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Paul Bunyan's Northwoods Cook Shanty: Restaurant Reviews

411 US Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(608) 254-8717
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Ranked #17 of 178 restaurants in Wisconsin Dells
Cuisines: American
Good for: Families with children, Large groups
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Buffet, Dessert
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children, Large groups
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Buffet, Dessert
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339 reviews from our community

68% Recommend
    143
    89
    52
    30
    25
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Paul Bunyan's Northwoods Cook Shanty
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Louisville, Kentucky
Top Contributor
100 reviews 100 reviews
58 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“great food with family”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 15, 2012

went here on the last day they were open in 2012 great food there was not many people here so it made for a good time with my family

the food was all you could eat and was great chicken and food

beacuse it was the last dinner and lunch of the year they were out of a few things and did not have any jelly , and it was a bit spendy for us but was worth it for good food and time with my family if it was not for them being there we would have spent our $34 at famous daves but it was still good to see the place it was clean and nice

  • Visited October 2012
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Food
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See 3 more reviews by Jonathan L for Wisconsin Dells
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Northern Chicago suburbs, IL
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“The donut withdrawal begins. . .”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 15, 2012

We had breakfast this weekend, which was also closing weekend for the year. They'll be open again next spring. We have been coming to Bunyan's for over 40 years, since we were both kids. The breakfasts are family style, and while they have sausage, ham, pancakes, fried potatoes, scrambled eggs and biscuits and gravy, the donuts are worth the price of admission! They are freshly made constantly during the morning hours. And, if you haven't had your fill of donuts prior to leaving the restaurant, be sure to stop in the gift shop for some to go.

The staff is always friendly and service is excellent. It's rare when you find a restaurant where older people and young families with little kids peacefully co-exist, but they do here. I'd love to say that we've been here for lunch and dinner as well, but sadly, it's been years since we've done that because breakfast is our destination meal and one that has never disappointed.

Here's looking forward to their re-opening for the 2013 season. We were there for opening weekend this year and plan to be there again for the 2013 opening.

  • Visited October 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
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Minneapolis, Minnesota
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“This place is awesome!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 11, 2012

My kids loved this place! It's set up like a lumberjack shack and everything is served "family style", where it's all on big plates with enough for everyone. It was packed every time we stopped by and we had great food/service!

Visited October 2012
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Rhode Island
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
40 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
“Not what I expected, Pleasantly Surprised”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 6, 2012

In the area, most of the breakfast spots and buffet-style. I figured this was yet another buffet, but was surprised to find that it was, in fact, a family-style service.

Seating is similar to that at a picnic, with benches or chairs. I imagine it would feel a little small on a crowded day, but we were able to have our own table to ourselves and no one immediately next to us.

The service began with drink orders, and was soon followed by their amazing buttermilk donuts. You can ask for more of anything you like, and the server will refill quickly. The donuts were then followed by hash-browned potatoes, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, ham, sausage, etc., Very filling and quite tasty.

Service was excellent, food was excellent, and the value was good. On the way out, you can roam their gift shop if you like, as well.

  • Visited September 2012
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
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See 2 more reviews by JennaAndJosh for Wisconsin Dells
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Saint Paul, Minnesota
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Saturday morning breakfast”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 1, 2012

Service was great and the novlety aspect was worth it alone. The food was average with the exception of the amazing donuts. You do get all you can eat though. And the gift shop had some pretty great finds.

Visited September 2012
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