Hoots - Rice Lake

Five stars all the way! We paddled over from the other side of the lake and tied our boards to the dock. When we first approached, it was clear that it was a casual spot, and we wondered if we would feel out of place since we weren’t locals. Fortunately, that was not the case at all! Steve served us drinks, and Kevin, the owner, took the time to chat with us and made us feel right at home. His mother was there, enjoying a soap opera with friends, and she even shared some delicious homemade cake with us. Kevin even put $5 in the jukebox so we could enjoy some music while he made us the best pizza! I had the cheeseburger with extra pickles, and there’s a reason it has won awards—it was incredible! The bar area boasts a fantastic view of the lake, and the outdoor space is equally great. There’s a stage for live bands and plenty of outdoor seating if you want to maintain some distance while still enjoying the atmosphere. Once COVID-19 is behind us, this will be the perfect spot to return to a sense of normalcy!

As an out-of-towner, I have to say that the numerous good reviews led me to try Hoots. Unfortunately, I should have trusted my instincts the moment I saw the camping chairs in the backyard and the multitude of ashtrays. The locals gave us disapproving looks as we entered, including the bartender, who also made our pizzas — and that was a mistake. Speaking of the pizzas, I have to ask: Seriously? Good pizza? I've had better slices from a gas station in a pinch. The ingredients were anything but fresh, and I even found canned mushrooms on my pizza. I wouldn't have bothered to write this review if it weren't for the fact that I paid dearly for my choice all night and into the following day with multiple trips to the bathroom. Thanks, Hoots. Do yourself a favor and choose another place.

To make matters worse, the atmosphere is terrible, thanks to a loud, drunk young man at the bar who works for Henry Rifles. Was he capable of being any more obnoxious? No one wants to hear you complain about your job and spew negativity all day! I'm guessing he’s a regular, and I can't help but wonder how many times he’s been arrested for drunk driving—or just for being so disruptive. Shouldn’t there be consequences for behaviors like that? Thank goodness we were just passing through and don’t live in the area. The lakeside location and view are nice, which is the only reason I’m giving it two stars. Oh, and the bartender was friendly enough. But honestly, the best thing they could do is sell the place to someone who would turn it from a dive bar into a spot that people would actually want to visit. Or they could just knock it down and build lakeside condos instead. I can’t think of a single reason to recommend this restaurant.

We just stopped here just headed for a weekend get away.... clearly not from around here and was made to feel right at home! Even won myself a 6-pack of Spotted Cow in the Big Shake! Do yourself a favor and stop here, it's just like hanging out at your favorite aunt and uncles!

From out of town and stopped by...had the cheeseburger pizza.... amazing! The wait staff was easy and fun too!