Thirsty Whale - Minocqua, Wisconsin

Matthew P.

Thirsty Whale isn't a great location right on the water, next to the Min-aqus Bats 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.

Betina B.

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.

Julia D.

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.

Angela V.

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!

Jeff M.

Convenient location to dock the boat and grab a bite and a beer. The food and beers were ok and our server was great. As for the atmosphere; we first took a table to the left as you walk in the door. We quickly realized we were sitting in what appeared to be a kids arcade. So we got a table in the area outside of the bar. I'm not complaining, just informing; his place is full of families with kids which is all good, just not what I was expecting. It was so loud our table of 6 could barely hear each other. This is not a bar and grill kind of place. I doubt we'll go back but the kids and families seemed to really be enjoying themselves.

Geoff B.

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

Emily B.

Great burger and coconut shrimp. Drinks were delicious. Big pitchers of ice water on the tables were super appreciated. Our bill was super reasonable. Arrived on the Sunday of the 4th of July, after what was clearly a very busy afternoon. They had the kitchen closed for a half-hour staff break and we were put on a wait list. What an amazing concept for restaurant management to stop, regroup, give staff a break, and come back out fresh for dinner. We were immediately seated after the break, food came out super fast and cooked perfectly. Great job. Awesome view. Great staff.

Erin C.

These are such kind folks. We came in with our two kids after a long day and they had just stopped serving dinner. We were ready to turn around and head out, but they decided instead to make a little exception for us.

Thank goodness they did - and not just because we were hungry, but because it was delish. The fish sandwich was a huge slab of fish. Wings were my favorite - crispy with your choice of sauce. The salad was fresh, the ranch dressing must be homemade, everything was spot on. We will for sure be back.