Land O'Lakes Restaurants

BEAR TRAP INN
(715) 547-3422
For some 60 years a cozy, authentic northwoods atmosphere has drawn people to the BEAR TRAP INN. Originally just basically a bar, it has become one of the best restaurants in this part of Wisconsin. New owners continue the menu and kitchen of their predecessor, a personal friend. The walleye fish fry on Friday, garlic-stuffed tenderloin, and duck are special favorites. Most entrées are from $14 to $20 (2004 prices).
People like the old local memorabilia and log exterior walls with knotty pine inside. Deer feeding outside can be seen from some tables. And you can see fish swimming in a moat in back.

BENT'S CAMP
(715) 547-3487
Bent's Camp is a century-old logging-camp-turned-fishing resort with a restaurant and popular pub. Vintage birchbark-covered ceiling and are in the bar, where big windows overlook Mamie Lake on the Cisco chain of lakes. There's a dock for boat-in customers. The bar may be smokey, but the newer rustic-style dining room isn't.
Steaks ($17-$25) are a dinner standout, as are roast duck ($19) and pan-fried walleye. Menu on web site. A soup and salad bar comes with dinners. Specials include outstanding prime rib on Saturday ($15 and $23), and on Sunday family-style fried or baked chicken or livers (both $13 for adults). Meal-size salads ($6-$10) come with optional meat. For the Friday fish fry in summer, people stake out tables as early as 3:30 for pollack ($10) or broiled walleye ($12) or baked cod ($11). Dinner entrées $12-$25. Lunch favorites: burgers (1/3 lb., mostly $7.25), specialty sandwiches, salads ($6-$10). Excellent deep-dish pizza ($10-$12 and up for 12") is takeout-only in summer.

PINE CONE CAFE
(715) 547-3896
This downtown family restaurant is a local gathering place known for omelets ($6-7.25), chicken and dumplings ($7.25), soups and daily specials. Art from the Headwaters Art League is on display.

FOREST LAKE COUNTRY STORE
(715) 547-8222
New owners are serving homemade pizza, adding breakfast sandwiches, soups, chili, and tacos to the sub-based deli menu, and keeping expanded hours. Mark and Kris Gostisha made a big lifestyle change in moving from Port Washington, Wisconsin, north of Milwaukee. Three of their five daughters are going to school here. Mark came up here for years, like Bret Miller, who built this attractive log convenience store/deli with his wife, Frisk. It has a large, light-filled seating area and rear terrace where folk singers Bret and Frisk occasionally played.
Premium ice cream from Madison's Chocolate Shoppe is a big summer hit with the many bicyclists and runners on the trail along CR B from here to Land O'Lakes. The Country Store is also a bait shop (more variety later) and a party store with beer, wine, and liquor.

SUNRISE LODGE AND RESORT
(715) 547-3684
The home cooking served to resort guests from early May into late October can also be enjoyed by the general public. The breakfast buffet is especially popular, with fresh fruit, a bakery surprise, and the usual breakfast entrees. It's from 7:30 to 10 weekdays, Sunday to 11. The $7 self-serve lunch (Mon-Sat 11:30 to 2) features soup, sandwiches, salad, fresh fruit, and dessert. All-inclusive dinners (5-7:30 p.m.) run $10 to $15. (2004 prices.) Sunday dinner is from noon to -3, Sunday, cookouts at 7 p.m. Entrées rotate so guests won't be bored. Special diets accommodated. Good for parties, small groups. Guests can enjoy the beautiful grounds overlooking Lac Vieux Desert.

THE RUSTY NAIL
(715) 547-8830
is a large, popular downtown tavern with a huge fireplace. It serves good burgers, sandwiches, chili or soup, and fry baskets ($6-$7.50) until 5 p.m. Not everything is fried - there's a grilled chicken and a steak sandwich. It's a friendly place, very popular with snowmobilers and right on the trail. Owners Chuck and Mary Lou Hartmann are usually on the scene.

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