The Historic Trempealeau Hotel

emerge077

Illinois

4.09/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | $

Trempealeau is a tiny town nestled along the Mississippi River, with the BSNF railroad passing through it.

The Historic Trempealeau Hotel is unmistakable, with a vintage "Peerless Beer" sign out front (a beer once brewed in La Crosse), and a neon: "GOOD FOOD" that beckons you in for lunch or dinner. The building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places, and dates back to 1871.

Once inside the double doors, there's an immediate sense of history and a general cozy vibe. The adjacent restaurant is toward the back with a maître d' station. We opted for drinks in the "saloon" so this review will focus on that.

Atmosphere was very cozy and quintessential northwoods Wisconsin... rustic, retro, and homey. The floor was tile, bar top was laminate with a wooden edge. Two brass tap towers, 4 & 3 taps respectively. Towards the rear of the small room was an archway leading to the patio and restaurant, with a pair of largemouth bass mounted overhead (one threatening to swallow a smaller fish whole). Above the bar was a retro black & white clock, with bubbling green neon trim. The bar itself sat maybe 10 patrons, with some longer wood tables further back from the bar. There were historic photos and wood trim around the bar room.

They had a bottle selection of around 40 beers, 2/3 craft, with Oberon, Spotted Cow, and Pearl St. Pale on tap. 5 New Glarus bottles including a couple seasonals like Road Slush & Crack'd Wheat, more Pearl St., Tyranena, Central Waters, Hacker Pschorr, and a few other craft options. Selection was small but quality, focused on the local WI micros.

Their menu is a cut above "bar food" and really creative. We had their house-made walnut burger at another WI pub, the Hideaway in Chaseburg.

In addition they have a patio, side yard, and an outdoor live music series.

This is a really nice place to stop if headed north from La Crosse/Onalaska to Perrot State Park, the nearby wildlife refuge, or just taking a scenic drive along the river.

Please note the seasonal hours listed on their website.

07-27-2010 14:04:39 | More by emerge077