After a beautiful day on Thunder Lake with two boats and twelve hungry souls, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner and drinks at Deer Haven Bar & Restaurant. Spoiler alert: the deer were more present than the service.
We spotted a cozy-looking patio lakeside with just the right number of seats for our group—an oasis! Or so we thought. One of our crew checked in with the hostess, and the rest of us strolled inside to get the ball rolling. That’s when things started to get… well, wildlife documentary slow.
We were told the lakeside patio doesn’t receive service. Fair enough—DIY dining it is! We asked to order drinks to take down ourselves. The bartender gave us the classic, “Just a minute,” and disappeared into the service void. Over the next 24 minutes, no fewer than six staff members appeared at the bar. Each expertly performed the ancient art of not making eye contact, poured drinks for others, and vanished.
Meanwhile, we witnessed two other groups walk in, ignore the hostess stand entirely, clean their own tables, and receive prompt service. It was like we had stepped into some sort of restaurant-themed episode of The Twilight Zone—but without the drinks.
We left Deer Haven thirsty, hangry, and spiritually defeated. My advice? Stay on the lake. Catch a fish. Grill it over a campfire. It’ll be faster, tastier, and you won’t have to wonder if you’ve become invisible.
🦌 Verdict: Great view of the lake. Unclear if they serve humans. Bring snacks.
Brian Copeland
Great food. Great service.
Chuck Schultz
After a long week of fishing and cooking it was nice to relax to a very friendly staff and wonderful food. We'll be back for sure. Chuck . Sunprairie Wisconsin
Kelly Pusc
We've eaten at deer haven a few times since the new owners took over and the food and service has been excellent. But we went for the mother's day buffet and again the service was great but we paid $35 a person for basically a breakfast buffet, they advertised prime rib as part of the buffet but all they had when we were there was fatty end slices, pretty much inedible. I really like deer haven and would rather not write a review like this but I was excited to go and then extremely disappointed
Jon Hokanson
Great Dinner at Deer Haven on Thunder Lake tonight! Great Food, great drinks, and super atmosphere! Thanks for a great Date Night!!! Chicken Bowl, Tots appetizer, and a smoked old fashioned!
If you are on Hwy 6 near Remer, MN this place rocks! New ownership in 2024 has changed the menu, and revived the place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susan Pusc
Food was great and so was the service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brad Bodeker
Wonderful place. Great food, friendly staff, awesome ambiance. Definitely a go to place when visiting
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nate
Exceptional walleye cakes!
Dietary restrictions: Gluten sensitive options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Cornwell
The perfect Up-North dining experience on Thunder Lake! Delicious food paired with a cozy cabin atmosphere. Would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Evers
Great food, nice atmosphere and fantastic service!
Beautiful bar & restaurant nestled on top hill overlooking river. Steaks were good but over cooked. Great salad dressings but didn't care for the tree leaf salad. Would rather have iceberg lettuce salad. Outdoor area nice but cramped. They have pull tabs which we find fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
kathy landon
Beautiful restaurant, delicious food, great staff and owners! We’ll definitely be back!
Connie Agustin Larson
My husband and I, along with another couple, ate here last night for the first time. We were all totally impressed! Our first impression had us saying “wow”, as the ambience of building yelled north woods lodge. We love the log structure and all the decor. Then the food - between us we had the sort rib stroganoff, strawberry salad, the special double patty burger, wedge salad and a side of wild rice hot dish. It was ALL delicious. Lastly, our service was great and the manager (?) made us feel very welcome. We will definitely be coming back and will bring others. Thanks for being a top notch restaurant!
After a beautiful day on Thunder Lake with two boats and twelve hungry souls, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner and drinks at Deer Haven Bar & Restaurant. Spoiler alert: the deer were more present than the service.
We spotted a cozy-looking patio lakeside with just the right number of seats for our group—an oasis! Or so we thought. One of our crew checked in with the hostess, and the rest of us strolled inside to get the ball rolling. That’s when things started to get… well, wildlife documentary slow.
We were told the lakeside patio doesn’t receive service. Fair enough—DIY dining it is! We asked to order drinks to take down ourselves. The bartender gave us the classic, “Just a minute,” and disappeared into the service void. Over the next 24 minutes, no fewer than six staff members appeared at the bar. Each expertly performed the ancient art of not making eye contact, poured drinks for others, and vanished.
Meanwhile, we witnessed two other groups walk in, ignore the hostess stand entirely, clean their own tables, and receive prompt service. It was like we had stepped into some sort of restaurant-themed episode of The Twilight Zone—but without the drinks.
We left Deer Haven thirsty, hangry, and spiritually defeated. My advice? Stay on the lake. Catch a fish. Grill it over a campfire. It’ll be faster, tastier, and you won’t have to wonder if you’ve become invisible.
🦌 Verdict: Great view of the lake. Unclear if they serve humans. Bring snacks.
Great food. Great service.
After a long week of fishing and cooking it was nice to relax to a very friendly staff and wonderful food. We'll be back for sure.
Chuck . Sunprairie Wisconsin
We've eaten at deer haven a few times since the new owners took over and the food and service has been excellent. But we went for the mother's day buffet and again the service was great but we paid $35 a person for basically a breakfast buffet, they advertised prime rib as part of the buffet but all they had when we were there was fatty end slices, pretty much inedible. I really like deer haven and would rather not write a review like this but I was excited to go and then extremely disappointed
Great Dinner at Deer Haven on Thunder Lake tonight! Great Food, great drinks, and super atmosphere! Thanks for a great Date Night!!! Chicken Bowl, Tots appetizer, and a smoked old fashioned!
If you are on Hwy 6 near Remer, MN this place rocks! New ownership in 2024 has changed the menu, and revived the place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was great and so was the service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful place. Great food, friendly staff, awesome ambiance. Definitely a go to place when visiting
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceptional walleye cakes!
Dietary restrictions: Gluten sensitive options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The perfect Up-North dining experience on Thunder Lake! Delicious food paired with a cozy cabin atmosphere. Would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, nice atmosphere and fantastic service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great service. Food was good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Very nice bar, good service!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful bar & restaurant nestled on top hill overlooking river. Steaks were good but over cooked. Great salad dressings but didn't care for the tree leaf salad. Would rather have iceberg lettuce salad. Outdoor area nice but cramped. They have pull tabs which we find fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Beautiful restaurant, delicious food, great staff and owners! We’ll definitely be back!
My husband and I, along with another couple, ate here last night for the first time. We were all totally impressed! Our first impression had us saying “wow”, as the ambience of building yelled north woods lodge. We love the log structure and all the decor. Then the food - between us we had the sort rib stroganoff, strawberry salad, the special double patty burger, wedge salad and a side of wild rice hot dish. It was ALL delicious. Lastly, our service was great and the manager (?) made us feel very welcome. We will definitely be coming back and will bring others. Thanks for being a top notch restaurant!
Loading...