Everything is great and still the same. Prices have increased appropriately. Margs are the same $11 read more

Rick's Muskie Lounge - Updated menu 2026 - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, Iowa

Definitely a Clear Lake go-to place. Very little seating, so you do get rushed and the fish fry is no longer all-you care-to eat for that reason. Ownership behavior always has been my-way-or-the-highway, going back two or three generations of ownership, but when demand exceeds supply, they can (and do) make their own rules. Get there early or be prepared to wait, and wait, and wait, etc. Respectfully, it has come a long way from the days of being Kaster's Kove boat rental, bait shop and morning coffee and cinnamon rolls joint. read more

This place was awesome. A buddy and I stopped here on a trip to fish up at Clear Lake. We ordered one of their specialty drinks (honestly don't even remember what it was called but it was served in a mason jar and was great. The people there were awesome and we got into a conversation with some other people visiting about the walleye and how great it was. We didn't eat but it sounded like the food was good. The view was great. I'd definitely go back there again. Also, a completely random piece of info but their Busch Light Quack One Open sign is awesome! read more

Not dog friendly. We are from Iowa city and are traveling for work. Stopped in for a drink after working. I had my highly trained lab with me, asked them if they allow dogs outside and the owner said "It's a no, sorry, I don't care if you say it's a service dog or not". I replied, well it's not a service dog but if it was we would have an issue. Proceeded to be seated outside anyway, and put our dog back in the car. After we ordered a beer we were told that "we can't sit there with out ordering food" and had to move tables. Mind you we were only going o be there for 10-20 min max. I completely understand a no dog policy, the fact she said "if it was a service dog we don't even care" was not only illegal, but extremely disturbing to me for those who have them. read more

Oh my goodness. The Muskee Lounge is hands down a Clear Lake staple and I highly suggest you don't miss it! Even though this place does not accept credit cards, so cash a check please! It still can wow you in every aspect a restaurant can offer! They are famous for their Alaskan Muskee fish and chips, so much so that all of the people in my party ordered them! Also I should mention that when we went there it was margarita day and they were absolutely delicious! Heads up to those with a nut allergy because they also come with filbert nuts. The building itself is very eclectic you have the option of being outside or in, and no choice is a bad choice! Just sit back have a drink or two and enjoy yourself with some delicious fish! read more

Rick's Muskie Lounge - Alaskan Muskee fish and chips! - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, Iowa

Lovely find on the far side of clear lake. Right on the lake, this spot is as picturesque as any in the area. I stopped by on a clear evening and was seated quickly. Interestingly, they don't serve dinner outside, though they will do apps and drinks. Sounds like they may change that which would be a plus. The beer selection is standard with everything generic and Sam Adams representing the exotic - about what you expect in the area. The food was good - the Alaskan walleye special was $10 and was excellent - 5 medium sized pieces of fish with sides. Not huge but worth your time for sure. A friend had the shrimp and while good, probably not worth $19 for six and a salad. Sitting on the deck after dinner was great and aside from the knats, it made for a great chillax spot. Well worth stopping by for the fish and a beverage, especially on a nice night! read more

What a gem. Only holds about 50 people at most. Had to wait a while to get in, yet we were able to rest on a peaceful lake side deck. The best fish fry I have had in my 20 years in Iowa!! Homemade cold slaw was incredible!! Where else can you get amazing food like this for only $10?? Our total bill including 2 fish fry combos, & 2 side salads with delicious blue cheese crumbles was only $29! This will be THE stop any time we are near! P.S. There were kids there & they seemed happy. read more

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Doesn't allow dog and doesn't have very good service. I wouldnt recommend. Go somewhere else

Best walleye I have had in years!! Too bad they weren't serving outside. It was beautiful on the water. The atmosphere was as good as their food. Too bad we were traveling through and we will probably not see it again! read more

First time coming here and overall had a positive experience. Husband and I came on a Tuesday and were told the wait was going to be 45 mins! Luckily we were able to order some drinks and an appetizer at the bar. They have several tables outside for you to wait and enjoy your drinks with a lovely view of the lake. Small menu and even smaller restaurant. Only have about 12 tables inside. We both ordered the fried walleye and enjoyed it. Will probably return but only go on nice days to anticipate waiting outside. Only have cans of beer and restaurant is CASH only!! read more

Love it when the Lounge is finally open after being closed since the fall! We always drop by for a drink, a good meal, and the fact that they take checks when we forget to bring cash is brilliant and helpful! Serving outside is for drinks and for those who don't mind a wee wait. Oh, there's the bar inside in addition to the outside tables. read more

The food is good, especially if you are a walleye lover like our family. However, we were disappointed to see that they no longer have broiled walleye, which is what we really came for. They now only serve fried walleye. This is not a place that is going to impress you with its service or variety of menu options. They are set in their ways! They don't take credit cards, don't seat large parties, don't accept reservations, only have beer in cans, don't pull tables together, and will ask you to leave if you have small children running around. All of this is stated on the menu. We had a party of four and were told the corner booth is for parties of five or more. Come for the food, but don't expect to be blown away by anything else. They do have a great view of the lake! read more

Great atmosphere and food (burgers). Located on the shores of Clear Lake with "Up North Cabin" decor! Service was fast and friendly! Was here when it was pretty mellow (mid August) on a Saturday afternoon. read more

Excellent dinner or drink spot on Clear Lake. There is almost always a small wait (10-15) but they have an outside bar and plenty of seating. We hit the Muskie 5+ times a year and have never had bad service or a meal we didn't love. The walleye special and the Muskie burger are great but the pork tenderloin is the best thing on the menu. Also try the "Country Bob's" sauce with your fries! read more

Yahooo!!!! After moving midwinter from San Diego back to Iowa after almost 40 years, I was in great anticipation of the opening of Rick's. I had read about it and discussed it with many locals and was waiting for the seasonal opening 4/20 2011. The wait and anticipation was well worth it. For a fish lover and definite lover of walleye this is the place! Normally the hype and reality don't match, but................ The all you can eat walleye dinner with baked potato and cole slaw is heaven for me. The walleye is lightly battered and tasty. The batter does not overpower the fish. Tasty and hot and they are not timid about serving you more and more. The baked potato was hot, completely cooked, and decently sized. The coleslaw had a touch too much mayo for me but a touch sweeter and less mayo would have made it tremendous. Not a fan of the fake butter offered but a trivial complaint as the rest of the meal was awesome. If I did not live so far away I would be there once or twice a week but still will make it at least 2 times a month unless gas gets higher than my meal. One person at our table resisted the walleye dinner and opted for a regular cheeseburger and fries. I was totally impressed with the portion and serving to our tablemate. I noticed others in the restaurant partaking as red meat carnivores of steaks and hamburgers and all looked great. This is a definite must restaurant for anyone visiting the area. I am sure as summer gets closer it will be harder to get in and the lines get longer but the wait will be worth it. read more

Cash only place. Dinner inside only but big windows to view the lake. Appetizers okay outside. Ordered Alaskan Walleye Special for $10 bucks! 5 pieces of fish, real oven baked potato, home made cole slaw.. Highly recommend for a casual dinner.. read more

Everyone talks about this place been here 3 times non of the time have had a very good steak or any good food with anyone in our party so we now always take our guest to sevens in clear lake. read more

Didn't eat here this visit, just went for drinks. Excellent Bloody Mary's. Casual, small town funky atmosphere right on the lake - nice view, great to have a lake bar to boat to. A unique experience! read more

Located on what is called the "Little Lake" western portion of Clear Lake, near the town of Ventura. This is an old establishment with deep renown among fisher-folk. It is one of the best places anywhere to find a walleye dinner, or a walleye sandwich for lunch. Lots of other menu items including hearty steaks. Really authentic original cabin-like interior atmosphere includes amazing variety of mounted trophy size walleye, muskie and other fish caught in Clear Lake. I assisted in catching one of them and if properly motivated will tell you the whole story. This restaurant may be the last of the right-on-the-lake restaurants on Clear Lake. It has a dock where you can tie up your boat, and it's safer to do so now that they have dredged this area of Clear Lake. Comfortable seating at family sized tables and booths. The walls of this restaurant can tell a great many fish stories. You will not have fully experienced Clear Lake until you have dined here. read more

Tried the Ribeye sandwich and it didn't disappoint. Can't beat the prices and service. Love that it's locally owned.

Good location on the water. Shrimp were a disappointment but the Alaskan walleye was great!!

While my first visit here was a bit less than great, would give another try. Would like to see better bigger salads, not just a very small plate of plain lettuce, with a bit of cheese on top. Ordered the NY strip, med rare. Got very well done, had to wait for another steak to be cooked; came with a baked potato and small plate of blah salad. Def not worth $17.95. I dont mind paying for good food, cooked correctly the first time and priced right. It was also very loud, hard to hear our conversation. I might go back and try something else, maybe. read more