OUR STORY

The building was purchased in the fall of 2015 by brothers Brian and Matthew Justice. It was originally built in the late 1950s and existed mostly as a Tavern or Combination Tavern/Liquor Store.  Work began immediately but was restricted to mostly demolitions and structural improvements until  2018. The winter of 2018/2019 ushered in the most drastic remodeling and visual upgrades and by  March of 2020, construction was complete. A grand opening was planned but a global pandemic prevented dine-in service until May 2020.  

The Craftsman American Tavern opened as a tradesmen-themed restaurant, celebrating the hard-working and industrious peoples of Northern and greater Wisconsin. Almost every element of the design and construction were completed by Brian and Matt. Brian has spent his entire life in the trades and developed a reputation for fastidious design, construction, and finishing. His talent is on full display at the Craftsman; from the magnificent “Wood Wall” sourced from local basswood to the intricate flooring, and the imposing custom bar. Matt is a combat veteran, Sapper, and current member of the  Wisconsin Army National Guard. He has a Business Degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison. It was there he developed a passion for craft beer and cocktails and over many years developed the cocktails seen on the menu today.  

The brother’s desire to create this modern, yet uniquely Northwoods restaurant stemmed from a sincere love of their hometown, Eagle River, WI. They wanted to create a successful business but also wanted to create a more vibrant downtown economy. As third-generation downtown business owners,  they are tremendously proud to leave their generation’s mark on the area. The brothers are self-made men in the American tradition with a fundamental belief that reward follows hard work and consistent hard work is the making of a Craftsman.  

A Craftsman is a person who is dedicated to a trade or profession. The restaurant and those under its employ are dedicated to providing the finest Wisconsin food and drink. This means cultivating a culture of constant improvement. The Craftsman hopes to continue to deliver on the promise of its name. We hope that upon your visit you echo our slogan, “A Job Well Done.”