I had high expectations going into this place and it was just ok. We had the cheese curds and sweet potato fries to start which were good. I had the AM burger and it was really just OK. The burger was cooked well done, not medium like I had ordered, and it had been sitting a while because the yoke was not running and soft underneath. This was partially because our server outside was also cock-tailing in the bar.. so I believe it would have been better had it not rested so long. Overall, great ambiance and ok food. I would go back and give it another shot. read more

Angry Minnow Brewing - Am burger - Brewpubs Near Me - Hayward, Wisconsin

The place is great but the food and service was awful. They are known for the beer but they didn't explain any of it. Not very kid friendly. They didn't have most of the stuff on hand, the fryers were broken, they only had chips, and they were stale. read more

This is a cute little brewery right next to hey 53. Easy to access and great service. I love to unique apps. We had roasted Brussels sprouts and they certainly did everything right. read more

Had great drinks, friendly staff, and decent food. Had a fried walleye and relish and it was delicious and I don't normally like fish. The atmosphere is laid back and is open to small groups. They have patio seating as well if you want to sit outside. Everyone loved their food and beers and it wasn't super expensive. Would come back here again if my travels take me here. read more

Their beers are great here-be sure to ask for a sample of the bourbon barrel stout before you order-it's worth a taste! Food was very good (whitefish), but service was slow during the lunch hour because the place was full. Actually, we ate at the bar since we didn't know that there were outdoor tables in the back (away from street traffic/noise). This place would have gotten a higher rating if service would have been faster (still left a good tip because our server was also the bartender) read more

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You wouldn't expect the inside the look the way it does on the outside but it's sooo worth it! It reminds me of a pub out of a movie with its dark vibe! Good atmosphere and good beer. Definitely a stop on my list when I come out here in the summer. read more

Unfortunately, we only come to Hayward once a year...I can tell you this...we WILL be back! read more

Angry Minnow Brewing - Don't leave without it... - Brewpubs Near Me - Hayward, Wisconsin

Amazing food and beer. Fish sandwich was outstanding. Great service and atmosphere. Family friendly. They were willing to do a custom order for our 9 year old. We will definitely be back next time we are visiting Hayward. read more

Angry Minnow Brewing - Brewpubs Near Me - Hayward, Wisconsin

It was super busy for Labor Day. I was not in a hurry and didn't mind the wait for food. BUT if you are in a hurry I wouldn't recommend this place at a busy time. Seemed to be slow with food. I had fried rice with chicken which was good. Sort of a nice break from sandwiches or burgers. Beer is decent. If you are in a hurry I'd say avoid this place when busy but if you have time to kill and can wait it's a good spot. read more

Don't leave Hayward without a trip to the Minnow. This restaurant is our go to. I mean EVERY time we are in Hayward. AMAZING welcoming staff. Great menu and the beer is crafted on site. Favorites include: the Fish (I like Lake Superior White, Crispy, but the Spicy Baked is a healthy alternative). Burgers (any and all!) But really, I like the entire menu. Soups are always great and accompanied with fresh bread and homemade cracker. LOVE LOVE LOVE the atmosphere. Outdoor seating great, but I prefer the ambience inside - rustic, lively, amazing. See you at the MINNOW! read more

I grew up in Hayward. When I was a kid, what is now the Angry Minnow was an old, run-down second-hand store that looked decrepit and dangerous to enter. Seeing the transformation put a smile on my face. It's beautifully renovated retaining the rustic charm from its original design. The food selection, although limited, is higher-end than in many of the other restaurants and bars in the area. However...the service and attitude patrons receive is atrocious. The tone and snideness used when delivering the news that there are NO SUBSTITUTIONS, NO STRAWS, etc., is absolutely unnecessary and unforgivable. Treat people with respect or move on guys. I will never go back to this very poorly managed establishment. read more

Great building. Extremely poor service. Ridiculously slow and unapologetic about it; this based on three visits. 3/3. I had food poisoning after eating here. That was pretty much the end of that experiment. The Minnow was angry indeed. Hard to imagine a place that can't properly handle cooked beef serving it raw. Beer was OK. Will never be back. Hope someplace that serves safe food and has good customer service will open here someday because it is a great location. read more

Stay away. Trust me. Been coming from Chicago to Spooner for a weekend each year for the last 25 years. Hit Hayward for a night and gone to angry minnow a few times. We go for beers and atmosphere. Every time has not been good but just good enough to bring us back. Friday, the 20th, was the final straw for this place. Service is despicable. Servers and bartenders are rude and short and its super slow. They could care less. Can't substitute anything. Anything. My buddy asked for no mayo on his turkey sandwich. He was told no! WTF! Seriously? He wound up finishing his beer and didn't order anything he was so pissed. I didn't want bacon on my burger and was told to "pick it off". My other buddy's fish sandwich was terribl. My burger was average at best. As stated before, the food has never been good, but in years past we have gone for atmosphere and beer (which is good). However, we are done with this place and vowed we wouldnt come back. Slow. Bad food. Obnoxious workers (the bald guy at the bar is a total dick. We were the year ago, and I remember him being a dick then. My buddy and I were at the bar last year and he served people all around us and never took are order totally ignoring us. I was livid last year). Anyway, this review is not about a personal experience that I am trying to extrapolate to the entire review. Love good people. Appreciate owners and employees who care and take pride in their establishment. Good food is always nice.This place is a disgrace. read more

My rating is an average of two components: 3 stars for food/drink, 1 star for service. The food here is good and a little more upscale than a lot of the pizza/bbq/burger/pub restaurants in the area. The beer is actually excellent. I really like the "River Pig" Ale and we have bought cans in local grocery stores to bring home. You can also buy growlers to take beer home the brew of your choice. The prices seem a bit high for this part of the world, but the quality is good. Now, on to the reason we will not be back. The service staff here are apparently where they got the name "Angry Minnow." This place should be called "Angry Waitstaff." We came here during a busy lunch on a Wednesday about 3 weeks ago. We noticed that all of the three waitstaff constantly rolled their eyes, made snippy or rude comments to people and generally seemed in a huff. They seemed very unhappy and did not make us, nor anyone else, feel welcome. This is sort of shocking in a town were 99% of the places you go are staffed by friendly, welcoming and helpful people. We only get up to Hayward once a year- we'd rather spend our time somewhere where people don't roll their eyes at you because you want to spend your money on their products. read more

This is a tough review since the food is on the right track. the Beer list is keeping up with the times. But The AM gets 5 stars for poor attitude and customer service. When a party of '9' hungry & thirsty clean cut Tourist & Gentlemen arrive at 7:57 on a September FRIDAY night in the middle of no where aka Hayward what should the Staff do ? a) tell them you have 1 minute to order b) ask them if they are 'faultless' when they are questioned that they called and were told the Kitchen closes at 9pm c) Serve them with a smile and enjoy your biggest tip and bill of the day d) a&b Sadly the answer is was "D".. Terrible decision by the Angry bartender & supportive waitress to shun this group. If I was an owner/investor in the AM , I would punt that bartender into the Unemployment line and ask him if he is "faultless". p.s. The Green concept menu is pleasant and unique for an area that is dominated by deep fryers. read more

Birkie weekend, and of course, everyone heads to Angry Minnow. It's so awesome Hayward has this brewery. On one of the busiest weekends for the community this place it packed. I cannot speak to other weekends as we are one of those folks that only roll in for the big xc ski race. As we know it, the Angry Minnow is, angry, crowded, stressed out and at times rude service. From what I gather from other reviews, this isn't only on Birkie weekend. They have to be expecting the crowds that happen every year at the same time. Yet it does not seem that they are prepare for it or want the business. We are always baffled by why they do not open up the rest of the restaurant for seating. Instead they cram everyone into the bar for food and drinks. I'd head over the Angler on Main Street, a perfect example of a WI bar. Packed, but the staff will accommodate you in any way they can. We enjoy the beer. The seasonal; Bitch Hill Belgian Ale, and Dopplebock and staples; Oatmeal Stout and Pale Ale. I've also tried the Bloody Mary. It's a typical Mary offered with a chaser, but pretty heavy on the Vodka. I'm not complaining, but was a shock on the first sip. Over our several visits I've enjoyed the Brussel Sprouts. You get a great portion and not only do they feel healthy to eat (whether they are or not), they are cooked perfectly. I've had the Fish Tacos several times. They are full! And by full, I mean don't expect to pick them up as tacos until you eat some of the filling. I usually get two and it's perfect as a meal. The Mushroom Swiss burger is also a favorite of our group. A great beef patty piled high with mushrooms. My wish, to give up my favorites and try the grilled cheese. Maybe next year. Last thoughts, I guess if you have beer and food at the newest hippest place in a small town you can have bad service because people will keep coming for something new. If you can get past the service (host and waitresses), most of the bartenders are pretty hospitable, the beer is enjoyable and the food tastes good and will fill you up. read more

The beer is good and the menu offers a variety of food you won't find in Hayward. Service ranges from bad to suckage. Living in Hayward, it is very disappointing to be treated like a second class citizen. Came in for an employee's going away party and were asked to move even though we were spending lots of money having a good time. No one was waiting for the table we were at and after we moved, the table stayed empty for some time. read more

I wish I could give negative stars. I've been to Angry Minnow a number of times over the years and while the food is ok, the service is horrendous, but we've tolerated it because apparently we're masochists. Today I reached my breaking point. Not only did it take us *two* hours to eat (sandwiches, folks. We ordered nothing more complicated than sandwiches), but both the waitress AND chef were rude to us. My husband asked for thinly sliced tomatoes, because he likes, but doesn't love them. When the sandwich came out with very thick slices of tomato, the waitress said, the chef said you have a knife, you can cut them yourself. I was speechless for about one minute, which was enough time for her to leave. When she finally came back over, I told her that although her chef was rude, she didn't need to pass along the message to the customer. She feigned innocence saying nothing she said was meant to be rude. But never apologized. On top of the rudeness, there was the slow service, our food coming out in shifts so we weren't eating together, no chasers for our second round of bloody marys, a non-itemized receipt (very fishy, pun intended), and the list goes on. This was the worst dining experience I've ever had. For the first time ever in my life, I did not leave a a tip. read more

It is a neat place for sure, but they could improve some things.... My girlfriend is gluten & dairy free and they just aren't that flexible. Almost every dish has bread or dairy mixed into it. Even the beans, quinoa, and rice meal! She asked if fries/potatoes could be substituted for the bread on the sandwiches offered and that was a NO. We had brussel sprouts to start things off. They are wonderful. She ended up going with a salad & I had the Late sandwich. The Late was enjoyable with a sunny side egg, avocado, lettuce between two nice pieces of bread - $6 for me & $4 for the salad. Not a bad price. Our waitress wasn't the most friendly or understanding of dietary needs and she had some odd comments through the night. I am glad this place exists in Hayward, but it would be nice if they were a little more flexible with items on their menu. read more

Great beer, great variety. Awesome space. Food was excellent. Rapid service. Would come again if I lived less than 4 1/2 hours away!!

Kudos for using fresh jalapeños in the nachos. I had their amber beer and loved it. They need to learn how to cut pastrami however. It was 1/2" thick and so damn tough that it was like chewing a wetsuit. Service was average. Food is basic pub fare. Certainly not a destination, but I'd eat there again if I were hungry. read more

During a getaway from Summer in the Desert we stayed lakeside in Wisconsin. One of the local guides mentioned the Angry Minnow Brewing Co. We went to visit and were impressed by the high quality of the beer and dining experience. Their Octoberfest beer was fantastic as was their standard and IPA ale offerings. The Angry Pretzels are not be missed. The burgers were fantastic. If you are visiting Wisconsin and are near Hayward I would heartily suggest a visit. read more

Food quality has gone way down for sky rocket prices. Beer is always good. The Guy didn't fill my growler because the General warning label was covered by a sticker. They lost a loyal fan and promising business. read more

Whenever you see "raw beef tenderloin" on a menu, you order it. You order it, sir. Kelaguen Salad - Raw beef tenderloin marinated in lime, white wine vinegar, jalapeño, red onion & spice blend, toasted pita & smoked Gouda The menu changes from time to time so may not be able to get it when you are there, but if you can, do it. Just do it. And the split pea soup isn't half bad either :) read more

Been here a few years ago but they were about to close for the night and was only able to get one round of drinks. We vowed to come back but took us a few years. So glad we made it there this trip. The day after the 4th of July weekend and they were slammed, but they were up front with how long we could expect for the food. With that said we put in our order and hung out in the cool atmosphere with an eclectic group of patrons and very friendly bar staff. Not to mention an awesome variety of craft beers and full bar. The beer selection made the wait quite enjoyable. Once the food came, wow...was it worth the wait! The Southwest Burger is something that I know I will crave each year we return to the Hayward area. Everything about it was so delicious. But, that bacon.....mmmmmmm bacon. Definitely check this place out, but don't be in a rush. Which, you never should be when it comes to good food and great times. That's all. read more

Really disappointed in how this place was managed while we were visiting. Space was not used well, resulting in long waits for our group (which if I'm honest, was large). However, they have a whole "gift shop" that is half of their indoor space, which is not used for seating. No one was buying any gifts...just trying to find a place to stand and wait. We waited for an hour for a table on a Tuesday. While we were waiting a number of people left due to the unreasonable wait...and this was all avoidable. I love giving my business to small locally owned places. Just really disappointed in how this place managed a lunch rush...hope the next time we visit they are able to handle the rush of being in a tourist town. Otherwise...the beer was fine and you could tell the people were working hard. Not trying to be a jerk...just think they could be more efficient in how they manage space and the overall experience for folks visiting. read more

This is my new favorite place in Hayward! The food is SOOO good, much better than anything I've had in Hayward and on par with gastropubs in larger cities. We had a burger, the brussel sprouts and the rice and beans - they were all great! We tried six different beers in a flight and they were all very good! I was expecting the beer to just be "okay," but I really, really enjoyed all of them! The restaurant itself is beautiful and so cozy! We were a little nervous going in due to some of the reviews on Yelp. Luckily, we had very friendly service and we asked to have some toppings left off of our burger and it was a non-issue. We really considered going back the following day to eat here again because everything was so good! I'm sure we'll be back the next time we are in Hayward and hopefully we will have another awesome experience. read more

My wife and I have eaten here quite a few times over the past 4 months or so and we've never had any problems with rude or angry staff, in fact they always have been very friendly. They recently introduced new items to their menu and it's been a great improvement. Their soups are fantastic and burgers are the best around. The atmosphere is very unique. The tin roof, hardwood floors, stained glass, and exposed brick walls in the main restaurant and bar area are from the original sawmill company's office, built in 1889 and is a good change from the "northwoods" feel of other restaurants in the area(no mounted fish or animals). read more

Good atmosphere, great food and great beer. The old exterior and the renovated interior makes for a great spot. I had the island burger and brussel sprouts, delicious. And the beer was well crafted and tasty. read more

I have to say I wasn't expecting to like the burger I ordered as much as I did. I would go there again for it! I got the Southwest burger and it was delicious and flavorful. The burger was juicy and cooked more than I like but honestly I hardly noticed. We also had the pretzels with Gouda. When I first saw them I didn't think I was going to like and well I did. The serve was very good and the waitress was friendly and attentive. read more

While visiting the area to mountain bike my husband asked a number of the locals in the shops where they would eat and many named the Angry Minnow so we tried it out. We sat outdoors and it was lovely. The food was terrific too. There is a HUGE tree, I wish I knew what kind it was, that has a low branch so if you drive into their parking lot be careful, you cannot miss it. the staff was friendly i do think they need a better, more visible sign from the road as it was not easy to find, they could possibly get more patrons if they had a sign as the restaurant is sort of hidden back some we loved it then we went SUPing on the Namakagon River!! read more

The Angry Minnow is a brewpub that does it up right. Our meal started with brimming pints of Scotch Ale, made on premises. The beer was perfect: dark brown, rich and malty. We then moved on to burgers, each a half-pound of meaty goodness. The Bar Burger (bacon, avocado, cheese and ranch dressing) is justly praised; simpler tastes will enjoy the basic cheeseburger, topped with lettuce and onion. Burgers come with fries, which is a good thing when the fries are as good as those served here. The lovely Scotch Ale called us back for another dinner the following night. Still burger-full, we opted for lighter fare, but not before trying the cheese curds. And what cheese curds! Perfect curdly perfection. Then on to soups and salads, all of which were good but not as remarkable as the burgers and the fries and the cheese curds. This last bit of information should not be a shock to anyone eating at a brewpub, of course. Service was friendly in the face of a nearly full house. Atmosphere is "brew pub modern," lots of exposed wood, a nice U-shaped bar, and flickering candles on the tables. Prices are in line with food quality. read more

One of the nicer places to eat in the area--very good beer and appetizers (we enjoyed the Angry Pretzels with dipping sauces and a hoppy IPA with a citrus flavor). My husband had a juicy burger and salad. I had a bowl of beer cheese soup with a side salad and bread. Our kids enjoyed a bowl of chili and split a pizza. Beware to those who don't like a little heat--quite a few of their menu items are fairly spicy (beer cheese soup, the sausage on the pizza, and the chili--which you would expect). The building itself is quite neat and features a cozy bar/sitting room with a fireplace. We'll definitely visit again on our trips through the area when we want more than just a quick meal. read more

Lunch was great! Had a Reuben soup which was both surprising and very tasty. That along with the B.L.A.T. Sandwich made the afternoon all the better. The beers are also quite good though not for those that fear the hops. read more

Good atmosphere. No host but did not have to wait long. When they say spicy, it is that tasty spicy that was GOOD. Best Fish Taco I have had since making them ourselves as a kid with a kick. We did not feel rushed; we were in and out in a hour with a salad before the meal. Price for a Saturday night for 2 people with a couple of micro beers $40- not bad. We will be back. read more

Angry Minnow Brewing - Fish taco - Brewpubs Near Me - Hayward, Wisconsin

Located in Hayward, WI, the Angry Minnow Brew Pub proceed to be an outstanding lunch stop! The beer was very good but the golf and service were exceptional! read more

Angry Minnow Brewing - Bar area at the Angry Minnow. - Brewpubs Near Me - Hayward, Wisconsin

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Great beer in classic and modern styles. Great deals on drafts during Angry/Happy Hour 3-5 Tues-Fri. They offer local lake fish entrees. The gouda stuffed spent grain pretzels were great! read more

I'm torn on this review. I was here 2-3 time five years ago when we were in town for a hockey tournament. It was great. The menu isn't super kid friendly but they made up for it then by accommodating for our team and being absolutely great so we ate there at each meal. Now we are in town for a vacation. We went back for lunch and tonight for dinner. Atmosphere, food and drink are great. However, both times we had poor service. For lunch she was never around to get another drink or bring us the check. She also didn't know the menu or beers very well. She couldn't answer our questions. Disappointing but forgiveable. Tonight we went back. Food and beer were so good. Servings generous. However our waitress was actually not a nice person. She was irritated with us. I actually asked my kids if they did something. They didn't and called her snotty. I felt myself over compensating my thank yous and pleasantries to try to make her happier with us. It didn't work. Basically, I'm going to decide the service is now poor. I'm guessing they need to invest more time into training and management expectations but are currently not doing this. We are in the middle of a pandemic. I'm sure all small businesses could use all the business they can get. Poor service is really not ok. I'm a little sad because we decided we need to try other places now. If I didn't like the atmosphere, food and beer so much they would have gotten two stars. read more

Great place, great food, flight of beer in minnow shaped wooden tray.

Beer was fantastic, food was good, setting was nice, HVAC was not comfortable (stuffy and hot). Grab an oatmeal stout or rye IPA and head out to the patio to chill. Best bet dining wise was the fried perch and the soft pretzels w dipping sauce. Burger was meh and a bit dried out. Bread was tasty. read more