BY JIMMY GILLIGAN | The Statesman Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 5/5
Price: 6/5
Service: 3/5
Overall: 5/5
Can you really say that you’ve been to the Twin Ports if you haven’t eaten at The Anchor Bar?
The Anchor Bar and Grill in Superior, Wisconsin lives up to its reputation as the iconic Twin Ports burger joint.
Visitors can expect a great burger and a tall beer for under ten dollars.
It’s a “no bullshit, just burgers” sort of establishment. The interesting decor accurately reflects its location, just a few blocks from the Duluth/Superior harbor.
The Anchor Bar opened in 1977 and not much seems to have changed since then--including the prices.
It should be noted, however, that they don’t accept credit or debit cards. Only cash.
A plain cheese burger is just $4.25, but it’s worth shelling out another 50 cents or so for some of their more interesting combinations.
Although they have the standard California and Mushroom and Swiss burgers common to many eateries, The Anchor Bar is more famous for its off-the-beaten-path options.
From the Hawaiian burger, which features a slice of pineapple, to a burger topped with cashews, there are a variety of unique burger experiences to be had at The Anchor Bar.
If there was a menu item emblematic of The Anchor Bar’s uniqueness, it would be the Olive Burger. It’s just green olives and cream cheese, but it’s certainly worth trying.
The Olive Burger is so popular that it was featured, along with The Anchor Bar, on the Food Network’s TV show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives in 2011.
Being a popular and well-known place, it is often busy. However, it’s well worth the wait.
The Anchor Bar is the sort of place where you can enjoy a burger and a beer and feel like you’re in an episode of Spongebob Squarepants all at the same time (think of it as being a combination of Mr. Krabs’ house and the “Salty Spitoon”).
To call The Anchor Bar “nautical themed” would be a horrendous understatement. The dive bar feels downright seaworthy.
Pictures of Great Lakes ships cover the bar’s hundred-year old walls. Various nautical instruments, flags and knick-knacks give The Anchor Bar a genuine maritime setting.
They even have a ring buoy from the famous Edmund Fitzgerald.
Its decor is justified by its history--when The Anchor Bar first opened, it catered mostly to sailors.
For those who are of age, there is a fully stocked bar and plenty of cheap beer to be had. A 34-ounce tap beer costs just $3.
It should also be noted that you need to be at least 21 years old or with your parents or legal guardians to eat at The Anchor Bar.