This post was originally published on Dan’s Personal Blog; however, with the creation of Badger Foodie, was moved here. All links have been updated; however, the post date reflects the date the piece was originally published.
While I’m in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for three days of training for work I was put up in the Holiday Inn – Campus Area. My first night here I was exhausted from a Monday night without much sleep so I took a two hour nap after my training completed for the day. About 9pm I decided I was hungry and headed out to find food within walking distance to the hotel. I soon decided all I really wanted was a drink and a burger so I headed back to the hotel to the Green Mill which is attached to the Holiday Inn.
The Green Mill has a large seating and bar area. Since I was dining by myself I decided to sit up at the bar. For 9pm I thought the place was fairly busy for a Tuesday night, but I then realized they have a “late night happy hour” that starts at 9pm. The bar area was nicely decorated, had plenty of seating, and had a few televisions that were tuned to sports shows.
One of the local priority club reward perks for staying at the Holiday Inn – Campus Area was a free drink coupon, which I used on a safe bet, Captain Morgan and Coke. It was served in a smaller glass and was on the stronger side, which was nice. I ended up having two since one was free! I will say for the size of the bar and the crowd they could have used a second bartender working as service was a little on the slower side.
After debating between a healthy salad, a homemade pizza, or a burger I ended up with the “summit bacon” burger because it sounded good and was listed as a staff favorite. I thought I had ordered an appetizer of onion rings; however the bartender thought I wanted the onion rings instead of the fries. In the end that turned out well because having both would have been too much food for me.
The summit bacon burger is a hand pressed patty with steak and burger seasoning on a buttered toasted sesame bun with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Ale sauce. The burger was juicy and well seasoned. The onion rings were crispy and served with a zesty sauce. While my food was great, looking around I almost wish I had ordered the pizza because each one I saw looked delicious.
Overall the food was good and the atmosphere felt right. The total bill for the burger, onion rings, and two Captain Morgan & Cokes came to $14.76. (That did include my one free drink coupon.) I’d recommend the Green Mill – Eau Claire, WI for a good meal and drinks.
