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Play by Play, located at 16 N Brown St, Rhinelander, WI, is a vibrant bar known for its inviting atmosphere and impressive menu, offering a delightful twist on classic bar fare. With burgers like the A1 Burger and Chipotle Ranch Burger, priced around $13, patrons rave about the hearty and savory options that not only fill you up but also tantalize your taste buds. Appetizers such as the boneless wings and cheese curds are crowd favorites, providing a perfect start to your meal. Customer reviews highlight the warm, welcoming service provided by the attentive staff, making each visit enjoyable—despite occasional wait times due to the bar’s popularity. Many guests appreciate the cleanliness of the establishment, from the dining area to the kitchen, boasting excellent hygiene practices. Special mentions go to Chefs Jesse and Andrew, who are noted for their meticulous attention to detail in preparing dishes exactly to customers' preferences. With a lively atmosphere enhanced by arcade games, Play by Play is a perfect spot for families and friends alike. Overall, with its delectable food choices and friendly environment, Play by Play stands out as a must-visit destination in Rhinelander, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.Photos
Amenities & More
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Bar games
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Sports
Popular for
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Reviews for Play by Play
Review highlights
Based on 124 reviewsPlay by Play in Rhinelander is frequently praised for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff, contributing to a positive and inviting experience. The bar offers diverse seating options, including areas near the arcade, accommodating both social gatherings and solo visits. Customers consistently highlight the quality of the food, noting that it stands out from typical bar fare with savory burgers and well-prepared dishes, thanks to a dedicated kitchen team. While the bar can get busy, leading to slightly longer wait times, patrons appreciate the attentive service and personalized attention. Overall, Play by Play is recognized for combining great food, a lively environment, and warm hospitality, making it a favored local spot.
This place has been busy each time we have gone, you are self seated where you’d like to go. We always made sure someone seen us when we came in. Being served takes a little while because of how busy they are but you are always welcomed. This place has a bar with seating at the bar and to the side area, also has seating in the arcade area and just next to arcade. This place could definitely use some more room for how busy they are but a good place to go.
My go to bar! They are very welcoming! Very friendly and helpful staff!
I've had two company Christmas parties ate with others at table and by self at bar. Always excellent service and the food is impeccably good. And I'm always kind of picky about what I eat and they fix everything exactly the way I want it. Chef Jesse and Chef Andrew always make sure to ask me if the food is right because they know I'm particular and they want to know exactly what I think, which I appreciate. The place is absolutely clean and spotless including the kitchen. I've never heard anyone complain about the food just compliment and the only complaints are sometimes limited seating and loud music. But I like loud music Great for kids because they have a small arcade and whether I'm with kids or not I always got to play games and it's absolutely fun. Eric and Casey the owners host and bartenders are awesome and always keen to make sure your glass doesn't stay dry long. The other bartenders and servers are keen to follow their lead and always well worth the extra tips.
This is the 2nd night I’ve come here and the food is outstanding. It’s not your typical bar food. They must have a Chef in the kitchen! The burgers are savory and filling. The pizza is delicious too. Barb was our server/bartender. She’s amazing, really friendly and down to earth. Ask for her! We’re excited to go back!!
We enjoyed the food very much and will return, thank you!
Great spot. The food is very good. Had the French onion soup. I’ve had the fried chicken. Today potato skins and a pizza. Eric and his wife are great.
Honestly I was readied to be left deflated, but this place is pretty great. Friendly bartenders, decent price, well poured drinks,quick service, and multiple points of interest. (Arcade, table games, *the spinny machines") It really has a little something for everyone! While it is a busy place with a boisterous bar atmosphere, its still easy to carve out a private corner for a group of friends if you're feeling more of a small group atmosphere.
I had the fried haddock special with a baked potato and let me just tell you that baked potato was the best one I have ever had and I'm a super picky potato eater. The fried haddock was perfect not too crispy but just right with tender melt in your mouth haddock. Of course another thing for me to be picky about but the tarter sauce was excellent, just the right mixture. Will for sure be going back
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday (Today) Closed
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Thursday 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Friday 5:00 PM - 2:30 AM
- Saturday 5:00 PM - 2:30 AM
- Sunday 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location
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