Thirsty Otter Tavern and Resort

Bill&Lynne

2024-05

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M G

2023-11

So I heard this place was a great place to visit and so we were determined to give it a shot. My girlfriend and I got on the motorcycle and rode up to Balsam Lake which was about an hour and some change away from our home. When we arrived we were greeted by a taller lady whose name I forgot. Anyway, we ordered chips and dip, it was good and then the cook brought out some picked dip for us to try and it was delicious. Tiffany came over to help us, she was very kind, and helpful and seemed to get along well with the locals. The locals seemed okay I didn't have any issues, good food, wonderful service, motorcycle parking, and just a great vibe, thanks Tiffany!!

Mary Ahmann

2023-07

Kris was a top notch bartender!What I didn’t like was the smokers at the bar. Really? This is a beautiful location. Beautiful bar. Fun environment. Cool little stage. Why do they have to tarnish it with cigarettes? Weird.

Austin Rodrigues

2023-06

First time back this year for their ‘Walleye sandwich with chips (fries)’ and we were not disappointed. Visited at lunchtime and it was not too busy, great service and no mosquitoes. Definitely recommended if you want a delicious freshly made meal.

Peter Mathys

2022-05

Our group of 6 individuals had dinner here earlier this week, and it was fairly quiet - just a handful of other customers inside. Our waitress was nice and attentive. The food took quite a while to come out (I’d at least 25 minutes). Overall, it was pretty tasty, but definitely on the heavier and greasier side - your typical bar/tavern food. They had a shrimp special, and the shrimp was huge!! If I’m ever back, I’d definitely go for that.

Doug Ahmann

2023-07

Somewhat disappointing first visit to this place. Wanted to love it, because the location is amazing. Kris the bartender was on top of things, but the kitchen let him down. The food was warm’ish when it arrived after a LONG wait. My sirloin was tasty but tough, and the jumbo shrimp were really good. But they would have been excellent if they were hot. Had tots because they ran out of baked potatoes. Tots weren’t fully cooked. My buddy had wings, and said they were very dry and not much flavor. Also very small.If you’re a smoker, this is probably the place for you. Unfortunately, it was very uncomfortable for us non-smokers sitting outside at the bar with all the smoking up wind across from us. For that alone, I probably wouldn’t go back. But maybe that’s the crowd the owners are going for. It’s still a free country! Good luck Thirsty Otter. And keep up the great attitude Kris.

Kelly Waterman

2023-06

Walleye Sandwich, the only thing I ever order and will always order because it’s SSSSOOOO GOOD! I’ve only been here during the lunch hour, which sometimes can be fairly busy but I would imagine more busy in the evenings and weekends. Wait staff is friendly, busy, and informative that they’ll be right over (and she was!). Food came out fast, same with the bevies. Overall, love this place and the setting. Will always be back for the walleye, maybe I should try something else… maybe not :-)

Jim Reeve

2023-07

This is a nice stop overlooking the lake. The service was great. She was taking care of the outdoor patio and bar.The food was delicious, I had the Walleye Sandwich. Plus they have a nice selection of beers too.

Jennifer Weinberg

2023-05

Great (cod) Friday night fish fry, excellent service, cool place with live music. I wanna come back during the day to see the lake view!

Tiffany Emerson

2024-03

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DJ

2024-04

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Jess Santiago

2023-11

Super stoked to have stopped at this spot. We celebrated a wedding the night before and needed a little hair of the dog. Breakfast was delicious. The drinks did not disappoint. Our bartender was awesome. Extremely patient with our drunk (and obnoxiously charming) friend, but also fully open to a little bit of back and forth banter with him and our party. Highly recommend.

Cindy McDermond

2023-08

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Reba Bryant

2024-02

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Kenny Miller

2024-05

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Ted Ricci

2023-08

Food was good but it took 30 minutes to get our app, then an 45 minutes later we were talking led they lost our order.30-45 minutes later 3 of our 4 dinners showed up, I had to wait15 more minutes for my food. Good food but poor run in my opinion. They did take 20% off but not how we wanted to spend our ENTIRE evening. Not sure if I would ever go back or recommend it.stay away from patio if you don’t like cigarette smoke while you eat.

D. Thomas Griep

2024-05

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Punished64

2023-10

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Tinisha Toliver

2022-05

I visited the Thirsty Otter this past Wednesday September 15th 2021. After a joyful day on lake Half Moon pontooning. The weather was extremely wonderful. I choose to sit outdoors on the patio. This was my first time at this bar and grill. When I entered, I was greeted with warm smiles and pleasant hellos. The atmosphere was medium. About eight people inside. I was then told, I could pick my seat and they'll be with me shortly. I asked if the patio was available and one of the bar tenders responded absolutely! So, I went out to the patio. On my way out, I noticed the Bingo stuff was on a Podium stand thing, it just so happened to be Bingo night. I seated myself at one of the tables facing the lake. The scenery was absolutely beautiful! When the waitress got to me, i ordered a Tequila Sunrise and I got the rib tips. The wait wasn't too long. I was surprised at just how much ribs were in my little bucket. I prayed and got to digging in. I couldn't finish the ribs. Very great service and experience!

Austin Housh

2024-02

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Jill Haarsma

2023-06

Fantastic meal -- order the Otter Burger, you won't be disappointed! Cheese curds are great, too!

Barry Peterson

2023-07

Fun place to stop for a drink. They have minnow races in the summer during the 4th of July weekend.

Daniel Johnson

2023-12

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kris schneider

2023-05

Nicole was a great server, working so hard on the 4th of July. Sat outside on some awesome deck chairs, sturdy, the kind you can stand up and not rip your legs! Potstickers were perfect.

Jamie Sellers

2023-07

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Nicholas Bickford

2023-07

Hello to everyone near or far that has come to Wisconsin, either driving through or just boating through welcome to the Thirsty Otter.If you are looking for a Good place to meet up with friends or family, then this is a great Spot to enjoy good food and drinks with live music on certain days. Besides the parking lot being almost always packed, it's a good time to just sit back and enjoy people's company. If you are in Wisconsin you have to get the cheese curds it's a staple and a must of this state. The burgers are good but what makes it even better is their bourbon sauce on the side, everything tastes better that way. Everything was delicious and as it should be for a restaurant. If you are driving through the town of balsam, stop in and grab yourself a bite to eat you won't regret it.

Sanya Hassan

2021-05

This place is delishhh. Must go here for brunch. The omelettes and french toast were made so well. Loved it. The views are really beautiful here as well. Sit outside if you can.

Jake Swanson

2023-05

Nothing but great things to say about this place. OTTER BURGER AND BLODDY MARY WILL NOT BEAT IT . friendly staff gorgeous setting on the lake great music great times recommend to anyone passing by or in the area . Hands down it's the spot to go !!!!!!

Christopher Wilson

2023-07

Been to the Otter often over the years. The last couple of times the service has drastically diminished. Tonight we waited over 25 minutes on a refresh of our drinks. We had to finally walk up to the bar to request additional drinks. Our dinner was supposed to be out quickly and we have been waiting an hour since we ordered. It will be a while before we come back.

Ray Huffman

2023-10

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