— Memories Made Fresh —

History of Norton’s

For generations, Norton’s of Green Lake has been more than a restaurant—it’s where Wisconsin memories are made fresh every day. Nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Green Lake, our establishment has been a beloved cornerstone of the community since 1948, serving as a treasured destination for locals and visitors alike for over 75 years.

As the only lakefront restaurant with its own dock, Norton’s offers a truly unique dining experience where guests can arrive by land or see and enjoy exceptional food and casual sophistication with unmatched views of Green Lake—Wisconsin’s deepest and one of its oldest natural inland lakes.

Our restaurant has witnessed countless celebrations, from milestone anniversaries to summer family reunions, first dates that blossomed into marriages, and multiple generations returning year after year to continue traditions in our very special town. Every table at Norton’s holds stories of laughter shared, proposals made, and friendships deepened over delicious meals and stunning sunsets across more than seven decades of service.

In our kitchen, we honor timeless recipes while continuously innovating to create new classics. Our commitment to quality is unwavering—we proudly serve extremely fresh seafood that’s just 48 hours out of the water, alongside ingredients sourced from local and family-owned producers. Our seasonal menus showcase the finest Wisconsin ingredients, with a focus on best-in-class local products whenever possible, all prepared with care by chefs who understand that each dish contributes to the memories being created at your table.

Summer at Norton’s brings the energy of our famous Tiki Bar, where craft cocktails and live music create the perfect lakeside atmosphere. Winter transforms our space into a cozy retreat where guests warm up with elevated comfort food classics while watching snow fall gently over the frozen lake.

At Norton’s of Green Lake, we don’t just serve food—we serve moments that become cherished memories. We’ve been privileged to be part of many families’ stories for years, and we look forward to seeing you as our next chapter unfolds.

Nicholas J. Arnold, CEC

General Manager
Nicholas Arnold, a Wisconsin native and Certified Executive Chef (CEC) with the American Culinary Federation, brings over 25 years of culinary excellence to his role as General Manager at Norton’s of Green Lake. After graduating with honors from Moraine Park Technical College, Nicholas built an impressive career at prestigious establishments including The American Club in Kohler, Caneel Bay Resort in St. John, The Broadmoor Hotel, Hotel Hershey, and several exclusive country clubs. Throughout his journey, he has cooked for presidents, movie stars, and dignitaries while developing a passion for local, seasonal ingredients and farm-to-table cuisine. Nicholas’s commitment to culinary innovation, combined with his Wisconsin roots and extensive experience managing high-end dining operations, makes him the perfect steward for Norton’s tradition of creating Memories made fresh, while maintaining the casual sophistication that guests have enjoyed since 1948.

Meet the Team

At Norton’s of Green Lake, our team is the heart and soul behind every unforgettable experience. From our welcoming front-of-house staff to our skilled bartenders, lively tiki bar servers, and talented kitchen crew, we function as one family united by a shared passion: making your time with us extraordinary. Many of our team members have deep roots in the Green Lake community, while others bring fresh perspectives from beyond Wisconsin’s borders. What binds us together is our commitment to exceptional service and creating those special moments that become cherished memories. When you dine with us, you’re not just customers—you’re honored guests, where every staff member works together seamlessly to ensure your Norton’s experience lives up to our promise of Memories Made Fresh.

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