Buffalo Phil's Grille
Tanger Outlet Complex
150 Gasser Rd.
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Ph: 608-254-7300
Fax: 608-253-2215
Located within the Knuckleheads Family Entertainment Center, in Wisconsin Dells, Buffalo Phil's advertised an all you can eat pizza buffet that we just couldn't pass up. After spending some time playing arcade games at Knuckleheads, we were ready to eat a lot of pizza.
Walking into the restaurant, I was surprised by the décor, it was beautiful. There was wood everywhere, very country cabin, up north inspired. Definitely not what we were expecting of a restaurant located in an arcade/bowling alley. And definitely not like any other pizza buffet I had ever been to!
The salad bar included with the pizza buffet was great, lots of fresh veggies to top off your salad. There were plenty of dressing choices and side salad options as well. The soup was awful. The sign said it was a baked potato, but truthfully, it had no flavor. The rolls offered were good, though they had been sitting there for awhile, they weren't fresh.
Moving onto the actual pizza buffet… There were 2 types of pasta offered, a baked manicotti as well as spaghetti with sauce. Much like the rolls, the pasta had been sitting for awhile, and looked like something that was served at my high school cafeteria. There were only 2 kinds of pizza on the buffet when we went up, pepperoni, or cheese. Not exactly a large or diverse selection, but we went with it. The cheese pizza was ok, it was definitely much fresher than the pepperoni. Another pizza was brought out, with sausage and veggies, that was much better ((probably just because it was right out of the oven)).
The salad bar was definitely more of a draw than the pizza buffet, which is too bad. I'm sure many families playing at Knuckleheads come in for the pizza, and would probably be just as disappointed as we were.
Though I can't say anything about the regular menu, it's not some place I'll be rushing back to any time soon. Perhaps we were just there at a bad time, maybe this place actually does have a really great pizza buffet, and we just missed out. With all the great Wisconsin Dells restaurants, I won't waste any more meals at Buffalo Phil's.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wisconsin Dells
When I was younger, we'd go to Wisconsin Dells at least twice a year, once for a summer time trip to Noah's Ark, and again in the winter for the Wisconsin Dells Flake Out festival .
Those yearly vacations seemed to halt once I hit college, I got the occasional summer time trip to Noah's Ark in with friends, but that was about it.
In May of this year, I had the opportunity to return to Wisconsin Dells for a weekend vacation, celebrating a birthday with friends.
We arrived in the Dells on a Saturday morning, and did exactly what every other group of 21 – 27 year olds celebrating a birthday would do… We went Mini-Golfing at Pirates Cove ! The 5 different courses, kept us busy for awhile! There was a great assortment of skill levels, though we played the more "challenging" courses, there were plenty of little kids playing them too, it wasn't too tough. You are able to keep your score card and turn it in at a local shop for a free scoop of ice cream to the winner! An added treat!
After we were done Mini Golfing, we went down to the "strip", and did some touristy shopping and even got our pictures taken at Old Abe's Old Time Photography. That was so much fun! Great idea for groups, big and small. We had fun while we were there and have a great souvenir to remind us of the day. Our copy of the picture is on the fridge, and it always make
As it was May, the Wisconsin weather was just not warm enough for us to put on the swim suits and hit any of the outdoor water parks. To celebrate the birthday in style, we decided to head to the Ho-Chunk Casino for the evening.
Though no one won big, we had a great time. I stuck to the slots, but some others hit up the card tables and bingo hall. We all had a great time, Ho Chunk is huge, and offers a lot of entertainment. Though we didn't leave until 3 am, we were tempted to go back the next morning!
Instead of gambling, we decided to head over to the Tanger Outlet Mall and try out the Knuckleheads Family Entertainment Center . The Tanger Outlet Mall was nice, they had a good variety of stores. I found the shoes I was looking for, but the guys we were with definitely made the most purchases! The Nike store was a big favorite, as was the Eddie Bauer store. After we were shopped out, we walked across the parking lot to Knuckleheads. We wasted plenty of time and tokens playing some of the arcade games, and even took in a short show at the 4-D theatre! It was a great way to end a fantastic stay in Wisconsin Dells.
Though I hadn't been to Wisconsin Dells for a long time, the getaway there in May didn't disappoint. Getting there was easy, and we all said how much we'd like to go back again this summer. The attraction prices were reasonable and worth the money. On our next trip, we agreed to try out the Wisconsin Dells Ducks and hopefully an outdoor water park. I'm sure we'll end up back at Ho-Chunk for at least a little while too!
Wisconsin Dells offers fun for everyone, whether you're a family looking for some quality fun in the sun, a group of friends looking for an exciting weekend away, or a couple looking for some romantic time together.
Wisconsin Dells Restaurants – Baja Cantina
732 Oak Street
Wisconsin Dells, WI
(608) 254-1857
During a recent trip to Wisconsin Dells earlier this summer, we stumbled upon the Baja Cantina. Being a group of 6 21-27 year olds, the look of this Wisconsin Dells restaurant really won us over. The outdoor Mexican bar look only increased our hunger for all things spicy and south of the border. Our first attempt at eating Mexican that day was halted by another restaurant's lack of seating.
We seated ourselves at a long table in the corner. Though the place wasn't busy, our drink orders weren't taken, and we did not get menus. After waiting about ten minutes, we all got to thinking that maybe this was the kind of place we would place our order at the bar. So, a friend walked up to the bar, asking if that was the case. She was (rather rudely) told no, and that a server would be with us immediately. After another five minute wait, our waitress came to our table to take our drink order. Given the location, we ordered Coronas and margaritas, of course. The waitress then told us she would bring us the menus when the drinks came up. Our drinks waited a good 5 minutes on the bar before they were brought to us, without menus. At this point we were a fairly hungry bunch, having spent the morning mini golfing and shopping and all.
When the menus were finally brought to us, we were all a little shocked to discover that this was not in fact a Mexican restaurant after all. The waitress told us the specialty was the gyro platter, and the rest of the menu consisted of pretty generic bar food. Being too hungry to try to find another restaurant, we all ordered.
The mini tacos were nothing special ((we were really hoping for some Mexican food)). The burgers were good, though all of them were cooked well beyond what was ordered. The chicken strips were unbelievable. They were some of the best chicken strips I'd ever had. They weren't the processed, minced up chicken you usually get at bars, and the breading was light with great flavor. Definitely something to try if you're headed to the Baja Bar. The gyro was also very good, the tzatziki sauce was especially good.
Did I mention the margaritas were fabulous?
Though we were a little disappointed in not getting the Mexican food we were after, the atmosphere at the Baja Cantina was great. The service was really slow, so don't go there for a quick bite. We decided it would definitely be a better place to start a night out, as the drinks were tasty and reasonable. Definitely try the chicken strips though. They were that good.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Two Rivers Activities - Debra Jean Sportfishing
Captain Jim Hoffman
jhoffman7@new.rr.com
Home#: 920-725-9623
Boat#: 920-605-6155
During a recent trip to Two Rivers, Wisconsin, we booked an early morning fishing trip with the Debra Jean Sportfishing boat and crew. In the past, we’ve used the Two Rivers Charter Fishing service to book our fishing trips, and we used them again for this fishing trip.
At 4:30 am on a Saturday morning, our group of 6 arrived at the Seagull Marina ready for a half day of salmon fishing. We were immediately greeted by the Debra Jean’s owners, Captain Jim Hoffman and his wife, Debra Jean. Once we were settled on board, we took off in the dark, ready to catch some fresh Lake Michigan fish!
Our group really lucked out, and the weather was perfect, sunny and warm, with a slight breeze. The water was very smooth. The boat was beautiful, comfortable seating for all 6 of us on the upper level, in the sunshine, with a cabin area on the first level, with a bathroom and small kitchen area. Our hosts brought pastries from the local bakery along, and had made coffee and provided juice as well to start the morning off right.
Without getting in to too many of the exciting details, our group brought back 7 fish in total. We had 2 Lake Trout and 5 salmon, some which put up quite the struggle to get in! We also “lost” probably 3 other fish we just couldn’t get into the boat.
We got back to the marina around noon, tired, but having had an awesome time. Our fish were cleaned and put into bags for us, and Deb sent us with some Cajun Grilled Fish marinade. Though I haven’t dug into my bounty yet, we heard from some of the others that joined us that the fish was delicious, can you beat fresh Wisconsin salmon? And the marinade was a perfect compliment.
F our of the six of us had been salmon fishing on Lake Michigan prior to this trip, and all agreed that this was by far the best experience we’d had. Jim and Deb were amazing guides, friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. They really pushed a good day over the edge and made it a great one. This was an experience we won’t soon forget, and one we’ll definitely repeat on the Debra Jean.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Appleton Restaurants - O'Charley's
O’Charley’s Restaurant
3775 W College Ave
Appleton, WI 54914-3913
(920) 734-1456
We’ve been to the O’Charley’s Restaurant in Appleton, Wisconsin on a few occasions. Recently, we went for a Sunday lunch. We were seated immediately, and our drink order was taken.
As I said, we’ve been to the Appleton O’Charley’s a few times, and it’s mostly because of their rolls. Oh. My. Goodness. The rolls. They are amazing, best part of the meal. If nothing else, go for the rolls.
In the past, we’ve also ordered the $6.79 Southwestern Twisted Chips. They’re fried potato twists, smothered in cheese, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. They’re huge, and I usually order something small if we order the chips, I could make a whole meal out of them!
I ordered the $7.99 Southern Fried Chicken Tacos. They were great, the chicken was well seasoned and the pico de gallo on top of the chicken was awesome. There was also the standard lettuce and shredded cheddar on each of the tacos. O’Charley’s served the tacos with a side of “Southwestern Ranch” that I really liked. The meal also came with tortilla chips and a side of pico de gallo. The pico de gallo in the bowl with the chips was NOT the pico de gallo that was on the tacos. I didn’t like the side serving, I’m not sure what it was, but I couldn’t eat it. I ended up dipping some chips in the Southwestern Rance sauce, I did like that!
The BF ordered the $8.99 Firecracker Burger wrap. It was good, not dry at all, with enough heat to remind you that it was in fact called the Firecracker, but not so much that you couldn’t actually enjoy it. The big cooked jalapenos in the wrap were a nice touch. The wrap came with fries, which were good. I like when you can still taste some potato amongst all the fry.
Though we typically stay away from the chain restaurants, O’Charley’s location ((right off of 41 in Appleton)) and rolls make it a Wisconsin restaurant we keep going back to. With your typical chain restaurant food and prices, it’s regularly a pretty good meal, with good service.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Two Rivers Restaurants - Machut's Supper Club
Machut’s Supper Club
Hwy 42 North
Two Rivers, WI 54241-3599
(920) 793-9432
Machut’s Supper Club in Two Rivers, Wisconsin is an old fashioned Wisconsin supper club for sure. Walking in, we were sent to a table at the bar, and given menus. Drinks were ordered, and our dinner orders were taken. We were kept at the bar for over 3o minutes, though we could see empty tables in the dining area. Once our number showed up on the digital sign, we were given a table number, and told to go find it.
Though there were 2 salads at the table (the rest of us ordered the salad bar) we had to ask two different staff members for water. We still aren’t sure who our server was, as we dealt with 3 different people while seated at the table.
The salad bar was fresh, but offered very little in terms of fresh vegetable toppings. There were more dressings than anything else. It also cost $1.95 extra to get a trip to the salad bar, when the plated dinner salads actually had more veggies on them.
Our salad plates were cleared but our entrees didn’t arrive for another 30 or so minutes. Over an hour after we’d placed an order. This is definitely not the place for a quick meal.
I ordered the $17.75 New York strip, broasted potatoes, and a side of 6 scallops. ((On the menu, there is an Add-On Favorites section with options for you to make your own combination dinner, and the sides were VERY reasonable, the side of 6 scallops was $3.95.)) My steak was cooked well, medium rare, as I ordered, but wasn’t exactly tender. The menu said it was broiled, and had good flavor, but was a bit chewy and hard to cut through. The scallops were sauteed, though they looked and tasted very much like the grilled option our table ordered as well. The broasted potatoes were nothing special, I wouldn’t order them again.
Two people in our party ordered a special, 4 Way Shrimp. This included sauteed, grilled, butterfly, and fried. The fried was by far the best, a light crunchy batter and plenty of shrimp. The sauteed and grilled looked and tasted the same, much like the scallops. Left us wondering how they were really prepared?
Both the $7.95 Tenderloin Sandwich and the $14.95 Ribeye Steak were ordered. Like the New York Strip, both steaks were a bit tough, but with good flavor. Fresh bread was a plus on the sandwich. Apparently this isn’t the place to go for steak.
The $11.95 Lake Michigan Whitefish was ordered, broiled, and looked much like the Whitefish we’d had the night before at the Water’s Edge Restaurants in Two Rivers. There was a large portion, but it was lacking flavor. A half of a pound o Sauteed Frog Legs were added from the Add-On menu for an additional $4.95.
We noticed the Machut Knee Caps for fifty cents a piece offered on the dessert menu. The waitress informed us they were doughnuts, so we ordered 3 to split around the table. These were by far the best part of the meal. Small doughnuts, like the ones you get at Asian restaurants, but covered in sugar and whipped cream. Delicious!
Overall, Machut’s offered a large menu, we failed to order anything that really impressed though. While the atmoshpere was definitely an authentic Wisconsin supper club, it lacked in the food department, and in the service department. The service was slow and very unaccomodating, one of the waitresses seemed downright rude. Perhaps for locals this is the place to go, but it wasn’t welcoming to outsiders at all. This was our first trip to Machut’s in Two Rivers, and I can’t forsee going back anytime soon, even for the Knee Caps…
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Two Rivers Restaurants - Water's Edge
Lighthouse Inn/Water’s Edge Restaurant
1515 Memorial Dr
Two Rivers, WI 54241-3599
(920) 793-4524
The Lighthouse Inn in Two Rivers, Wisconsin is home to the Water’s Edge Restaurant. Two Rivers has been a summer destination for my family and I since I was little. We used to camp at Point Beach State Park every summer. Recently, we have begun the annual tradition of salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. Always a treat, we have traded in the camper for a hotel, and we always stay at the Lighthouse Inn.
On Friday night, as our group was arriving at different times, we went to the bar for a drink before dinner. Though busy, the staff was very attentive, keeping our glasses full, and making polite, friendly conversation. Drinks were reasonably priced, with a large selection of beers available.
Once we were all assembled, we made our way into the restaurant, our waitress brought our water and bread immediately. With 6 people, we had many questions, and our waitress was very honest. First informing us that there were only 3 orders of one of the specials left, then letting us know that the baked haddock came out as a very small portion.
To start things off right, we ordered the appetizer Sampler Platter. From the menu: “Combination of broccoli bites, mozzarella sticks, cheese nuggets, & our homemade onion rings. Served with roasted red pepper sauce and marinara sauce … $9.95″ The broccoli bites were awesome, like deep fried bites of cheesy broccoli soup. The mozzarella sticks were good, not too much breading, plenty of stringy mozzarella cheese. The cheese nuggets were everything a Wisconsin fried cheese curd should be, though they were a bit small. The homemade onion rings were my favorite part of the platter, thin, lightly battered, and perfectly fried, not too greasy. Quite a bit of food for $9.95.
I ordered the fried cod. Not very adventurous, I know. Mom and I were splitting our two dinners, and went with one fried fish meal and the other baked. The friend cod was good, big pieces of fish, battered and fried to a golden brown. Exactly like a Wisconsin fish fry should be. The homemade tartar sauce was a great treat, and a good balance for the fish. The price of my fried cod was $9.95. It came with a salad, vegetable medley (green beans, yellow beans and carrots) and choice of potato. I went with the baked potato, very good. The vegetables were good, nothing special. Well prepared, but lacking seasoning.
The other half of my meal, the portion my Mom ordered, was the baked whitefish. From the menu: “Baked fish prepared in Chablis, butter, and lemon & served with drawn butter…$10.95″ I loved it, the fish was mild and flaky. You could taste the lemon and Chablis. The drawn butter was unnecessary, the fish was so good, but I used it anyways, as it made the fish even better. Plus, I am a huge fan of anything I get to dip in butter. 
My dad got the Herb Crusted Salmon. From the menu: “Norwegian Salmon fillet baked in a blending of herbs & breading and topped with a cucumber dill sauce … $15.95″. He reported that the salmon was good. He would know, he typically orders salmon out wherever we are. It must have been good, by the time I was ready to taste it, there wasn’t much left!
The Summer Harvest Pasta was ordered. From the menu: “Cavatappi pasta sautéed with olive oil, squash, asparagus, red pepper pesto, sun dried & grape tomatoes (vegetable side not included)* … $13.95″ With all the veggies in the dish, the vegetable side wasn’t missed. The pasta was flavorful, and vegetables were cooked well, not mushy or overdone as can easily happen in these kinds of dishes. I love sun dried tomatoes, so this was a great dish in my opinion. New to the menu, I would guess it becomes a summertime favorite!
Another order of fried cod was ordered, and loved.
My boyfriend ordered the Broasted Chicken. From the menu: “Marinated and lightly breaded chicken broasted to a golden brown exterior with a moist and tender inside.” The $12.95 4 piece meal was ordered, as I let him know I’d be wanting to try it for sure! The chicken was awesome, I love broasted chicken, and this was no exception. The skin was crunchy and well flavored, the meat was tender and not overdone. Though a bit dry in my opinion, it was still really good. It was my second favorite meal ordered, coming in after the baked white fish of course!
Overall, the Water’s Edge restaurant at the Lighthouse Inn is a wonderful place to spend the evening. From the bar to the service to the food, it’s a great environment, with an amazing view of Lake Michigan right outside. There is outdoor seating in the bar area, and windows so big you’ll feel like your outdoors in the dining area! Always a favorite place to go, this Wisconsin restaurant didn’t disappoint, as usual.
The meal fueled a great night’s sleep and gave us the energy for the 3:30 am wake up call that was necessary for our salmon fishing adventure early Saturday morning. When in Two Rivers, check out the Lighthouse Inn and the Water’s Edge restaurant!
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