History of the Backwaters
Welcome to the Backwaters Bar & Grill in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Owners Jennie and Richard Kotula, along with their three daughters, were proud to take ownership of the Backwaters in 2019. The Kotulas continue the history of great dining, drinks and family fun for Rhinelander. Jennie and Richard are continuously working to improve the quality, variety and value of the food they provide. The bar menu is constantly tweaked to suit all tastes and keep things fresh.
Interested in the history of this longtime local favorite Rhinelander restaurant?
Here is the history of the Backwaters…
The Backwaters Bar & Grill has been a Rhinelander, WI, local favorite restaurant for over 20 years. It was originally opened under the name “Budreau’s Backwater’s Supper Club and Lounge”. The scenic spot on the Wisconsin River, with easy access from the northern end of the Boom Lake chain, was an ideal location for dining. Longtime Northwoods residents look back fondly at the old-time supper club days. Remember the self-serve salad bar?
The Backwaters remained a constant through the years. In 2014, new owners Patrick Wilson and his wife Jeanne were introduced. It was at this time the name was changed to the “Backwaters Bar & Grill” – as it is known today. The Wilson’s did a complete remodel of the interior: goodbye dim lighting and the days of past – hello new interior, bar, seating, flat screen TVs and better views of the water! Lakeside dining at its best, plus great food, drinks and sports! The Backwaters Bar & Grill delved more into craft beers, cocktails and became known for their new smoked meats and upgraded fish fry.
Current Owners…
In 2019, the Wilson’s decided to move on and sold the Backwaters to the Kotulas. The Kotulas found the business to be just the right fit for their active family: sports, food, hospitality and good times. They have fine-tuned the menu, increased the bar menu and done many further improvements on the interior.
New Specials and Old Favorites
Are you looking for favorites? Check out the Broasted Chicken, in-house smoked ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Want new specials? Try the Broasted Pork Chop, homemade soups, seasonal drinks and get lucky with Thankful Thursdays (FREE dessert!). In addition, the Backwaters also hosts special holiday meals, so be sure to stay in touch for these specials.
Stay tuned for continuous improvements and fun times at the Backwaters Bar & Grill in Rhinelander, WI.