Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Historic Platter Restaurant & Lounge | Fine Dining in Ashland, WI
Established in 1955, our restaurant occupies a historic 1880 building that has been meticulously preserved while evolving to meet modern dining expectations. We specialize in regional cuisine that highlights local ingredients, particularly fresh Lake Superior fish, prepared using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Our Texas-style pit barbecue methods bring a unique twist to classic meat dishes, complemented by our signature homemade popovers that have remained unchanged since their creation in 1876. The full-service bar features an extensive selection of domestic beers, wines, and spirits, carefully curated to pair with our menu offerings. Our team of experienced chefs combines culinary expertise with a deep respect for the building's heritage to create memorable dining experiences.The restaurant's historic ambiance, including original architectural elements and a scenic outdoor porch, provides a distinctive setting for both casual meals and special occasions. We maintain seasonal menus that reflect local harvests and incorporate the Chef's creative discretion while preserving our core offerings. The establishment has hosted countless community events and gatherings since its conversion from a historic landmark to a dining destination. Our commitment to quality extends to sourcing ingredients from trusted regional suppliers who share our dedication to excellence. Through decades of operation, we have maintained the integrity of this iconic location while continuously refining our service standards to exceed guest expectations.
Services
Regional Cuisine
Texas BBQ
Fresh Fish Dishes
Full Bar Service
Seasonal Menus
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of combined experience in regional cuisine preparation
- Our team uses Texas-style pit barbecue techniques for authentic smoked meats
- We serve fresh Lake Superior fish prepared to order using multiple cooking methods
- Our historic 1880 building provides a unique dining atmosphere with original architectural elements
- We provide seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients and house-made sauces
Services
Regional Cuisine
Our regional cuisine showcases the best of North Country ingredients with a focus on seasonal availability. We prepare traditional dishes using time-honored techniques while maintaining modern presentation standards. The menu features locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy products that highlight the area's agricultural heritage.
Texas BBQ
Texas-style pit barbecue techniques create slow-smoked meats with authentic flavor profiles. We use heritage recipes and traditional smoking methods to prepare our signature BBQ dishes. The process ensures tender, flavorful results that distinguish our barbecue offerings from standard grilled preparations.
Fresh Fish Dishes
We specialize in fresh Lake Superior fish preparations featuring whitefish and lake trout. Multiple cooking methods including pan-frying, deep-frying, maple planking, and broiling ensure diverse flavor experiences. Our seafood dishes emphasize the natural qualities of sustainably sourced regional catches.
Full Bar Service
The full-service bar offers domestic beers, wines, and spirits with a focus on regional brews. Classic cocktails are prepared using traditional methods with premium ingredients. The beverage program complements our menu offerings through carefully curated pairings and seasonal specials.
Seasonal Menus
Menus change seasonally to reflect local harvests and ingredient availability while maintaining core favorites. The Chef's discretion allows for creative variations while preserving traditional preparation methods. This approach ensures fresh, high-quality dishes that evolve throughout the year without losing signature elements.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Platter Restaurant offer?
We specialize in regional cuisine featuring local ingredients with Texas-style barbecue techniques and fresh Lake Superior fish preparations.
Are there vegetarian options available on the menu?
Yes, we offer salads, risotto, and vegetable-based dishes like our Wild Mushroom Risotto and Mediterranean couscous preparations.
Does the restaurant accommodate special dietary needs?
Our chefs can modify many dishes to accommodate dietary restrictions when notified in advance through our reservation system.
Is the historic building accessible for guests with mobility needs?
The main dining area is wheelchair accessible with ramp access to the front entrance and accessible restrooms available.
Can the restaurant host private events or catering services?
Yes, we offer catering services and can accommodate private functions for business or social events in our historic venue.
What are the restaurant's operating hours during winter months?
Winter hours vary seasonally - please check our website or contact us directly for current operating hours and reservations.
