No visit to the Northwoods of Wisconsin is complete without kicking back with one of the state’s signature cocktails: the Old Fashioned. Whether you like yours with bourbon or brandy or sweet or sour, you’re sure to find something to raise your glass to at these bars and supper clubs.
Norwood Pines Supper Club
Nothing says the Northwoods like a classic supper club, and that’s just what you’ll find at Norwood Pines. Tucked among the trees south of State Hwy. 70 with views of Patricia Lake, Norwood Pines is one of northern Wisconsin’s oldest supper clubs and has an expansive menu that includes portabella filets, barbeque ribs, and delicious seafood. Stop by for their iconic Friday night fish fry and enjoy an Old Fashioned with your meal on the supper club’s screened-in porch or cozied up next to the fireplace.
Northfork Fin & Filet
This Arbor Vitae hotspot at the corner of U.S. Hwy. 51 and State Hwy. 70 is known for its delicious menu—you’ll find everything from caprese-stuffed avocado to ribeye to deep-fried scallops—but it’s also a great place to go get a drink. Grab a seat at the bar or enjoy the sights and sounds of the Northwoods on the spacious outdoor patio and enjoy an Old Fashioned made-your-way.
Northern Waters Distillery
Visit one of the area’s unique gems and sample some small-batch handcrafted spirits at Northern Waters Distillery just south of downtown Minocqua on Hwy. 51. Northern Waters makes whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and moonshine and offers tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors can also stop by the tasting room, which is open year-round, and enjoy classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned (made with Northern Waters’ own bourbon)
Sheri's Pub N Grub
A true local staple, Sheri’s Pub N Grub is the kind of place where visitors quickly feel like regulars. Known for its laid-back Northwoods atmosphere, friendly service, and hearty pub fare, it’s also a reliable spot to enjoy a classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned.
Located right in Minocqua, Sheri’s serves up crowd-pleasing favorites like burgers, wings, pizza, and a popular Friday fish fry — all best enjoyed with a well-poured cocktail in hand. Whether you prefer your Old Fashioned sweet or sour, it’s the perfect companion to a casual meal or an evening spent catching up with friends.
Skål Bar & Kitchen
Named after the Nordic word for “cheers,” Skål Bar & Kitchen in downtown Woodruff, embraces the spirit of gathering, celebrating, and savoring the moment. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a creative bar program, they offer an elevated setting to enjoy a classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned.
The cozy, modern space pairs perfectly with their globally inspired menu, making it an ideal spot to sip a well-crafted cocktail before dinner or linger over drinks after your meal. Whether you’re visiting for a special night out or a relaxed evening with friends, Skål Bar & Kitchen delivers a refined take on the Northwoods cocktail experience.
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