Unearth The Voyage
Perched on Lake Michigan, HOBNOB Restaurant blends mid-century glamour with Wisconsin supper club warmth. Locals rave about the French onion soup, a bubbling, deeply caramelized bowl that sets the tone for a memorable evening. With attentive service, live piano on select nights, and a cocktail program anchored by classic brandy old fashioneds, this Racine icon makes every visit feel special. If you love vintage ambiance and crave a comforting, perfectly broiled crock of onion soup, you’ll want to read on.
A Legacy on Lake Michigan
Since 1954, HOBNOB Restaurant has charmed diners with lakefront views and timeless supper club hospitality. Inside, amber lighting and polished wood set a glamorous, mid-century mood, while the bar hums with clinking glasses and piano notes. Guests settle into plush booths to savor a full three-course experience—soup, salad, and entrée—served with attentive care. It’s the kind of place where anniversaries sparkle and everyday dinners feel like occasions. The star that steals hearts? That French onion soup, of course—rich, molten, and profoundly comforting. Yet it’s the setting, service, and history that elevate every spoonful into something unforgettable.
French Onion Soup That Wins Hearts
HOBNOB’s French onion soup is a masterclass in comfort: slow-caramelized onions, a savory broth with real depth, and a crown of broiled cheese that stretches luxuriously with every scoop. The surface arrives lacquered and blistered, hiding a soft, garlicky raft of bread beneath. Each spoonful balances sweetness, umami, and a hint of wine, making it both starter and showstopper. Regulars call it “baked onion soup,” and for many, it’s a non-negotiable order. On chilly lakefront evenings, it’s soul-warming. On celebratory nights, it’s quintessentially Wisconsin—bold, generous, and deliciously over-the-top.
Classic Cocktails, Supper Club Spirit
The bar at HOBNOB is pure Wisconsin theater—amber-lit, convivial, and anchored by excellent brandy old fashioneds. Cocktails arrive thoughtfully balanced, pairing seamlessly with rich starters like the French onion soup. Sip slowly and soak in the lake view while a pianist sets a gentle rhythm in the background. The beverage list spans approachable wines and celebratory pours, complementing steaks, seafood, and cherished classics. It’s a pre-dinner ritual that frames the meal, bringing conversation and anticipation to a gentle simmer—just like that crock of soup arriving at the table, molten and irresistible.
Steaks, Seafood, and Supper Club Staples
Beyond the soup, HOBNOB’s menu delivers the surf-and-turf spirit that made it famous. Think filets crowned with mushrooms, lobster tails for splurge nights, and comforting potato sides. Entrées include soup and salad, honoring true supper club tradition. While some diners favor steak specials and prime rib, others swear by seasonal seafood. Warm rolls, creamy dressings, and hearty portions define the experience. The best play? Start with the French onion soup, then move into a perfectly cooked steak and a side that matches your mood. Finish with an iconic ice cream cocktail for a full Wisconsin flourish.
Service With Old-School Polish
HOBNOB’s service blends professionalism with Midwestern kindness. Servers guide guests through steak temperatures, suggest butterflying for even cooking, and pace meals so the experience unfolds comfortably. Their attention complements the restaurant’s classic rhythm: cocktails, soup, salad, entrée. On busy nights, expect a lively room and a team that still works to personalize the details. Whether celebrating milestones or relaxing after work, guests feel cared for—another reason that French onion soup tastes like it’s made just for you. Hospitality here isn’t fussy; it’s gracious, intuitive, and steeped in tradition.
Lakefront Atmosphere and Live Piano
Set along Sheridan Road with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, HOBNOB leans into its glamorous setting. As daylight fades, the room glows—mirrors, chandeliers, and lake reflections casting a cinematic warmth. Live piano on select nights adds a nostalgic soundtrack, elevating conversation and romance. The ambiance is part speakeasy, part mid-century lounge, entirely transporting. It’s the ideal backdrop for a bubbling crock of French onion soup, offering cozy contrast to the open water beyond. Even when the weather turns brisk, the dining room remains a beacon: welcoming, elegant, and undeniably Wisconsin.
Plan Your Visit: Hours, Price, and Tips
HOBNOB is a dinner destination: closed Monday; open Tue–Thu 5–9 PM, Fri–Sat 4:30–10 PM, Sun 4:30–9 PM. Expect a mid-to-upscale check average, often $50–100 per person, depending on cocktails and entrées. Reservations help, especially for lakeview seating and weekend piano nights. Parking is convenient, and the address is 277 Sheridan Rd, Mt Pleasant, WI 53403. Call +1 262-552-8008 or visit thehobnob.com for details. Pro tip: Order the French onion soup first—it sets the tone for everything that follows.
Why The French Onion Soup Matters
At HOBNOB, the French onion soup is more than a starter; it’s a statement of craft. Deeply browned onions signal patience, while a robust broth supports layers of savoriness. The molten cheese cap delivers theater and texture—stretch, crackle, and creamy satisfaction. It evokes the supper club promise: warmth, generosity, and a touch of spectacle. Regulars call it a must-order; newcomers often become believers after the first spoonful. In a room alive with piano and lake light, this soup ties history to the present, delivering comfort that feels both classic and remarkably fresh.
