The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill — Restaurant in Chisago City

'Twas my first time being here and, I'll be honest, I mainly went because my friend works there, but after leaving the restaurant, I know that I will be going back quite often. Not only to see my friend, but for the delicious food and quaint little tavern/grill experience. Don't get me wrong; this place gets packed when it's busy but isn't that a sign that other people agree with me, and my 5-star rating? The waitstaff are all very friendly and attentive, and very engaging with their customers. Not in a "I'm being nice to you because I want your money" kinda way; no, they are very genuine in their responses to you, as well as charismatic and funny. Look y'all: when I write reviews for places, I write with complete honesty, and consideration of all my experiences while visiting the establishment, as well as my fellow companions I happen to be dining with. I am urging you, with all confidence in my friend, that you should visit The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill. If you should happen to go, or stumble upon this lovely little tavern, I hope it's at some point on the weekend because, this friend that I mentioned, works weekend evenings. His name is Taylor, and you'll know him by one of the kindest and captivating smiles I have ever seen, as well as his magnetic personality. I'm not writing this to bag on other servers--I'm sure others are just as charming as him, but I only had a brief moment with the hostess, and I promise you that she gave off the same air of friendliness and charm, as our waiter, Taylor did. Taylor is NEVER rude or disrespectful, both within his workplace, and without. Oh I should probably mention the food huh? Haha got a little side-tracked there... I can tell you, from personal POV, that the Mac Cheesy Burger is incredible and I could not put it down. Granted, I hadn't eaten most of the day and was ravished but that is irrelevant to this situation. Oooohhhhhhh my goodness it was so good. They have lots of other options than just burgers though and next time I go, I'll have to pick something completely different to get a more diverse idea of what their menu has instore for my taste buds. I can tell y'all with full confidence that my taste buds were in Heaven tonight!

If you're looking for somewhere to eat around Chisago City or neighboring towns, it should be obvious at this point that you NEED to visit this restaurant! Get ready for a great atmosphere and even greater staff, that will always treat you with kindness, attention, and respect. Oh and don't forget to go on the weekend evenings because that's when one of the best people I've ever been blessed with meeting, Taylor, works....

Can you believe they refused to give me a to go box?

My daughter and a friend went to the Northern tonight. It is Wednesday and their wings (Which are fantastic, not the little tiny ones!) I felt bad for the waitress who was new and in training who ended up having another staff member cost her tip. One of the first things out of her mouth was that I could not have a to go box. I don't know that we had even ordered our wings yet. I told her that when I left if I had food left over I expected a to-go box.

Of course, out of the 24 wings we ordered, we had five left over and needed a to-go box. She went and got a female, don't know of she was the manager or not. She read me the riot act about how on Wednesdays they have a problem with people ordering too many wings and not eating them all and taking them home so they do not provide to-go boxes. There was a seriousness to her tone that I am sure she has used before with drunks at the bar.

Now when she came over she had her deep voice, rigid shoulders, arms crossed over her chest like she was going to intimidate me. I explained to her that we have eaten here before and that the last time and the times before that we had been given to-go boxes. She demanded to know who the staff was because The Northerns "policy" is to not give out to-go boxes on Wednesday.

Their "Policy". I wish I could download the phone video into this review. I informed her that my policy was not to tip on Wednesdays then. Then she tells me I don't have to "be mean" and turned and walked away.

We wrapped the wings in napkins. I saw the lady that had been at the booth in back of us if I could use her to-go box (her husband had ordered wings and some magical way they ended up with a burger size to-go box). She reached back to her table and gave me the container. She told me that she "had seen the whole thing". I asked her if she could believe it. She shook her head "'NO".

So, The Northern has excellent wings. Actually they are only second to the wings we had once at a Support the Troops rally.

They also have some staff with either a major attitude (based on prior visits and other reviews I'm not the only one that has noticed the crabby staff}. The girl at the door with the glasses and our original waitress was very nice as was a waitress name Gail. A business that has such a great product at a great price that they are trying to limit how much customers order. I'm not talking about five dozen wings, we had 5 wings left.

If they need to they can use my Costco card. A hundred to-go containers are only...

We arrived after 7 PM for dinner, saw three booths of diners just left and were happy we'd be seated soon, but the young host told us 25-30 minute wait after looking at her tablet. I pointed out the empty booths that just needed clearing, she nervously said, "Ok, just give us about 5 minutes." Then she called for the group that came after us, ugh. Must be a new girl, we've all been there, I understand. Anyways, after a weird start, we were seated soon afterwards.

We came on Wednesday Wing Night! Hubby likes them hot, but not too hot. Our waitress, Kansas (cool name), suggested Yeti, buffalo but charred on the grill, that takes a bit of the heat off. I got my favorite, garlic parmesan. But we also saw a special burger on the board, Lady Marmalade, with 1/2 lb beef, onion marmalade, horseradish sauce/mayo... so we asked to split that. Hubby drank a raspberry tea, I did too, but then ordered a 24 oz Blue Moon on tap. Hubby called it my Thor beer, because it comes in a big mug, lol.

Our food arrived quickly, about 15 minutes later. I was pleasantly surprised when the burger was cut in half and the fries already split between two plates, thank you! The 4 wings per order are huge! I decided to let my wings cool and ate my burger. First to the last bite, such an explosion of flavors, slightly sweet, but savory, so good. The fries were good, and tossed in a parsley, salt seasoning blend. The wings were meaty and delicious. I'm glad they automatically bring out an empty boat for the bones & provide wet wipes; we needed it!

Overall, great meal, friendly, attentive and helpful waitress, and hubby got to checkout some baseball games on the TVs while we ate. I'd say that's a winning dinner out! Oh, and sign up for the Northern points and register your card, my beer was free. :) Check out the menu and daily specials online, you'll be drooling, and rightfully so.

The atmosphere is updated rustic cabin, comfortable booths, high tables, and a large U-shaped bar with stools, and lots of TVs to please the sports enthusiasts. A good mix of all ages, looked like families, couples, friends night out, the after work folks at the bar, a few tables of retirees; a nice blend to easily fit in here. We'll definitely be eating...