Location: Balsam Lake
Top Restaurants in Balsam Lake
Balsam Lake Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Balsam Lake
Balsam Lake is a village in, and the county seat of, Polk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,009 at the 2010 census. The village is located within the Town of Balsam Lake.
Things to do in Balsam Lake
1. Thirsty Otter Tavern & Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By dlsnfl - minneapolis
We had a thoroughly disgusting experience at Paradise so I mentioned Thirsty Otter. We were still hungry so we floated under the bridge to the Mill Pond. It was the 4th of July Weekend so we knew it might be busy. Their marina was full so a few of our guests jumped off when I pulled up and walked to the Tiki Bar. We couldn't get anyone's attention so we came up with the idea to call the order in. The phone was immediately answered and we asked for two pizzas. Half hour we had our two pizzas and we pulled up the pontoon and sat on the clam waters of the Mill Pond eating our pizza. What an experience. It is no wonder this place is always busy. They have it figured out!!!
2. The Vegetarian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Vegan-friendly, Lacto, Indian, Take-out, Authentic northern and southern Indian cuisine. Dumm aloo, naan, uthappam, dosa, curry dishes, desserts, and more.
Reviewed By trixi - Chisago City, Minnesota
Always a hit with my kids when we stop at The Vegetarian. We make sure to tell the owner we are REALLY hungry to make sure we get a larger than normal portion. {We have talked to the owner about how the portions seem too small.) The place could use a good cleaning with a power washer. The food is always delicious.
3. JJ's Club 35
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Katie G
We had the Hawaiian pizza and the BBQ Chicken pizza. Both were very good and huge! The pizzas were also very hot!
4. Julia's Java
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Drive through coffee. Handcrafted espresso drinks, blended drinks, smoothies, and more! Bakery and sandwiches!
Reviewed By schaffersm - Luck, WI
We try to get to Julia's at least once a month for both the awesome coffee and the great conversation! Julia is super passionate about her business and the surrounding community. The upgrades that she has made are great. The place as a fresh, modern vibe and is nice and cozy!
5. Main Street Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Merritt47 - Cocoa, Florida
This is a great little restaurant with friendly and helpful service. The food was quick and tasty. We only had breakfast there, but it was great!
6. Gandy Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By BigMinnie
Great food! The chili, mushroom & swiss burger, and pie are all excellent. Did I mention their pie? All made from scratch from what I could tell. They even had Rhubarb! The service we received was a bit slow and the server forgot several things. This could have been attributed to there being only one server and timing of our meal being at the tail end of the lunch rush. We sat outside and had a nice meal. Once the server got things sorted, service did improve. We will stop again the next time we are driving through the area. Thank you for a great meal!
7. Indianhead Supper Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Mumzie9196 - Hudson, Wisconsin
There were 3 couples & a teen in our group. We had made reservations so were seated right away. Very nice interior. Our server was ok but a little scattered. The walleye & augratin potatoes were delicious! Prime rib was good. Chicken piccata with garlic mashed was good. Ribs were dry & very burned on the ends. Would not order them again. The pasta with seafood was just ok. We would like to try it again. Oh the chief whitecloud was delish. Just because of the accoustics of the beautiful old building it gets extremely loud as the place fills up. Good parking. Worth the trip.
8. The Cabin Coffee Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By wiminneapolis - Minneapolis, Minnesota
If you are driving through via Hwy 8; check out this coffee shop. Greg is the real deal in service and knows the area well. He prepares great coffee. The menu is limited;
If you are a Starbuck type of coffee drinking; this might not be for you
You stop here to have a chat with locals and spend some money with a small local coffee shop owner that runs everything for you.
I like my ham/cheese sandwich and great coffee but overall is the local connection and the authenticity of the place
Usually open on Saturdays - not sure if ONLY on Saturdays
9. The Glass Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By surestop - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ordered a couple drinks from Tonya our bartender then tried the Fish Bites $4.95 WOW what a surprise Tonya said she knew they were delicious and so they were, lightly battered chunks of COD deep fried to perfection with Tartar Sauce of course. Finished 'em up in no time.
10. Lumberjacks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Amjay56 - Luck, Wisconsin
I took two guests out for a business dinner. I had the salad bar. They ordered off the menu. They indicated their food was fine. My food was okay, though I am always surprised when I run into a salad bar that has only iceberg lettuce. Certainly, mixed greens are not that difficult to acquire these days; at least some romaine lettuce would up the food value considerably.
The service was fine. The decor was okay; not overwhelmingly lumberjack-like, but somewhat rustic.
