Cozy Restaurants for a Fall Date Night in Minocqua

If you’re one half of a couple, you know this all too well: the day-to-day hustle and bustle doesn’t exactly set a romantic tone. You may secretly wish to be whisked away to a quiet hideaway encircled by fragrant pines, clear lakes and trees ablaze in autumn hues, where you both can connect and curl up to a roaring fireplace. To make this vision a reality, look no further than Minocqua, a charming town cocooned by Northwoods forests.  

After driving Rustic Road 58 to spot the best fall colors in the area, or hiking the Raven Trail to get an up close and personal look at the leaves, drop your bags at a snug cabin built for two and head out to one of the many idyllic “date night” restaurants that can be found throughout the area.  

The Boathouse

The Boathouse on Lake Minocqua offers stunning waterside views, as its name suggests, but the feel inside is like something out of a tucked-away 1920s speakeasy. Upstairs, a solid wood Brunswick-style bar acts as the centerpiece, with chandeliers that cast a warm glow as live piano music wafts in the background. Sip Old Fashioneds together as you savor the grilled filet mignon or their famed French onion soup.

Norwood Pines Supper Club

Minocqua is famous for its supper clubs, and Norwood Pines is no exception. Its grand fireplace and outdoor firepit make this a haven of warmth, and the comfort food is sure to cozy up your date night, too. Think: Wisconsin classics, like prime rib, a Friday Fish Fry and cheese curds perfect for sharing with your beloved.  

Northfork Fin & Filet

In nearby Arbor Vitae, add Northfork Fin & Filet to your itinerary. This is where you’ll both discover locally-sourced eats and handcrafted specialty cocktails. As you sip caramel apple martinis and start with the “Love at First Bite” appetizer—a giant pretzel served with three dipping sauces—move on to their stick-to-your-ribs Build Your Own Macaroni & Cheese. Enjoy your food in a rustic atmosphere, punctuated by a canoe that hangs from the ceiling, outfitted with gleaming strings of lights.  

Anthony's Ristorante

Maybe eating at a “ristorante” strikes a romantic chord with you and your partner. At Woodruff’s Anthony's Ristorante, you’ll eat in style with a Northwoods twist. You’ll feast on fare like their Lobster Bisque and Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin with Chorizo Sausage & Apple, all served in a space that resembles a true log cabin, complete with hand-hewn log walls, mounted fish and a stone fireplace. 

Knotty Barrel Supper Club

A visit to the Knotty Barrel Supper Club may feel like a step back in time, especially with its vintage decor, plaid carpets and red booths you can sink down into. Festooned with a fireplace and table lamps at every table, snuggle up to your sweetheart as you relish a brandy alexander, walleye dinner or warm bread service.  

Whether it’s house-made cocktails, a comforting dish brimming with Wisconsin standards or cozy ambiance filled with must-haves like a fireplace and rustic accents, you’re sure to find an enchanting date night destination in Minocqua, just as the leaves start to fall.