"This review is long overdue for Angler 's. As a true foodie, who worked for a food manufacturing company, who eats out almost 5x a week, and at many of Chicago 's best restaurants for 40+ years, I believe I bring an experienced perspective on the quality Angler 's provides. Furthermore, as a life long vacationer/ owner in the Northwoods, I 'm very familiar with almost every restaurant in the area. So here goes. ANGLER 'S IS THE BEST RESTAURANT IN THE NORTHWOODS. Here are the top must tries and overview. 1. Best speciality soup offerings in the Northwoods (and Chicago!!! . You will not have a more flavorful experience. Not kidding best ever. Seafood Gumbo is the daily delight, but return often for the different daily variations. The only disappointment I 've ever had was a Tomato Bisque. Don 't get me wrong, it 's good, but just not SPECIAL like the others. 2. Best burger in the Northwoods. I 've learned the keys to their taste are two fold. Their proprietary seasoning is just remarkable a huge difference maker. Secondly, they only buy premium meat, which makes their burgers (and other items exceptionally tasty and tender. Together, they will make your mouth water. Again, from vast experience, none better in the Northwoods. And that says a lot considering every establishment offers one... but only Angler 's has this catch of the day...everyday. 3. Steak Sandwich. With cheese, onions and mushrooms, it is as tender and flavorful as any I 've ever experienced. Why? As referenced earlier, the premium cuts of the most tender (cut it with a fork meat and seasoning will turn your mouth into a sea of flavor. Of course, this applies to any steaks, chicken, fish and other meals they serve as well. Definitely, no bland meals served here. 4. Like a salad? Get it made with any protein added and you will be wonderfully shocked. Homemade dressings are fabulous (blue cheese is exceptional . My wife is picky, and even she says they are one of the best she has ever had! 5. Pizza. Good pizza is hard to find up in the Northwoods, yet, Angler 's has a hidden gem here Angler 's Special . Simply said, compared to Chicago pizza, forgetaboutit! Their Special is killer! While I 'm usually a cheese and sausage guy, order the Special. It 's, well, to die for! Main dinner meals? Mouth wateringly good. No throwaways here. All meals make your taste buds dance no swings and misses. Co owner Chef Paul and his well trained Sous Chef are truly artists in the kitchen. Serving large portions, you can 't make a bad decision off their menu. What 's it like to eat inside there? Well, it 's positioned as a restaurant...not a bar . And, in all aspects, that 's true. With a warm, quiet, cabin like, atmosphere overlooking beautiful Vance Lake, it delivers a wonderfully relaxing Northwoods experience, but never 'bar food '. Additionally, it 's combined with a new outside dining area with large screen tvs and live music often. Located on the bike trail, ride on over and grab a table or saddle up to their beautiful bar. Either way, it 's a fun, lively time. With any great restaurant, service is key and Angler 's over delivers. Talented, uber friendly (and kinda sassy in a good way servers combined with a fun co owner behind the bar serving perfectly proportioned drinks adds to the dining pleasure. And guess what? Angler 's offers all of this at a fair price, too. What a concept! Downsides? Only two. It needs a sundae added to their wonderful dessert options. In Wisconsin, where dairy is so good, just add it. Nothing creamier than Wisconsin ice cream! Secondly, there is a select menu of wonderful faire for outside dining. Currently only available inside, customers would benefit from having Angler 's fantastic soup options included on the outside menu. Just a thought...but a tasty idea. NOTE: While other places are given 5 star reviews like candy by, respectfully, less experienced diners/reviewers, trust me this place actually is number 1. As a true foodie with 40+ years of daily dining at many of the finest restaurants in Chicago, and almost all of the top restaurants in the Northwoods over my lifelong experience coming up here, Angler 's is simply he best. If you want a restaurant that will consistently tickle your tummy and bring a smile to your face, catch what Angler 's is cooking up today. (Reservations are required for dinner. Bon appetite!"
