When the Scene editor told me I was going to a bar to review beer and bar food I was pretty psyched to go grab a drink and hang out with friends – all in the name of work. The Lounge at Native Bay, however, is not the typical bar serving not so typical bar food. Sporting it’s own menu, distinct form the restaurant’s, The Lounge at Native Bay is more like a mini restaurant in a restaurant.
Native Bay, situated on Lake Wissota, about 20 minutes north of Eau Claire, is a lounge and restaurant that touts multiple menus that change seasonally and spotlight local and regional ingredients. Now, I’m not exactly up and up on local cheese, maybe it’s because I’m a Minnesota native, but I like supporting local fare. Plus I checked menu prices before I left for the restaurant, and while the Native Bay menus are a little out of my budget, entrees ranging from $25 to $32 a plate, The Lounge menu features meals all under $15, the majority in the $8 range.
When I first walked in I was unimpressed by the service. I’ve been a server for a number of years and understand what it’s like, but when I arrived there was no dinner rush and I watched as four different servers walked past the host stand. But when my friend and I got into the bar, the quality of service picked up a little. While the bar tender, not busy, didn’t acknowledge our presence when we first got there, he did redeem himself when he chose a beer for me. If ever at The Lounge at Native Bay, ask the bartender to a beer recommendation. While the restaurant boasts a large wine list and specialty cocktails, like any other fine dining establishment, The Lounge has an extensive and impressive beer list, all taps and bottles from some of the most well-known and highly acclaimed microbreweries in the region.
While I do like trying new beers, I was a little overwhelmed looking at the massive beer list. So, I simply told the bartender I wanted to try something different. He asked me three questions about what I wanted to try and made a recommendation, Domaine DuPage, a toasty beer, which ran me $3.50. Sure, it was a little more expensive than the $1.50 happy hour specials I’m used to seeing near campus, but it was also a much better beer than the watery, cheap beers I’m used to. And for those like my friend, who aren’t as adventurous, there are Wisconsin favorites like Leinie’s and New Glarus on tap. All prices for beers on the massive list begin at $2.00 and tap pitchers top out the price range at $9.00.
As for the meal, my friend and I stuck to traditional bar grub and ordered burgers. I tried The Bad Breath Blue Burger, smothered in garlic, caramelized onions and blue cheese. While it was sloppy because of all the onions, the third of a pound burger was cooked perfectly and definitely lived up to its sharp name. It was worth the $8.50 it rang me, but because it was more upscale than the bar food I’m used to. My friend ordered the Native Bay Burger, which was basically a glorified cheeseburger with bacon, also coming in at $8.50. She agreed, while the food was good, it wasn’t quite “bar food,” but more of a nicer meal. If you’re looking for a greasy burger and cheap taps, The Lounge probably isn’t for you. I would, however recommend it for a night out and to get away. The 20 minute drive makes The Lounge at Native Bay a nice little get away from “the usual” bars and restaurants and the smaller, cheaper bar menu at The Lounge make the bar meal more affordable than an entrée at Native Bay. The drive was nice, the view over lake Wissota beautiful (at least it will be once things start greening up), and the beer list impressive. But the service was slow and lackluster. I’ll go back if I need a nice place to eat, but won’t be just hanging out there anytime soon.
