Looks can be deceiving. The run-down exterior of the Nauti Norske in Stoughton is actually quite pleasant inside, with a surprisingly large outdoor patio space on the river. Think of this place as a destination to hang out with friends over a drink, with standard bar fare on which to nosh.
What I mean is that you’re not coming here for the food. For example, the pretzel braids ($4.95) were bland despite their buttery sheen. The ground mustard helped a little, but it, too, was bland.
Other appetizers include the usual suspects: onion rings ($5.95), cheese curds ($6.95) and chicken wings ($6.50).
For something more substantial, you’re left with sandwiches and pizzas. The former is served with chips or greens, or you can upgrade to steak fries or sweet potato fries for $2.
The patties in both burgers I tried were tiny and buried in a mountain of bread. In Odin’s burger ($10.95), you’ll mostly taste the bleu cheese crumbles, which mask the onion strings and chopped bacon.
The spicy burger ($9.95) did not live up to its name, despite the jalapenos, spicy cheese and Sriracha ranch sauce. That sauce was too heavy on the herbal flavor instead of the Sriracha flavor, and consequently, it detracted from this burger.
Pizzas include meat lovers and vegetarian. I ordered the Kraut pizza ($18 for 16″) and was pleasantly surprised. The thin crust is homemade and topped generously with cheese. I could have done without the onions, which were slightly undercooked, but the Canadian bacon added a nice saltiness, and the sauerkraut provided the crunch.
The patio space that I mentioned has its own bar, a fire pit, tables for two or more and deck chairs. It’s a nice place to listen to live music, and the owner will even give the occasional ride on his pontoon boat that’s parked on the pier.
The Nauti Norske serves dinner Wednesday-Sunday and lunch Friday-Sunday.
