The best bars & nightlife in Wausau

19 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 19 places · showing the latest additions first

Vapor Bar

Nightlife

Vapor Bar is a go-to for premium cigars, fine tobaccos, and advanced vaping gear with staff who actually know their stuff. Chill, helpful,…

3001 Rib Mountain Dr #A

Vapor Bar is a go-to for premium cigars, fine tobaccos, and advanced vaping gear with staff who actually know their stuff. Chill, helpful, and heavy on flavor options, they make it easy to dial in your setup or discover a new all-day vape.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 22, 2026

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Wiggly Field

Nightlife

From their famous Friday Fish Fry to speedy, tasty lunches, Wiggly Field keeps locals well fed. Family-friendly sports bar vibes, daily…

2005 Schofield Ave (Schofield)

From their famous Friday Fish Fry to speedy, tasty lunches, Wiggly Field keeps locals well fed. Family-friendly sports bar vibes, daily specials, and indoor plus outdoor sand volleyball leagues mean you can spike, snack, and call it cardio.

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Featuring undistributed beers from Wisconsin breweries, Uncommon Pints is the Rothschild taproom you pop into when you want something…

27 Brown Blvd (Rothschild)

Featuring undistributed beers from Wisconsin breweries, Uncommon Pints is the Rothschild taproom you pop into when you want something different with your frozen pizza and trivia. Their events lineup keeps things lively, from book club and karaoke to seasonal parties and the occasional plant bingo.

From the Rib Mountain newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Whether you need a low-key weeknight spot or a place to celebrate small wins, Mosinee Brewing Company keeps the taps flowing with fresh,…

401 4th St (Mosinee)

Whether you need a low-key weeknight spot or a place to celebrate small wins, Mosinee Brewing Company keeps the taps flowing with fresh, locally made beer and that friendly, hometown vibe that feels like running into neighbors you actually like.

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Easygoing bistro with an array of American comfort fare & bar snacks in a lively space with a patio.

1239 Schofield Ave (Schofield)

Easygoing bistro with an array of American comfort fare & bar snacks in a lively space with a patio.

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Lean into moody, literary fun at Nevermore on Third Bar & Grille, where Poe-inspired flatbreads and burgers like The Enigma and Amontillado…

1206 N 3rd Street

Lean into moody, literary fun at Nevermore on Third Bar & Grille, where Poe-inspired flatbreads and burgers like The Enigma and Amontillado Melt meet signature cocktails, live music, and locally sourced flavors.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Burks Bar

Nightlife

Burks Bar is the easy pick when you want chill drinks, good food, and a place that keeps the fun going with events. Planning a…

4711 Stewart Ave

Burks Bar is the easy pick when you want chill drinks, good food, and a place that keeps the fun going with events. Planning a get-together? Their Burks Tap Bus is a mobile bar you can rent, and there’s even a cozy bungalow rental for extra hang time.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 14, 2026

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When the week needs a little mood lift, Lil' Ole Winemaker Shoppe is Central Wisconsin’s wine headquarters with a relaxed vibe and friendly…

602 Jefferson St

When the week needs a little mood lift, Lil' Ole Winemaker Shoppe is Central Wisconsin’s wine headquarters with a relaxed vibe and friendly company. Wander in for easy-sipping wines, fun seasonal releases, and that just-right bottle you’ll want on the patio when a neighbor pops over.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 3, 2026

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The Mill Yard

Nightlife

The Mill Yard does classic Wisconsin comfort right with crispy broasted chicken, juicy burgers, ribs, and a Friday fish fry that makes you…

238532 Co Rd W N

The Mill Yard does classic Wisconsin comfort right with crispy broasted chicken, juicy burgers, ribs, and a Friday fish fry that makes you text the group chat early, plus a laid-back vibe with darts and pool when you want to linger a little longer.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Wausau Axe & Social pairs beginner friendly axe and knife throwing with a wide variety of craft beer, perfect for a low stakes date night…

227075 Rib Mountain Dr

Wausau Axe & Social pairs beginner friendly axe and knife throwing with a wide variety of craft beer, perfect for a low stakes date night or rallying friends for leagues, tournaments, or private events. All skill levels, big laughs, real community vibes... make it your this-week plan.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 10, 2026

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The Garage

Nightlife

Laid-back bar and eatery sporting a patio and a wrench-shaped bar as well as pizza and burgers. Free nachos.

152501 Morning Glory Ln

Laid-back bar and eatery sporting a patio and a wrench-shaped bar as well as pizza and burgers. Free nachos.

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Limericks Public House brings Emerald Isle energy to downtown with pints of stout, cozy pub chatter, and a menu that swings from soups and…

634 N 3rd Street

Limericks Public House brings Emerald Isle energy to downtown with pints of stout, cozy pub chatter, and a menu that swings from soups and salads to hearty traditional Irish meals. Catch live tunes or team up for trivia, then toast to making Tuesday feel like Friday.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Brisket smoked 16 hours, ribs that actually surrender, and rope sausage with that perfect snap... Charlie's Texas Smokehouse Bar And Grill…

235415 Chico Rd

Brisket smoked 16 hours, ribs that actually surrender, and rope sausage with that perfect snap... Charlie's Texas Smokehouse Bar And Grill delivers real-deal Texas BBQ right here at home. Grab a 2 or 3 meat combo, brisket nachos, or even a classic fish fry and call it a win.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Timekeeper | Lounge and Distillery pours its own spirits and serves up creative cocktails inside Wausau’s restored 1901 Milwaukee Road…

720 Grant St

Timekeeper | Lounge and Distillery pours its own spirits and serves up creative cocktails inside Wausau’s restored 1901 Milwaukee Road train depot, designed by Charles Sumner Frost. Pop in for a cozy lounge vibe and a steady lineup of public events that make weeknights feel special.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Juliett

Nightlife

Juliett keeps it playful with craft cocktails that feel a little fancy without the fuss, plus wine, beer, and more in downtown Wausau.…

608 N 3rd Street

Juliett keeps it playful with craft cocktails that feel a little fancy without the fuss, plus wine, beer, and more in downtown Wausau. Perfect for those nights when you want something creative, a bit unexpected, and likely to become your new go-to.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Tine & Cellar

Nightlife

Need a polished spot that still feels like Wausau? Tine & Cellar brings Old World comfort to elevated dining, with a serious craft beer…

3806 Schofield Ave (Weston)

Need a polished spot that still feels like Wausau? Tine & Cellar brings Old World comfort to elevated dining, with a serious craft beer list poured on a state-of-the-art draft system by Cicerone-certified servers, plus cocktails worth lingering over. Put it on your list this week.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Red Eye Brewing Company is the kind of spot you hit when you want artisan food with real flavor and craft beer, plus a cozy living room by…

612 Washington St

Red Eye Brewing Company is the kind of spot you hit when you want artisan food with real flavor and craft beer, plus a cozy living room by the brewery windows. Slide in, sip something interesting, and call it a win this week.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Owned by a local couple who actually ask what you want to drink, Shaun's Mirage nails that friendly Wausau dive vibe since 1933. Swing by…

2103 Merrill Ave

Owned by a local couple who actually ask what you want to drink, Shaun's Mirage nails that friendly Wausau dive vibe since 1933. Swing by for a cold one, swap stories with regulars, maybe throw some darts, and let Shaun and Shelley make your week a little happier.

From the Wausau newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Settle into a 160-year-old downtown Wausau gem at Venado Wine-Bar, where a finely curated lineup of wines and spirits meets delicious local…

209 Grant St

Settle into a 160-year-old downtown Wausau gem at Venado Wine-Bar, where a finely curated lineup of wines and spirits meets delicious local craft beer. Claim a sofa or the 16-foot white oak bar, pair rotating bites with your pour, and let weeknight stress quietly retire.

From the Wausau newsletter, September 19, 2026

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