Atmosphere
Norwood Pines spreads out beneath towering red pines just outside Minocqua, with a lawn that rolls toward the lake. The patio fills quickly in summer. Boats idle in the distance. Families, vacationers, and long-time regulars settle in for the evening ritual. It feels classic Northwoods — relaxed but busy. An institution built as much on setting as on supper.

Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned leans fully into Wisconsin tradition. Brandy-forward. Noticeably sweet. Served in a faceted rocks glass over solid ice. Balanced for the local palate, not for out-of-state minimalists. It fits the room.

Starters
Onion rings arrive stacked high, golden and evenly browned. The coating is crisp and structured, holding its crunch without turning greasy. Steam escapes when you pull one apart. Proper bar food done right.  Definitely some of the better shoe string fried onions in the state.

Hungarian mushroom soup comes out hot and aromatic, earthy with a creamy base that coats the spoon. Deep brown in color with tender mushroom pieces throughout. Rich but controlled.

Entrees
Friday fish fry draws the crowds. Perch arrives with a deeply golden crust that shatters slightly when pressed with a fork. The interior flakes clean and stays moist. 

Prime rib shows a rosy interior with a seasoned outer edge. When executed well, it’s tender and evenly warm. On less consistent nights, doneness can vary slightly from edge to center. The potential is there. Execution isn’t always identical plate to plate.

Ice Cream Flight Altert!  It can be a challenge to add a desert on top of a tasty supper club meal.  But we can pass up an ice cream flight.  Four small rocks glasses set into a wooden board, each filled with a different frozen cocktail. Thick. Frosty. Playful without feeling gimmicky.  Strong finish.

Bottom Line
Norwood Pines delivers a quintessential Northwoods supper club setting — lake views, red pines, brandy Old Fashioneds, and a busy patio all summer long. Norwood Pines deliver on the classics - and a playful twist on the classic ice cream after-dinner drink.