Ferry Xing Bar & Grill in Merrimac has quietly become one of the best pub Wisconsin has to offer, drawing visitors from Madison, Milwaukee, and beyond.
This ferry-side gem proves that the top pub dining offers don’t require city addresses or trendy neighborhoods — sometimes they’re hiding in 500-person towns where everybody knows your name.
The fact that it competed against over 5,000 nominations to become an elite-eight finalist in Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest proves this place punches way above its weight class. 🏆
The Ferry Xing Pub Menu Excellence
What makes a great pub?
Quality food beyond standard bar fare, drinks crafted with care, and an atmosphere that makes people want to linger.
Ferry Xing nails all three with the kind of consistency that builds loyal followings.
The Wisconsin bar food favorites here start with those legendary burgers.
Fresh, hand-pattied 1/3-pound beef patties get cooked on a small flattop grill where each one receives individual attention.
That famous super soft, grilled bun has become the stuff of local legend — perfectly toasted with slight crispness outside while remaining pillowy inside.
Choose from four cheese options (American, Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack) and customize with fresh toppings.
Customers have literally called these “the best cheeseburger I’ve ever eaten in my life,” which is the kind of praise that makes a pub iconic. 🔥
But pub dining Wisconsin at Ferry Xing extends far beyond burgers.
The sandwich lineup includes a shrimp po’ boy loaded with generous portions and topped with their signature Five Alarm sauce — a house-made condiment that adds serious heat without overwhelming the seafood.
The Reuben follows the classic formula flawlessly: thin-sliced corned beef piled high, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, with thousand island dressing served on the side.
Grilled cheese and ham gets elevated through quality ingredients and perfect execution.
The chicken sandwich earns consistent rave reviews, described as “excellent” and “amazing” by customers who claim they’ve tried every chicken sandwich in the state.
Crispy outside, juicy inside, served on that signature grilled bun. 🐔
Cozy Pubs Near Lake Wisconsin Atmosphere
Walking through Ferry Xing’s doors means stepping into authentic Wisconsin tavern culture that’s increasingly rare.
Dollar bills paper every wall, creating that lived-in atmosphere that tells you this place has history.
Pool tables beckon from the corner, inviting friendly competition between bites.
Dart boards see regular action from locals who’ve been coming here for years.
Miss Pac-Man waits for nostalgic gamers. 🎯
The full bar serves properly crafted cocktails, including Brandy Old Fashioneds that customers claim are made “perfectly.”
Trivia nights pack the place with teams competing for glory.
The energy shifts throughout the day — quiet during lunch, lively as evening approaches.
It’s family-friendly enough for parents bringing kids, yet transforms into an adult hangout spot at night.
The patio gives you the option to enjoy your meal with fresh air and views of the ferry crossing. 🌅
Weekend Pubs to Visit in Wisconsin
Ferry Xing’s location right next to the Merrimac Ferry isn’t just convenient — it’s strategic genius.
This free ferry carries vehicles across Lake Wisconsin, making the pub a natural stop.
The location captures both tourist traffic heading to Devil’s Lake State Park and fierce local loyalty.
Residents from Sauk Prairie, Sauk City, and Prairie du Sac consider this their go-to spot.
Visitors from Madison make the drive specifically for lunch or dinner.
Milwaukee folks plan Lake Wisconsin weekends around stopping here. 🗺️
The staff consistently earns praise for being friendly and welcoming.
First-timers get treated like regulars.
Actual regulars get treated like family.
That hospitality makes all the difference between a good meal and a memorable experience.
Beyond Burgers and Sandwiches
The pub food with burgers and sandwiches WI category gets plenty of attention, but Ferry Xing’s menu runs deeper.
Those famous cheese curds hit exactly right — golden and crispy outside, gooey and melted inside, served hot.
They’re Wisconsin in appetizer form, the perfect starter while you’re deciding what to order. 🧀
The house-made French onion chip dip has developed its own cult following among regulars.
One taste explains why — it’s the kind of appetizer that ruins store-bought versions forever.
Pair it with crispy chips for the ideal pre-meal snack.
Homemade soups made from scratch daily offer something special beyond standard pub fare.
The chicken taco and potato varieties earn specific customer mentions.
These aren’t watery afterthoughts — they’re loaded with generous portions of ingredients.
Fish gets served daily, making Ferry Xing reliable for Friday fish fries or any day you’re craving something from the water.
Chicken wings and tenders round out the menu with quality exceeding typical bar food standards.
The curly fries deserve their own shout-out — crispy, perfectly seasoned, ideal with any sandwich or burger.
The Drinks Program
A great pub needs more than just good food — the beverage program matters too.
Those Brandy Old Fashioneds use quality ingredients and get crafted by bartenders who know what they’re doing. 🍸
The draft beer selection complements the food beautifully.
Reviewers specifically call it “delicious.”
The combination of great food and well-executed drinks creates that perfect pub experience people seek.
Prices remain reasonable despite serving quality that rivals establishments charging twice as much.
Multiple customers mention “great prices” and “good value.”
You’re getting generous portions of fresh food and properly made drinks without tourist-trap markups.
Food Highlights
- Classic Pub Burger: Fresh, hand-pattied 1/3-pound beef cooked on a small flattop grill for maximum flavor, served on that legendary grilled bun with your choice of four cheeses and fresh toppings. Elite-eight finalist quality that customers call life-changing. 🍔
- Chicken Sandwich: Crispy, juicy chicken served on the signature grilled bun with fresh toppings. Consistently rated as excellent and amazing by customers who’ve tried them across the state, making this one of Wisconsin’s top chicken sandwich destinations.
- Shrimp Po’ Boy: Loaded hoagie roll piled with generous portions of shrimp, topped with lettuce, tomato, sweet pickle relish, and their signature Five Alarm sauce. The spicy kick combined with fresh ingredients creates flavor that customers call delicious.
- House-Made French Onion Chip Dip: This cult-favorite appetizer pairs perfectly with crispy chips. Made from scratch with care, it’s the kind of starter that ruins store-bought versions forever and keeps regulars coming back.
- Cheese Curds: Golden, crispy outside with gooey, melted inside — served hot and fresh. They’re Wisconsin in appetizer form, the perfect starter that showcases quality ingredients and proper preparation technique. 🧀
Atmosphere
Dollar bills cover walls in this authentic Wisconsin tavern that brims with small-town charm and genuine character.
Pool tables, dart boards, and Miss Pac-Man provide entertainment between bites, while trivia nights pack the place with competing teams.
The cozy interior welcomes everyone from families having lunch to groups settling in for evening drinks and fun.
The patio outside offers wonderful views of the ferry crossing, perfect for enjoying meals during nice weather with fresh lake breezes.
Bottom Line
Why visit Ferry Xing Bar & Grill?
They’re an elite-eight burger finalist that serves fresh, quality pub food that exceeds expectations and offers reasonable prices delivering genuine value for quality food and drinks. 🎯🍺
Address: 306 Main St, Merrimac, WI 53561
📞 (608) 493-3033
🕐 Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (closed Sun)
Address: 306 Main St, Merrimac, WI 53561
📞 (608) 493-3033
🕐 Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (closed Sun)