Wills Northwoods Inn

Wills Northwoods Inn Will's Northwoods Inn is the home of all things Wisconsin in Chicago! Will's Northwoods Inn is a home of all things Wisconsin in Chicago!
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Annual events: Packerpalooza, 5th Quarter f. Bucky Badger & the UW Marching Band, and Musky Fest.

📣 ONE WEEK AWAY 📣Will you be joining us this year for the 35th anniversary of our fan favorite MUSKY FEST?! 🫎 We kick of...
09/04/2026

📣 ONE WEEK AWAY 📣

Will you be joining us this year for the 35th anniversary of our fan favorite MUSKY FEST?!

🫎 We kick off on Friday, September 11, with neighbor Ellen and her rockin’ group, Ellen Miller, holding down the street with jazzy blues riffs and raucous rock & roll vibes 🫎

🫎 Saturday is full of more live music, including DJ sets on either end of Racine (Draii BLAC camdontgram KH J. Kryshak) and energetic bands on the Nelson stage (The Shades, Fueled By Emo - Emo + Pop Punk Cover Band Sonic Motel, & Talk of the Town). And of course, we end the night with the annual crowning of this year’s Musky Queen 🫎

🫎 Sunday rounds out the weekend with the kiddo-favorite Wiggleworms and very day drinking niche Wild Scallions and Alpine Thunder Band. And it would be a Will’s Northwoods Inn event without a little Green Bay Packers game day action 🫎

More information on our website — link in bio!

Have a safe and healthy LDW, y’all and we will see ya next weekend for the 35th annual !

Meet Mairi Maíri⚡️🎱🤘🏼, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 9 pm tonight! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT ...
09/03/2026

Meet Mairi Maíri⚡️🎱🤘🏼, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 9 pm tonight! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I have no known allergies, would die for Bucky Badger, and can out-drink your father. I’m an open book and there would be no political scandals whilst I sat on the throne. As Musky Queen, I’d instate some BWL deals and install a dart board in the upstairs room. 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
If there is a God, it’d be the creator of Spotted Cow. My first night in Chicago I went to Will’s for a caesar wrap and a Miller Lite and never looked back! There’s simply no better place for a gameday.

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island

Who will take the crown? Find out on September 12!

Meet Dyslexia DYSLEXIA, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 8 pm tonight! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT...
09/03/2026

Meet Dyslexia DYSLEXIA, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 8 pm tonight! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
My name is Dylsexia and I am the muskiest woman in show biz. As a drag queen, I will bring nuance, humor, and diversity to the crown and push the boundaries on the true meaning of musk. 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
Wisconsin is my home away from home. Though I might not be a current resident, I spend every summer there and love Wisconsin. My heart is full of cheese curds. My soul is a giant mug of beer. Also love the Packers. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Man, I Feel like a Woman” by Shania Twain

Who will take the crown? Find out on September 12!

Meet Megan, , a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 7 pm tonight! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUE...
09/03/2026

Meet Megan, , a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 7 pm tonight! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I’d be the perfect Musky Queen because I embody all things Wisconsin: cheese, beer, and having a good time! I’d love to rep my favorite bar in Chicago and make sure there is always a line out that door. 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
I love to get down and dirty as a partial East Troy, Wisconsin resident. My favorite Wisconsin activities include fishing, captaining the boat, and backyard BBQs with family and friends. Will’s is very special to me because it is the first bar my Wisco family took me to. Plus, I’m at the bar at least two days a week. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen

Who will take the crown? Find out on September 12!

Meet Katy Katy Jones, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 8 pm tonight! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT M...
09/02/2026

Meet Katy Katy Jones, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 8 pm tonight! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
First and foremost, I am a woman of the people. Need a tire changed, a keg tapped, karaoke partner, a birthday cake, or a hype man? Look no further. I am the woman for you (I lied about the tire change) BUT I would lay down my life to ensure my subjects are always having a good time. My first order of business? Ban the color combo of orange and blue. And second? Free cheese curds for the first 50 cheeseheads on NFL Sundays! 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
I am the Elle Woods of Musky Fest. Anything is possible if you just believe. You wouldn’t expect a Texas born southern sweetheart to make her way to the hearts of the midwest–and yet, here I am. Southerners and Wisconsites are more similar than you’d know: we are kind, hearty, great at driving boats, and no one is leaving the function without a full stomach and a buzz. And over to Will’s: my first Musky Fest changed my life and gave me a taste of what my midwestern brethren and sisters are all about. I ordered a criminal amount of chicken caesar wraps here. I have bought countless rounds of Malort and I even watched the Bears lose their superbowl playoffs at Will’s this year–I feel a deep, spiritual connection to Will’s. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“May, I feel like a Wowoman” by Shania Twain.

Meet Chloe chloehillery, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 6 pm tonight! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFEC...
09/02/2026

Meet Chloe chloehillery, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 6 pm tonight!

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I’m very bubbly and personable and think I can bring in great business to this fine establishment. 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
First off, I love some good beers, brats, and cheese. Born and raised loving Wisco sports and lots of family there too. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
Hard choice: “Fly like a G6” or “Gasolina” or “Candy Shop” 

Who will take the crown? Find out on September 12!

Meet Natalie Nat, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 8 pm tonight! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY...
09/01/2026

Meet Natalie Nat, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at 8 pm tonight! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
My first order of business is $3 BWL at Will’s on Thursdays from 9-10 p.m. just like at the KK. Or you can pick the time period but Musky Queen needs a BWL drink deal in this economy :) 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
I just graduated rom Wisconsin (2026) fresh out of Madison and I love cheese and Spotted Cow. I survived brat fest 2026 (only Musky girls know) and I can jump around. I also know how to fish and get

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
Fefe by 6ix9ine

Who will take the crown? Find out on September 12!

Meet Molly Molly McEneany, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending today at 7 pm! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFEC...
09/01/2026

Meet Molly Molly McEneany, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending today at 7 pm! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I believe I possess many of the best qualities of the musky fish–which translates to being the ideal Wisconsin woman: 1. I have no natural predators. 2. I’m elusive. 3. I don’t chase unattractive bait. First order of business is to get Snorkels on the Menu. 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
Since exiting the womb in 01’, I’ve truly embraced Wisconsin culture. In addition to my drinking habits, key accolades include: Wisconsin public school system survivor, sitting in duck blind with Dad at six years old, Lake Geneva boat captain and mailjumper, UW Madison Campus tour guide, attended Bucks Deer District Game 7, etc. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Green and Yellow” by Lil Wayne

Meet Lila  𝔏𝔦𝔩𝔞 𝔉𝔦𝔱𝔷𝔤𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔩𝔡, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending today at 4 pm! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFE...
08/29/2026

Meet Lila  𝔏𝔦𝔩𝔞 𝔉𝔦𝔱𝔷𝔤𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔩𝔡, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending today at 4 pm! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I grew up spending all my time in Minocqua, Wisconsin where I learned to water ski on the min-aqua bats, caught my first musky at 13, and somehow inherited a family where my grandpa holds a world record musky catch. I already have a musky mounted above my fireplace and the crown would really tie the room together. Order of business: obviously Spotted Cow on tap. 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
My Wisconsin personality is built on pontoon rides, supper clubs, and campfires, and the firm belief that no outfit is complete without a little camo. I’m happiest on the water and in a good bar after dark, Will’s is the only place in Chicago that fills that spot. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Night Moves” by Bob Seger 

Who will win the crown? Find out on September 12!

Meet Amina  amina🦋, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending today at 3 pm! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY...
08/29/2026

Meet Amina  amina🦋, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending today at 3 pm! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I can fish, ride a horse, love Merkt’s cheese, worked on a dairy farm, and I can open a bottle of beer with my teeth. So I’ve basically been training for this my entire life. My first order of business as Musky Queen will be declaring the best happy hour Will’s has ever had: $1 beer and free tater tots with Merkt’s (possibly butter burgers as well!) 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
My Wisconsin personality was built on summers at my family’s farm in Monroe: horses, fishing, dirty bikes, dairy farms, Culver’s, and lots of cheese. These days, I’m at Will’s almost every weekend and Tim, Frank, and Gerry are already my kings. So at this point, becoming their Musky Queen just feels like the natural next step. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

Meet Ava Ava Brandt, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending today at 2 pm! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSK...
08/29/2026

Meet Ava Ava Brandt, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending today at 2 pm! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
Born and raised in Green Bay, my dad made sure to buy the Packers Roster for that year so we could always remember the 2000’s team. I spend every summer up north in Sugar Camp, Wisconsin fishing and hanging out at my dad’s bar. My first order of business will be for everyone at Will’s to get a free Miller with each Packers’ win. 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
My Wisconsin personality is my true personality. My favorite Wisconsin thing to do is play Hammerschlagen in the snow with a cold beer and watch the Packers beat the Bears. I’ve been coming to Will’s since before living in Chicago. My sister used to live next door and I would come every time I visited (over 21 ofc). Everyone tells me I’ll meet my husband at Will’s. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Baba O’Riley” by The Who

Meet Alicia Alicia Rodriguez, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending tonight at 6 pm! WHAT MAKES YOU THE P...
08/28/2026

Meet Alicia Alicia Rodriguez, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending tonight at 6 pm! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I’m a loyal friend and most importantly a loyal patron of Will’s! ! On top of that, I have an unwavering commitment to having a good time and look forward to giving back to a bar that has given so much to me (specifically, gluten-free friendly caesar salads in fabulous metal bowls).  

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
I am a Badger alumn. I loved it so much my sister followed me there. Best college in the world and I’m so lucky that Will’s was there to provide me with a Wisco community post-grad. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Animals” by Maroon Five

Meet Sydney .sydneyyy, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending tonight at 5 pm! WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT ...
08/28/2026

Meet Sydney .sydneyyy, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending tonight at 5 pm! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I’m a midwest girl through and through. I believe “ope” is a complete sentence. First order of business is establishing beer-battered walley as the gold standard for every Friday fish fry. As a future dietitian, I propose a Wisconsin food group of cheese curds, custard, beer-bettered fish, kringle, and Spotted Cow.  

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
I am as authentic as aged Wisconsin cheddar and meeting me is dire the first day of deer season - something to look forward to. After meeting me, I want every guest at Will’s feeling like they just had their favorite Kopp’s custard flavor: happy, satisfied, and already looking forward to coming back. 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Shabang” by Drake

Meet Emma Shrimply Sewing 🍤🪡, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending tonight at 8 pm! WHAT MAKES YOU THE P...
08/27/2026

Meet Emma Shrimply Sewing 🍤🪡, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending tonight at 8 pm! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I bleed green and gold and was made to be Musky Queen. My friends call me the most ‘Sconnie person they know. My first order of biz is a slushie brandy old fashioned machine! 

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
I grew up outside of Green Bay and come from a family of Christmas tree farmers. Will’s felt like home to me when I moved here for college. I could celebrate a Packers win in peace! 

WHAT’S YOUR WALK-UP SONG WHEN YOU WIN THAT MUSKY QUEEN CROWN? 
“Ice Fish Baby” by Snadd Rap 

Who will win the crown? Find out on September 12!

Meet Alyssa alyssa smith (:, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at Will’s today at 7 pm! WHAT MAKES YO...
08/27/2026

Meet Alyssa alyssa smith (:, a Musky Queen candidate who will be guest bartending at Will’s today at 7 pm! 

WHAT MAKES YOU THE PERFECT MUSKY QUEEN AND/OR WHAT WILL YOUR FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS AS MUSKY QUEEN BE? 
I was born for this. Growing up, I always kissed the fish before we threw it back in. My first order of business is to add a deer and beer Sunday special.

DEFINE YOUR WISCONSIN PERSONALITY AND/OR YOUR CONNECTION TO WILL’S. 
My Wisconsin personality is being the granddaughter of Dick Smith of Dick Smith's. I grew up onDick Smith's, curds, dive bars, and squeky cheese. Will’s is my safe space because it is the only bar without Bears fans. Will’s is my home away from home now

Summer is far from over but there’s only one week left in August. That means you have one more week to order a pint of B...
08/24/2026

Summer is far from over but there’s only one week left in August. That means you have one more week to order a pint of Blue Moon Brewing Company and order Tio’s pollo loco sandwich at Will’s! A portion of the proceeds will benefit The American Cancer Society.

Address

3030 N Racine Avenue
Chicago, IL
60657

Opening Hours

Monday 5pm - 12am
Tuesday 5pm - 12am
Wednesday 12pm - 1am
Thursday 12pm - 1am
Friday 12pm - 2am
Saturday 10am - 2am
Sunday 10am - 12am

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