Ferry Xing Bar & Grill in Merrimac proves you don’t need a fancy dining room to create some of the best sandwiches Wisconsin has to offer.
This ferry-side gem has quietly become one of the top chicken sandwich spots in Wisconsin, serving up handheld masterpieces that keep locals coming back.
Ferry Xing has mastered the art of taking classic American sandwiches and executing them with attention to detail.
From crispy chicken to their towering shrimp po’ boy, every sandwich gets the royal treatment. 🚢
More Than Just a Wisconsin Bar
Most people roll into Ferry Xing thinking “bar food” means mediocre sandwiches slapped together between drink orders.
Those people are in for a pleasant shock.
This place takes its sandwich game seriously, cooking everything fresh to order on a small flattop grill that ensures each item gets individual attention.
The chicken sandwich offerings alone have earned rave reviews from customers who claim they’ve tried every chicken sandwich in the state.
What sets Ferry Xing apart? They actually care about the details.
The buns get grilled to perfection — toasted just enough to hold everything together without falling apart mid-bite.
The toppings are measured with the precision of someone who understands that the difference between a good sandwich and a great one often comes down to getting the ratios right. 🔥
The Ferry Xing Sandwich Lineup
Let’s talk about that chicken sandwich because it’s earned its reputation the hard way.
Customers have called it “excellent” and “amazing,” which in the world of online reviews (where everyone’s a critic) is basically the equivalent of a Michelin star.
The chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served on a bun that’s been grilled to golden perfection.
Add fresh lettuce, tomato, and your choice of toppings, and you’ve got a sandwich that competes with any best flavor sandwich near Merrimac WI claim.
But here’s where Ferry Xing really flexes: their sandwich variety goes deep.
The shrimp po’ boy deserves its own fan club.
A toasted hoagie roll gets loaded with generous portions of shrimp, then topped with lettuce, tomato, sweet pickle relish, and their house-blend Five Alarm sauce.
The Reuben here follows the classic formula but executes it flawlessly — thin-sliced corned beef piled high, topped with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, with thousand island dressing served on the side. 🥪
Hidden Gems on the Menu
Here’s a sandwich and fries combo that doesn’t get enough attention: the grilled cheese and ham.
Ferry Xing layers quality ham between melted cheese and grills the whole thing until it’s golden and gooey. Sometimes the simple pleasures hit hardest.
The BLT here loads up with a “very generous portion” of crispy bacon, piled on fresh lettuce and tomato, served on your choice of toast. 🥓
When you’re hunting for the best sandwich pub in Wisconsin, sometimes the answer sits right next to a free ferry crossing in a town of 500 people.
The roast beef options feature thinly sliced beef piled high — available classic style with au jus or Philly-style with sautéed onions, peppers, and melted cheese.
The Chicken Salad Secret
Ferry Xing’s chicken salad sandwich uses all white meat chicken salad, served on your choice of white, wheat, marble rye, or kaiser roll.
The beauty of this underrated diner is that they give you options without overwhelming you — four bread choices mean you can customize based on your mood.
While we’re focused on the sandwich specials, that house-made French onion chip dip has developed a cult following among regulars.
Pair it with a basket of chips while you’re deciding between sandwich options.
The curly fries here are crispy, seasoned, and served hot — when people praise the sides in reviews, you know the kitchen is doing something right. 🧅
Location, Location, Location
Being right next to the Merrimac Ferry crossing isn’t just convenient — it’s strategic genius.
This free ferry carries vehicles across Lake Wisconsin, making Ferry Xing the natural stopping point for anyone waiting to cross.
Travelers heading to Devil’s Lake State Park or exploring the area make this a natural waypoint.
The proximity to Sauk Prairie, Sauk City, and Prairie du Sac means locals from these areas consider this their go-to spot, while visitors from Madison and Milwaukee make the pilgrimage after hearing about the food. 🗺️
The Vibe Makes the Difference
Walking into Ferry Xing means stepping into authentic Wisconsin tavern culture that’s increasingly rare.
Dollar bills paper the walls, pool tables and dart boards provide entertainment, and even a Miss Pac-Man machine awaits.
Trivia nights pack the place with competing teams, while the full bar keeps drinks flowing. It’s family-friendly during the day and transforms into a lively social scene at night. 🎯
The staff consistently earns praise in reviews for being friendly and welcoming — first-timers get treated like regulars, and actual regulars get treated like family.
The patio addition offers a wonderful option for those who prefer outdoor dining with views of the ferry crossing.
Food Highlights
- Chicken Sandwich: The star of the show features crispy, juicy chicken served on a perfectly grilled bun with fresh toppings. Customers consistently rate it as excellent, making it one of the top chicken sandwich spots in Wisconsin worth seeking out. 🐔
- Shrimp Po’ Boy: A 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 a flavor explosion that customers call delicious.
- Grilled Cheese & Ham: This seemingly simple sandwich gets elevated through quality ingredients and perfect execution. Layers of ham and melted cheese grilled to golden perfection prove that sometimes comfort food classics hit hardest. 🧀
- Reuben: Thin-sliced corned beef piled high with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, served with thousand island dressing on the side. It’s the classic done right, proving why Reubens remain an American sandwich staple.
- Sausage Sandwich: Served on a grilled bun with your choice of toppings, this hearty option showcases quality sausage cooked fresh to order. The simplicity allows the flavor of the meat to shine through.
Atmosphere
The interior captures authentic Wisconsin tavern charm with dollar bills covering walls and classic entertainment options including pool tables and dart boards.
It’s cozy and dimly lit in that comfortable way that makes you want to linger over your meal and another round.
The small-town friendliness welcomes everyone from families having lunch to groups settling in for an evening of food, drinks, and fun.
The patio outside offers a wonderful alternative for those who prefer fresh air with their sandwich and fries.
Bottom Line
Why visit Ferry Xing Bar & Grill?
Outstanding sandwich menu that rivals anywhere in the state with crispy chicken sandwich earning consistent rave reviews and reasonable prices that provide genuine value. 🎯🥪
Address: 306 Main St, Merrimac, WI 53561
📞 (608) 493-3033
🕐 Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (closed Sun)