KYN: Penokee Mountain Deli in Mellen, Wisconsin

Restaurant Gives Homey Feel to Hunters, Hikers

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On the edge of the Chequamegon National Forest are the Penokee Mountains, a popular destination for hikers in the summer and hunters in the fall. 

In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, Fox 21’s Avery Neuville takes us to a restaurant in Mellen, Wisconsin that serves a little bit of everything and keeps those hikers and hunters coming back. 

“It’s a beautiful place in a beautiful little town,” said owner, Jean Waddle.

This place is a one woman operation on the corner of Main Street. 

“We were just trying to think of a unique name when we started in 2003,” said Wadde. 

She runs one of the towns only remaining restaurants.

“In support of him I joined him,” said Wadde.

When her husband passed away, Jean decided to keep running the business, but add a little of her own flair. 

With a background in interior design, the restaurant has a homey feel that keeps loyal customers coming back. 

“I have had customers that come once a year, every year since we have opened,” said Wadde.

As for food, you name it and she’s got it. 

“Cold subs, hot subs, sides, good variety of sandwiches, burgers, chicken, sandwiches and BLT’s.”

But the garlic beef sandwich is truly the hot item on the menu. 

“It’s a six inch sub. We toast it with garlic butter and cook the beef with mozzarella and cheese on top and sauteed mushrooms and onions.”

With a deeper passion for artwork, Jean is selling the building. 

In the meantime, she’s not giving up on her customers.

“I’m in the process of tweaking my menu right now.”

The restaurant is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.