The Thirsty Whale Bar & Grill
Burgers and beach volleyball
A true Norway classic, The Thirsty Whale Bar & Grill, known lovingly as "The Whale," is a cozy nautical-themed pub and one of the first restaurants you come across as you enter Norway from the west.
The Thirsty Whale offers handmade bar food and cold beer, but it is more than just a place to eat. The Whale is a time-honored local hangout that has been a part of the fabric of Norway life for decades.
Having earned multiple awards for serving the best burger in the area, it is not surprising that it attracts repeat visitors from all over the world.
Previous longtime owner Paula Pieropon bought the bar in 1978 and renamed it The Thirsty Whale after returning home to her native Upper Michigan from Chicago. On the origins of the name, she says she wanted something catchy and a fun theme for decorating.
Megan Vassar and her husband bought the business in early 2023 and refreshed the Whale for the next generation. Vassar describes purchasing the beloved establishment as a leap of faith and attributes their successful transition to community goodwill and supportive staff.
The Thirsty Whale serves lunch and dinner, and its menu features sandwiches, homemade soups and chili, cheese curds, mini-tacos, Friday fish, and beer on tap.
Year after year, The Thirsty Whale receives regional and state-wide awards for its burgers. It even garnered national attention from a 2015 New York Times travelogue article on Upper Peninsula bars.
All the burgers are handmade half-pounders, with flavor variations that include BBQ pulled pork, bacon jam, cudighi, and jalapeno--all served on a toasted bun.
The experience is rounded out by a friendly staff, reasonable prices, and a seafaring atmosphere packed to the gills with decor reminiscent of an Atlantic fishing village. It hosts trivia nights, holiday parties, and fundraisers for local charities throughout the year.
The Thirsty Whale is a big supporter of local sporting events and organizations, including the Norway Speedway and Little League baseball.
From late May through the summer months, The Whale hosts a popular weeknight coed beach volleyball league on the sandlots next to the pub.
Make the stop and have a whale of a day at 825 W US Highway 2, Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 9:30 PM or Saturday from 11:00 AM to Midnight.
Don’t forget to follow The Thirsty Whale Bar & Grill on Facebook for the latest food specials and community event updates: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057350933022
