Nothing says the Northwoods like Burnt Bridge! Don’t let the name fool you; it’s actually a restaurant – and a popular one at that. It started off as a local favorite and has grown into a landmark eatery known for its homemade food, scenic setting, abundance of rustic charm, and colorful history.

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There’s no better place to get a taste of the Northwoods than Burnt Bridge, a restaurant and tavern in scenic Vilas County.
Burnt Bridge Tavern/Google
Burnt Bridge may seem like a strange name, but it makes sense once you delve into the eatery’s past.
Burnt Bridge Tavern & Restaurant/Facebook
In the early 1900s, a logging bridge, not too far from Burnt Bridge’s current location, burned down. Several years later, during prohibition, locals would "meet at the burnt bridge" to socialize and drink moonshine. After prohibition, a log cabin was built near the burned-down bridge. The new cabin provided a place for locals to gather and drink (legally). That cabin is now the dining room of Burnt Bridge.
Though a bit off the beaten path, Burnt Bridge continues to be a gathering place, just as it’s been since day one.
Walter Claude/Google
Aside from rich history and rustic charm, the tavern has another claim to fame. It’s the “home of the wild animal floor show.”
Michael W/TripAdvisor

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Deserving of the notoriety, Burnt Bridge is brimming with wildlife, inside…
Mike M/TripAdvisor
…and out. Feeders attract deer and other wildlife to the tavern, while large windows make it easy to take in the wild vistas.
Burnt Bridge Tavern/Google
Great views aren’t the only thing that’s consistent at Burnt Bridge, though. It seems as if the homemade grub always hits the spot.
Burnt Bridge Tavern & Restaurant/Facebook
A great place to indulge, the menu is filled with a variety of classic dishes and comfort foods – from grilled cheese and pizza to cheese curds and the tavern's signature Big-A** Pretzel, a 24-oz Belgium-style pretzel served with nacho cheese, beer-cheese dip, and honey mustard.
Burnt Bridge Tavern and Restaurant/Facebook

Boasting a rustic, log cabin setting, hearty drinks, even heartier grub, and wild animals – inside and out – it’s easy to see why Burnt Bridge has remained a favorite throughout the decades. For more information, call the tavern at (715) 479-8530. You can also visit the Burnt Bridge Tavern website or Facebook page.

So, did you know about this notorious Northwoods eatery? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only Northwoods spot worth a visit. Read about others here.

 

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