Upon crossing the sacred threshold of Tamarack Pizza, I did not merely order lunch -- I embarked on a culinary pilgrimage. The Tamarack sandwich arrived like a hero returning from battle, radiant and unapologetically magnificent. The bread? A golden vessel of destiny. The fillings? A symphony of textures and flavors conducting themselves in flawless harmony. Each bite unfolded like a well-paced novel -- rising action, climax, and a triumphant finish. Time briefly lost meaning. Conversations hushed. Somewhere, an eagle may have soared. Was it "just a sandwich"? Technically. But also, perhaps, a reminder that greatness can exist between two slices of bread. Five stars. Would ascend again. Now the real review. Stopped into Tamarack Pizza in Portage and ordered The Tamarack sandwich. It's the kind of place that doesn't need to oversell itself -- it just delivers. The sandwich was solid across the board: well-balanced, fresh, and made the way you hope it will be when you order a house specialty. Good bread, generous filling, and everything worked together without being fussy. Service was friendly and efficient, and the whole experience felt easy. No theatrics -- just good food done right. I will come back next time I'm in the area. read more

Lovely people working at Tamarack serving a great bacon cheeseburger and onion rings. Had a grand experience.

The food was absolutely perfect. One of the best burgers I've ever had. We're from out of town but will come back any chance we get!! Delicious!!!! read more

Tamarack Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Portage, Wisconsin

Delishious, fresh meat and veg for food. Nice size servings. Good staff. Reasonable prices. Just dam good food!

We dropped into Tamarack Pizza yesterday in Portage, Wisconsin, and were met with the warmest throw back ambience encounter. The mellow yellow lit brown hued background drenched with charm, highlighted early advertising beer mirrors of all sizes across the walls. The elongated walls were quite reminiscent of Chicago's Geno's East style paneled wooden walls just waiting to be tagged by customers declaring their presence in this actual railroad train car, now turned cozy pizza place on Wisconsin Street. We were greeted by a very friendly pony tailed waitress who served our appetizer request consisting of a bowl of chili. We were anxious to receive the Chef's homemade Chili response. All the goodness was there including, a high quality ground beef, as well as, all the added veggies and spices for a hearty chili dish. Next, by mutual agreement a shrimp, anchovies, onion, green olives, and green pepper, on a thin large pizza was ordered. The request was returned with reasonable speed and presentation. Our waitress had the biggest smile on her face; assuring and knowing what our responses would be once we tasted this pie! We went in on it, and in no time there were only two pieces left! It was a small piece of totally good and seriously rad eats in a quaint small town, not so far north of Chicago! What a delightful Friday afternoon spent at Tamarack Pizza, in Portage, Wisconsin. read more

Tamarack Pizza - "Tamarack Pizza, Plus History" Wisconsin River, the longest in U.S. is behind Tamarack Pizza, take a look with your takeout - Pizza Near Me - Portage, Wisconsin

We ordered complicated pizzas with various substitutions to meet our family's dietary needs and preferences and I was pleasantly surprised that everything was as we ordered AND they were both delicious pizzas. The crust had a nice texture and taste too. We did get the pizzas to go this time but everyone was warm and welcoming inside. They are cash only. My daughter just moved to Portage and we will definitely be going back to Tamarack when we are visiting. read more

Pizza was fantastic, the crust was t soggy, cheese was delicious. As a vegetarian, I was disappointed to find that the broccoli bites had bacon in them - after I had taken a bite. Beer selection was minimal, but enjoyed the spotted cow beer. Our server was slightly irritated with our group, but I think we won her over. Overall our group had a great night eating pizza and drinking beer. read more

Good service. We ordered a pizza with lightly sautéed mushrooms and black olives. Super-thin crust. Sauce was my favorite--loved the oregano. Not the most comfortable seating, but it probably keeps people moving along. Fair pricing. Clean bathrooms. Steep steps going up into the restaurant/bar. read more

It is always a grest thing to support a local business in times of crisis but spend your money on a worthy restaurant as the Tamarack deserves to fail. I ordered take out during COVID-19 pandemic. Upon entering the restaurant, I felt instant judgement from staff for wearing a mask. The service continued to be rude and made it known that they did not care about my business. None of the staff were wearing masks or doing any form of social distancing in the restaurant. They are cash only and were upset when we initially presented a debt card for payment. I hoped that the food would make up for the service. It did not. $5 for ten cheese curds. At 50 cents a pop, they better be delicious, but I've had better ones microwaved. With our pizza, the cheese fell off right away, and the crust was burnt and tasted like cardboard. Maybe we ordered the wrong things, but either way, we are not going back. read more

Food was absolutely disgusting. Service was so so , the lady was in a hurry to get away from our table. Ambiance was actually nice read more

Tamarack Pizza - a half eaten sandwich with a bite taken out of it - Pizza Near Me - Portage, Wisconsin

food was A**. service was a hair above A**. our server said they changed owners and that's why they don't have items or things changed......and they changed for the worse! save yourself the time! just go to pizza ranch. this is sad, because they used to have the best pizza in town, BEST burgers in town, and best steak sandwiches.....we had all 3, and they are all A** now. sorry for the honesty, but this place has went so far downhill, I don't think it can be saved. good luck if you go there.....just don't be expecting what it used to be, or what any older review says!! BEWARE! read more

I placed an order for pick up for their Supreme Pizza. It's a small joint with a few TVs and small bar. As I surveyed the place you could see the locals frequented this place. Back in my hotel room after tasting the pizza I understood why their parking lot was full of cars and why Pizza Hut across the street was a ghost town. This pizza was delicious and the toppings were fresh. Good pizza at an excellent price. FYI they don't accept credit cards. read more

Took a break from fishing and stopped in this place for a pie and some beer, with my son. The pizza was very good, obviously the beer was great. We were just about done, when Hank burst in the front door. He instantly announced "I have to crap and it is going to smell!" Everyone turned and looked at him. A couple of locals got up from the bar. They were older but tough. "Not in my bar Hank!" One yelled at him, then the 2 quickly tacked Hank to the floor, Hank was no match for them. They dragged his ass back out the front door. "Be careful on you way out, he crapped himself and passed out." I recommend Tamarack Pizza, I do not recommend Hank. read more

What a disappointment. My most recent visit to the Tamarack Pizza in Portage, WI was quite disappointing. I was so let down by the food served as unappealing and not fresh or delicious as I had remembered from past dining engagements here. I've written a good review for Tamarack in the past because they deserved to be highlighted as a leading dining establishment. Unfortunately, this bar has recently gone downhill. I ordered the Chicken Breast Fillet from the menu that is supposed to be a large breaded breast of chicken that's deep fried, served on a hamburger bun with lettuce and tomato. Well I always thought Tamarack served the best home-made food around. However, this sandwich did not make the grade. It was very thin about 3/16" thick and looked to be pressed chicken into a fillet most likely a packaged frozen product from a food distributor. Chicken breasts are known to be large, quite plump and juicy. Breaded and deep fried is most delicious. What I received was very dry and not at all mouth watering or delicious. Just a cheap substitute for the real thing that totally turned me off to this tavern I always looked forward to visiting. What I got from Tamarack was no different than fast food I could have ordered from A&W restaurant down the street. Or Dairy Queen may have even topped this uninspiring sandwich that I paid top dollar for at a supposedly notable restaurant. I felt totally cheated and taken advantage of. They completely blew it and I will not be fooled again. The quality of the food is uncalled for and I won't be back. There are plenty of other establishments that take pride in the quality of what they serve and customer appreciation. read more

My husband and I were driving through Portage and saw a sign that said "voted best burgers". Of course he had to stop and try it out! Horrible, voted best by who??? We both ordered bacon cheeseburger and I asked for medium rare and what I got was raw! It was repulsive it was so raw. I nicely asked the waitress to send it back and have it cooked a bit longer, she was a total snot about it. When the burger came back it was well done. Seriously well done, like a hockey puck. I didn't end up eating it. My husband had ordered a medium burger and his came out well done originally. It really isn't rocket science to get a burger at least in the ball park of requested doneness. We both left disappointed and vowed never to go back...ever! read more

I was back today and after my meal I was SURE I was going to bump these guys back up to the four stars after today's experience. The server was super friendly and a little sassy (hey, someone who can dish it out as well as take it without getting all offended? I like that.) and the food was back to it's normal flavor (even though it was a bit smaller than it had been in the past, that hasn't changed). Overall, the Tamarack is a little bit more high-energy than it used to be. Whether that's a positive or a negative sorta depends on what you're looking for. Unfortunately, my three star rating has to stand. They went cash only without warning. Cash only is inconvenient enough; going cash only after previously accepting cards is even more so. But that ATM fee? It's $2.25. I know it's really not a huge deal, but I feel like they're seriously milking their new cash only policy for every cent. That's not a good way to do business. Seriously guys, I really like you. Give me a reason to bump this up again. read more

The pizza has been really good every time we've ordered it! But lemme tell ya their steak sandwich is perfect! Service has always been pretty good. Love the atmosphere. Tamarack has yet to disappoint me. read more

Had a wonderful experience here. We're from out of time. People were kind, cheerful & friendly. loved that they cook the burgers right in front of you. Prices are great and they are open late. Thanks guys! read more

It's actually difficult to find a good eatery in Portage Wisconsin so I was pleased to see so many 4 star recommendations of Tamarack pizza. Last night I had an opportunity to try this local establishment. To be honest, I have passed it many times going in and out of Portage but never stopped there. Last night my wife and I decided to order pizza out. In the past we would go to Pizza Hut which is directly across the street from Tamarack pizza! Stepping into Tamarack , is like stepping back in time. When you open the door which has hand written signage, you enter a small flight of stairs which haven't seen a broom in a while. You open the door to the establishment and you are thrust into the past. It's an Lshaped tavern, dimly lit with multiple tvs on different stations. The place looked about half full and that was interesting for Tuesday night. A few patrons were at the bar and since nobody seemed to acknowledge my presence, I had a stool at the bar. They cook the hamburgers right behind the bar. Two waitresses seem to be involved in that process. So the overwhelming aroma there was of cooked meat. No where could I determine that pizza was also served at Tamarack pizza! Eventually one of the waitresses asked what I wanted and I told her I had ordered a pizza. She quickly produced a standard pizza box and when I went to pay with a credit card, she informed me that only cash or check was accepted. When I had called, no such indication was given to me on the phone by the person who took the order. I paid in cash and left. When I got home, and my wife and I shared the pizza, it tasted like the cardboard box it came in. It appeared to be topped with less than fresh ingredients and our overall feeling is that this was a pizza you could have picked up in the frozen food section of the grocery store and had a better result. I'm glad I went back into the past last night, and I'm glad that I visited a local establishment. However this type of quaint establishment is not for everyone. It's located on Highway 51 and would be a great backdrop for a Hollywood set. If you want pizza, go across the street; if you want a Locals Only cash bar, this is the place. read more

Good pizza but the burgers are the best!!! Homemade soups are also on the menu and they always seem to change. Very affordable and well worth the visit! read more

Was trying to find decent place to eat after skiing at Devils Head and found this place after reading the yelp reviews. Called ahead and they were able to find seating for all 13 of us. Small place with a bar setting but very nice and quaint. The clam chowder was ok but the chili was very good. We also had the tropical and sausage pizzas and they were good but not enough sausage on the sausage pizza and not enough pineapple on the tropical pizza. We also got the lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs which were ok. I got the cheeseburger and it was tasty but also very greasy...kinda reminded me of a culvers burger. Price was very good for 13 people at around $70. Waitress was very nice and attentive. Dont know if I would drive out of my way to go to this place but it was a nice find if your in the area. read more

This is a Portage staple. I can't imagine this town without it. Service is spotty sometimes. I think the minimal wait staff also are charged with bartending. Food: Great pizza Great fries The most salted burger I've ever had. Ugh! I couldn't eat It. Other menu options seem to be enjoyed. In general, it's what you'd expect for bar food in a small town. read more

I enjoy coming to the Tamarack, the bartenders are great, Connie,Cystal, & a few others just dont remember there names quiet yet, they make it fun & welcoming. The pizza, burgers, There chilli, to die for, always been 1 of my favorite places to eat & enjoy a few beers. read more

Great place for pizza. My second favorite place to get it. Love to eat in the train car. Small with limited seating, but worth the wait

Great burgers and pizza. Typical Wisconsin bar decor that could use an update but overall food very solid and reasonably priced. read more

Tamarack Pizza - Large two topping - Pizza Near Me - Portage, Wisconsin

Visiting Wisconsin dells for the weekend and decided to come out with the family. I expected subpar food and experience. The food was fantastic and fresh The service was great and the waitress was very attentive. There is only 10 tables plus a bar but it was perfect for the amount of business they were recieving for a saturday night. Burger. chicken sandwiches and lasagna was delicious and affordable. 3 alcohol drinks and 2 meals cost under 30 dollars (not including tip)! I highly recommend to anyone!! read more

Was in the area and wanted a good burger and this place was it. The burger was good but fries order was small and so was the onion rings. We order Pepsi and receive can but if we order coke we would have a tall glass with refills I think. Real bad thing is they don't take credit cards but they do have a ATM in the bar for a fee. I didn't see a sign about no credit cards until I paid the bill read more

Food: 5 stars. Quality, flavor. I had battered mushrooms, which were clearly fried in fresh oil, although the batter could've been lighter. And the tenderloin sandwich, medium rare. Fresh bakery roll, lightly toasted; quality tenderloin, cooked to medium rare, as ordered. This is the ONLY place I've been that doesn't provide a fork and a steak knife with a steak sandwich. Doesn't need it. Beverage selection and service: 5 stars. Offers a variety of tap options, as well as cocktails. Service was quick, both at the bar and at the table. Delivery of food to table: 5 stars. Quick delivery, even though the rest of the establishment was busy. Bartender: 5 stars. Quick to notice and acknowledge someone at the bar, quick to fill the order, very pleasant, made me feel welcome and important. Waitress: 1 star. From the time I entered the back room, the waitress had an attitude that indicated that our large group(14 but we'd called ahead to ask for the back room) annoyed her. She was annoyed that we wanted to wait until everyone had arrived before we ordered. She was annoyed that we wanted separate checks(she wrote down each table on a single page in her order pad), and put each table's "tab" down. She was annoyed that I, to avoid her annoyed self, I went to the bar to order refills. Because we are adults who can add, we were capable of making this work. Although I'm sure one of us got an eye roll when she asked for her bill be paid separately with a $20--ATM cash. Girlfriend needed tip change. Honestly, if I'd been with my own personal children, I'd've left. I don't need that grumpy attitude from someone whose tips rely on my perception. Said own personal children would have been appalled at the tip I left. While I did round up when I added my payment to the "table" bill, I mentally calculated the tip and purposely left...less than 15%. Our waitress straight-out told us that she had people waiting, effectively kicking us out. My group is made of adult professionals. The kind who have disposable income, are willing to travel to Portage, and spend good money at a "Portage institution." The kind who hang around all afternoon, regaling each other with life stories. The kind who reward with generous tips. We went to a new establishment, which is destined to become a Portage institution. Our group was welcomed and treated to friendly service. Review to come. read more

Grew up in Portage and we'd do Tamarack every once in a while. The place is an old box care converted into a bar and mini restaurant. Food is awesome, pizzas are delish as well as burgers! The burgers are some of the best around. I don't know of a place this good for miles. There is nothing on the menu that tastes bad here! read more

They've got a great steak sandwich and the burger was good. When I try the pizza I'll update the review. Service was very good and it was a bar-like atmosphere. read more

You can't go wrong with this place. Burgers in the afternoon, pizza after 5. Either one will rank in your personal Top Ten.

Usually we love coming here and eating as it has been a staple in the Portage area for many years. However the service always seems to bother me.... We feel it is the downside to this place. Servers and staff who are under trained, unprofessional, sloppy at best, yelling across the resturant while your eating, yelling in and out of the kitchen. I could go on and on.... We went in for pizza which is about all this place has going great for it and could not get it. Unfortunately they dont start cooking those until after 4pm. Burgers are ok if the bartenders behind the bar cooking for the day brought thier give a hoot. Some days good some days not. My soup bowl was probably20 years old and cracked and the plate that my wife's food came out on was chipped. The give a hoot is missing again. Throw that old stuff away. Dont serve that to a customer. I would suggest cleaning the place top to bottom and training staff. I would then rate this place higher. read more

Love the Tamarack for their delicious food (esp. pizza, cheesy bread, and clam chowder), classic and rustic Wisconsin bar/grill atmosphere, and wide variety of drinks. Swift service, too! We had our drinks within 3 minutes of sitting down and appetizers hot out of the oven within 7 minutes. A favorite of my husband's since he was a kid (in the 80's!) and now a favorite of mine and our kids, esp after a day of skiing at Cascade Mountain! read more

Tamarack Pizza - Delicious food, served fast (within 5 minutes of sitting down!), great drinks...and classic, rustic Wisconsin atmosphere! Ahhhhh-mazing! - Pizza Near Me - Portage, Wisconsin

Stopped in to have lunch to finally be able to try the food, after hearing from many people how good it is. Walked in, and sat at a table that had previous customers drink glasses on it, not wanting to sit at the first table by the door possibly getting hit and with the cold air coming in after each time it's opened, being I had my 18 month old with. The waitress never said a word or greeted us, and we proceeded to tell her why we chose that table never asking her to clean the table off that needed to be cleaned anyways. She grabbed the glasses and huffed and puffed about having to do her job, and under her breath mumbled about us, and rolled her eyes as she walked away slamming through the kitchen doors. So we then stood up to walk out and she brushed right past us not saying a word. Thank you for your classy, unprofessional business. read more

This tiny place has good pizza. Super friendly wait staff and good prices. Burgers looked good. It's really small inside and not the best place to stop and watch a game which is what we wanted to do. Two small TVs made it hard to watch. Cash only here. They do have an ATM. read more

Had a mushroom and Swiss jumbo burger . It's was delicious . Best burgers ever. Can't go wrong here for a great meal and a beer. Pizza is also very good. read more

Passing through Portage looking for lunch. Excellent pizza and cheese curds. Would definitely go back for more next time.

Small bar/restaurant type setting. Had the Hawaiian pizza and was really tasty. Would recommend stopping on on your way thru town. Next time I will maybe try the bacon burger. read more

Consistently the very best steak sandwich, burger, & pizza in the entire area. Just go there and enjoy. Prices are decent as well.

Stopped in for lunch with my daughter and grandson because I we have heard how good the food is. I guess I will never know because I will stepfoot in there again. We walked in there was a clean table right by the door and some guys had just gotten up from another table so we sat there instead because can it was so cooled out. The wattress came up started cleaning the table and I said we sat here because it's to cold to sit by the door she looked at me and walked away pissed off mubbling stuff about us. Needless to say I told my daughter we are not eating here so we got up and walked out. Very unprofessional don't know how they are still in business. read more