MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Marshfield’s popular restaurant and bar Nutz Deep II is celebrating its 40th anniversary in the downtown in 2023.
Named after the original “Nutz Deep” in Sturgeon Bay, the owner (Ray) of that small hole-in-the-wall tavern came to work for Dewy Schutz (current owner) after his bar was bought out by a real estate agency.
According to Nutz Deep II lore, the name has a storied history:
Ray was a strange little fellow with a high-strung personality. He would always be bopping around like a chicken with his head cut off. At that time, we were looking for a name change (the Intensive Care just was not cutting it) and Ray said to Dewey, “Why don’t you call your bar Nutz Deep II after my bar in Sturgeon Bay?”
Dewey thought this was the most insane thing he had ever heard, but Ray convinced him the name fit. He said that the bar could be the place where people could go and get a little nuts.
But Ray came up with the name of the original bar in a different way. He told us the story of a customer named Wally who would ride his John Deere tractor to the bar. One night, the moon was full and the customers were overly rambunctious. The door banged open and in came Wally, tractor and all. Ray said it was going to be “Nutz Deep” in here tonight. Hence, the name was born.
In its 40 years in Marshfield, Nutz Deep II has become a staple in the community, hosting fundraisers, expanding into catering, and offering the perfect venue for game time, happy hour, dinner, and/or late-night drinks.
“We also do different events every Third Thursday of the month in conjunction with Main Street Marshfield; from cookie decorating, wine tasting, DIY projects, etc,” said Ann Dieringer, Marketing & Promotions Coordinator. “We are also hosting the Run Your Nutz Off event on August 19th this year to raise awareness for mental health.”
A full-service bar features spirits, wine, and major domestic, imported, specialty craft beers, and their large menu of appetizers, sandwiches, and burgers are available from open to close.
Nutz has been voted “Best of Marshfield” several times:
- Best Burger: 2009-22
- Best Fish Fry: 2019-22
- Best Bar Food: 2022
- Best Breakfast: 2020
- Best Dinner/Lunch Spot: 2020
- Best Carryout/Takeout: 2020
- Best Bartender: 2020, 2022
- Server: 1st Place – 2021, 2nd Place – 2020
- Best Cheese Curds: 2013-2016*
- Best Nightlife: 2009-2015*
*Denotes that this category is no longer included in the Best of Marshfield survey
In November 2007, they opened a second location in Spencer, WI, called Nutz Deep II North. (This location has the same features as Nutz Deep II in Marshfield.) When asked for their location, they happily advise that they are on the corner of “Nutz and Central!”
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Author: News Desk
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