Relics of the Prohibition era, Wisconsin’s distinctive supper clubs began as semi-illicit roadhouses and taverns where folks could linger over fish fry and a drink away from prying eyes. After booze became legal again, the establishments really hit their stride during the middle decades of the 20th century, eventually becoming the state’s signature dining experience.
While the definition of a Wisconsin supper club is a little know-it-when-you-see-it, these nostalgic spots share a few elements in common: relish trays and bread baskets served before the meal; prime rib, steaks, and fish fry as menu staples; dinner and bar service that usually opens at 4pm or 5pm; family ownership across multiple generations; and a cozy atmosphere that encourages patrons to eat, drink, be merry, and—above all—stay awhile. Then, of course, there’s the signature cocktail of Wisconsin supper clubs: an old-fashioned made with brandy instead of whiskey.
For visitors to the state, dining at a supper club is a surefire way to experience a classic of Wisconsin culture. But with more than 250 options to choose from, deciding where to go can be a challenge.
Below, you’ll find seven of the best Wisconsin supper clubs—where time seems to stand still, the brandy old-fashioneds flow freely, and dinner is always an event.
Maiden Lake Supper Club
15649 Maiden Lake Rd., Mountain, Wis.
The supper club at Maiden Lake is about as classic as it gets. Inside, the fish fry comes boiled, breaded, or battered, and the fireplace crackles all winter. Outside, the three-tiered deck offers fabulous views of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and over the waters of Maiden Lake. You can arrive by kayak, seaplane, or, if you must, car.
True to form, the menu’s “light fare” includes dishes like an open-faced steak sandwich or barbecue ribs—which, naturally, come with the requisite potato-based side dish plus cheese and relish tray.
Open Saturday and Sunday; reservations not accepted
Buck-A-Neer Supper Club
122923 County Rd. C, Stratford, Wis.
Walk into any Wisconsin supper club, and you have good odds of stumbling into one of three aesthetic worlds. The first is akin to a dimly lit diner, with oversized booths, colored sconces, and pleather stools at the bar. The second, typically found in the north, offers log-cabin vibes in spades. The third looks as if it were built inside a thrift store.
Stratford’s Buck-A-Neer falls into that last category. Church-basement chairs mix with reclaimed barn doors, ornate archways, and early-2000s farmhouse art. But rest assured, the hodgepodge décor means this is the real deal. It won’t be long before the waitstaff learns your name, and you discover the “masterpiece burger” more than earns its title.
Open Wednesday through Saturday; reservations encouraged
Ishnala
S2011 Ishnala Rd., Lake Delton, Wis.
Resting atop a rocky bluff in Mirror Lake State Park, Ishnala offers patrons something that’s almost de rigueur at Northwoods supper clubs: outstanding views. Here, though, you’re sitting snug in a Norwegian pine forest just south of Wisconsin Dells, the “Waterpark Capital of the World.”
Grab a seat and a cocktail to enjoy on the deck overlooking the water, or head inside to scope out the century-old log-cabin interior. Be prepared to wait for a table; Ishnala doesn’t take reservations, and the place gets pretty crowded in summer. Bide your time with an ice-cold brandy old-fashioned. Ishnala sells nearly 100,000 every year.
Open daily April–October; reservations not accepted
The Bear Trap Inn
4703 County Rd. B, Land O’ Lakes, Wis.
The Bear Trap Inn is one of those log-cabin Northwoods classics. If you’re imagining a blazing fireplace, bearskin hides, and antler racks adorning the wood-paneled walls, you’ve got the right idea. Among the touches suggesting a connection to the local community are flowers from nearby purveyors and occasional farm-to-table nights.
But let’s talk food. Beyond staples like prime rib and relish trays, this spot is known for quite a few signature items. Try the lemony Bear Trapeze cocktail, piping-hot cheese curds (a when-in-Wisconsin must), the garlic-stuffed tenderloin, and the locally beloved carrot cake.
Open Wednesday through Saturday; call ahead to make reservations
Mars Resort
W4098 S. Shore Drive, Lake Geneva, Wis.
On the shores of Lake Como, Mars Resort combines two supper-club signatures: good eats and lake culture. Walk off the beach and onto the Mars patio to nosh al fresco on barbecue ribs or the catch of the day.
Inside, you’ll find a relaxed, throwback atmosphere, live music every Friday and Saturday night, and ice cream drinks worth the extra calories. Back on the patio, take a look across the water at all those mansions—Lake Geneva has long been a resort town for the Chicago elite.
Open daily; reservations not accepted
Alexander’s of Door County
3667 WI-42, Fish Creek, Wis.
If you prefer your supper club experience with white tablecloths, check out Alexander’s of Door County in Fish Creek. All the standard supper-club accoutrements are here, from the long, winding, dimly lit bar to the bread baskets and prime-rib specials. But Alexander’s incorporates a Door County twist, using local cherries in the restaurant’s signature dishes.
Open Tuesday through Saturday; reservations encouraged
The Harvey House
644 W. Washington Ave., Madison, Wis.
Imagine a supper club gunning for a Michelin star. A past honoree on the New York Times’s list of America’s best restaurants, The Harvey House in Madison treats those who can score a table (get reservations well in advance) to trout-roe relish trays, fresh Lake Superior walleye with horseradish sabayon, and any cocktail served à la mode upon request.
Given that chef and co-owner Joe Papach was once a sous chef at Thomas Keller’s acclaimed French Laundry, the Harvey House is obviously an elevated take on supper clubs rather than a typical example. So, the restaurant shouldn’t be your only supper club stop in Wisconsin. Going to some of the others on this list first will make you appreciate Papach’s work all the more. At the Harvey House, though, you might want to trade your plaid for pearls.
Open daily; reservations required