- Attraction: Wausau Mine Company
- Location: 3904 W Stewart Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://wausaumine.com/
Step through the doors and you’re instantly transported deep underground into an authentic mine shaft experience that’s been captivating Wausau diners for over four decades.
Wausau Mine Company transforms your typical dinner out into an immersive adventure where genuine mining artifacts, rock columns, and even a trickling waterfall behind the bar create the atmosphere of dining in the heart of a working gold mine.
Built on the foundation of the historic White Eagle roadhouse from 1915, this iconic restaurant has evolved through decades of transformations to become central Wisconsin’s most distinctive dining destination, where every meal feels like striking gold.
From the moment you spot the mine-themed exterior to your first glimpse of the cave-like interior complete with authentic mining carts and tools donated by local families, you’ll understand why locals and travelers alike have made this a must-visit Wausau landmark. The restaurant’s commitment to scratch-made cooking and its legendary Italian Fries—the original recipe discovered in 1979—ensures that the food matches the memorable atmosphere.
Menu Highlights That Strike Gold
The Virgil Burger: This signature creation tops a half-pound patty with Canadian bacon, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and Wisconsin Swiss cheese. Named after the restaurant’s legendary resident miner character, this burger delivers serious satisfaction with juicy flavors and generous portions that live up to its reputation as a local favorite.
Related
More in Wisconsin
Experience The Amazing Arctic Passage Exhibit At Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison’s Premier Free Wildlife Destination
Keep Exploring →Original Italian Fries: You’ll discover why these have become the restaurant’s most famous creation and understand the excitement surrounding them. These aren’t your typical fries—they’re baked pizza crusts topped with cheese and served with dipping sauce. Since their discovery in 1979, they’ve become so popular that you can order small or large portions, and many reviewers insist they’re worth the extra baking time.
“Bet You Can’t Burger”: This monster features two half-pound patties stacked with bacon, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and raw onions. It’s a serious challenge for serious burger enthusiasts, and many diners report that conquering this creation becomes a memorable achievement worth bragging about.
Friday Fish Fry: Wisconsin tradition meets mining charm with their popular Friday fish offering. You’ll enjoy either pan-fried or deep-fried cod served with all the classic accompaniments, drawing regular customers who return year after year for this weekly special.
Cheese Curds: These festival-style white cheddar curds arrive perfectly crispy on the outside and squeaky fresh on the inside. In the heart of Wisconsin’s dairy country, you’ll find these curds disappear from tables almost as quickly as they arrive.
Pizza Selection: The generous cheese coverage reflects true Wisconsin style—you’ll barely see other toppings beneath the mounds of mozzarella. Popular choices include the sauerkraut and sausage pizza for adventurous eaters, and the classic pepperoni for traditionalists.
More in Wisconsin
Taste The Famous Buckley’s Burger And Faroe Island Salmon At This Milwaukee Hotspot
Discover MoreFrench Onion Soup: This standout soup earns frequent praise from diners who recommend not sharing a bowl. The rich, flavorful broth paired with melted cheese creates the perfect comfort food for exploring the mine atmosphere.
Atmosphere & Underground Adventure
Mine Shaft Immersion: You’ll feel like you’re dining deep underground thanks to authentic mining artifacts throughout the restaurant. Real mining carts, tools, and tin ceiling pieces donated by local families create an atmosphere that goes far beyond typical themed restaurants.
The Waterfall Feature: Behind the bar, you’ll hear the gentle trickling of water flowing down rock formations, adding to the authentic cave ambiance. This isn’t just decoration—coins tossed into the waterfall support local charities including Special Olympics and the Humane Society.
Rustic Wood and Stone: Raw wood accents and rock outcroppings throughout the dining areas make you feel like you’re exploring an actual mine tunnel. The attention to detail extends from floor to ceiling, creating an immersive experience that photographs can’t fully capture.
Family-Friendly Game Room: Upstairs you’ll find a separate game room that keeps kids entertained while maintaining the mining theme. This dedicated space ensures families can enjoy the full experience without disrupting other diners.
Related
More in Wisconsin
Sitting Inside A Historic Stone Building, This Coffeehouse Is Waukesha’s Best-Kept Secret Cafe
Keep Exploring →The Legend of Virgil: Keep your eyes open for Virgil, the restaurant’s resident miner character who supposedly haunts the establishment with stories about mining. This playful ghost adds an element of fun folklore to your dining adventure.
Multiple Dining Spaces: You’ll discover different atmospheres throughout the restaurant, from the main mining-themed dining room to the upstairs areas and the Rusty Nail Saloon section with big-screen TVs and live music.
Other Considerations
Fair Pricing: You’ll find the menu offers excellent value with most entrées ranging from moderate to mid-tier pricing. The generous portion sizes mean many diners leave with leftovers, making the cost per meal even more reasonable when compared to other family restaurants in the area.
Parking Convenience: You won’t struggle to find parking thanks to the ample lot on Stewart Avenue. The easy accessibility makes this a practical choice for families and groups visiting the area.
Call-Ahead Seating: You can avoid weekend waits by calling ahead for seating, though Friday and Saturday evenings don’t accept advance reservations. The restaurant’s popularity means planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out on the experience.
More in Wisconsin
Discover The Legendary Friday Fish Fry And Build-Your-Own Mac And Cheese At Fork In The Road Restaurant
Discover MoreBirthday Celebrations: You’ll receive special treatment if you’re celebrating—including the famous “Boot” filled with your choice of beer that you can even keep as a souvenir. Anniversary celebrations also receive special recognition from the restaurant.
Private Events: The upstairs private room accommodates up to 30 guests for meetings or celebrations, though keep in mind it’s not wheelchair accessible. This space maintains the mining theme while offering more intimate dining for special occasions.
Scratch-Made Everything: You’ll taste the difference in every dish since the kitchen prepares everything from scratch using the same homestyle approach for over 40 years. This commitment to quality explains why regular customers return year after year.
Community Involvement: You’ll appreciate knowing your visit supports a restaurant that gives back, from feeding 700 people in need each Easter to supporting local organizations through their charitable waterfall donations and FFA animal sale participation.
Wausau Mine Company
📍 3904 W Stewart Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
Related
