Panga Bar and Grill, Panga Rentals

My husband and I had been looking forward to trying this place for quite a while, especially since we often kayak on the lake and thought it would be a great post-paddle spot. Unfortunately, our experience was not great. When we arrived, we waited quite a while before anyone even acknowledged us. Another table that was seated after us not only got their drinks but also had their order taken before we were even greeted. It felt like we were completely overlooked. It wasn’t until my husband said something that someone finally came over — and it was a different server altogether. Once we were finally helped, the service improved, but the overall flow and time management of the place was clearly lacking. It really took away from the experience. The food itself was good, which makes it even more disappointing that the service left such a negative impression. We truly wanted to love this spot and make it a regular stop after kayaking, but unfortunately, we won’t be returning. We hope improvements are made in the future.

Lunch on the lake after a day of kayaking. Peaceful. I can actually relax here. I don't relax easily, but when on a lake, it's heavenly. They had kayak and board rentals. Rent online ahead of time. It's much easier. We only own one kayak right now so we always have to rent a second or third one. We love it here. Life on the lake! 🌊⛱️

the food is really expensive for the portions you get… 11$ for 14 cheese curds 😮‍💨 steak bites were 17$ the portion was also really small…the food is tasty but way too expensive…the outdoor patio is nice. Corn hole, lots of covered tables, dog friendly docks for boats. Love the location, nice and convenient for after kayaking and paddle boarding. Cool that you can rent all that stuff here if you don’t have your own. But Service was good 3 stars is just because it’s so over priced

First visit to Panga and I enjoyed sitting lakeside. This lake holds a lot of childhood memories for me so I found Panga to be a happy place to sit and relax. The service was pretty great and so was the food. I had the fish and my guest had the grilled chicken sandwich. I would have liked slightly larger portions and for the sides to match what I saw online. I was able to change the chips to a side salad. Fish and chicken were tasty. My slice of rye bread was almost a crouton (wasn't buttered or served with butter) but the slaw was one of the best I've had and the side salad I ordered was very nice and fresh!

Are you looking for a unique and chill place different from the usual? Check out Panga. I popped in to go kayaking for my first time. They have plenty of rentals and equipment and you can bring your own of course. Very inexpensive. Guided kayak tours are available monthly and will take you around the upper and lower nihbobin lakes. Yep, I'm sure I spelled that wrong, but you know what I meant. Check their website for dates. What I found myself longing to do was not only go back to kayak but to chill behind their bar n restaurant on the patio/lawn space that sits on the water. It's really peaceful with a couple fire pits, Adirondacks, clear bulb string lights, some light decor. The perfect setting for couples or to just exist with friends in front of a beautiful backdrop. What a find!

Both times I've been in there the wait staff act like they don't want to take my order , 10 min at the bar & not one person offered to take my order . I left , great place to avoid but for sure make sure you enjoy the beautiful lake .

Came to the bar to meet my daughter who was kayaking on the lake. We both had a great experience with all of the staff! We will certainly be coming back!

Service was okay, food is basically GFS as generic as it gets. Super expensive for what you get, refills aren’t free, definitely not worth the price. The location is cool but that’s about all it has going for it

Great atmosphere on Nemahbin with better than bar food. Yum!!!! Must see for great fun.

My first encounter with Panga Bar was to attend the Panga Polar Plunge on January 1st, 2024, on the rocky shoreline of Upper Nemahbin Lake. Jumping in groups of ten at 12:30pm. The event was so much fun here at Panga. It's somewhat organized from inside the bar area. You could make a donation to American Heart Society, or not. I only had a Bloody Mary drink here after the plunge. Delish! I like spicy, and needed a little something to eat after the 36 degree temp water. In my opinion, the service was fantastic considering how many (100+) people were there to eat and drink. This place was packed inside and outside. I was able to maneuver my way to the bar (thanks to many nice patrons who let me through the crowd), and order some drinks. The bartender was super sweet, quick to get my order to me, and made sure I had all I needed. There were 4 bartenders that I saw behind the bar at this event, all busy busy bees. This bar is on the lake, down off the frontage road, with many local lake customers. Its rustic. Don't expect anything fancy here. The locals are happy, and they welcome visitors. I'm going to find a night to visit this bar again, check what else they have to offer patrons, and I'll talk to more bartenders. I'm so glad my friend introduced this area bar to me, I will surely be back to check out the food, more drinks, and friendly chatter !! Meet me there ?!

Used to love this place. Great vibe, good cocktails, nice staff, decent burger, fire pit and an awesome lake view. And to top it all off, allowed well behaved dogs outside. Enjoyed it often. 4-5 stars. Now, no more dogs. Sorry to see such a great spot for an afternoon change it's mind. If they had an issue, there are many ways to deal with it without banning all dogs. Such is life. Moving on to other more friendly places.

Under new ownership and great place to dine outside by the lake. Food is excellent and service is great!

Incredible night of entertainment. 10/10 would recommend Cameron, makes a great espresso martini

This place is in a great location and has pretty good food. The issue is a lazy staff or an incompetent owner. I've now visited twice by boat, and there's been bird shit littered all over the docks and throughout the path to access the restaurant. I can't imagine that's sanitary, or wouldn't be of concern to the Health Department. If they solved the bird shit problem, I'd give 4 stars. Thanks.

Panga Bar & Grill is a decent/fun vibes bar on Lower Nemahbin Lake. Beautiful sights should bring you there alone - as they have wonderful outdoor seating and tables right up to the lakefront. A friendly bar staff and quick service is also a draw. The menu is A-OK, but the items I've tried haven't knocked my socks off. Standard bar food, but I will say I was impressed by the giant pretzel - better than most others I've tried. The bar seems to have recently gotten into promoting additional events, party barges and other events that will draw in fun, party-going clientele. It seems to be a crowd of all ages there on most nights, I specifically (because of a paddle boarding class I've been taking next door at Nomad Boardsports) am there on Wednesday nights grabbing food and drink / which also coincides with a fun bar trivia league.

When driving 94 to Madison or MN, hubby and I love stopping here... especially on a nice day when we can sit out back. The service is friendly, the burgers and fries are fine, and it's just a pleasure to sit and relax for a while during a drive. I gave it an a-ok... it's a great place to stop for a burger and a cold drink if you can sit outside. One time we went when it was cold and sat inside... it was a bit noisy. But it's really a neighborhood bar, so if that's your thing, inside would be fun. Music, TVs, pool table...!

Rachel is seriously the best bartender! My husband and I were on vacation and we stopped by and she helped us right away even with the bar busy. The food and drinks were reasonably priced and tasted good! Definitely will recommend this place!

Love Panga!!! I'm so thankful the owners bought that bar and turned it into Panga! They've done an excellent job! Great food, great bar, and great outdoor area! I try to go over there on my pontoon boat every weekend!

Was in town from Los Angeles visiting home and wanted to show my kids and husband a classic Wisconsin fish fry. We stumbled upon Pangas and it did not disappoint! Quintessential Wisconsin fish fry served with a smile. Potato pancakes, rye bread, fish, and cole slaw all exactly like I remember. Cold beer on tap, with plenty of options. Cute little bar in a bright blue building on the shore of the lake. Was ice cold with snow and gusting wind outside, but we were perfectly warm inside. Our waitress, Sarah, checked on us just enough to keep us satisfied while not pestering. We would gladly revisit. Thanks for the fun night.

Went to dinner here last night, worst service I have ever experienced! Food took forever to be delivered and my wife got sick from something she ate. Every time we needed a drink we had to walk up to the bar to get our own drinks. Then we had to seek out our server for the check after waiting for it for 15 minutes. Lastly to top off the night there credit card machine went down and they had no way to take payment other than using ATM and paying cash. We won't be returning ever to this restaurant!

My friend and I were coming back from a bachelorette party weekend with full needs of a pit stop combined with "hair of the dog" flavors. We stopped by after reading yelp reviews. The timing was perfect as the weather was great, saw we could rent kayaks/canoes (possibly a shared lot company, not sure if same as bar owner), and a plethora of friendly puppies. Food was gigantic (nachos w ground beef) and actually unseemingly delicious--it wasn't pretty, even for bar style food focus, but packed a ton a awesomeness and the service was lovely and prompt. We sat outside and had many topics and conversation starters as there were copious lawn "ornaments" or things in the grove, to be spoken about. Will be back once time calls

Good food, nice view, live music and super involved local owners. Check out their events! Always a fun time at Panga! We use the bike trail to get there as car parking can be tricky if busy.

Great fun at a location hangout. We were in town for some training for work. Kerry was our waitress and she was the best! Attentive, fun, kind, and sweet-natured. Burgers and chicken breast sandwiches were delicious, fries were crispy. Pretty lake view out the windows and from the patio seating. Ask Kerry to make you a Vonderella - super, super yummy!

Jen is the worst bartender I have ever seen. DO NOT COME HERE IF SHE IS BARTENDING!!! Friday's always dead when she is here! Every other bartender is amazing and very caring. I recommend coming here for brunch (Saturday's and Sunday's) and during week except Friday's. Great place one bad bartender

My wife and I have been coming here for years Customers are all ages Great neighborhood bar on Lake Nemahbin Great service from the bar staff and the cooks Burgers paninis wings special on Thursdays Breakfast on the weekends If you do not know anyone when you walk in you will know someone when you walk out Really really a good friendly group

Stopped by for lunch between Madison and Milwaukee. Food was really good and service was nice. The kitchen is really clean! Recommend to anyone.

Stopped here while we were paddling some of the local lakes. Had some drinks and appetizers so I really can't speak for the food. The service was good and people were friendly enough. We sat outside which would of been cool if this place didn't seem like the local dog park. Dogs running all over, under our table, shaking off after jumping in the water, running up and down the pier and to top it off peeing on everything. I couldn't finish the apps fast enough and get back on the water. Dog people love it I'm sure but if that's not your thing you may want to sit inside.

Stopped in on a whim on a Friday night that also happened to be Cinco de Maya. Server didn't flinch when I told her I was fussy about my margaritas. Brought a lovely cocktail to the table with a smile. Servers were attentive which is hard to find these days. Food was all delicious: guac/chips/salsa, Panga burger was prepared as requested and the chicken panini was oozing with melted cheese. Only complaint would be that the guac appetizer is grossly overpriced for the minimal amount of albeit,delicious guac that comes with it; but hey, if the owners are paying attention to Yelp this small complaint can be easily rectified! Double the amount please or lower the price point. Cannot wait to return to sit outside and watch the amazing sunsets on the lake. They have added a lot of outdoor seating since our last visit. Also looking forward to trying their weekend breakfast menu.

This place needs help. The staff is friendly enough, a little slow on the service. The three times we've visited - I've wanted to like the food. But it's borderline overpriced for the quality you get. The black bean burger was dry and charred, and the fish tacos were so so. They always have a good beer selection and nice view of the lake. The music selections when visited, were awful. And by awful I mean, loud and terrible play lists. I really hope this bar steps up the menu and quality of food like the lowlands group I know.