Deep in the Wisconsin Northwoods, past miles of pine and quiet lakes, there is a buffet line that people will happily wait in on a Saturday night. The reason is simple: all-you-can-eat crab legs, a rare find this far from any ocean.
Add prime rib, an ice cream station, and a lakeside setting, and a casual dinner stop turns into a trip worth planning. Keep reading to learn what makes this spot a northern favorite and how to time your visit just right.
A Lakeside Resort in the Northwoods
Tucked along the shores of Pokegama Lake sits Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, found at 510 Old Abe Rd, Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54538, in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
The property is far more than a single dining room. It combines a 24/7 casino, a hotel with rooms and suites, a convention center, and several places to eat under one roof.
Many guests come for the slots and stay for the food, while others plan whole weekends around the hotel and pool. The location makes it a natural stop for anyone exploring the lakes and forests of northern Wisconsin.
Free parking, free Wi-Fi, and accessible facilities help keep a visit simple. There is even an airport shuttle listed among the amenities.
Regulars often call it “The Lake,” a nickname that says plenty about how much the setting matters here. The buffet, though, is where the real story begins.
Crab Legs Far From the Coast
Snow crab in the middle of Wisconsin sounds like a tall tale, yet the buffet here makes it a regular reality.
The all-you-can-eat seafood night is the headline act, and it draws a crowd. Few places in northern Wisconsin serve crab legs at all, which explains why so many people make the drive.
Fans keep expectations practical. This is not a coastal seafood shack, and nobody pretends otherwise.
What it offers is generous portions and the fun of cracking shells at a Northwoods table. For many diners, that combination is reason enough to return.
Timing matters. When the line grows long, the crab tends to run smaller, so arriving early is a smart move.
Coconut shrimp and cocktail shrimp often round out the seafood spread. The crab, however, remains the star that fills the dining room on Saturday evenings.
Prime Rib on the Carving Station
Steak lovers get their own reason to grab a plate. Prime rib appears on the buffet alongside the seafood, giving diners a hearty option for a classic surf and turf night.
The pairing of crab legs and prime rib is what turns a casino buffet into a destination meal. One trip to the line can cover both cravings without ordering anything extra.
Like any busy buffet, results can vary from night to night. Diners who care about how their prime rib is prepared often do best by arriving earlier in the service.
An earlier visit usually means fresher trays and shorter waits. That small bit of planning goes a long way.
Plenty of guests come back again and again, calling the buffet very good. For a Northwoods evening out, prime rib and crab on the same plate is a hard combo to pass up.
Prices That Fit the Whole Family
Here is the math that makes families smile. The snow crab buffet has been listed at $35 per adult.
Kids 12 and under pay $17.50, and children 6 and under pay just $6. That pricing makes a seafood night realistic for a family group.
Regular buffet meals on other nights have come in around $25. For those who skip the buffet, there is also a menu with options such as steak.
Since prices can change, a quick check on the official website before heading out is a good idea. That avoids surprises at the register.
The kid-friendly setup extends beyond the dining room too. With a pool, a small kiddie pool, and plenty of space, younger guests have more to do than just eat.
A family dinner can easily become a full overnight getaway. Few places in the region pack that much into one stop.
More Ways to Eat On Site
Not every appetite calls for a full buffet. The resort also has a relaxed bar and grill plus a lounge, giving guests several dining choices without leaving the building.
The grill handles simpler fare such as hot dogs, chicken strips, and fries. It is a handy spot for a quick bite between slot sessions.
Woody’s is a familiar name among longtime guests, known as a comfortable place to sit and unwind. Many enjoy catching up with friends there after dinner.
The back deck is another favorite. Covered and uncovered seating overlooks the grounds and makes a pleasant place to talk with family.
Several regulars mention that having multiple places to eat is one of the best perks of staying overnight. Breakfast, lunch, and a big seafood dinner can all happen on the same property.
For travelers on a tight schedule, that convenience is a real win.
Slots, Tables, and a Giant Bingo Hall
Over 800 slot machines line the casino floor, which runs around the clock every day of the week.
Table games sit alongside the slots, and the space feels large enough for variety without becoming overwhelming. Many guests describe it as spacious and very clean.
Newer machines rotate in regularly, which keeps things interesting for repeat guests. First-time players have reported receiving free play as a welcome reward.
Then there is bingo. The bingo hall seats up to 500 people, making it one of the bigger draws for groups and longtime fans of the game.
Some players find the slots on the tight side, so it helps to set a budget and treat the casino as entertainment. A good meal afterward softens any losing streak.
Live entertainment and concerts add another reason to visit. The convention center, at 8,500 square feet, hosts events throughout the year.
Knotty Pine Rooms With a View
Knotty pine walls set the tone in the hotel, giving rooms a classic Northwoods look.
Standard rooms and suites include satellite TV, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Some offer pull-out sofas, whirlpool tubs, private decks, or lake views.
A lake view room is worth requesting for anyone who wants to wake up near Pokegama Lake. The grounds are well kept, and the dock adds to the waterfront appeal.
Bed comfort draws mixed opinions, so light sleepers may want to bring a favorite pillow. Many guests still describe their rooms as clean, quiet, and comfortable.
The hotel is also pet-friendly, which is great news for travelers bringing a four-legged companion. That is not always easy to find near a casino.
An indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center round out the amenities. A golf course is listed too, adding a warm-weather option.
Smart Timing for the Seafood Night
Early birds get the best crab. That is the most common piece of advice tied to the Saturday seafood buffet.
Waits can be lengthy, especially around the dinner rush. Showing up ahead of peak hours means shorter lines and better selection.
The casino is open 24/7, so there is plenty to do before or after dinner. A few spins or a bingo game can fill the time if a wait does form.
Winter brings snowmobilers, and the staff have been known to offer a spot to store gear. That makes a ride-in visit much easier.
Parking is free, though the closest spaces near the hotel entrance can fill up. Giving yourself a few extra minutes helps.
Also nearby is the Woodland Indian Art Center, only a six-minute walk away. It pairs well with a buffet trip for a fuller day in Lac Du Flambeau.
Worth the Drive Up North
Some places earn loyalty one trip at a time. Plenty of guests visit once or twice a year and look forward to every return.
The buffet is not perfect every night, and nobody should expect ocean-fresh seafood in the Northwoods. Still, all-you-can-eat crab legs with prime rib is a rare treat in this part of Wisconsin.
Add friendly staff, a clean casino, a pool for the kids, and lakeside views, and the appeal becomes clear. It is a place built for easy fun.
The area around the resort is quiet, with not much else nearby. For many, that peaceful setting is part of the charm.
Plan for an early Saturday dinner, bring an appetite, and leave room for ice cream. A night at The Lake might just become a new tradition for your family.
Share this story
