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    Besse's On Clear Lake

    4.2 (42 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Besse's On Clear Lake Photos

    BESSE'S ON CLEAR LAKE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Prime rib
    Emily B.

    Beautiful lake views, a nice selection on their menu, and good service. We had the parmesan crusted cod which was delicious and cooked perfectly. The fries and baked potatoes were nice and hot. The dinner salads were excellent! The old fashioneds were also very good. The prime rib portion was small for the price but it had good flavor.

    Cheese cake squares Besse's on Clear Lake Hwy 8 Tomahawk WI
    Ted T.

    Enjoyed our first visit to Besse's on Clear Lake. Our server (s) were friendly and attentive. I tried the baby back ribs with spaeztle , she is had the buttery crusted baked scallops. Refreshing Mojito and an excellent "Wisconsin in a glass" Brandy Old Fashioned made it to the table in a timely fashion. Cheese cake squares (just the right size and price /$3 after dinner) rounded out this delicious and fun visit to scenic Clear Lake.

    Cheryl C.

    Went to Besse's at 5:30 weeks after the Food Network TV completed the $10,000 facelift. Was nice to see all of the interior improvements along with a fresh innovative menu. We had a party of 3 who all chose different selections including walleye with potato pancakes; walleye & oyster curry with soup & corn ragu pasta with a salad. All were good tasting unique dinners. Go early, by 5:30 in the summer to get a table or prepared to wait. That's usual anywhere in the northwoods in the summer. Besse's has a great view of Clear Lake offering inside & outside seating. Service was ok & was nice to meet Brenda, the owner.

    $22 Dinner presentation.  Note the loose piece of meat on the left that looks like a nibble was taken before it was served.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Such a gem in the Northwoods! Great bloody and eggs benedict. I was so impressed with the service and food.

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    White Stag

    White Stag

    3.8
    (180 reviews)
    27.4 mi
    $$

    We always enjoy our time at "The Stag", including its more formal, supper club style, including…read moresigning in upon arrival, the lack of reservations, time at the bar before dinner, dark, dimly lit ambiance and interesting pictures on the wall. However, as with the most interesting places to eat, there is a certain way things are done here. First, you do not have many choices, and it's better that way. They know what they do well and they stick to it. First, you will have bread service and salad. The salad will be served as a quarter iceberg head, which you will cut up and apply three available dressings. The dressings can be applied individually, but are meant to be mixed. If done appropriately, you will have a soup of dressing after finishing your salad. I have never experienced a salad service like this anywhere else, and it is really fun to watch the uninitiated experience it for the first time. Second, you will get one of few protein options: beef filet, porterhouse, ribeye, or a few other, non-beef options, like swordfish, haddock, and chicken. Most people probably get the steak, and of any restaurant I have been to, this is one that you will get the exact doneness level you specify. Do not undercut your doneness to anticipate an overcooked steak - if you order medium rare, that is what you will get. The steak is delicious and is served from the open charcoal grill to your table via a charcoal heated platter, complete with a ladle of flavorful au jus. You can even watch the grill master prepare your steak; it is a unique and fun experience unlike any other restaurant I have been to. Third, you will receive a baked potato with sour cream and chives. Options aside from this are grilled onions and mushrooms. Fourth, you can get an ice cream drink for dessert, and that is about it. Very simple, very well done. It is refreshing to know a place that so understands their strong suits that they do not offer options they cannot deliver on. There are not many things left up to chance here. You will get the salad, you will get the potato, and you will get the steak or protein you ordered in the level of doneness you specify. And I am sure you will really enjoy the whole process.

    I've been a regular at the Stag for 30 years, but I'm not coming back. We arrived around 4:30, and…read morethere was no wait, but they wouldn't seat us because all the four-person tables were full. We asked if we could sit in the other section, but they said no. We also asked if we could sit at a six-person table in the main section, even though 3 were open but they told us no and said it would be a 45-minute wait. So, we walked out and will never return to the Stag. When we left, we sat in the car for about 20 minutes looking for another place to eat, but no one else showed up during that time. The management at this place is terrible; they don't care about their customers who have been coming to their place for 30 years. Never again!

    Photos
    A cozy, intimate dining room.
    A cozy, intimate dining room.
    White Stag
    White Stag

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    Northfork Fin & Filet

    Northfork Fin & Filet

    3.8
    (110 reviews)
    26.5 mi

    This is my first time here, the waitress Jodi was super friendly and extremely attentive. The filet…read moremignon was extremely tender and melted in your mouth. The asparagus was delicious. The mashed potatoes were perfect amount of garlic and salt. The Parmesan garlic potatoes were crispy and flavorful. And the crème brûlée was phenomenal.

    2nd time visting-bartenders are super warm & inviting. I stopped by to finish some work & have a…read morefew cocktails & a snack. The snack was lacking cleanliess from a seafood POV-The martinis (2) were as requested but here was an issue w/pricing-not in POS. When I was leaving I noticed the cost for 1 (ONE) martini was $19-I had 2 and tipped $20 cuz I work in industry. I left paying $80 for overpriced cocktails, a poorly prepared appetizer & an inflated tip. The next day I noticed at the store; the entire bottle of gin selling for the same price as my 2 drinks-These were 3-4oz pours. I called to politely discuss w/manager & left a message. That's where everything went terribly wrong. I tried to ask what they charged for high end martinis-She gave me a price much less than I was charged. She then kept saying I need a ticket number or I can't talk to you any longer-I don't keep my receipts-She started yelling she needed a ticket number. Mistakes happen all the time in a restaurant-I've managed many-It's recovering with grace that truly matters-This could have been handled so many different ways. The manager was so inappropriate on the phone, defensive & rude. Its a shame as I live down the road & eat out often. But I learned my lesson-I'm out $80 but I won't make the same mistake twice-Check your receipts & ask questions before you leave-if you decide to try this place!

    Photos
    Korbel Old Fashioned Sweet
    Korbel Old Fashioned Sweet
    Old fashioned
    Old fashioned
    Knob Creek Old Fashioned - perfect!

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    Knob Creek Old Fashioned - perfect!

    Besse's On Clear Lake - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

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