Business spotlight: Nevermore on Third offers old-world charm with a gothic twist

Wausau Pilot & Review

Editor’s note: This regular feature shares the stories of locally-owned and operated businesses and organizations in the Wausau area, highlighting the products and services they offer and the ways they contribute to the metro area’s unique flavor. Learn how to feature your business by emailing [email protected].

This week we shine a spotlight on a historic bar at 1206 Third St., a fixture for decades in Wausau that has been reborn in dramatic style. Once home to the Polack Inn, a neighborhood staple known for live music and local hangouts, the venue has undergone an impressive transformation. Now, it is Nevermore on Third—a name inspired by the work of literary legend Edgar Allan Poe.

Owners Dan and Ashley Dadabo, a team that already operates several successful establishments in the region, acquired the property earlier this year. What they’ve created is not just a bar, but an immersive experience.

From the moment you step inside, you’re transported into a world where old-world mystique blends effortlessly with contemporary sophistication. The centerpiece of this transformation is the bar’s thematic homage to Poe, whose dark, brooding tales weave seamlessly into the aesthetic of the space. With velvet curtains, dramatic chandeliers and intricate wall murals, the atmosphere is evocative, yet inviting—a perfect place to enjoy a drink, savor a unique dish, or catch a live performance.

But don’t be fooled into thinking this is simply a modern reimagining of an old Wausau bar. For the owners, maintaining the character of the building was a top priority.

“We aimed to capture the old-world mystique of this iconic Wausau bar, and we found that the works of Edgar Allan Poe resonated perfectly with the music scene, the charm of the vintage tin, and the overall atmosphere of this historic building,” the couple said. “We worked really hard to build on the beauty of the building versus replace and recreate.”

The building itself, with its original tin walls and ceilings and stunning leaded windows, tells a story of its own. Instead of covering up these features, the owners sought to enhance them, using careful design touches to highlight the building’s inherent charm. The result is a space where every detail feels intentional, from the grand chandeliers to the cozy seating areas that encourage intimate conversation.

The bar’s Edgar Allan Poe theme is more than just a visual touchstone—it’s a mood that permeates everything from the décor to the menu. The works of Poe, famous for their eerie, gothic overtones, have found a home in the ambience of Nevermore on Third.

“Ashley had the vision to play off of these amazing features and compliment it with velvet curtains, wall murals, chandeliers,” the team added, crediting her for bringing this sophisticated vision to life.

A Culinary Experience Worth Savoring

Nevermore on Third isn’t just about atmosphere—it’s about taste, too. The bar’s menu offers more than just your typical pub fare. In keeping with the creative spirit of the venue, the food options are as intriguing as the décor. Diners can expect an assortment of thoughtfully crafted dishes, with flavor combinations designed to surprise and delight. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or something to nibble on with a cocktail, there’s something for everyone.

Ashley and Dan say they are particularly proud of the menu’s ability to match the bar’s refined aesthetic while still being approachable. They aim to offer a unique experience that stands out in Wausau’s food and drink scene, and early reviews from customers suggest they’re succeeding. Patrons have praised the menu for its creativity, and the owners are confident that their offerings will keep people coming back.

While the space may have undergone significant changes, one thing that remains is the bar’s deep connection to Wausau’s music scene. The Polack Inn, known for its role as a live music venue, attracted local and regional bands for years. The new owners are continuing this tradition, using the bar’s revamped concert space to host live performances that span a variety of genres.

With the blend of gothic elegance and modern comfort, Nevermore on Third is not just a bar—it’s a destination. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink, meeting friends for dinner, or enjoying live music, there’s a certain magic to the space that feels both timeless and fresh. And for those with a penchant for the eerie and mysterious, Poe’s presence in the bar’s design is a constant reminder that there’s beauty in the dark and the unknown.

As the owners reflect on their journey to bring this space back to life, they are optimistic about what the future holds. “We are proud of the end result and hope everyone stops in to check it out,” they said.

With its perfect blend of history, literary inspiration, and creative vision, Nevermore on Third promises to be a key player in Wausau’s nightlife scene. Whether you’re drawn by the unique menu, the striking atmosphere, or the promise of live music in an iconic venue, this is a place you won’t want to miss. Nevermore on Third will be hosting slider and beer flight events which will showcase three different sliders, paired with carefully selected beer varieties. And with Halloween approaching, expect an array of intriguing events and lively musical experiences to mark the holiday. Keep an eye on Nevermore’s social media pages for updates.

Here, the couple shares their vision and hopes for the future of Nevermore, which is already garnering rave reviews from patrons who are eager to embrace this new nightspot in the heart of Wausau.

Nevermore on Third: Image gallery

Wausau Pilot: What gap did you see in the Wausau area that you are trying to fill with your new venture?

Dan and Ashley Dadabo: We believe the downtown area has some incredible bars already and we are just adding to them. We are giving the community a different spin on a bar menu that features small plates, shareables and creative menu options you won’t find elsewhere as they are all visions of our Chef.

WP: Tell us about Nevermore and the renovations you’ve done prior to opening.

D&A: There have been a LOT of updates. We’ve done everything from the boring stuff like a new roof, new boiler, and new tap lines to the things people can see like adding the incredibly comfortable seating that we’ve brought to our other establishments, muraling throughout the bar and concert venue, a new back bar, new televisions, gorgeous chandelier, giant red velvet curtains to pull themes together and restoring the integrity of the beautiful tin throughout

WP: What is the vibe and the experience patrons can expect when they walk through the door?

D&A: First, I believe our customers will love the atmosphere when they walk through our doors. I think the art throughout is an attraction in and of itself; this is complemented with dark romantic curtains, chandeliers and bathroom fixtures. You really get a feel that is intriguing and makes you want to stay. You’ll then be greeted by a staff that believes in this individualistic and intriguing vibe and you’ll see that through passionate service and a menu that is as interesting and creative as the environment you’re sitting in. It is fun, intriguing and something you’ll want to check out.

WP: Tell us about the food. What’s your favorite dish so far?

D&A: Our dining experience is different and is focused on shareables and small plates. This type of dining allows for you to receive a constant flow of food to share amongst your friends and loved ones. It’s not your traditional menu, either. We have everything from fun grilled cheese sliders topped with a blackberry chipotle jam to hot honey shrimp skewers served on a blackberry pepper rice cake. It’s interesting, the plating is beautiful and the quality the chef delivers is well worth stopping by. We are Nevermore on Third – so our small plating serves everything in threes including flights, skewers and sliders.

WP: What are you hearing from your customers so far? What experiences have they shared with you?

D&A: People have loved the work done to the bar and the various touches that go on throughout. Many have told us how much they appreciate how we worked hard to build on to and add to the beauty and charm of the old bar. Along with that, we have received lots of compliments on the quality of food and cocktails both Tyler and Wayne are delivering out of the bar and kitchen.

WP: You already have several successful businesses in the area. What lessons have you taken with you to your new venture to ensure success?

D&A: Our staff is everything. Our community is everything. We believe in taking care of people first, whether that be our staff, our customers, our vendors and our community, and when we do that first, everything else falls into place.

WP: What are your hopes for the future of the business?

D&A: The city has approved the rezoning and sale of the parcel to the north of us allowing us to add much needed parking while we continue to make this area of Third Street even busier. We are also excited to work with our current neighbors on this end of third street and to build partnerships with other downtown bars, which will allow our community to have more options for fun experiences in this area of Wausau.