By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published May 20, 2021 at 10:07 AM

Frank & Larry’s Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club, 7700 Harwood Ave., has launched a brand new way to explore the hidden gems of Wisconsin.

Launching today, the 2021 Great Up North Adventure encourages guests to explore the wonders of a variety of supper clubs, taverns, shops and businesses which inspired the creation of the Tosa Village eatery.

So many of the small elements we incorporated at Buckatabon are inspired by our friends in the Northwoods,” noted Lowlands CEO Eric Wagner in a release. “The map above the bar is inspired by the Sayner Pub. Our brandy is distilled with birch and spruce harvested by legendary fishing guide Tadpole.

"Our ‘horseradish challenge’ was started and encouraged by Smugglers Bar. Even the decor is sprinkled with signage and found ‘Easter eggs’ from the Thrifty Drifter, and our roller chairs at the bar are inspired by Brew’s Pub. The dollars on the ceiling? Head to Burnt Bridge!”

The Bear Trap
The Bear Trap (photo c/o Lowlands Group)
X

How does it work?

The unique “travel passport” is the product of  a collaboration with 15 of its Northwoods partners and it presents a fun proposition for guests who can use the passport to explore the state and win a variety of prizes.

Each passport stamp can be used for $10 off a purchase of $25 at participating venues, with prizes awarded for visiting five, 10 or 15. Those who visit all 15 will be entered into a drawing to win a two-night stay at Bent’s Camp in Land O’ Lakes.

Participating venues include:

  • Burnt Bridge Tavern (Conover)
  • Bent’s Camp Resort (Land O’ Lakes)
  • The Bear Trap Inn (Land O’ Lakes)
  • Clearview Supper Club (St. Germain)
  • Tadpole Sports (Eagle River)
  • Club 45 Bar & Grill (Conover)
  • Sayner Pub (Sayner)
  • Thrifty Drifter (Eagle River)
  • Brew’s Pub (Land O’ Lakes)
  • Buckshots Saloon & Eatery (Eagle River)
  • Smugglers  (Eagle River)
  • Grandma’s Toy Box  (Eagle River)
  • Gateway Lodge (Land O’ Lakes)
  • Aqualand Ale House (Boulder Junction)
  • Al-Gen Dinner Club (Rhinelander)

A limited number of passports will be available for $50 each (with a full value of $300) and can be purchased at Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club. Road trippers can also add to the adventure by purchasing a bottle of the restaurant’s exclusive Buckatabon Brandy or an old fashioned cocktail kit to take along on their travels.

Bear Trap Owner and Tyler Nation
Bear Trap Owner Tommy Baertschy and Buckatabon General Manager Tyler Nation (photo c/o Lowlands Group)
X

“When people dine at Buckatabon, we want them to feel like they’re visiting an old friend they haven’t seen in a while,” noted Tyler Nation, Buckatabon general manager. “We hope Milwaukeeans will take the opportunity to get up to the Northwoods this summer and experience some of these legendary places, and then come back to tell us all about it.”

For more information, visit thebuckatabon.com.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.