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Will's Northwoods Inn
Master Critic Review
Will's Northwoods Inn
8.5
Will's Northwoods Inn is a Wisconsin-themed West Lakeview institution from 1991 where game-day crowds crush pitchers, cheese curds, and saucy wings under cabin-style wood paneling and taxidermy. Wings sit alongside brats, walleye bites, and a Friday fish fry, with long-running Packers and Badgers watch parties anchoring its reputation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in chicken wings (BBQ or buffalo), Fried Wisconsin cheese curds, Friday walleye fish fry
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A Packers-and-Badgers shrine where wings, curds, and beer drive long-running game days.
Who should go: Wisconsin transplants and sports fans who prioritize beer and wings.
When to visit: Packers or Badgers game days, especially Friday fish fry.
What to order: Bone-in wings, fried cheese curds, Friday walleye fish fry.
Insider tip: Arrive early for big games; the patio and bar fill quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots on Southport & nearby side streets; expect competition and residential permit zones during game days.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, hoodies, and game-day gear are the norm.
Noise level: Loud on big game days; moderate-to-lively on regular nights (conversation possible away from the bar).
Weekend wait: 20–30 min on normal weekends; 60–90+ min during Packers/Badgers games or Friday fish fry rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; occasional bumps during afternoon game broadcasts.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — cheese curds, salads, and some sides.
Vegan options: Very limited — menu is meat- and dairy-forward with few true vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Select items can be modified (sauceless wings, salads), but no dedicated gluten-free fryer — ask staff about cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love sports-bar energy — it’s fun and communal, but the noise and game-day chaos aren’t ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served; arrive early for major games or fish-fry nights to secure a table or patio spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but it skews adult-focused and rowdy during late nights and big sporting events.
Best For
Better for: Game-day camaraderie, wings with sauce variety, Wisconsin bar nostalgia, and large-group patio hangs.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, extensive vegetarian/vegan choices, or a polished dining-room experience.