Business Close-Up: Unique brews and food

For a dining experience beyond compare, check out the Minocqua Brewing Company. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this unique and inviting restaurant is sure to have you coming back time and time again.

Owned by Dan and Laurie White and their sons, Dustin and Ryan, the Minocqua Brewing Company not only serves up a great menu, but also a beautiful setting as well. In addition, beer connoisseurs will really be impressed with the mini brewery located right on the premises, which turns out a variety of brews to satisfy every palate.

Perhaps the most charming aspect about dining at the Minocqua Brewing Company is the location. This historic building is perched on the shores of Lake Minocqua, and offers views of not only this beautiful body of water but Torpy Park as well. In addition, late last fall the Whites added a deck to the dining room, and now customers will have the opportunity to eat outside when the weather allows.

Diners will enjoy not only the views, but the food as well. This establishment does not serve up the regular bar type food, and has won numerous awards for many of their dishes, including a signature hamburger. Along with this favorite there is also the Beef and Brie sandwich, a B.L.T. served with an avocado twist, a delicious Ruben and a fish fry that is served every day of the week, just to mention a few. This restaurant also has a selection for vegetarians, a large selection of salads and an unusual line-up of appetizers, including such delicacies as calamari, artisian cheese nuggets and bacon-wrapped shrimp.

Of course, one of the most exciting aspects of dining at the Brewing Company is the beer. Ryan handles this end of the business, and he is a pro, brewing up such favorites as his Wild Bill's Wild Rice Lager, Road Kill Red Ale, Bear Naked Brown Ale, Pudgy Possum Porter and his Brew Master Special. For those who would like to try samples of all the brews made here, a "paddle" is offered with sample glasses of every flavor. Customers can also take home a "growler," a half-gallon jug filled with their favorite ale or beer.

While the dining area is beautiful and inviting for any age group, the upstairs lounge also offers a relaxing and inviting place to kick back and enjoy the company of friends and family. The Divano is for the 21 and older crowd, and offers cozy and inviting conversation nooks featuring comfy couches and plush chairs. This area has a full service bar, and also offers all the brews made in-house. The Divano offers a back drop stage for many performing artists who come to thrill their audiences in this inviting setting. The Whites book a variety of entertainment groups to play at the Divano, including bluegrass musicians, acoustic guitarists, singers, songwriters, stand-up comedians and even open mike nights, where fledging performers can try out their talents.

The Minocqua Brewing Company is located at 238 Lakeshore Drive, off Hwy. 51 in the heart of Minocqua. It is closed on Monday and open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to close.

For more information, call (715) 356-2600, or visit minocquabrewingcompany.com.