Tomahawk is known for its pristine lakes and Northwoods charm. But this cozy Wisconsin town also hides some surprisingly delicious dining gems where you can enjoy a hearty, wallet-friendly meal. Whether you’re craving classic Friday night fish fry, a juicy burger, or homestyle comfort food, this guide has a great under-$25 option—so you can save your extra cash for another round of fishing gear, or maybe just another slice of pie.
Silver Birch Supper Club
$$ | (715) 453-2025 | WEBSITE
A supper club is two things: exceptional, and a true home away from home. One prime rib dinner is plenty of food for two people, even by Wisconsin standards. And the honey glazed carrots and cheesy broccoli Alfredo soup at Silver Birch are our favorites. You can get the Friday fish fry for about $18, or the sautéed shrimp and baked potato special starting at $22. They have other things like escargot and ribs – but you should really just order the Walleye or Lake Perch.
And maybe a stunning lake view to carry you through the meal.
River’s Edge
$ | (715) 453-3769 | WEBSITE
River’s Edge serves delicious broasted chicken and pork loin, and it tends to be busy no matter when you visit. But it’s a welcoming spot with friendly service, so you won’t need to wait very long for a table. And it’s so good you might be tempted to skip your usual fish fry to come here instead.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (715) 224-3443 | WEBSITE
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill offers everything that makes fast food a great choice for families: it’s affordable and reliable, and it easily pleases a variety of ages with minimal fuss over what to order. This place isn’t trying to be fancy, either – the food (which includes hot, crispy fries and a solid fish sandwich, like a more satisfying version of typical drive-thru fare) isn’t Tomahawk’s most gourmet, but it’s perfectly tasty.
Come here with the kids to enjoy the excellent outdoor seating, which overlooks a peaceful river and provides a lovely spot to relax. In addition to the main menu, there are classic Dairy Queen Blizzards for dessert, plus the consistently friendly service for the people you’re with who appreciate that good customer care makes the meal even better.
Maple Bear Campground LLC
$ | (715) 453-5103 | WEBSITE
This woodsy campground is one of our favorite spots in all of Tomahawk, and it happens to be very affordable. In fact, you’d have to work pretty hard to spend over $30 here. The fried green beans are something you should order, and the other bar food is just as good. As for drinks, you can order them at the bar and staff brings them to your table. Basically, if you haven’t already stayed at Maple Bear Campground, that needs to change.
Billy Bob’s Sports Bar and Grill
$ | (715) 453-4984 | WEBSITE
Unlike a reboot of your favorite sports bar with shiny new decor, Billy Bob’s succeeds at repackaging the best elements of a classic Wisconsin tavern. It doesn’t have the same killer patio as some lakeside spots, but makes up for it with a lively, spacious indoor seating area that handles large groups well. Get their $14 all-you-can-eat shrimp special, which comes with well-seasoned gulf shrimp, fried pickles, and mozzarella sticks wrapped in phyllo dough.
They also serve a solid roster of local IPA options for under $7 and an infamous fish and chips with beans for $16.
Boomba Bar & Grill
$ | (715) 453-5588 | WEBSITE
Waterfront dining spots are plentiful in Wisconsin, but fortunately “too many options” never applies to cold beers and good food. The Boomba Bar & Grill has that perfect local bar atmosphere, which you should definitely check out if you’re looking for a genuine alternative to tourist traps. You can get the famous Patty Melt for $14 and pair it with their homemade pizza.
But we suggest ordering the Walleye fish fry for $18 instead, because it comes with the essentials: crispy batter and friendly service.
Sideways Wine & Craft Beer
$ | (715) 493-0826 | WEBSITE
After establishing itself as a Northwoods favorite, Sideways Wine & Craft Beer has become a sophisticated destination in Tomahawk. This charming spot’s offerings focus on quality drinks and snacks, with the most indulgent being the charcuterie board at around $18, and our go-to—a glass of their excellent house red—is about $12. You can enjoy your selection with live music on Saturday nights, and still have a wonderful evening for well under $50.
It’s perfect for a date night or a casual gathering before heading out to explore Tomahawk.
What’s Brewin?
$ | (715) 453-3555 | WEBSITE
The specialty at What’s Brewin’ is breakfast comfort food – in particular, bagels (the bacon, egg, and cheese one is our favorite). For a larger meal, get their variety of breakfast sandwiches or the baked goods selection. And even though this is a serious coffee operation, it’s also a comfortable place to sit down and work. Do that and then spend the time you saved at the Mexican restaurant next door.
Tomahawk Family Restaurant
$ | (715) 453-4504 | WEBSITE
Tomahawk Family Restaurant is a cozy, unpretentious spot with a warm and welcoming dining room that feels like it hasn’t changed much over the years. Despite this (and the fact that they’re in a small town), they have excellent comfort food. Grab a booth, order some coffee, and get the flavorful omelet, perfectly cooked hash browns, or exceptional pancakes.
Just note that it’s cash or check only, which actually makes it fairly easy to stay on budget – open your wallet, hand the cash to your server, and say, ‘Give me this much.’ (Don’t actually do that.)
Outboards Bar & Grill
$ | (715) 224-3594 | WEBSITE
Clearly burgers are a solid choice if you’re looking for hearty comfort food, and by now it’s obvious that Tomahawk has some excellent options. Outboards Bar & Grill, with its unique decor featuring outdoor motors, is one of them, but you’re not getting traditional fine dining here. Instead, you’re getting large portions and tasty food, i.e. well-balanced dishes like the burger, taco shells, and fries made with high-quality ingredients.
It’s always a good (if slightly intimidating) sign when you see families enjoying themselves – and here, a burger with fries starts at $14.50.
Castaways Bar & Grill
$ | (715) 453-8686 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just want a straightforward meal with a view you didn’t have to work for. Castaways Bar & Grill is the spot to find it. The dishes here range in price from $9-16, which means if you’re truly famished, you can easily order a couple of courses while keeping your total around $25. Definitely try the homemade Reuben rolls, or one of the hearty options like the burgers or fish dishes.
Pine Pointe Resort & Campground
$ | (715) 453-3133 | WEBSITE
Unsurprisingly, Pine Pointe Resort & Campground has a fish fry. It’s fresh and very good, and you should order it whenever you’re here. But beyond that, the menu has other great, reasonably-priced dishes. You’ll find the Pine Pointe burger, potato pancakes with homemade coleslaw, and a wide selection of beers, and the casual space is perfect for meeting friends after a day at the beach, but still nice enough for a family dinner with incredible water views from the patio.
Mary’s Hangout
$ | (715) 453-1943 | WEBSITE
Mary’s Hangout is a cozy dive bar with a genuine, welcoming vibe. The basics are solid (most drinks run $5-8), but the real draw is the friendly atmosphere, where conversations flow as easily as the drinks. It’s BYOB, so you can bring your own bottle and settle in for a good time.
Mama D’s Du Lac
$ | (715) 453-4415 | WEBSITE
Mama D’s Du Lac is a cozy Italian restaurant from Tomahawk that was wise enough to open a location right by the water. It was a smart move – the food here is really good, in part because all of it is made from scratch. The homemade pizza, in particular, is delicious and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making this a nice place for those seeking a relaxing meal without the distraction of TVs. They even have optional dipping oils you can request.
Northwoods Cafe & Coffeehouse
$ | (715) 453-6280 | WEBSITE
Northwoods Cafe & Coffeehouse really wants you to know you’re in Wisconsin. Lots of wood and cozy lighting make the interior feel like a cabin, which fits with the menu of things like breakfast options, sandwiches, and delightful coffee. If you’re in the mood for a welcoming and affordable comfort food meal, come here. You won’t even have to brew your own coffee to save money.