Unveiling a Symphony of Flavor with Southern Sawyer County Burgers

​Northern Wisconsin offers visitors a treasure trove of sights and sounds and experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else. From the pristine lakes and waters brimming with life, to the scene of fall leaves bursting into color.

​Whatever the time of year you visit Southern Sawyer County, you’ll find something for everyone. But while everyone might have something else on their mind as far as what they’re searching for, there is one great uniter – food.

Everyone loves a good meal.

Should you step out of your car or truck or ATV for a brief moment, you’ll smell a number of aromas wafting through the air. Those savory smells are particularly tempting on a sizzling summer day, in Southern Sawyer County.

Here and there, in towns like Loretta, Draper, Winter, Radisson and all along the Tuscobia Trail, you’ll find a unique haven where the best burgers, fish fry, steaks and sandwiches and so much more are lovingly prepared by cooks who love their craft.

These various “Hidden Gems” come in the form of restaurants, bars, taverns, and resorts opening their doors for burger lovers far and wide.  These unassuming establishments are in fact home to some of the most extraordinary burgers that have ever graced a bun. These establishments are not just a place to eat and drink; they can be considered a culinary haven that draws foodies from all over the state of Wisconsin and visitors alike.

Every day, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling patties, piled high with Wisconsin cheeses and freshly baked buns wafts through the air, creating a magnetic force that lure people in. The menus can be considered a gourmet masterpiece, featuring a variety of burgers that catered to different tastes and preferences.

When surveying the locals of Southern Sawyer County, the most common answer for the question, “Where can I get the best burger?” was Trap ‘N Fish Lodge in Winter Wisconsin.  The Trap ‘N Fish Lodge has become one popular location for great burgers with Andy Shotliff cheffing up some culinary masterpieces.  Let's take this Bacon Cheeseburger for example, a very popular selection.  ​

If you haven’t been to the Birch Lakes Resort, you definitely need to make a trip out to see Pete Baribeau and try his Mac ‘N’ Cheese Burger.  It’s piled high with American Mac ‘N Cheese on a ½ pound choice ground beef on a toasted bun.  The toppings are truly what make this burger.  It doesn’t matter the toppings, they come piled high and in abundance.  You cannot go wrong with a Birch Lakes Resort burger. Birch Lakes Resort is located off of County Road F near Birchwood Wisconsin. ​

​Then, there was the Helsing’s Bar "Mushroom and Swiss” , a timeless creation featuring a juicy beef patty topped with melted swiss, delicious caramelized mushrooms piled high on a burger bun. Helsing’s Bar & Grill is at the intersection of N Clark St, and Hwy 27/70 in the Village of Radisson.  ​

​Let’s not forget about The Smokehouse Burger from the Flambeau Forest Inn, topped with smoked brisket, choice of cheese, BBQ sauce and onion rings.  The Flambeau Forest Inn is located just off of Hwy W near Winter Wisconsin.

Another burger that came in as a popular selection was the Hangover Burger, found at the Bucktail Lodge in Winter Wisconsin.  ​

Honorable Mentions

• The Loretta Steakhouse
• The Rustic Lodge
• Buckhorn Bar
• Lakewoods Cafe
• Johnny B's Lakeshore Grill
• The Village Kitchen
• Big Bear Lodge

And so, the story of Best Burgers in Southern Sawyer County, it shall become a legend, passed down through generations. It serves as a reminder that even the simplest of dishes, when made with love, creativity, and dedication, could transcend into something extraordinary. Every bite of these marvelous burgers carry with it a taste of that magic—a taste that lingers in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to indulge.

Southern Sawyer County, home to the Tuscobia State Trail, Flambeau River State Forest, and Chippewa Flowage have some of the greatest “Hidden Gems” when it comes to burgers, fish fry, Bloody Marys, cocktails, and other hand made delicacies. 

To learn more about the “Hidden Gems” of Southern Sawyer County, like us on Facebook at ‘Explore Southern Sawyer County’.  ​