The BOOTH List at the Pub

We went to the Rhinelander Cafe & Pub Friday night like we have every Friday for nearly the past 2 years. We were told the wait was 30 minutes, which was a bit long, but we didnt want to go anywhere else so we sat at the bar and drank and waited. Finally we got our table and as the hostess was directing us to it, I saw somebody clearing out a nicely positioned booth, away from all the traffic, etc. So I said, "Oh, could we sit over there?" and pointed at the booth. The hostess informed me that she would have to see who was on the "Booth list" first, and if there were people ahead of us then no we could not sit there.

Let me tell you - there were very few people left in this restaraunt who had been there longer than us!!! I complained a bit, noting how were we supposed to know about the "Booth List" and that we had been here as long as anybody else, why cant we sit where a table is cleared! It was to no avail, so I accepted the moderate table. But I was annoyed the whole time we were there.

So, if you go to the Pub, you better as to get on the Booth List!

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!