Places near me Random place
All the United States Wisconsin Plywood Palace
Gastro Obscura

Plywood Palace

This no-frills bar in rural Wisconsin has become a haven for thirsty travelers.

Moquah, Wisconsin

anthony2anthony profile photo
Added By
anthony
  anthony2anthony / Atlas Obscura User
  anthony2anthony / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Three hours northeast of Minneapolis, the Moquah Bar gained the affectionate nickname "Plywood Palace" as a result of its less-than-sturdy construction. After a fire took the original bar down, lovable owner "Bud" assembled the bar with little more than scrap wood.

Inside, you'll find dollar bills (and underwear) taped to the ceiling, inscriptions on the walls from just about every drunken passerby, and a beer that's still three bucks. Cash only, of course.

Come for a scene out of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," stay for a conversation with the surprisingly friendly bar-goers. They, like you, are just visiting.

Discover your next hidden gem with the Gastro Obscura
Newsletter—your guide to extraordinary food and drink.

Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Community Contributors

anthony2anthony profile photo

Added By

anthony2anthony

tiffanybrott profile photo

Edited By

tiffanybrott

Published

January 6, 2026

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources

Related Tags

Bars

Nearby Places

Explore the Destination Guide

Related Places

  • The Reading Room blends the intimacy of an inviting bar with the inviting solace of a good bookstore.

    Chattanooga, Tennessee

    The Reading Room

    The shelves at this Chattanooga bar are stocked with used books, and buying one sends money back to the library.

  • The lounge viewed from the street.

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Bob & Barbara's

    This iconic lounge is home to the longest running drag show in Philadelphia, iconic jazz trios, and is the birthplace to the infamous "Citywide."

  • Marble Arch Inn.

    Manchester, England

    Marble Arch Inn

    An established watering hole whose unique history is as fascinating as its decor

  • Catch a game while enjoying the pub's signature "No Name Reuben."

    Big Pine Key, Florida

    No Name Pub

    Thousands of signed dollar bills turn a simple tavern into a living record of travelers’ comings and goings.

  • Valentine Texas Bar

    Valentine, Texas

    Valentine Texas Bar

    An old adobe structure first built in the 1890s is a desert watering hole plastered with dollar bills and odd West Texas finds.

  • Ego’s Karaoke Bar

    Austin, Texas

    Ego’s Karaoke Bar

    Austin’s beloved dive bar and karaoke headquarters where relaxed drinks and high-energy singalongs have defined nights on South Congress for decades

    Sponsored By Visit Austin
  • The original owner opened up in the Bay Area in 1920, but came to this location in 1927.

    West Hollywood, California

    Barney’s Beanery

    A legendary West Hollywood bar where celebrities shoot pool with the locals.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member