+1 715-333-2334
Nestled in the heart of Merrillan, Wisconsin, The Mug & Pizzaria stands as a welcoming bar and grill that perfectly captures the spirit of the Northwoods dining experience. This vibrant spot excels in crafting classic American bar food with a hearty Midwestern twist. Known primarily for its delicious pizza and solid bar fare, The Mug & Pizzaria invites locals and travelers alike to indulge in satisfying, flavorful meals that hit the mark every time.
The menu boasts a diverse selection, where favorites such as the savory Sausage and Mushroom pizza offer an inviting balance of melted cheese, robust sausage, and earthy mushrooms baked to perfection. For those craving something with a bit more sizzle, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich Philly Style delivers tender, juicy chicken piled high with sautéed onions and melted cheese, creating a sumptuous bite. And on Fridays, fans of Wisconsin’s cherished fish fry tradition flock here for the expertly prepared 2 or 3 Piece Cod Fish Fry, served with your choice of crispy French fries, scalloped potatoes, or baked beans, all accompanied by coleslaw and tartar sauce—offering an authentic taste of Midwest comfort food.
Beyond the plates, The Mug & Pizzaria’s atmosphere contributes significantly to its charm. Anchored close to ATV and side-by-side trails, it has become a favorite pit stop for riders like Larry Schick, who appreciates the refreshing respite and solid fare after an adventurous day. The casual, lively setting is perfect for families, campers, and locals who enjoy the bustle of a busy weekend, as reflected in Brenda Edwards’ experience of a friendly, energetic crowd that still enjoys attentive service despite the holiday rush.
Burgers also shine here, with options like the Mushroom Swiss Burger paired alongside crispy waffle fries bringing a nostalgic, satisfying flavor that resonates with many guests. Kelsey Miller’s glowing praise particularly highlights the bar’s smoked ribs and pulled pork, which are considered some of the best in the region, coupled with a welcoming staff that makes every visit memorable.
Though some guests like Mark Meili note that prices might be on the higher side, and there’s a mandatory 12% service fee, the overall quality of the food and the cleanliness of the space affirm The Mug & Pizzaria’s dedication to a pleasant dining experience. Whether you're in for a quick bite with a mini beer bucket or settling in for the Friday Fish special accompanied by classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and buttery potatoes, this spot delivers warm-hearted Wisconsin hospitality in every dish.
In summary, The Mug & Pizzaria is a must-visit if you find yourself exploring Merrillan’s scenic surroundings. From its comforting menu selection to the lively yet approachable ambiance, it embodies the perfect Northwoods stop for food lovers seeking solid, savory meals that complement their outdoor adventures and local explorations.
For me I usually stop when riding sxs in the area, good place to cool down and get a bite to eat. Good food and service usually enough room to sit but it does get busy!
Best bar in the area! Great hats.. the best smoked ribs and pulled pork I’ve ever had.. fantastic staff. This will be a crucial stopping point in all north woods activities!
Burgers are the best. Very busy holiday weekend and all servers were hopping. Kitchen seemed to be keeping up; our wait was only for the check afterwards. Atmosphere is as expected at bar grill right of the ATV trails. Not to say they were the only ones there. People from campground and just out traveling including families with children were all there. Didn't have a Pizza but boy did it look good!
Decent, clean little diner. Only reason they didn't get 5 stars was there prices were high, plus they automatically tack on a 12% "service fee" to be shared with all employees (unless you specifically tell them not to). Omelettes & skillets are up around $20, so my buddy and I dropped around $55-$60 total for an omelette, a skillet, 2 coffees, the service fee, a slightly reduced tip for our waitress and tax. The food was very good. Portions were just ok. The 2 person tables are much too small. Service was very good and we would have left a bigger tip for our young server had we not known part of that service fee was going to them already. To the restarant- I tip up to 20% for good service. If you are going to make people (unless they make an awkward rejection) pay a service fee to be shared by all staff, your waitstaff will often receive highly reduced tips. Because of your prices and fees I will probably look elsewhere next time. Loose the service fee; pay your cooks a decent wage and motivate your waitstaff by having them receive their full tips for good service.
Pretty good place to stop at, menu is appetizers, burgers, and pizza.
Cheese curds were good. Got the burger, it was thick and tasted great. Another person on our group got the pulled pork sandwich that was smoked all day and it was awesome. Service a little slow but seemed like they didn't have enough for all the people.
Group of 4 visited both Friday and Saturday nights around 7 PM. Steady busy but the 2 bartenders Callie and Ellie handled the bar great and had plenty of support to make it a great experience both nights. Pizza is very good.