this family-owned restaurant include the Fritz Deluxe (named for Fritz Diekvoss, who took over the restaurant in 1969), which is topped with sausage, mushrooms, onions, pepperoni, and green olives.

Find more dining options in Oneida County here.