Rondello's Restaurant Review
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In the real estate business, I'm always getting asked...
"Where do you like to go to eat?"
"Who's got a good fish fry?"
"Is there a nice quiest place for breakfast?"
The following is a sampling of restaurants in the "Lakeland" or Minocqua area, and some comments on a variety of menu items that are offered. Far from complete, it is merely presented as an anecdote to my hungry friends and customers, with hopes not to offend any of the fine restauranteurs, chefs and cooks in the area. |
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Boulder Junction
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Guide's Inn - County M- Boulder's little gourmet restaurant is a refreshing change from the usual. Delicious chicken, veal entrees, seafood specialties are my choices. Relaxing atmosphere. One of Boulder Junction's treasures.
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J J's Pub n Grub - Hwy M- Happening place in the oldest building in Boulder Junction! JJ's has great homemade pizza, sandwiches, fish fry, and nightly specials. The local fishermen frequent the full service bar, so you might pick up a tip there! A family favorite and locally endorsed.
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Boulder Beer Bar - Hwy M- Great pizza and a full menu, courtesy of the same family that brings fine dining to Guides Inn! In season, dine outdoors on the covered porch. Fun and friendly bar with music, sports, pool, and always a crowd. Snowmobilers pit stop.
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The Outdoorsman - Hwy M- Excellent Northwoods décor and atmosphere and great food. Amy and Steve combine their talents to make this a wonderful place to dine, breakfasts, lunch and serving awesome dinners! Homemade baked goods and pies too. Studio art shop in the back!
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Headwaters- Just a ½ mile north of town, the Headwaters is a historic eatery that has served hungry vacationers and townspeople for decades. Full bar, plus nightly specials, and a complete menu of favorites. We’ve only been here for dinner, but have been well pleased.
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Gooch’s A-One Bar- Just up the road a piece from our homestead, Gooch’s is a snowmobiler / Harley hang-out that also serves a dang respectable fish fry, and awesome broasted chicken. Game room, dance / band room, full bar in the historic Shrimps Wildlife Museum.
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Lac du Flambeau
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Bun Runners - Hwy 47- Great hot dog stand - open summers and by chance. Gary Black (and staff) serve up tasty Vienna hot dogs. Tamale boat, Polish sausage, and Italian beef are all great.
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Lake Placid Inn - Hwy F- Little "Hole- in-the-wall" Bar/Restaurant with a few tables - but awesome food! Denise whips up the best french toast anywhere, plus great prime rib, even Mexican specialties. Call ahead - hours are haphazard though.
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Minocqua
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Chef Renee’s Back Bay Cove- On Lake Shishebogama. Chef Renee Avazzedah worked with my chef/father years ago, and really knows his stuff. Best pepper steak. Other great items on the menu too, with fine views of Shish. Give Chef Renee a try.
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Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty- Open summers only, the Tonne family has operated this famous restaurant for over 45 years. Same fine menu and service in Wis. Dells too. Known far and wide for lumberjack style breakfasts with home made buttermilk donuts (still warm!) and heaping platters of eggs, pancakes …all the trimmings. But, try them for dinner too! Wonderful all-you-can-eat family style in a fun lodge setting. Kid endorsed. Gift shop.
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Norwood Pines Supper Club- The Teichmiller family welcome you to their lodge-style club on Patricia Lake. Gorgeous antique bar room, and two dining areas, with views of the deer and the lake. Great ribs, chicken dishes, seafood. Best wild rice clam chowder anywhere. (secret recipe – known to Peter Jr. who used to work in the kitchen)
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Mama’s Supper Club- 50 years + of family ownership means the Chiolino family really knows good Italian food. We’ve been coming to Mama’s for decades. Angie was here when she was 7 days old! Excellent pizza, pasta dishes, and fantastic views of enchanting Curtis Lake. Off season, try the Italian buffet – fantastic. And, in the summer, let the kids feed the fish with a few morsels of bread down at the lake shore after supper.(Minocqua)
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Island Café- The Callos family has brought Greek-inspired dining to the Minocqua area for years. Ave Lemono soup, Greek salad, wonderful sandwiches, fresh baked good, awesome muffins, and an easy-going atmosphere with great service, right downtown.(Minocqua)
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Rusty Putter- I have wanted to dine here for a while, so friends and customers Roy and Julianne Karow invited us out for a fine dinner recently. The place was jumpin'! Service was great; food was good. The company was the best. Not the culinary mecca that I'd expected from the comments around town, but worthy of your time and appetite. We'll be back to try different entrees.
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Black Bear Bar & Bait- “Eat here and get worms” Ha Ha! On your way to go fishing? Grab a cold beer and a fresh homemade pizza or sandwich at the Black Bear. On Highway 70 West, on the way to some of the best fishing lakes in the area. The Wisnoskys do a great job of making customers feel like friends. Nice place to stop!
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Polecat and Lace- Peter Jr. tended bar here for several summers during his college career. I’ve been dining with the Pitzo family for many years. Great luncheon items, like the Ultimate sandwich, baked French onion soup, crispy salads. Fine dinners, with daily specials. And, you must try a strawberry schaum torte. Full bar. Downtown.(Minocqua)
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Albee’s Yacht Club- Our next door neighbor to the North right at the Minocqua bridge. Come by car, boat, snowmobile. Fine fish fry and sandwiches. Cozy place with full bar is a local favorite. Great place to grab a fast bite or drink while out boating Lake Minocqua!
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Tasty Take & Bake Pizza - Jack and Esther Moulton sold their motel, and are now in the Italian restaurant business. They make a great pizza, just the way you like – and YOU take it home and bake it up hot and fresh. Lunch slices available cooked and ready-to-eat there.
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The Timbers at Timber Ridge- Invited by PGA Pro Tom Dolby to try the new and improved restaurant at this famous golf club, Kliff and I had lunch outside on the patio on a lovely May afternoon. We watched geese and goslings in the pond and foursomes drive the 9th short while enjoying great food and fine service. Jim had the Timber's Masterpiece; I went for the Angus Burger. Both were excellent. We'll have to come back for dinner; Kliff's been here with the family for Friday fish and gives it a thumbs up.
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Ryden's Lakeside- Lunch with Team Rondello after the triumphant return of Lauren and Eddie THEN from their Hawaiian honeymoon. The place was rockin' on a lovely July afternoon. Boats at the pier, cold elixirs served at the outdoor tables. We dined inside (only tables left!) and had a fun lunch. BBQ Rib basket for me with a cold Corona. Wish they had some lighter selections and Tex/Mex too. Can you say fajita, or taco? Service was OK. Big hit is location here; a summertime must.
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Dairy Queen- Oh, well, I suppose no restaurant review should overlook Sue and Dave’s Minocqua DQ! I like the chicken strips with BBQ. And, the Peanut Buster Parfait is always great. No haute cuisine, but always fun and tasty!
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Manitowish Waters
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Little Bohemia- Dillinger stayed here – for a short time! You can relax – the Feds aren’t after you. Historic lodge built by Emil Wanatka in the roaring 20’s, with wood floors, antique bar, fireplaces, lakeside porch, and fine variety of good food. Dillinger exhibit and the real bullet holes. Worth a “shot”! If Roger Rayala is tending bar, tell him "HI" from Pete! Recently re-imfamous as location for Johnny Depp movie "America's Most Wanted", filmed right here in early 2008!
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Aberdeen Lodge- Gorgeous restaurant in a beautiful setting on the Manitowish Chain. Excellent menu at fair prices. This is a kid-friendly spot, as the Aberdeen has a play room and game room. This one will please the whole gang.
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Michael’s- Restaurant and bakery on 51 North. Scratch baked muffins, biscuits, pies – yummy! Great breakfasts too – one of our favorites. Lunch menu too, plus ice cream treats. Dine outdoors in season on the porch. Joe and Julie Pairolero took over this popular spot in 2007.(Manitowish Waters)
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Pine Barons- Mary and Henry’s gourmet restaurant, offering imaginative menu selections paired with fine wines and carefully mixed cocktails. I love the fruits de mer; a piccolo casserole with scallops, shrimp, and mini mushrooms in a zesty tomato sauce. Wild game, other gastronomic delights. Unusual and delicious.
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Smokey’s- Newer spot at Hwy W and K, Smokey’s is working to attain a reputation as one of the area’s better choices for décor, service, and menu. UPDATE: Elizabeth had a "7th Grade Mom's Club" dinner gathering there recently and had glowing things to say about the food and service. Looking forward to a two-some there soon.
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Voss' Birchwood Lodge- Our summer destination for nostalgic dining is Voss's Birchwood Lodge. 2008 is their 99th summer of same-family ownership. Audrey Voss Dickerson, now recently passed, was the daughter of the original founder, and now her daughter Ruthie Gardner and grandson Chris, along with Vanessa, Lauren, and Sean, carry on the tradition of the northwoods the way it used to be. Step into the birchbark-trimmed lodge, and it's 1928 again. You will see us at Voss's often ... hope to see you too. One-of-a-kind.
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Land O' Lakes
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Bent's Camp- Our Friday fish fry haunt is definitely Bent’s. Lisa and Paul and their great staff have always made us welcome, and the food is consistently super. This place has loads of history, dating back to the late 1800’s. Lisa’s gift shop upstairs is worth a look – I know you’ll nab a few souvenirs. Quite a ways out, but worth the scenic drive. Snowmobilers/skiers fave. Great chili!
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Eagle River
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Eagle Waters Resort- Here’s where the Rondello history began Up North. Dad was head chef here from the 50’s thru the 70’s. I grew up on site, watching Dad and the resort crew. These days, the old dining hall is gone, but the nostalgia remains, with meals and buffets served in the main lodge. Picturesque grounds of one of the largest American plan resorts of the area. Worth the drive.
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Friendship House- Here’s the local favorite for any meal. Really outstanding service, great food, and low prices. No wonder they make friends! The manager is always smiling, and extends greetings to his patrons. You’ll be tempted by the “dessert-go-round”! Right near downtown, this is a “can’t miss”.
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Nero’s Contemporary Italian Cuisine- Only a few years old, but Nero’s has set the bar for Italian food in Eagle River. The owners are very involved, with Mr. at the stove and ovens, and Mrs. at the piano and microphone. Try the homemade butternut squash stuffed ravioli. Wow. Martini bar. Many unique menu items.(Eagle River)
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St. Germain
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Golden Pines- Formerly Molgaards Indian Lodge way back when. Full-log lodge restaurant with a HUGE menu variety. Something for anyone, and so far, we’ve enjoyed everything we’ve tried. Full bar, nostalgic décor.
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Pub N’ Prime- As the name states, this is a full service bar and beef lovers restaurant. Famous for years for the prime rib, but excellent steaks too! All the extras to go with your meal, cooked just right. Friendly, bright atmosphere.(St. Germain)
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Spang’s Italian Restaurant- Joe Reid is still in the kitchen at St. Germain, where Spang’s has been serving hungry locals and tourists for over 30 years. I used to go for pizza here back in my high school days, and sit by the fireplace in the upper dining room. The Milwaukee Favorite was my order, and still is. (Although a frosty mug of RC Cola was 20 cents in those days.) Hard to find a better pizza, and ALL the Italian dishes are excellent. Fine décor too.
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McGregor’s Blink Bonnie- Famous up north steak house with sizzling platters of juicy steaks smoking their way through the knotty pine dining room…as patrons watch the deer feed in the back yard. A snowmobile pit stop, and great any time of year. Could be a long wait!(St. Germain)
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19th Hole Sports Bar/Grill- With a par 3 chip n putt golf course, and a mini golf course on the other side, AND a wall full of TV’s with your favorite sports, the 19th hole is in the middle of family FUN. Great pizza, sandwiches, snacks. Game room for the kids. (St. Germain)
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Rhinelander
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The Haven- Always famous for great pizza, the Haven also has Italian specialties, sandwiches, a full bar, game room, and banquet area. We’ve been going to The Haven for 30 years!
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Northwestern Lounge Bar- A downtown legend for decades, the unchanged Northwestern has the city’s BEST deli-style sandwiches. Full service bar, retro décor. FUN place to grab lunch or an afternoon refreshment with a colleague or friend.(Rhinelander)
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Rhinelander Café and Pub- Downtown establishment that has stood the test of time. Former café next to the old Woolworth’s when I was just a lad, now a full service bar and fine restaurant with excellent food at favorable prices. Greek specialties in memory of founding owner Pete Vlahakis, who knew my father, Chef Jack. You can’t go wrong at “the Pub”.
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Presque Isle
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PI Pub- We’ve been here for wing-ding night … that’s a fine broasted chicken wing dinner (all you can eat) with cole slaw, fries … you get the picture. Great! Full service bar. Popular place. A bit on the smoky side, so be prepared if you’re sensitive to cigarettes.
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Zastrow's Lynx Lake Lodge- Not far from "Peace and Plenty", Zastrow's is right on the snowmobile trail, and County "B". We've enjoyed the Friday Night Fish Buffet. The salad bar is very good, and the knotty pine dining room sparkles. Excellent old fashioneds, if that's your tonic.
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Skyview Lodge & Supper Club- We were last at the Skyview for the PI Lion’s Lobster dinner – but have also enjoyed a quiet winter evening meal with great cocktails at this popular and famous place. All the favorites on a complete menu. You’ll probably meet some of PI’s famous characters here – it’s where everyone hangs out and shares stories.
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Out Post Café- Just South of the U.P. border, this popular eatery features great meals any time of day. We’ve been there for hearty breakfasts, fish fry, (One of Beth’s favorites) and soup and sandwiches with the snowmobilers from the office. Ice Cream treats and good desserts too.
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Arbor Vitae
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Stingray’s Bar and Grill- Car-themed sandwich menu and dinner selections. License plates adorn the walls, and there are TV’s at every angle to catch sports action. Fish fry is good, and comes with tasty side dishes. Fun snowmobile pit stop.
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The Plantation Supper Club- Hwy 51 N & 70- The Plantation is always an easy choice. Comfortable, clean, convenient, great food at good prices. Standout items include the fabulous home-made onion rings, best fried chicken, excellent ribs, and super orange roughy. My vote for nicest cleanest kitchen.
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Monical's- Hwy 51 N- You won't find a better pizza for the price than at Monicals! Overlooking Arrowhead Lake, Monicals is always busy - for good reason! Tasty pizza, salads, breadsticks, and pasta. People pleasers! Full bar too. Great place to take the family for dinner at a budget price.
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Northern Cafe` and Motel- Chuck and Chris Stoker welcome you to their comfy café with delicious breakfasts, lunches, and soon – dinner selections. Famous French toast! Sandwiches and soups – homemade breads baked on premise. Motel rooms too, and all at low prices. Hwy 51 North.
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JR Salsa's- Mexican ole! The ONLY place I can get an ice-cold SOL beer with lime in the North. Great fresh salsa and chips, plus authentic Mexican dishes. I like the chicken quesadilla with homemade hot sauce. Orders to go, or dine in. Behind THE STORE at Hwys. 51 and 70 E.
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Four Seasons- Big Arbor Vitae Drive- A Snowmobiler's must-stop on the southeast side shore of Big Arb, right at water's edge. Good fish fry here and great chili to warm up the sledders!Open all year. Excellent lake views!
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Marty's Place North- Hwy 51 N- Judy Cady and staff have an excellent menu of traditional favorites. Comfortable, roomy, northwoods lodge style facility. One of the nicest, cleanest kitchens too - and that's important! A favorite of many of my customers. Try the parmesan scallops.
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Ella's- Casual, comfy eatery near Hwys. 51 north and 70 east. The building was moved here a few years back, and the patrons followed. Delicious home made soups, sandwiches, and fresh baked muffins for breakfast. Country-style family-friendly!
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Woodruff
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Hunan Restaurant- The Lakeland area’s best Oriental restaurant. Hot sour soup, szechuan pork, crab Rangoon, and other wonderful choices. Take outs too. Always good food and service.Hwy 47
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Hoggie Doggie's- Summer season favorite for soft-serve ice cream delights as well as great sandwiches. My favorites include the boneless chicken breast sandwich, sloppy joe, and pizza burger. You MUST try the “Ho-Made” fries.
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Hazelhurst
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The Watering Hole- Had lunch with the Jajtner's here recently while out property searching ... have been wanting to try the Mexican cuisine at this place for some time. Passed on the Corona while "on duty", but did try a chicken fajitas. Though my customers had good things to say about their beef burritos, the fajitas were average as was the service. Need more staff and less spice on the chicken. I'm hoping for better results on a subsequent visit.
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Jacobi's- Cedar Falls Road - One of the area's finest! Jacobi's is always busy, but worth the wait. Creative hor d'oevres and desserts. Melt-in-your-mouth garlic stuffed tenderloin is superb. Honey pecan chicken. You can't go wrong here. Nice wine selection too. Jacobi's is a must.
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Diamond Inn- Hwy 51 N - Long a favorite of Hazelhurst locals, (and careful vacationers) the Diamond Inn has good food and great service - very consistent. House favorite "kneecaps" are complimentary, and taste great! Nice salad bar.
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Barb & Fred's- Imaginative name? No. Cozy and good food? Yes. Nostalgic bar/dining area in cottage setting. Great broasted chicken! A local Hazelhurst favorite. Good prices.
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Mercer
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Ding-A-Ling- On the south end of Mercer, in a small town called "Manitowish", (Where the train used to stop before it crawled through the Powell Marsh), is the landmark "DING-A-LING" Supper Club. This place has been around as long as I can recall, and I used to stop there with the old man on the "meat route" in days past. The decor is the same, which is very cool if you like retro like me. Ribs are excellent! Nice salad bar. Comfy spot, and right on the snomo trail.
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Beaver Lodge- Jim Kleifgen suggested we try Beaver Lodge for ribs, as he knows that I love a nice ½ rack. The food was fine. Service good, and décor pleasing. Fabulous views! The night we chose to stop, there were some folks at the bar having a particularly good time, which made our meal a bit tense. So, beware. If you don’t mind the risk of bar rowdies, then this is a good spot. Ribs tasty!
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Winchester
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Birch Lake Resort- Here’s a fun spot to stop any time of year! Birch Lake Resort has a wonderful lake view, an “up north” atmosphere, and really good food! Mexican specialties, Mongolian noodles (really), and all the favorites. Kids will love the game room too.
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The Bear- Wow! We received a gift certificate to try this one. Well, the Ruschmayers have really done wonderful things here! Now, it’s a regular stop for Beth and I. Gary plays at the grand piano, while Mary Sue greets her customers. Great service, excellent food. The prime rib stuffed with garlic cloves is my favorite. Try a garlic stuffed olive in your cocktail. Rustic lodging available too…cheap.
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