Overall a fun experience. The view of the lake is fantastic, friendly service and decent food. Not super fast, but we weren't there to be hurried in and out so that was great. Don't go for the decor - pretty dated, but honestly who cares with that view. Salad bar with most menu items - a lot of options and it was always fully stocked. Our party of 6 was seated almost right away on a Saturday night ~6pm. No reservations needed. We had burger, shrimp, walleye and pasta - all of which were good and in pretty large portions. read more

The food was ok fries were soggy. The floors are very dirty wondering if the kitchen is also

We all had steaks and they were great!! Service was excellent and the kids had chicken strips . Everyone was happy;)

The Rustic Ridge is nothing but a glorified campground that serves typical bar food and only open on Friday and Saturday. Long gone are the great supperclub that Ron, Connie and Rick built over the years. No more salad or soup bar. There are numerous bars surrounding Castle Rock and Petenwell Lakes. Bring back the Carlson's and they'll show you how to run a Wisconsin supperclub and not a campground. read more

I can't attest to the food other than I strongly suggest to not eat the dry coleslaw. Everyone at our table ordered a fish dinner unfortunately we never got our food. We literally waited over an hour and a half and still didn't get our food! I finally asked the server if she could bring out the coleslaw and cornbread that is served with our dinner. We were all so hungry we scarfed down the cornbread but I wasn't able to stomach the dry foul smelling coleslaw. The server mentioned there would be a wait which is understandable however we sat waiting and not once did she ask if we wanted more to drink. The worst part was that numerous tables who came in after us were served and left while we continued to wait! We finally had enough and left very disappointed and hangry. As we left we heard that the server had just put our order in about 40 mins earlier. This server never came and admitted that she made a mistake and forgot to put in our order. Not one person from management came to apologize or even give us a reason as to why we were watching so many other tables eating and leaving even though they arrived after us. I have been a server and completely understand that mistakes happen and sometimes we forget however the way we handle it is what counts. This was not handled at all! The staff dismissed the mistake. Not recommended at all! read more

We live in the Rustic Ridge neighborhood and always loved going to Rustic Ridge, but the past few times we went it has disappointed us very much. 2nd week in a row we went to the outside bar. We sat at bar and sat for a long time never being acknowledged. Bartender knows my husband drinks Busch light and he made eye contact, but never acknowledged us by saying I'll be right there or just throw him a can. We decided to wait a few minutes longer before walking away. First week there were 2 bartenders outside and they were busy, but not to be even acknowledge as simple as saying " I"ll be right there was poor service. 2nd week only one bartender, so we decided to wait a little longer. We left as we were not being acknowledged again. My husband said he would never go back! I convinced him last night as we had company and for pizza. We walked in to order pizza and we were told they were overwhelmed and were not taking orders. Very disappointed especially because I really have enjoyed the atmosphere. Might be a long time before I can convince him to go back. read more

Not sure what has happened to this place but it has taken a down turn. Ordered an old fashioned which was fizzy! What?! Ordered blackened salmon that was totally over cooked. Ordered a baked potato which they were out of and they just gave me fries which I didn't want. And I had to hunt down a waitress for this fine meal. The view is nice and if your order beer and fried pickle chips you are set. Just don't expect much else. read more

Rustic Ridge Resort - a bench in the park - American Near Me - Friendship, Wisconsin

Food was right on par, the old fashioneds were fantastic... Friendly atmosphere right by the water, nice Pavilion outside... Staff is awesome. read more

Don't let the other reviews scare you away. Went in a Sunday. Was greeted immediately by the waitress and amazing bartender. Got our drinks and went to patio. Old fashion was hand muddled. A bit on the sweet side but still good. Malbec wine was available. Deep fried mushrooms are amazing. Ordered fried chicken special and husband got steak. Asked for all white meat and no issues at all. Meal was delicious. Steak was a bit on the raw side though. After dinner drinks were spot on. Service was incredible and attentive. This might end up being a usual haunt for us! read more

Rustic Ridge Resort - a sandy beach with a boat in the distance - American Near Me - Friendship, Wisconsin

I almost gave this 2 stars but I could not bring myself to do it. I will never go back. Period We live in Tomah so drove 40 min to try something new. Sat at bar but ignored for 5 min, picked drinks and they were undrinkable - A jalapeño bitters drink is one of their 3 specialty drinks listed and I like peppers but this was yuck - so many mixed muddled mess. My wife got another specialty drink and it was the opposite completely bland flavorless. Food order wrong as everything turns out it was À la cart. Now the cheese curds was an up charge but since everything is individual I get charged the full price for the Curds and the up charge from the fries (that really din't come with it). So double billed. However Cheese curds were the best thing that night. All steaks were off the menu even though the website and most of the reviews are about the steaks however they had a prime rib sandwich which was undoubtably the leftovers from prime rib dinner night 5 days previous. I literally spit out the first bite into my napkin. Likely reheated multiple times or microwaved. My wife had a chicken wrap she thought was pretty decent 3.5/5. Cheese curds and chicken sandwich was fairly good but when I had to spit out my sandwich and neither one of us could finish our alcoholic drinks along with subpar service I just can't bring myself to get this place 2 starts. Nice view but not worth going ever again. read more

Took about an hour to get our food. It was mediocre at best. Will not be returning sadly

We been to probably every restaurant North of the Dells on both sides of the lake. Nothing is even close to Carlson's Prime rib. It's the only thing I've had there and will only go there next time I'm in the area. It's legit! read more

See all

We went to this place with quite the view on the lake! Service was awesome and food was great! Everything was wonderful. A few of us got the 'Heidleburger' and everyone would recommend it! Would definitely come back read more

Rustic Ridge Resort - Heidleburger- burger with sauerkraut and brat on top - American Near Me - Friendship, Wisconsin

This place is an institution on Castle Rock Lake, and does simple food well. They have a great fish fry, and buffet most Fridays. The portions are large and the prices are very reasonable; five of us had dinner for $90! That was with two of us having the all you can eat seafood buffets. The fried chicken is awesome, and must come from some mutant chicken, the pieces are huge. You will definitely not walk away still hungry, and the view of the lake is mesmerizing. It has all the things you want in a traditional Wisconsin supper club, it just feels like Wisconsin. read more

Rustic Ridge Resort - American Near Me - Friendship, Wisconsin

The Friday Fish Fry ($9.99) is very good. It comes with choice of potato, I got the cheesy baked potato. The huge salad bar is $3.99 extra and has a different soup every day, usually seafood chowder on Fridays. My advice if you are going on a Friday night is to stick with the cod fish fry, the Friday night seafood buffet is too heavy on fried items, and I don't like the seafood pasta in a thick cream sauce, the boring tube pasta with red sauce or the corn sitting in water for a vegetable. They have a large main bar in the restaurant with big screen TVs and adjacent outdoor seating with a nice view of Castle Rock Lake. Also they have an outdoor bar open in the summer called Costa Ricky's, which offers a fun casual atmosphere. Some more comfortable seating besides picnic tables would be nice. read more

Rustic Ridge Resort - Sunset view over Castle Rock lake from outside Carlson's - American Near Me - Friendship, Wisconsin

We have been here a bunch of times but never on a friday. Today we did the friday thing! Were we ever glad we did. They had a regular fish fry for about 12.95. But the biggie was the fish buffet for 14.95! Wow! Shrimp, breaded fish, flounder, potato, prime rib, and a whole bunch of other things that i can't remember! PLUS a full soup and salad bar complete with fresh hot bread that you slice how you like it! Truely a delight.....don't miss this one! read more

We visited on a Friday night and sat outside. We have not been there since the change of ownership and our experience was anything but lackluster. We ordered an Asian Chicken Salad and 1/2 slab of ribs. The Asian Chicken Salad arrived with no dressing, lettuce, minimal rice noodles, a ton of breading without chicken as my salad only arrived with three 1-inch naked strips of chicken. Our waitress never came back to see how we were doing, so we had to go inside to look for her to get some salad dressing but could not find her. Ended up asking another waitress who brought me the appropriate dressing. Ribs tasted like McDonald's McRib. We ordered waters and one tasted like sweet water if there is such a thing. We assume the water and sprite come out the same nozzle at the bar and they mixed. Overall, we will not be headed back. read more

Another Wisconsin Gem! Found this place while moving my Aunt who lives nearby. Glad I did. Excellent Chicken special, well cooked, seasoned nicely and fresh. Very good salad bar. Moderately priced, very good food. Memories of the supper clubs in the woods. Overlooking the beach and Castle Rock Lake. Very good call if you are golfing at Northern Bay. read more

Was excited to try this place with such a high ranking, but very disappointing. Decor was very tacky & dated, service slow, took forever to get mixed drinks. Food to 45 min and not very busy, salmon raw inside, steaks just ok, potatoes came out cold. Chairs and tables dated, window valances covered the best part of the view. Crossed off the list. read more

Great place on Castle Rock Lake! I often come up to Necedah to visit my Mom. Her husband and she really love coming here so we went there for Friday Night Dinner and they had a seafood buffet as one of their specials. Very reasonable priced at $15.99. We were a party of 3 and sat in the main dining room with a gorgeous view of the lake. Our server Steve was amazing! They have a very large bar area and nice sized dining room. There was an outdoor bar I spotted as we drove into the parking lot. The place gives off a very relaxing feel. We all decided on the buffet which had a large variety of options including a soup and salad bar. I ordered a Moscow mule which was refreshing delicious. I checked out the menu and it offers a great selection of entrées, appetizers, sandwiches, etc. The prices are all reasonable. The food on the buffet was very tasty. I really loved the fried flounder, fried shrimp, calamari and the hush puppies! The dessert menu was incredible!!! They had entire page just for ice cream drinks! We decided to share a piece of amazing homemade carrot cake that was out of this world!!! Don't pass this one by! There is a dock if you come by boat along with a large parking lot in back. Be sure to ask for Steve he will give you fantastic service!!! Can't wait to go back! read more

See all

We had a great afternoon at Rustic Ridge Resort!!! We had a late lunch with our large group and the food and the service were great!!! After we left my daughter realized that she left her small stuffed animal on the table... when we went back and of course, the table was cleared... my daughter was heartbroken... we told the staff and they went above and beyond to locate the missing stuffed animal! I can't say how much this meant to my daughter and me! They are extremely accommodating and very friendly and the food was great!!! We will be back!!!! read more

Went here a couple weeks ago for the Prime Rib and it was worth it. The prime rib was offered in just about any size you want to fit any appetite. My wife had an filet that she loved. The place gets super crowded on fish fry nights. Prime rib is offered every night. Some restaurants in the area only have it on Saturdays. Nice view from the tight dining area. Eat in the bar for more elbow room and more windows. The only downside was the cheesy salad bar. We had great service and I did overhear a customer complain to the bartender about lousy service but the funny part about that was he said he'd be back the next night. read more

Short staffed and really busy on Saturday June 12 so it was understandable there was a long wait for food to come out. We have been hearing extremely negative stories about the place since new owners but thought we would try it anyway. The food was decent. The service was horrible. The absolute RUDEST waitress I've seen. To me the service is worth as much as the food. This girl just cost the owners 6 more local customers. Unfortunate. read more

Nice setting with a view of the lake. They have a patio but unfortunately weren't seating on it while we visited. The Yelp site indicates they take reservations but they do not, trust me, I tried! The place was busy on a Saturday evening around 6pm but we were able to snag a table pretty quickly. The menu is extensive and carnivores will be delighted with all the options. Vegetarians don't fare quite so well. There are two pasta entrees you can get without meat otherwise you're stuck with the soup/salad bar (and the soup is likely a meat soup) or appetizers. I opted for the salad bar which was just okay, nothing extraordinary by any means. Imagine iceberg lettuce and pretty standard toppings. The carnivores at the table, on the other hand, were thrilled with their meals - declaring the prime rib one of the best they've had (and they've had a lot). It's offered in five different sizes too (max is 80oz, oy vey!). One other issue - they did not have a drinks menu or beer list (only a wine list) and the beers on tap seemed pretty limited (i.e., no IPAs). They are walking distance to a casual beach bar across the street with nice outdoor seating and a view of the lake. All in all, while not a vegetarian's dream, it was a success for the carnivore on his birthday. read more

A supper club on the lake with solid food. We have eaten here twice in off season. Food and wait staff were good. Enjoyed the salad bar which had all the normal staples. Breaded shrimp, fettuccine, French dip and fried chicken all good. Dessert was also good. Don't attempt the brownie monster with less than three people. We made a dent with two of us. Overall a great place if you are in the area. Oh, and bonus that they have WiFi which is scarce in the area!!!! read more

Well their new deck is awesome and booths were comfortable. Service nice. Drinks expensive, pizza was just okay. We got the margarita pizza. Crust was okay. Sauce and cheese not great. Salad was fresh. read more

Their all you can eat salad bar, soup and homemade bread got me all excited to check them out! I love to check out local supper clubs around Wisconsin, so it was inevitable that I was going to get here at some point anyway. I'm so glad we did! They have an awesome spot on Castle Rock Lake with a gorgeous sunset view across the lake. The beach and pier with Costa Ricky's next door definitely caught my attention. I will be back next summer to check out the summer vibe. I'm sure the summer vibe here is pretty casual and fun. There's a road between the beach area and Costa Ricky's. But, super close for drink refills. They specialize in fish, seafood and prime rib. I was watching some of the plates coming out of the kitchen and they looked amazing. The brandy old fashioned is a favorite among patrons and you can't beat the price of $5 for one. The salad bar had a nice selection of green salad items, pasta salad, cole slaw, potato salad, cottage cheese and a bunch of other items. They had loaves of fresh bread for you to slice off a hunk. The soup of the day was their new england clam chowder. It's one of my favorite soups and it was done to perfection! I had to have two cups, it was so good. The soups had lots of clams, potatoes and veggies. The view of the lake from our seats was a nice treat. They filled up pretty quickly though. it was a pretty full restaurant when we were leaving. On busy weekends, I'm sure there is a wait for a table. They do have some nice seating out on the patio too. Pretty rustic ambiance, so no need to dress up for dinner here (as the sign at the door says 'shoes and shirt required' though). A great place to enjoy a cocktail and some good food. read more

See all

I hadn't been here for many years, but we were coming back from Madison to Nekoosa, and had a hankering for Chicken, so we took a slight detour to Carlson's. Luckily it was a Sunday and Chicken was the special. Baked Chicken, with traditional stuffing and mashed potatoes was only $7.99. All you could eat Fried Chicken was $8.99. A very good salad bar, with homemade soup, was only $5.99. We left stuffed, very reasonable prices and the chicken was perfect. I definitely preferred the fried over the baked, though. Our waiter Steve was very professional, and attentive, which is getting quite rare these days. Overall a perfect ending to a long day. The view is beautiful of the lake. read more

We went on a Friday and it was a buffet not a seafood buffet like others have mentioned. It was alright not terrific , typical starchy and deep fried foods , the salad bar came with it and it was good not terrific as others raved about The best part was probably he bar . The drinks were good and priced right I do have to say that everyone from the hostess to the bartender to our waiter were great . And hat gave it an extra star read more

We had dinner at Carlson's tonight. It has been a few years since we've been there due to us moving out of the area. It was even better than I remembered. The salad bar is amazing! I had the the pan fried walleye. It was terrific! I hated to leave but I couldn't eat another bite. Super great place for dinner. read more

Had dinner there and was told we could bring our dog and eat on the outdoor patio. Went back with our dog and were advised dogs were not allowed on the patio. No one else was on the patio at the time. We were told that it depends which manager is on duty. Make up your mind one way or another so no one else wastes their time like we did. read more

Today was the first time visiting this establishment, and it won't be the last. We started off with some fried mushrooms, and cheese curds. I noticed right away the mushrooms looked different from what I'm used to. Most fried mushrooms I've had in other places are very greasy, and the batter slides off the longer they sit there. I asked the waitress why these ones were so different, and she told us they were made from scratch in the their kitchen. They were quite delicious! I ordered a bacon cheeseburger, medium-well, and that's exactly what was served to me. The patty was large, and I could only eat half of it. My daughter ordered a hot dog off the kids menu, and was properly stuffed after eating about 3/4's of the dog. We sat in the dining area, with a really nice view of the lake, and our server was very friendly. Additionally, across the the street was a cool little outdoor bar, with live music. Overall, we had a great experience, and look forward to visiting again soon! read more

Don't expect to go and get the same food and menu options they had in the past. We were extremely disappointed after making the ride out there with 9 people to enjoy the traditional meals they used to have. The place is remodeled with less than half the seating they used to have. If you want a burger joint this is your place. If you want a Supper Club don't go. read more

I normally don't write reviews but was so disappointed I wanted to share. Dined here several times before they closed down for remodel. Often times a pleasurable experience. Except now. Environment is very sterile with dated furniture. Indoor seating very minimal. However if don't care about feeling hot after a day of boating then the new covered outdoor seating is very can't comment on staff because we got up and left right after placing our order. Heres my complaint. For about ten minutes, we had to watch and listen to a group of foul mouth drunks throw punches and push each other, men even hitting women. Went on long enough that people started to gather and fuel the problem. Frustrated nothing was done I expressed my concern to the bar staff that they might want to call the police. Bar staff dismissed everything I told them and said it's not our problem and in very demeaning loud reply for the few patrons inside, "why dont you call them if want something done". Excuse me! Children are seeing and hearing this. Wrong answer. This just shows what your in for while your kids stand in line for ice cream. read more

Absolutely Fantastic! We've been patronizing Carlsons for quite a few year's and it's always Excellent. The Friday Buffet offers so many choices plus the soup and salad bar with homemade breads. The Atmosphere is stellar for the seasons, it's warm, cozy and so homey. Great Staff, very caring and dedicated to make it a pleasurable experience. Thank You Carlsons. read more

Went for dinner tonight. The salad bar had one plate left. They were out of breadsticks, bread, croutons, the celery was nasty. The waitress was unpleasant. She screwed up my dinner by not bringing my baked potatoe. I ordered a side of vegis so I did get those. My sister asked for a medium steak, she received a marked rare steak and had to send back. We received the bill and she charged extra for vegis and I said you charged me extra but forgot my potatoe. She corrected the bill to $15.99. I gave her an 18% tip. Our bill was$59.04 I gave her $69.00 cash. She had the nerve to come back and ask for a nickle so she rounded her tip to have no loose change!! My bro in law gave her the 5 cents and she had the balls to say-do you want the penny back! WTH. So we were leaving and I grabbed a couple breadsticks since they weren't there with my dinner. She had the gaul to make another remark about that saying "Unbelievable.", I turned and said I took them because there weren't any when I went up to salad bar earlier. She shouldnt be talking to customers like that or asking for extra money to round up her friggin tip. Ridiculous! Really crappy customer service and she has the worst attitude for being in a waitress position. I wont be going back. read more

Went there with a group of 6. The blackened Prime Rib was really great. The other ribs were also good. The salmon and shrimp was good too. Huge veg sides and fries too. Recommend it. read more

great potatoes skins and broiled walleye sandwich, friendly service

Salad bar is awesome. If you want and great steak this the place to go. I come up here on the weekends and always stop for dinner. Everything you would expect from a supper club. You also can't beat the price for what you get. The beach is also great at all times of the day. read more

Just as advertised. Rustic and traditional. All the food was good. Our server was great. Very comfortable setting. Great location for large groups. Don't worry about how you are dressed either as we saw fancy to swim gear. It is all good here. read more