Conover, Wisconsin may be small on the map, but its culinary scene punches well above its weight—from hearty supper clubs that have anchored family traditions for generations to innovative newcomers putting Northwoods ingredients on the map. We’ve logged the miles (and the meals) to bring you the standouts, ensuring your next dinner is nothing short of memorable.
Melanie Mae’s Stage Stop
$ | (715) 547-3700 | WEBSITE
At Melanie Mae’s Stage Stop in Land O Lakes, highchairs are stationed at the ready near the entrance, and white tablecloths are nowhere in sight. The Italian combo sandwiches (or calzones, meatball sandwiches, or pizza) are done up with homemade touches, like that famous sauce or fresh cheese curds. Those homemade items are the way to go—they’re richer and more satisfying than the standard options.
We especially love the calzone, which is a behemoth stuffed with marinara and cheese that oozes out the sides in the best way. The cheese curds at this family-owned spot are also crispy and perfect, and you should always snag a fresh baked dessert to enjoy alongside all that comfort food.
Pine Cone Cafe
$ | (715) 547-3896 | WEBSITE
The breakfast at Pine Cone Cafe isn’t just another meal—it’s a destination worth seeking out in the Northwoods. The chicken fried steak (always get it with hash browns) is the most satisfying you’ll find within a hundred-mile radius. The perfectly crispy coating gives way to tender meat, served alongside golden-brown potatoes that soak up every bit of gravy. Every forkful delivers comfort from the first bite to the last, with the friendly Sunday morning team making you feel right at home.
Pine Cone Cafe operates daily in downtown Land O Lakes, with that cozy, old-timey atmosphere that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
Dublin Sports Bar and Grill
$ | (715) 545-2002 | WEBSITE
The cozy Irish pub on a beautiful northern Wisconsin lake always bustling with people grabbing a casual meal or catching up with friends. You’ll also see at least one Reuben sandwich on every table. Dublin’s version is packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, and gets a tangy kick from the Russian dressing. This is the sandwich that’ll make you look forward to hanging out by the fireplace in winter instead of going home and rewatching your favorite sports game for the 10th time.
Twin Lake Pub
$ | (715) 479-6224 | WEBSITE
Twin Lake Pub in the Northwoods excels in the art of the made-in-house burger. The merkts burgers here are crafted with fresh, perfectly seasoned patties that are consistently sizzling away on the grill. The menu has standout options in the sandwich department, like the Chicago dog with all the classic toppings or the merkts burger with its signature cheese blend. But the consistent crowd-pleaser is the merkts burger, which comes loaded with that creamy, melty cheese.
Ordering that and a cold drink from their well-stocked bar is a foolproof way to zhuzh up an otherwise routine day after outdoor activities.
Asana Suka
$$ | (715) 547-3344 | WEBSITE
The Hawaiian Shrimp is probably the most straightforward dish on this menu, but you can get it at this northwoods spot until closing any night of the week, making it one of the best comforting “meals” in the area that’s not just another supper club staple. The shrimp are more on the plump side and they come with a sweet-spicy glaze, crispy tempura batter, a side of rice, and lots and lots of that addictive sauce.
It’s a simple preparation, but sometimes simplicity is what you want, especially on a cold winter evening in Conover.
The Sawbuck
$ | (715) 547-6100 | WEBSITE
When you’re overdue for a cozy coffee break, The Sawbuck is the answer. The welcoming spot near Conover, typically filled with relaxed locals who stopped by for a chill $5 latte, nails their version. The chai tea latte, which is served with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a side of warmth, is only available at the counter. It’s walk-in only there, and you won’t have to commit to a full meal.
So it’s the ideal caffeine-centric treat for the days you want to pretend your productivity has doubled while munching fresh-baked cookies from a cushy wooden seat.
Wild Turkey
$ | (715) 479-9453 | WEBSITE
Wild Turkey is a Wisconsin-based spot that now has a location near Conover, and they know how to make a damn good steak. Each one has a perfect sear, generous portions of smoky brisket on the burger, and buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all the juices. Throw in a pile of panfish dinner with Bluegill & Perch and something from the whiskey old fashioned press menu by the bar (with which they share a space), and you’ve got the ideal place for a lowkey catch-up or come-as-you-are birthday hang.
Club 45 Bar & Grill
$ | (715) 547-3571 | WEBSITE
Club 45 Bar & Grill is a friendly, casual lakeside spot with a ‘Cheers’-like ambiance that’s been serving up exceptional food since it opened. The deep dish pizza is made with the freshest ingredients and homemade crust—the thick crust artichoke, olive, mushroom, and ham pizza is amazing, and the deep dish cheese is absolutely unbelievable. Burgers are cooked to juicy perfection and never disappoint, while the beef sandwiches are excellent and the deluxe pizza is a standout.
Order a side of the salad bar with so many choices, and finish with the yummy ice cream cookie sandwiches. The whole Club 45 experience is welcoming and might inspire you to grab a craft beer on the multilevel deck overlooking the lake, watch the sunset, or just relax with friends—or all three. Go early if you want pizza as they do run out. NOT your average bar food—these folks can COOK!
Sunrise Lodge
$$ | (715) 547-3684 | WEBSITE
The Sunday night cookout at this family-run resort in northern Wisconsin would make plenty of the state’s fancier dinners feel like they’re missing the point. It’s reason alone to plan a weekend getaway after a long week of work in the city. The spread is served with that signature friendly atmosphere and comes in almost overwhelming portions that keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Grilled local fish, hearty sides, and that weekly breakfast at the headwaters of the Wisconsin River tie the whole vacation experience together.
Brew’s Pub Inc
$ | (715) 547-3335 | WEBSITE
When the Friday fish craving hits, Brew’s Pub Inc in the heart of downtown Land O’ Lakes is your northern Wisconsin happy place. The fish fry here is classic, like what you’d get at a family supper club. It’s served with friendly staff, a few games for kids, and that guaranteed great atmosphere. Grabbing one of the wheelchair-accessible seats at this cool little spot and diving into a meal when the town is charming outside is the best use of an evening with family and friends.
The Bear Trap Inn
$$ | (715) 547-3422 | WEBSITE
The duck appetizer at The Bear Trap Inn (only available at dinner) comes with unique seasonings, a rich sauce, and fresh herbs on a warm presentation plate. Left alone, this appetizer is already so good that we don’t even think of it as a starter as much as the answer to the meaning of life—but if you pair it with the stuffed mushroom appetizer (available nightly), it’s somehow even better. Also, make sure to order extra sauce for dipping with your generous side of fries.
Dari Maid
$ | (715) 547-3040 | WEBSITE
Since the ’90s, Dari Maid in Lando has served their legendary Title Sundae, featuring extra hot fudge and nuts that leaves a sweet trail directly from your mouth to the crunchy twist cone. Skip the burgers and instead pair it with the crispy onion rings.
Greenhills Log Cabin
$ | (715) 479-2787 | WEBSITE
The Chicago-style pizza at Greenhills Log Cabin always hits the spot, especially when joined by the local lager you’ll inevitably choose to pair it with. It comes with that amazing crust, flavorful sauce, and good cheese, with the cheesy garlic bread adding that perfect extra touch. Eating this pizza inside the cozy log cabin on a cold Northwoods evening is the right way to spend your Friday night, even if you might need to keep your jacket on.
The prime rib dinner comes with some waste to cut off, but the Friday fish fry makes up for it completely. Getting a reservation for this popular spot is definitely worth the effort.
The Alley Lanes & Tavern
$ | (715) 547-3620 | WEBSITE
Clear your weekend calendar for the next few months: Friday nights are the only nights you can experience the full bowling alley atmosphere at The Alley Lanes & Tavern in Conover. You should be there to meet your weekly fun quota as often as humanly possible. The updated billiards area, which features large screen TVs for sporting events, is a lively, laughter-filled destination. They also offer great vegetarian options for the non meat-eating crowd.