Buckatabon Restaurant uses 'passports' for its patrons to make 'Up North' connections
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58)--Frank & Larry’s Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club has announced the official launch of its 2021 Great Up North Adventure, a travel “passport program” that encourages trips to the multi-generational family-fun supper clubs, taverns, shops and other businesses from Northern Wisconsin that inspired The Lowlands Group’s newest restaurant. Buckatabon, in the Wauwatosa Village, connects “Up North” nostalgia and tradition with a from-scratch menu and unique drink program featuring familiar favorites, as well as modern twists on Wisconsin traditions.
“So many of the small elements we incorporated at Buckatabon are inspired by our friends in the Northwoods,” said Eric Wagner, Lowlands Group owner and CEO. “The map above the bar is inspired by the Sayner Pub. Our brandy is distilled with birch and spruce harvested by legendary fishing guide Tadpole. Our ‘horseradish challenge’ was started and encouraged by Smugglers Bar. Even the decor is sprinkled with signage and found ‘Easter eggs’ from the Thrifty Drifter, and our roller chairs at the bar are inspired by Brew’s Pub. The dollars on the ceiling? Head to Burnt Bridge!”
The Great Up North Adventure is a collaboration between the Tosa Village restaurant and 15 of its Northwoods partners, offering a fun way for Buckatabon fans to explore the state and win prizes. Each stamp is good for $10 off a purchase of $25 with the bars and restaurants up north. The passport will take participants on a behind-the-scenes journey to the cherished and iconic spots that inspired Buckatabon. Partners include Burnt Bridge Tavern, Bent’s Camp Resort, The Bear Trap Inn, Clearview Supper Club, Tadpole Sports, Club 45 Bar & Grill, Sayner Pub, Thrifty Drifter, Brew’s Pub, Buckshots Saloon & Eatery, Smugglers, Grandma’s Toy Box, Gateway Lodge, Aqualand Ale House and Al-Gen Dinner Club. Participants can earn prizes for securing five, 10 or 15 stamps, and be entered into a grand prize raffle to win a 2-night stay at Bent’s Camp in Land O’ Lakes by visiting all 15 locations.
“Memorial Day is the traditional start to summer in the Northwoods, and we wanted to release the Up North Adventure in time for this pilgrimage. Up North wouldn't be what it is without the people and family-owned businesses that make it so unique," said Wagner. "That's a huge part of what we wanted to make sure Buckatabon represented and celebrated. We have a very real connection to the Northwoods and the people there, and we're excited to have our guests in Tosa get to know some of our northern friends who inspired us."
The road trip adventure is an exclusive offering with only 250 passports available for sale this season for $50 and is valued at over $300. Passports can be purchased at Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club. Road trippers can round out the experience by purchasing a bottle of the restaurant’s exclusive Buckatabon Brandy or an Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit to take up north as well.
“When people dine at Buckatabon, we want them to feel like they’re visiting an old friend they haven’t seen in a while,” said Tyler Nation, Buckatabon general manager. “We hope Milwaukeeans will take the opportunity to get up to the Northwoods this summer and experience some of these legendary places, and then come back to tell us all about it.”
For more information about Buckatabon visit here. To learn about the Great Up North Adventure visit here.