Thirsty Whale

Thirsty Whale is in a great location right on the water, next to the Min-AquaBats ski show. They have outdoor seating on the ski show side with self-service drinks at the bar. Restaurant seating is on the other side, which feels a great view of the lake. There's also plenty of room and some video games inside. You have to get there in plenty of time if you want reservations before the kitchen closes on show days. The burgers were pretty big and the fried fish was good.

Terrible service and disappointing experience. We waited an extremely long time for both food and drinks, with no updates or apologies. There were children acting as hostesses, and when we politely asked to be seated at a table for five (since two of our friends were already sitting at the bar), the teenage staff refused to help and were neither friendly nor courteous. Overall, the service was chaotic and unprofessional. Definitely not coming back or recommending it.

We were in town for one day and thought we would stop by at the end of our night. When we parked we noticed there were quite a few cars and thought it would be fun. We walked in through a propped open door and noticed a lot of people and tables of gift baskets, figured since we weren't from around there it was some sort of night with raffles. We sat right down by the bar and the owner asked what we would like. We ordered 2 drinks, we paid and then asked what was going on there that night. The owner said he didn't know and then asked if we were a part of it? We said no and then he said we needed to finish our drinks and leave, also said loudly to the other bartender that "apparently we need to make more signs next time". We just wanted to get out of there so we were quickly trying to drink. About halfway done he said...."You guys need to go we need to move those chairs". So we got up and left, we never saw a private event sign when we walked in and no one stopped us at the door. Maybe be a little nicer or have someone at the door because we aren't from around there and have no idea what events take place in Minocqua on a daily basis. This being the second time being treated rudely in there and will never stop there again.

Staff was very kind, we had a bit of a longer wait for our table so decided to order some appetizers at the bar while we were waiting. Eric the tough guy working the bar decided to sarcastically thank my cousin for not applying gratuity - despite him not being the person providing any service to us beyond carrying the 6 ounce trays a few feet to the table. I feel it’s important to include that he knew what was going on with us waiting for our table, just decided to be an unpleasant dude.

The food was AMAZING my husband got a fish sandwich that was great and I got there grilled chicken sandwich that was yummy. Plus gotta get the cheese curds! Our server Linda was the best! She was fast & attentive & friendly! The atmosphere was family friendly with games for kids it was loud but that didn't bother us, plus right off the water can't beat it. Will definitely be back & hopefully we get Linda again!

Good, but not great, public fair with an emphasis on fish. Our server, Jaden, was very good.

Nice place to visit although there was confusion when ordering. Wanted a side salad and they gave a salad entree. Glad they didn't deliver what we actually ordered along with the salad. Overall the food was good. Sat on the patio with a little breeze which caused napkins to fly around (at on the patio because inside was closed.

Tried this place for the first time on a Sunday in August, around 2pm. They were very busy and our wait was about 20 minutes before we were seated. The brief wait was worth it. Food is outstanding and our server was very attentive and friendly. Great drinks too. The staff kept up with keeping things clean. We will definitely go back.