Unearth The Voyage
Wisconsin supper clubs represent more than just restaurants – they’re beloved community gathering places where traditions run deep. These unique establishments have been serving hearty meals, signature cocktails, and warm hospitality for nearly a century. From the famous brandy old-fashioned to Friday night fish fries, these dining spots preserve authentic Midwestern culture. Understanding what makes supper clubs special helps visitors and locals alike appreciate this treasured Wisconsin tradition.
1. The Historic Roots of Supper Club Culture
Born during Prohibition in the 1930s, supper clubs emerged as secret gathering spots where locals could enjoy drinks and dancing away from prying eyes. After Prohibition ended, these establishments evolved into family-friendly restaurants that combined dining with entertainment.
Unlike typical restaurants, supper clubs became social hubs where entire communities would gather for special occasions. Many featured live music, dancing, and a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged lingering over meals.
Today’s supper clubs maintain this welcoming spirit, preserving the original concept of dining as a social experience rather than just sustenance.
2. Brandy Old-Fashioned: Wisconsin’s Unofficial State Cocktail
While most states prefer whiskey, Wisconsin bartenders reach for brandy when crafting their signature old-fashioned. This sweet twist on the classic cocktail starts with muddled sugar, bitters, orange slices, and maraschino cherries.
Korbel brandy gets mixed with the muddle, then topped with soda – sweet (7-Up), sour (Squirt), or press (half-and-half). The drink arrives garnished with an orange wedge and cherry, creating a fruity, refreshing cocktail.
Locals take their brandy old-fashioneds seriously, with many supper clubs hand-muddling each drink to order. This careful preparation ensures every cocktail meets Wisconsin’s exacting standards.
3. Friday Fish Fry: A Sacred Weekly Tradition
Every Friday night across Wisconsin, families flock to supper clubs for the weekly fish fry ritual. This Catholic-inspired tradition features beer-battered cod, walleye, or perch served golden and crispy.
The complete fish fry experience includes creamy coleslaw, thick-cut rye bread with butter, and tangy tartar sauce. Many establishments offer potato pancakes or french fries as sides, creating a hearty meal perfect for ending the work week.
Supper clubs often prepare hundreds of fish dinners each Friday, with some locations requiring reservations weeks in advance. This weekly gathering strengthens community bonds while satisfying appetites.
4. Prime Rib: Saturday Night’s Star Attraction
Saturday evenings belong to prime rib at Wisconsin supper clubs, where massive cuts of beef slow-roast for hours until perfectly tender. These generous portions often weigh 12-16 ounces, satisfying even the heartiest appetites.
Skilled chefs carve each portion to order, ensuring diners receive their preferred doneness from rare to well-done. The meat arrives with au jus, creamy horseradish sauce, and typically a loaded baked potato.
Many supper clubs have served the same prime rib recipe for decades, passed down through generations of family ownership. This consistency keeps loyal customers returning weekend after weekend for their favorite cut.
5. Relish Trays: The Appetizer That Starts Every Meal
Before menus even arrive, servers place colorful relish trays on every table, featuring an assortment of pickled vegetables, olives, cheese spreads, and crackers. This complimentary starter stimulates appetites while guests peruse dinner options.
Traditional relish trays include dill pickles, sweet gherkins, black and green olives, fresh radishes, and carrot sticks. Many supper clubs add their signature cheese spread, often made with Wisconsin cheddar.
Sharing relish trays encourages conversation and creates a communal dining experience. Families pass dishes around the table, sampling different items while catching up on daily events and planning their main course selections.
6. Lakeside Locations: Dining with Scenic Views
Many Wisconsin supper clubs occupy prime lakefront real estate, offering diners spectacular sunset views alongside their meals. The Northwoods region particularly excels at combining rustic charm with natural beauty.
Log cabin architecture and knotty pine interiors complement the outdoor scenery, creating cozy atmospheres perfect for romantic dinners or family celebrations. Large windows showcase changing seasons from spring’s ice-out to autumn’s brilliant foliage.
Ishnala Supper Club near Lake Delton exemplifies this tradition, perched dramatically above Mirror Lake in a state park setting. Diners often arrive early to enjoy cocktails on outdoor decks before sunset dinner service begins.
7. Community Gathering Places: More Than Just Restaurants
Supper clubs function as unofficial community centers where locals celebrate life’s milestones and maintain social connections. Birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations, and holiday gatherings all find their home in these welcoming establishments.
Regular customers often have “their” table and develop relationships with servers who remember their usual orders. This personal touch creates extended family feelings that chain restaurants cannot replicate.
During difficult times, supper clubs serve as support networks where neighbors check on each other and share community news. These social bonds strengthen small-town Wisconsin communities and preserve traditional values of hospitality and friendship.
8. Famous Establishments: Legendary Names Worth Visiting
Certain supper clubs have achieved legendary status among Wisconsin dining enthusiasts, drawing visitors from across the Midwest. Ishnala near Wisconsin Dells tops most lists with its stunning lakeside setting and consistently excellent food.
The Pinewood Supper Club in Mosinee has served central Wisconsin for generations, while Milwaukee-area establishments like the Buckhorn maintain urban supper club traditions. Each location offers unique specialties alongside classic favorites.
Food writers and travel guides regularly feature these iconic spots, but locals know dozens of hidden gems throughout the state. Every region claims the “best” supper club, creating friendly debates among passionate supporters.
9. Classic Desserts: Sweet Endings to Perfect Meals
Supper club desserts transport diners back to simpler times with old-fashioned favorites like grasshopper pie, brandy alexanders, and homemade tortes. These indulgent treats provide sweet endings to hearty meals.
Ice cream cocktails remain particularly popular, blending dessert and nightcap into creamy concoctions. Pink squirrels, made with crème de noyaux and vanilla ice cream, offer pink-hued nostalgia in frosted glasses.
Many establishments feature family recipe desserts passed down through generations of ownership. Fresh-baked pies, elaborate cakes, and seasonal specialties showcase homemade quality that keeps customers returning for “just one more bite” of childhood memories.
10. Family Ownership: Preserving Traditions Through Generations
Most Wisconsin supper clubs remain family-owned businesses, with recipes, traditions, and hospitality standards passed from parents to children across multiple generations. This continuity ensures authentic experiences that corporate chains cannot duplicate.
Owners often greet regular customers by name, remember their preferences, and maintain personal relationships that span decades. Children grow up in these establishments, learning the business from grandparents and parents.
Family ownership also means flexibility to maintain quality over profit margins, preserving traditional preparation methods even when shortcuts might save money. This commitment to excellence explains why supper clubs continue thriving in an era of fast-casual dining.
