Every now and then, a real gem of a restaurant just kind of “pops out” of the noise and presents itself to a hungry public. Such was the case a week or so ago when Lauren and I visited Eagle River, Wisconsin for a short, end-of-season fishing trip. A rather long drive and a few boat-launching difficulties left us tired and spent. They also led us to the decision that we would dine out that Sunday evening. As it happened, we had done some homework prior to our heading north, and a place called Eddie B’s White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern appeared on our radar.
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On the Eagle River Chain of Lakes
We were in luck, as the restaurant was located just a few miles from our rented house on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. The menu advertised online appeared to be just what we were looking for, so as the sun was setting, we headed out for dinner. What a find! Note: To avoid any potential confusion, although an Internet search does result in finding “Eddie B’s Restaurant & Tavern” white lettering on the front of the building indicates “White Spruce Inn.” Either way, it’s still Eddie B’s…
Smoked in-house Lake Trout
We stopped first at the bar – populated with Packer fans watching the end of the Packer-Bengals football game – for a pre-dinner cocktail. Greeted warmly by the restaurant’s owner, we were asked if we liked trout… That was an easy “YES.” He then offered some delicious smoked lake trout from Lake Superior, out on one of the tables as a bar snack. Smoked in-house, it was simply awesome.
Dinners
We then adjourned to the dining room, where our table also provided a really nice view of the channel at the south end of Yellow Birch Lake. We decided to try an appetizer of Lake Superior smelt and an entrée of Lake Superior Cedar-Planked Whitefish. The ten-twelve smelt were huge, lightly breaded, crispy and incredibly tasty. To Lauren and me, Smelt are a delicacy we don’t see very often. These were very likely the best I have ever had. The whitefish was cooked to perfection and offered amazing flavor.
Easy Decision
It was an easy decision to make. While we were in Eagle River, we should go back to Eddie B’s White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern… because it was that good. And we did go – two more times, actually. One trip was by boat and we enjoyed a shrimp cocktail at the water’s edge (giant shrimps that were exquisite). Our last visit was on our last night in Eagle River when we sampled another order of smelt and Ahi Tuna on Flatbread. D-Lish!
Perfect Score
Each visit offered up excellent food and service in a restaurant that was clean, well-maintained and provided a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Prices may have been a bit on the expensive side, but when you arrange all the pieces, Eddie B’s White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern is an Excellent Northwoods Venue! It is a place that I can easily and happily recommend. They definitely have their Northwoods stuff together – big time. Congrats to Eddie B’s, and keep up the great work! Lauren and I enjoyed a truly 5 Zin experience and we look forward to another visit!
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Eddie B’s White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern is located on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes at 419 Railroad Street in Eagle River, Wisconsin.
