Lost In The Woods (Birchwood Bar & Grill) 07.11.2020

When I was a teen, our family used to rent a cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin for a week. There were nine of us. (7 children and 2 adults plus a dog) The place we stayed was just down the road from a funky little bar and grill, Birchwood. It was classic late 70's mixed with "Up North" A jukebox, sodas all the way around. The parents enjoyed cocktails. A great place to drop into during a rainy day for sure.
After a couple of years renting, my parents bought a lodge that originally was the office with guest rooms for the Limberlost Resort. They bought it in 1979. This weekend, we were moving them out. 40+ years of memories.
We decided to head to Birchwood for dinner. Tonight's visit to Birchwood might be our last for some time. This put a little pressure on your burger eater man. I chose to take the biggest challenge, Stark Tower, a homemade burger topped with onion rings, cheese curds and American cheese, another layer of ham, green peppers, onions, diced tomatoes and Swiss cheese, finished with bacon and melted cheddar. Held together on three layers of Texas toast. $17.99
I have to say, I was expecting a "tower" of food. It was tall, trust me. (see photos) The flavors all played together, none more outstanding than the other. I pinched off a piece of the burger patty just to be sure it tasted that good. Yep, good stuff.
Over the years, Birchwood has change owners. The current owners have elevated the cuisine to a much higher level than Bar Food. You can still get some of the classics, just better. Pizzas, Patty Melts, Fish Fry.

4.5 of 5
Relative to what I got, the price wasn't too crazy. I'm sure some folks that pass through might consider a $18 sandwich at a little bar and grill in Northern Wisconsin a bit much but, what a special treat. The staff had to stop out on the patio to view the person that took on the "Tower"

A Jam Session at the Wauwatiki 07.07.2020

It was my birthday on Sunday, July 5th (thank you, thank you). We weren't in town to celebrate, nor were many restaurants open. We decided that we would celebrate on Tuesday night. Our good friends Karen and Brian gave us a gift card some time ago for Wauwatiki Bar & Grill, one of my (our) favorite places to drink and eat.
The situation with Covid-19 made the crowd a bit more sparse than usual on a Taco Tuesday. Not sure why a Caribbean/ Hawaiian restaurant would offer tacos but, what the heck. We got a booth somewhat distanced from the nearest couple or group of people. It felt special, really.
We ordered a couple of cocktails. She had a Rum Manhattan. I had a Mai Thai. Appetizer, Pork Belly. All, delicious!
Gee, what would I order if I could? A burger? Why not, it's my birthday, right?
A Bacon Onion Jam Burger for me, Hawaiian Style Fried Rice for her.
There may have been a Rum & Coke in between the ordering and delivery of the mains.
Wow!! So delicious! I'm not a big fan of covering my burger with all kinds of stuff but, dang, this was awesome. Juicy, flavors all worked together. The Crack Fries, a little too much for me. I also think it took a bit away from the main dishes. The fries on their own might be delicious but, each time I had some, I had to re-adjust my mouth to eating other foods. (sorry)
Everything was excellent. The staff was cool with all the masks and respecting our space.
I can't complain about the prices, it's worth every buck.
4.5 of 5
I will be back. Next time, outdoors on the cool patio with friends (I hope)

Cruise In to an excellent burger! 07.05.2020

It's a seasonal thing. Roadside burger stands in Wisconsin are only open for a short time so, you'd better get 'em while you can.
My younger brother Robb knows I like a good burger. He told me, if you get a chance stop at the Cruise-In. It's on highway 45, town of Marion. I've seen it but, it was never open when we drove past. Probably because it was too early or late in the year. This time, smack in the middle of the season!
I ordered the bacon cheeseburger with crinkle fries.
Delicious all the way! Not only was the burger tasty, the bun and condiments really worked well. The fries were longer and more slender than most crinkle fries, making them sort of a hybrid towards shoe string.
Total bill was less than $8. Considering the quality, that's a good price.
If I find myself driving through Marion Wisconsin during the Summer, I will stop again. Maybe I'll try something different and get some ice cream too!
4.5 of 5
I really enjoyed it. Fresh bun, tasty beef, cool location. Really fun to watch all the others that decided to stop and get something for themselves or families that were sitting at the picnic tables in the shade.