Enjoying lunch at Whiskey River
I have been homebound for the past month or so due to bronchitis and van issues. Although I have been feeling good the past couple of days, it was really too cold to venture out until last Thursday. My mom and I decided to try Whiskey River on the recommendation from our friend Vicki H.
Whiskey River is a bar/restaurant owned by Todd and Peggy Wold. It is located at 5512 Stewart Ave in Wausau, Wi. Their website is http://www.whiskeyriverbarandgrill.com/.
Parking Spot in front of covered ramp.
More Parking on the side of the covered ramp
We pulled up into their parking lot and was pleased to see 3 handicapped parking spots, all located next to the ramp into the restaurant. Judging from the size of the parking lot, I think they actually have more than the required number of disabled parking spots. It was easy to maneuver around the parking lot onto the ramp.
Covered ramp intobuilding
Whiskey River has a completely covered ramp to get into the restaurant. This is really nice because it keeps the ramp clear of snow and keeps it dry in the rain. It also rails for those how are able to walk, but needs help maintaining their balance. There is even a light to keep it safe at nighttime.
Once I rolled up the ramp, my mom held open the door. It was the perfect space to turn and maneuver my chair into the hallway leading to the bar. The hallway leads you right into the bar area, which we did not spend anytime in. The bar is almost a horseshoe shaped bar, there was also a high bar table. Whiskey River is a pretty typical bar with standard obstacle for someone in a wheelchair. The bar is too high for me to properly sit at, as well as the high bar table. However, on the side of the bar off the entrance hallway, there is plenty of space for my chair and plenty of TV’s that I would be able to view.
There is a room off of the bar area with a pool table. The room is accessible for wheelchairs. There were also gambling machines and a jukebox in the bar area. These were not very accessible to someone in a wheelchair, but I find that to be the case in most bar environments.
Great spacing between tables and ESPN on TV
We entered the dining room and found it to be a large open space. The spacing of the tables was perfect, as I would be able to get around even if the dining room was busy. We went after the normal lunch time since this was our first time going and did not want to go during a busy time. The dining room was empty and we had a choice of tables. I was happily surprised that the table was high enough for me to get my chair under. They also had a TV in the dining room and country music playing in the background. There were fish hanging on the wall for decorations. It really was a cozy atmosphere.
I fit under the table!!
The menu had a selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and seafood. I am now on a gluten free diet and was able to find several things I could have. Our server, Jackie, was super friendly and helpful. She brought out the bag of tortilla chips used in the Taco Salad so we could make sure it was Gluten Free. My mom and I both ordered the Taco Salad. The Taco Salad was really good and I would definitely order it again. They have baked fish options so I am thinking of going back to try their fish. Since it was the afternoon and I am still getting back to being healthy, I only ordered a soda. I forgot to ask if they had Gluten Free beer or Cider Ale, I will ask the next time.
The server, Jackie, was very friendly and very accommodating. I like the fact that she treated me no different than any other customer. Janie, the bartender, was also very friendly and warmly greeted us when we arrived.
We did not go into the bathrooms, so I can’t fully report on those. However, ,my mom said that that women’s bathroom is a single bathroom with a lock. She said the bathroom is large enough to comfortably fit my chair in there, in case the men’s bathroom would not work for me.
Overall, I really liked Whiskey River. I liked the very typical Wisconsin atmosphere. The server and bartender were very nice and friendly. The experience was really nice because of the accessibility. It is definitely a place I will return to visit.
I am giving Whiskey River 4 1/2 wheelchair stars. They provide easy access and great parking availability. The dining room is easy to maneuver around. The employees are very friendly and accommodating. The bathrooms are accessible, but a family bathroom is always ideal. Great Job Whiskey River!
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