Wolf's Den — Local services in Stanton

Currently owned and managed by Brandi and Lynnette Easley, Wolf’s Den was first established in 1981 by Bob and Diane Wolf. They pride themselves on their impressive 10-ounce fresh, never frozen burger patties that attract customers from towns far and wide across the northeastern Nebraska landscape. They even launched a “triple burger challenge” this past year that challenges only the hungriest of patrons to down a ridiculous 30-ounce burger!

Unfortunately, I can’t claim that I was crazy enough to try such a mammoth meal, but I did however get my hands on what my waitress described to me as another one of the bar’s signature items: a pork burger. Not a pork chop. Not a tenderloin. Not even bacon nor ham. Yes, a pork burger. Strangely enough, although I’ve eaten at over 100 Midwest bars and restaurants over the past couple of years, I can’t say I’ve ever encountered such a menu item. So of course, I had to try it! For only six bucks, I got a whopping, juicy 10-ounce grilled pork burger topped with lettuce, pickles, and mayo. In my honest opinion, it’s probably the tastiest pork-related dish I’ve ever had at a restaurant. I will 1000% be ordering it again should I ever return to Wolf’s Den!

My girlfriend tagged along for the experience and ordered one of the signature beef patties, and she too was wowed by its size, tastiness, and affordable $6.00 price tag. We enjoyed a portion of their crinkle-cut fries and an order of homemade potato planks for our sides. The “planks” are essentially giant chunks of potatoes that have been sliced and put into the fryer. For three bucks a side, we estimated that we probably had about four whole potatoes between the two of us!

There’s a lot of other good stuff on the menu too. Breakfast is offered Wednesday through Sunday, and customers can choose from a variety of options from omelets to pancakes, and pancakes to hashbrowns, toast, and eggs. On Saturdays and Sundays, there is a biscuit and gravy and a chicken fried steak special. Homemade chili is offered in the form of bowls, or as an add-on to a burger, fries, or hotdog. Ice cream cones are only a buck, and a small sundae runs you only a quarter more. There’s also a variety of steak cuts, shrimp, fried chicken, wings, salads, mini tacos, nachos, and just about any other bar food you can imagine.

Thanks to the staff for the awesome recommendations, speedy service, and for treating my girlfriend and me to a fun dinner in Stanton. The atmosphere was great, and we were very impressed with your horseshoe-handled table...

I've been here once before many years ago. It was almost 5:00. Their salad bar wasn't set up yet they had specials up stating a salad bar comes with your meal. We ended up with a appetizer in place of even a fresh salad. My mother got the smaller steak but we were charged for the 16 oz. I wasn't a fan of the Philly hoagie, mine are better at home. The bun was good though. We asked for a hotdog and she asked if we wanted a bun I said yes it's for Dad, not the baby. She still brings no bun and a hotdog cut down the middle. Texas toast was to come with our large wing order, which never came. Not sure about other's but I'd like bartender's to know how to make a real RED BEER. It's not go pour some tomato juice in a cup that's for sure. $100 later, I'll never return. I think your waitress is working at the wrong job. She was bringing our orders out to half the table before our appetizers were even done and the high school children working there did better with helping us get what we wanted them what she did. Sure hope...

If you’re looking for a spot where small-town charm meets “holy cow, that burger is good,” Wolf’s Den is it. The red beer comes out cold enough to make you question if they’ve got a glacier in the back, and the burgers… let’s just say they might be the best thing happening on this side of the Mississippi. Juicy, flavorful, and stacked like they’re trying to prove a point.

It’s got that classic small-town vibe—where the grill sizzle is part of the soundtrack and you half expect everyone to know your name before your second sip. Professional enough to recommend to anyone, but laid-back enough that you don’t need to iron your shirt first.

Five stars for food, drinks, and the kind of place that makes you want to stick around just a little longer than...