The Old School makes a strong case for burgers in Green Lake

The read on The Old School

With a 4.6 Google rating from 143 reviews, The Old School has built a strong public record as a casual Green Lake-area bar and grill. Reviews frequently describe it as the kind of local stop that is easy to pass by but rewarding once diners pull in. Its moderate price level also appears to undersell the value slightly, since multiple reviewers specifically praise the pricing as fair or great for the area.

The setting adds more character than the standard neighborhood bar. The restaurant occupies a historic schoolhouse, and diners mention a mix of simple decor, cleanliness and playful nostalgic touches. Both the indoor and outdoor atmosphere receive positive attention. It is not presented as polished or elaborate, but the overall impression is comfortable, tidy and distinctive enough to be memorable.

Burgers lead the menu feedback

Burgers are the clearest reason to visit. One reviewer placed the burger among their personal all-time favorites, while others reported good results with the mushroom Swiss burger and a single-patty burger. A pizza burger also earned praise. Taken together, those comments suggest the kitchen is most convincing when working in familiar bar-and-grill territory.

Pizza receives an enthusiastic mention as well, though the available review sample contains more consistent evidence for the burgers. Fries are a potential preference issue. One diner liked the meal overall but noted that the fries were batter-coated rather than fresh-cut; waffle fries were also available with another burger order.

There is an important counterpoint. One sharply negative review described burnt bacon and skimpy toppings on a BLT, with the same party also unhappy with its hamburgers. That experience sits against a much larger positive rating pattern, but it shows that execution may not be completely consistent across visits or menu choices.

Service and drinks

Service is another recurring strength. Reviewers call the staff friendly, great and very good, with one server singled out by name for making a first visit enjoyable. The kitchen crew also receives direct praise. Combined with the favorable pricing comments, that service record gives The Old School the feel of an approachable local operation rather than a destination built around ceremony.

Beer drinkers should note one specific limitation: a reviewer reported that beer choices were sold in cans or bottles, with no taps. That will not matter to everyone, but anyone expecting a draft list should adjust accordingly.

Verdict

The Old School looks best suited to a relaxed burger lunch, a casual meal with beers or an unfussy stop near Green Lake. The high overall rating, repeated burger praise and positive staff feedback make it a credible next place to try. The mushroom Swiss burger has the strongest repeated dish-level support in the sample. The BLT complaint and lack of draft beer are worth keeping in mind, but neither outweighs the broader pattern of satisfied diners.