Throughout Oneida County, you’ll find fabulous restaurants serving up favorites like burgers, pizza, and the classic Friday fish fry—and there are lots of great places where you can enjoy your food *and* an outstanding view. Here are some of the Northwoods’ top spots for outdoor dining.
See more Oneida County restaurant listings here—search by location, amenities, type of cuisine, and more.
Lake Tomahawk
Lake Tomahawk, located between Minocqua and Rhinelander in central Oneida County, is home to great options for outdoor exploration (including the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, which surrounds the community), beautiful lakes, and tasty restaurants. Two spots with outdoor dining that you shouldn’t miss are Shamrock Pub N’ Eatery and Lizzy T’s Tamarack Tap, both conveniently located along U.S. Highway 47.
Minocqua Area
This popular Northwoods vacation destination includes the “Island City” of Minocqua as well as Arbor Vitae, Hazelhurst, and Woodruff and is famous for its large collection of lakes—one of the biggest concentrations of freshwater in the world. Looking for a dining spot with a lake view? Check out The Boathouse Restaurant, The Thirsty Whale, Slo’s Pub, or Norwood Pines Supper Club.
More outdoor dining options in the Minocqua Area:
- Northfork Fin & Filet
- The Hazelhurst Pub
- Otto’s Beer & Brat Garden
- Lakeside Grill
- What’s the Scoop
- Minocqua Yacht Club Bar & Grill
Pelican Lake Area
A great spot for fishing in Oneida County, Pelican Lake is home to several fantastic fishing lakes, including Pelican Lake (one of the largest lakes in Oneida County), Enterprise Lake, Otter Lake, and Upper and Lower Post Lakes. The outdoor patio at Sunset View Resort on Upper Post Lake is a great place to end the day with a drink and a tasty pizza.
More outdoor dining options in the Pelican Lake Area:
Rhinelander Area
The “Home of the Hodag” is also home to fun Northwoods attractions like Pioneer Park Historical Complex, fun events like the Project North Festival, and great options for shopping and dining. Boaters can access Backwaters Bar & Grill via docks on the Wisconsin River on the north end of Boom Lake, and there’s a scenic outdoor patio for enjoying drinks or something from the grill. Cool off with an ice cream or other frozen treat at Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe in downtown Rhinelander.
More outdoor dining options in the Rhinelander Area:
Three Lakes Area
There are a lot more than just three lakes here in the northeastern corner of Oneida County —the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes includes nearly 30 lakes and is the largest freshwater chain of lakes in the world. Three Lakes is also home to attractions like the Three Eagle Trail, the Three Lakes Center for the Arts, and the Three Lakes Aqua Devils waterski team. The restaurant at Pike’s Pine Isle Lodge sits on the shores of Medicine Lake and is accessible by water, road, or trail, and Claytons 1881 Room offers outdoor dining in downtown Three Lakes. Coffee lovers can sit outside at Fika Bakery & Coffee, another downtown hotspot.
Tomahawk Area
Sitting at the confluence of the Wisconsin, Tomahawk, and Spirit rivers just south of the Oneida County border, the Tomahawk area is a vibrant, welcoming community filled with small-town charms and friendly businesses (not to mention more than 15 lakes and flowages). Outdoor dining options and lakefront views abound, including at restaurants like Silver Birch Supper Club on Halfmoon Lake and Bootleggers Lodge on Lake Nokomis.
More outdoor dining options in the Tomahawk Area:
