Thirsty Otter Tavern and Resort

Balsam Lake, WI · Bar & grill

Rating
4.4/5
★★★★☆ 4.4
Reviews
20
Rank in Balsam Lake
#6
of 11 restaurants
City Percentile
30%
rating percentile
Address
Thirsty Otter Tavern and Resort, 101 County Rd I, Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone
(715) 485-3400
Website
www.thethirstyotter.com
Status
Open · Closes 2 AM · Reopens 9 AM

Thirsty Otter Tavern and Resort is a restaurant located in Balsam Lake, WI. It is one of 11 restaurants listed in Balsam Lake. Its 4.4-star rating matches the Balsam Lake city average of 4.5 stars. It ranks #6 of 11 restaurants in Balsam Lake. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About Thirsty Otter Tavern and Resort

Welcome to the Thirsty Otter! Thirsty Otter is a bar and restaurant with a spectacular full menu, full bar, outside patio bar, indoor dining area as well as a large patio dining area. We feature the famous Otter Burger along with many other... More

Hours

Friday11 AM–2 AM
Saturday9 AM–2 AM
Sunday9 AM–
Monday11 AM–
Tuesday11 AM–
Wednesday11 AM–
Thursday11 AM–

Customer Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 Darren Byrnes · Jan 2026

We ate there twice this past weekend, once for lunch, which impressed us so much that we went back for breakfast a couple days later. I had a burger with a side of tots and my buddy had the patty melt. Both were top notch and not all that expensive (I’m used to paying “Minneapolis” prices. Our group of 6 came back Sunday morning for breakfast and all the breakfast food was great! Crispy hash browns and bacon were perfect! The waitstaff were VERY pleasant and attentive. We will totally be back anytime we are in the area.

★★★★★ 5.0 Holly S · Oct 2025

I’ve eaten at The Thirsty Otter a few times now, and the food never disappoints—but the walleye sandwich is hands down my favorite. I’ve had it twice and it’s just as good every time—perfectly cooked, lightly breaded, and full of flavor. You can tell it’s fresh and made with care, not just another frozen fish sandwich. The atmosphere is exactly what you want from a lakeside spot—casual, fun, and welcoming whether you’re coming in by car or boat. The staff is friendly, service is quick, and the drinks hit the spot after a day on the lake. If you haven’t been yet, go for the view and stay for the walleye sandwich. It’s easily one of the best meals I’ve had in the area!

★★★★☆ 4.0 Michelle Nelson · Oct 2024

The menu is great. Love the view. The service was decent. It was a Sunday evening so.... The food was good. My only complaint is the blackened chicken breast was not the type I would consider blackened, BUT it was a big juicy chicken breast. I loved the pot stickers, and my partner finally got his club sandwich! We'll go back to try it again!

★★★☆☆ 3.0 Peter Mathys · Apr 2022

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.

★★★★★ 5.0 Karen Boatman · Jul 2025

Great food and service. They even made me an Olive 🫒 burger and it's not on the menu.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Outdoor Seating ✓ Takeout ✓ Dine In ✓ Delivery ✓ Bar Games ✓ Fast Service ✓ Great Beer Selection ✓ Great Cocktails ✓ Live Music ✓ Live Performances ✓ Serves Local Specialty ✓ Sports ✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo Dining

Services

Bar & grillBarBreakfast restaurantCocktail barLunch restaurantRestaurant

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.