Sample Northwoods favorites
Savor the flavor in Vilas County. This corner of the Northwoods is home to tasty restaurants, from gastropubs to lunch spots to fine dining experiences. Here’s just a small sampling of places to eat at next time you visit Vilas County.
Local favorites
When you’re in Vilas County, be sure to check out the spots adored by locals and visitors alike. Hillside Tavern & Grill in Sayner-Star Lake is under new ownership but still serves Vinchi’s famous recipes, including their fan-favorite thin-crust pizzas, as well as charbroiled sandwiches, fish, shrimp and ribs.
Taking its name from a former wildlife park in the area, Aqualand Ale House in Boulder Junction is a gastropub featuring 20 craft beers on tap, as well as artisan pizza and sandwiches, fresh salads and homemade desserts.
For a night out
Heading out with someone special in Vilas County? Visit Chef Rene’s at Eagle River to find appetizing dishes like duck confit, filet mignon, poached scallops and smoked salmon. Chef Rene’s, located at the Eagle River Inn & Resort, is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Head to the historic Eagle Waters Resort Restaurant on the shores of Eagle Lake to find classic Northwoods dishes like fish fry, prime rib and walleye. Dinner is served from 5 to 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Where to watch the game
Whether you’re following the NCAA Tournament or want to catch Opening Day on a big-screen TV, you’ll find fan-friendly sports bars and restaurants throughout Vilas County. The 19th Hole Sports Bar and Grill in St. Germain makes its home in a classic Northwoods log building and offers four big-screen TVs, a game room, pool table, darts and more—not to mention homemade pizzas and an all-day Friday fish fry. In the warmer months, enjoy the on-site par-three golf course and miniature golf course.
Another welcoming spot for sports fans is Buckshot’s Saloon in Eagle River. Enjoy chargrilled sandwiches and burgers, made-from-scratch pizzas and their tasty Friday night fish fry, featuring battered or fried cod, perch and walleye. There’s also Buckshots Downtown, which is open for lunch from 11 am to 5 pm every day except Wednesday. Enjoy deli sandwiches, pizza, soups and more in this family-friendly downtown hotspot.
