Things to Do in the U.P.: Grab a burger at the Thirsty Whale

The Thirsty Whale in Norway is definitely one of the Upper Peninsula’s hidden gems. It’s well known to everyone in the Norway / Iron Mountain area as the best place to get a burger, but if you’re not from the area you could easily blow past it without stopping.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

Owned and operated for years by an always cheerful woman named Paula, the Thirsty Whale isn’t you’re average bar and grill. And what makes it "not your average bar and grill" are the people and the service. Paula makes a real effort to hire "fun girls," as she told me, and because of it, the atmosphere is always cheery and the service is constantly excellent.

Now lets talk about those burgers. Most of the award winning burgers are half pounders, served on a toasted bun. Each one comes with that special "something" that just makes your eyes go wide after taking that first bite. I could probably ask Paula what makes her burgers so good, but I don’t need to know. I know that whenever I want a great burger and great service, I go to "The Whale," and I’m never disappointed. (My favorite is the Jalapeno Burger)

But the Thirsty Whale’s great food doesn’t stop at burgers. No sir, Paula often makes homemade soups and chili, and the beer batter they use for their Friday fish fry is also homemade.  This place is part bar, part home cooking.

The Whale also hosts the area’s most popular summer volleyball league, so it’s often a fun place to be on weeknights. They also have free Wi-Fi Internet in the bar, free pool on Thursdays, and weekly specials.

What’s not to love?

Next time you’re looking for a meal in the Iron Mountain area, give the Thirsty Whale a shot. You won’t be disappointed!

Editor's Note: For more information on the Thirsty Whale, visit Things to Do in the U.P.