Rhinelander Pub & Cafe

Friday night we generally make a rule of eating dinner out, and for the past year we have done so almost exclusively at the Rhinelander Pup & Cafe. It is located on main stree in downtown Rhinelander, and has been there since the beginning of time. It is always a hit with visitors and has a nice atmosphere. There is a decent bar, and LOTS of seating. However be warned, they are not in any hurry here - it is a take your time kind of place. Do not go here if you are on a tight schedule.

We arrived later than usual at about 8pm and the place was PACKED. Must have been all out-of-towners visiting. We sat at the bar for a good 30 minutes waiting for a table. I had my usual, and highly recommended, Chocolate Martini. Kevin had his usual Crown & Coke.

Happily we were seated at a booth right in the middle of the main area. Sometimes they try to seat you right next to the kitchen door, or too close to the bar or entrance of the place - stay away from those tables at all costs.

Waitress: left much to be desired. Often in this place, its all about who you get, not necessarily what you eat! Our waitress was not very pleasant, never smiled, and hardly even made eye contact. She dropped 2 half-full waters at our table & said she'd be right back - and didnt come back for a good 10 minutes. I asked what the specials were & she muttered something about what was in the menu and then in a monotone voice told us the rest. We just gave up & placed our order.

Food here is most often always good - regardless of waitress received. There is one waitress here we adore inparticular so are always hopeful to get her and it keeps us going back. Kevin had the "Pup Special" which is a French Dip. It was good as usual, though the dip was very very salty. I had the Raspberry Walnut Salad with Chicken which I highly recommend and love. I suggest asking for a side of the raspberry dressing as sometimes it's a little light for my taste.

Overall it was an okay experience. We have had better at this restraunt. Maybe next week!