BUCKNUCKLES: A Classic Biker Hang-Out With Funky Flair
there’s not much that can compare to the freedom of a ride, but where you end up is part of the fun
photos by McKenna Scherer, by Darrell Broten |
Wisconsin Highway 88 stretches from Gilmanton to Fountain City, a neighboring near-wonder of a road that snakes along Buffalo County dugways, meanders past rich Wisconsin farmland, and bends over a steep ridge at its north end. It's seen a nice repaving job within the last handful of years, and any rider should snag their chance to glide across its smooth ways.
But there's another reason to ride Highway 88, a task that’s made doubly desirable by the presence of Bucknuckles Bar and Grill, just a few miles from Alma and less than an hour from Eau Claire. This funky bar stop sits right on the highway in the little town of Praag and is populated by about 1,000 people, it's a gem certainly worth putting the brakes on your motorcycles to stop in. Of course, Wisconsinites are lucky to have a plethora of taverns and bars to visit. Bucknuckles, however, does just enough to make itself stand out.
Heading south, almost forty miles from Eau Claire, Highway 88 presents a nice left-hand curve with a long row of wind-breaking Lombard pine trees on your right. Just as those trees end, Bucknuckles slides into view, hardly 30 feet off the pavement and sporting a long but sunken parking lot. Ease yourself down and into it, making sure to point your machine out toward the highway.
On busy days like the Flood Run – an annual ride looping along the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, fundraising for Gillette Children's – or a warm sunny Sunday afternoon, it will be packed with motorcycles from all over, from neighbors right here in the Chippewa Valley to some as far away as the Twin Cities.
The offbeat décor begins at the front door with its rickety weight and pulley system one negotiates to open and close it. Inside, your eyesight is pulled every which way, catching a sign here, a stuffed animal there, a wind vane overhead, and the "biggest collection of antique tractor seats in the world," according to one patron, on the ceiling.
A quick Google search for Bucknuckles offers a description calling the place a “well-known roadhouse featuring American food, billiards & offbeat decor such as a penny-covered bar.” The offbeat décor begins at the front door with its rickety weight and pulley system one negotiates to open and close it. Inside, your eyesight is pulled every which way, catching a sign here, a stuffed animal there, a wind vane overhead, and the “biggest collection of antique tractor seats in the world,” according to one patron, on the ceiling (tip: look for the pot-bellied stove table). There are cute, smart-ass signs all over of course, and a penny-covered bar ("Guess how many pennies are on the bar. Ask your bartender.”) near the south wall. A small table seating four sits between that and the door, and a longer dollar bill-covered, glass-topped table seating eight marks the way to the restrooms, which are also quirky. Who knew bathrooms could be so much fun?
Opposite the bar, under the picture of the naked lady, is a passage to another room where a bar and stools face west, overlooking a pool table 15 feet below at the bottom of a flight of stairs. A sliding garage door opens out to a large yard. Bartender Heather told me, “That room was added on by the owner. He installed the garage door in case the bar did not take off so he could use it to store and fix cars.” Yes, there’s a lot to see.
According to locals, years ago Bucknuckles was the site of John and Mary’s Bar, and before that, the Praag Frog (a catchy name in its own right). Truck Driver Dennis Perkins bought the building in 2012 and redecorated the interior using items obtained over the many years he drove the country's roads. “All those pennies were saved by Dennis going all the way back to 1965," Heather said.
The eccentricity extends from the décor to the menu too. One classic appetizer is the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. For hamburgers (what's a motorcycle ride stop without burgers and beer?) Bucknuckles offers a one-third pound Scottish Highlander Burger, a Camel Burger (no fooling!), another one-third patty Buffalo Burger, and an Elk Burger, amongst others. My favorite right now, however, is the sliced prime rib sandwich with coleslaw and beans.
All in all, Perkins has achieved a mix of menu, décor, and landscape that elicits customer comment and a loyal crowd.
“A fun place. If you are interested in buffalo, camel, or elk burgers, this is your place," One patron said. "It's a visual Disneyland for adults, and kids enjoy it as well. The burgers are fantastic and the ambiance is a blast. I'd suggest not visiting on a nice Saturday or Sunday with the kids. It'll be full of motorcyclists (but don't worry – all they bite is the food.) We've taken our grandkids there, and they love it too!”
Another patron said they make a decent drive just to visit the joint. “It’s an out-of-the-way funky bar and grille. Made the road trip just to take in all the inventive decorative furnishings. It has a great patio with an outdoor bar (and the) menu also has some unusual selections. (I) can see why bikers make this a stop on their rides.”
Fresh pavement and a funky biker bar; Alma’s Wisconsin Highway 88 — ride it early, ride it often.
Bucknuckles Bar & Grill is located at S1501 WI-88, Alma. Give ’em a call at (608) 685-4501 or take a look at their Facebook page if you’d like, but you should really just swing in and check it out.
