Dining with Public Enemies

Little Bohemia was always a favorite restaurant lodge to dine at when we were younger. Something about its dark atmosphere, Ms. PacMan tabletop video game and the peppermint ice cream appealed to a seven-year old. As an adult, its home cooking, nostalgia and remoteness brings me back to another time. Before Johnny Depp stepped into his shoes, I knew more about John Dillinger and his famous hideout in the northwoods of Manitowish Water, Wisconsin. Little Bohemia Lodge, steeped in history, has gained much popularity since the movie Public Enemies opened earlier this year. Over the Labor Day holiday, we traveled up Highway 51 for dinner. I was not completely surprised by the crowded parking lot nor the movie banner displaying the movie's debut. We took a seat at the bar awaiting a table. Without even asking, we were seated in the room where the majority of the shoot-out between the FBI and Dillinger took place. The lodge's website writes of the event in detail. Our dinner was very good and filling, although I was disappointed that there was not much of a selection, if any, of the old Czech/Bohemian menu. I did have the Old Wold Pork Shank, which was delicious. The pictures below show the original window panes that were shattered. The owners have been preserved with triple pane windows. As well, bullet holes still exist in the wood siding and ceiling. The restaurant also features tours of the lodge and Dillinger rooms. If you're Up North, a definite stop to make.