What should I order at Thirsty Whale?
Thirsty Whale
Fish Sandwich
Frequently mentioned as a huge slab of meaty, delicious fish that many reviewers enjoyed and recommended.
Burger / Cheeseburger
Several reviewers praised the burger and cheeseburger for being great and well-cooked, making it a popular choice.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Recommended multiple times for being yummy and well-prepared, a favorite among diners.
Wings
Noted for being crispy with great sauce options, including a honey garlic sauce, making them a standout item.
Cheese Curds
Frequently suggested as a must-try item that many guests enjoyed and highly recommended.
Wild Rice Clam Chowder
Mentioned as a famous and highly praised soup that lived up to the hype.
Whale Deluxe Sandwich
Described as fantastic and recommended for those wanting to try a signature sandwich.
Blackened Fish / Blackened Grouper
Well-liked for its flavor and quality, recommended by multiple reviewers.
French Dip
Mentioned positively as a great menu option, recommended by at least one reviewer.
Grilled Ham and Cheese
Praised as a great lunch option, recommended alongside the clam chowder.
Whitefish Dip
Noted as delicious and a great choice for starters or appetizers.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 8 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM to 5 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM to 8 PM |
About Thirsty Whale
Playful watering hole offering pub grub & cocktails since 1902, plus games & lakeside seating.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
Frequently asked questions
What is Thirsty Whale known for?
Thirsty Whale is best known for its lakefront dining and its wild rice clam chowder, which reviewers repeatedly call a standout. The fish sandwich, cheese curds, and waterfront deck seating are also major draws, especially for people who want a meal with a Minocqua lake view.
What dishes are most recommended at Thirsty Whale?
Reviewers most often recommend the wild rice clam chowder, cheese curds, fish sandwich, wings, and blackened fish dishes like blackened grouper or blackened ahi tuna. Other frequently praised items include the Whale sandwich, whitefish dip, grilled chicken sandwich, and cheeseburger.
What is the atmosphere like at Thirsty Whale?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and historic, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water. Reviewers describe it as lively and family-friendly, with games for kids, a bar area for groups, and enough energy for tourists, college students, and solo diners.
Is Thirsty Whale good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $20 to $30, and reviewers generally feel the food and lakefront setting make it worth it. Comments about generous portions, fast service, and a well-run operation suggest solid value for a sit-down meal in Minocqua.
How busy does Thirsty Whale get, and when should I go?
It can get busy at lunch and on weekend evenings, with reviewers mentioning about a 20-minute wait on a Sunday afternoon and again on a Saturday lunch visit. People still say the wait is worth it, especially if you want outdoor or dockside seating with a view of the lake.
Is parking available at Thirsty Whale?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot is available.
Is Thirsty Whale kid-friendly?
Yes, Thirsty Whale is good for kids.
Restaurants like Thirsty Whale in Minocqua
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