9 Wisconsin Supper Clubs That Stand The Test Of Time

Wisconsin’s supper clubs aren’t just restaurants; they’re living time capsules of Midwest dining tradition. With their dimly lit interiors, relish trays, and ice cream old-fashioneds, these iconic establishments have been bringing families together for generations. As a food critic who’s put on ten happy pounds exploring these treasured institutions, I’m thrilled to share my favorite spots where the hospitality remains as warm as the fish fry is crispy.

1. Ishnala Supper Club: Where Spirits and Scenery Collide

Perched majestically over Mirror Lake, Ishnala isn’t just dinner; it’s pure Wisconsin magic in building form. The name means ‘alone’ in Ho-Chunk, but trust me, you’ll never feel lonely with that prime rib in front of you.

I nearly wept the first time I watched the sunset paint the lake gold through those floor-to-ceiling windows. Their brandy old-fashioned sweet practically invented the Wisconsin cocktail scene, and locals will tell you to arrive early; they famously take no reservations.

The pine-paneled dining room has barely changed since 1953, and frankly, why mess with perfection?

2. Roxy Supper Club: Oshkosh’s Retro Dining Treasure

Walking into Roxy feels like stepping through a time portal to 1960s Wisconsin. Red leather booths cradle you while martinis arrive in glasses big enough to swim in; exactly how supper clubs should be.

The relish tray here deserves its own Instagram account, loaded with pickled everything and cheese spreads your grandma would approve of. Family-owned since forever, the current generation still uses Grandpa Joe’s secret recipes that keep locals coming back weekly.

My advice? Skip lunch before visiting because portion control isn’t in their vocabulary, and save room for their grasshopper after-dinner drink that’s practically dessert in disguise.

3. Buckhorn Supper Club: Lakeside Legacy Since 1931

Rumors say Al Capone once dined at Buckhorn while hiding from the feds; though after tasting their walleye, I’d risk prison for it too! Nestled on the shores of Lake Koshkonong, this Milton landmark serves Friday fish fries that draw crowds from three counties.

The nautical-themed dining room features boat parts and fishing memorabilia collected over nine decades. Regulars swear the secret to their perfect prime rib is the wood-fired ovens that haven’t been replaced since FDR was president.

Owner Chico will likely stop by your table to share tales of the club’s colorful history; including the Prohibition-era basement that supposedly housed a speakeasy.

4. McGregor’s Blink Bonnie: Northwoods Charm Since 1944

With a name as quirky as its founder (a Scottish immigrant with a fondness for plaid), this Minocqua institution serves steaks so tender you’ll think you’ve died and gone to carnivore heaven. The hunting lodge aesthetic isn’t manufactured; those mounted bucks on the wall have witnessed decades of anniversary dinners.

Legend has it the recipe for their famous onion rings is kept in a safe deposit box, with only two living souls knowing the combination. Their Friday night fish fry causes traffic jams through downtown Minocqua, but locals know to sneak in Thursday for the equally magnificent broasted chicken.

Pro tip: Request table 9 by the stone fireplace for maximum Northwoods coziness.

5. The Chandelier Club: Elegant Throwback Dining

Named for the massive crystal fixture that’s been dazzling diners since 1958, this Lake Geneva gem somehow balances old-school formality with Midwestern comfort. The tuxedoed servers might seem fancy, but they’ll happily explain what a “lazy Susan relish tray” is to confused tourists.

Their cheese fondue appetizer has remained unchanged for 60+ years; I tried bribing the bartender for the recipe and was politely but firmly shown the door. Piano music drifts through the dining room on weekends, where you’ll spot three generations of families celebrating special occasions.

Order their signature table-side Caesar salad preparation and watch true culinary showmanship in action.

6. Shady Lady: A Playful Nod to Wisconsin’s Spirited Past

Don’t let the cheeky name fool you; though this Wisconsin Dells favorite does have a colorful history dating back to when “shady ladies” may have entertained upstairs while bootleg whiskey flowed downstairs. Today, it’s all family-friendly fun with a side of historical winks and nods.

The bar still features the original speakeasy peephole, and bartenders mix old-fashioneds with theatrical flair. Vintage photos of flappers and gangsters line walls that have witnessed countless first dates, retirement parties, and “just because it’s Wednesday” dinners.

Their famous prime rib is carved tableside with such ceremony you’ll feel like royalty, even in your comfortable stretchy pants (which you’ll need).

7. The Rustic Inn: Fort Atkinson’s Timeless Comfort Zone

Grandma’s living room meets five-star dining at this Fort Atkinson treasure where I’ve celebrated everything from job promotions to successful parallel parking. The knotty pine walls and fieldstone fireplace have witnessed first dates that later returned for their 50th wedding anniversaries.

Their relish tray arrives unbidden the moment you sit down; a Wisconsin hospitality flex that out-of-staters find bewildering and delightful. The Friday fish fry features cod so fresh you’ll question your geographic distance from any ocean, while Saturday’s prime rib sells out faster than concert tickets.

No meal is complete without their homemade bread pudding, a recipe supposedly won in a poker game in 1962.

8. Club 88: Where Generations of Sheboyganites Celebrate

Named for its location on Highway 88, this Sheboygan institution has been serving perfectly charred steaks since Eisenhower was in office. The decor screams 1970s basement rec room; in the absolute best way possible; with wood paneling that’s witnessed countless marriage proposals.

Their grasshopper after-dinner drinks arrive ceremoniously, a mint-green badge of honor among Wisconsin supper club aficionados. Local farmers still deliver produce directly to the kitchen door, and the head chef has been flipping steaks for three decades.

My favorite quirk? The vintage jukebox still works; drop in a quarter and watch multiple generations debate whether Sinatra or Springsteen better accompanies a medium-rare ribeye.

9. Jax Fish House: Modern Twist on Tradition

The new kid on the Wisconsin supper club block, Jax boldly marries East Coast seafood with Midwest supper club tradition. Madison locals were skeptical when they opened in 2017, but their first taste of the oyster bar’s briny treasures silenced all critics.

Designers cleverly incorporated supper club DNA: relish trays, brandy old-fashioneds, and ice cream drink; while adding sustainable seafood flown in daily. The blue-and-white nautical theme feels simultaneously fresh and nostalgic, like your favorite supper club got a tasteful makeover.

Their “Oyster Hour” (Wisconsin’s answer to happy hour) packs the bar with everyone from university professors to Capitol staffers, all bonding over dollar oysters and stories of supper clubs past.