People Cross County Lines In Wisconsin Just To Try These Legendary Supper Club Classics
Crossing county lines in Wisconsin isn’t about distance-it’s about destiny. I know a guy who’ll brave I-43 traffic for a hunk of deep-fried butter.
These supper clubs are legends for a reason: think mountain-sized portions of crispy cheese curds, oyster bars that make you forget about the cold outside, and desserts that’d make a dairy farmer cry.
It’s not just a meal; it’s a vibe.
Shuffleboard hums in the background, the server calls you by name, and that first bite of jalapeño popper?
Nirvana.
I don’t just eat my way across the state-I live it. The map’s just a suggestion.
1. Ishnala Supper Club — Roast Wisconsin Duck And Walleye
Perched on the shores of Mirror Lake, Ishnala has been luring duck lovers since 1953 with its legendary roast Wisconsin duck.
The restaurant’s name comes from a Winnebago word meaning “by itself, alone,” which perfectly describes its secluded lakeside setting at S2011 Ishnala Rd in Lake Delton.
Every duck served here is slow-roasted to crispy-skinned perfection, with meat so tender it practically falls off the bone.
The walleye is equally impressive, pan-fried with a golden crust that gives way to flaky white fish underneath.
Dining on the outdoor terrace feels like stepping into a postcard, with sunset views that rival the food itself.
Families have been making pilgrimages here for decades, often booking reservations weeks in advance just to snag a window seat.
The rustic stone architecture blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, making you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.
Whether you choose duck or walleye, you’re tasting Wisconsin supper club history with every bite.
2. Schwarz’s Supper Club — Prime Rib
When locals talk about prime rib in Wisconsin, Schwarz’s name comes up faster than you can say “pass the horseradish.”
Located at W1688 Sheboygan Rd in New Holstein, this family-run spot has been perfecting its slow-roasted prime rib since the doors first opened.
The cuts here are so generously portioned that first-timers often stare in disbelief when their plates arrive.
Each piece is roasted low and slow until the exterior develops a savory crust while the inside stays pink and juicy.
My uncle once drove two hours in a snowstorm just to celebrate his birthday here, claiming no other restaurant could match their seasoning.
The au jus served alongside is rich enough to make you want to drink it straight from the ramekin.
Regulars know to arrive hungry because the sides-creamy mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables-are equally abundant.
Schwarz’s proves that sometimes the simplest dishes, done exceptionally well, become legendary.
3. Joey Gerard’s — Classic Relish Tray And Old Fashioned
At 5601 Broad St in Greendale, Joey Gerard’s has elevated the humble relish tray to an art form that deserves its own museum exhibit.
Before your main course even arrives, you’re treated to a colorful spread of crisp vegetables, tangy pickles, briny olives, and creamy cheese spread.
The relish tray tradition started as a way to keep hungry diners happy while their steaks cooked, but here it’s become a destination in itself.
Paired with a perfectly muddled Old Fashioned-Wisconsin’s unofficial state beverage-the experience feels both nostalgic and polished.
The bartenders here have mixed thousands of these classic drinks, achieving that ideal balance of sweet and bitters.
Everything about Joey Gerard’s screams refined supper club, from the white tablecloths to the attentive servers who remember your name.
Families celebrate anniversaries and graduations here, creating memories over celery sticks and carefully crafted drinks.
It’s proof that sometimes the appetizers steal the show.
4. The Harvey House — Shrimp De Jonghe And Supper Club Relish Tray
Madison’s Harvey House at 644 W Washington Ave brings vintage supper club traditions into the twenty-first century without losing an ounce of charm.
Their shrimp de Jonghe-a retro Chicago-born dish of garlicky, buttery shrimp topped with herbed breadcrumbs-has become their signature offering.
The dish arrives bubbling hot from the oven, filling your corner of the dining room with an aroma that makes neighboring tables jealous.
Each plump shrimp is bathed in a sauce so rich you’ll want to soak up every drop with the crusty bread they provide.
The relish tray here gets a modern twist with seasonal vegetables and house-made pickles that taste nothing like the jarred stuff.
I remember my first visit here, expecting something stuffy, but finding instead a lively atmosphere where tradition meets creativity.
The Harvey House proves you can honor supper club history while adding your own contemporary flair.
Reservations fill up fast, especially on weekends when locals and visitors alike crave this elevated comfort food.
5. Jake’s Supper Club — Prime Rib And Hand-Cut Steaks
Overlooking the peaceful waters of Tainter Lake at E5690 County Rd D in Menomonie, Jake’s has earned its reputation one perfectly grilled steak at a time.
The prime rib here competes with the best in the state, boasting a peppery crust and a center that’s rosy and tender.
But what really sets Jake’s apart is their commitment to hand-cutting every single steak in-house, ensuring quality and consistency.
Watching the sun set over the lake while slicing into a ribeye feels like the Wisconsin experience distilled into one perfect moment.
The dining room strikes that ideal balance between casual and special-occasion fancy, making it perfect for both date nights and family gatherings.
Locals know to request a window table early, since those lakefront views are almost as satisfying as the food.
Jake’s also offers a Friday fish fry that draws crowds, but the steaks remain the true stars of the menu.
One bite explains why people drive from counties away just to dine here.
6. Buckhorn Supper Club — Lakefront Lobster Boils And Friday Fish Fry
Nestled along Lake Koshkonong in Milton, Buckhorn Supper Club transforms summer evenings into seafood celebrations with their famous lobster boils.
Picture long communal tables covered in newspaper, piled high with steaming lobsters, corn on the cob, and potatoes—pure Midwestern meets New England magic.
These seasonal events book up months in advance because nothing beats cracking open fresh lobster while watching boats drift by on the lake.
But Buckhorn doesn’t rest during the off-season-their Friday fish fry keeps the dining room packed year-round.
The fish is beer-battered to golden perfection, arriving with coleslaw, rye bread, and enough tartar sauce to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
My cousin swears the secret is in the batter recipe, which has supposedly remained unchanged for decades.
The casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
Buckhorn proves that great supper clubs know how to adapt their menus with the seasons while maintaining their core traditions.
7. Roepke’s Village Inn — Walleye Parmesan And Roast Duck
At W2686 Saint Charles Rd in Charlesburg near Chilton, Roepke’s Village Inn serves up a delicious collision of Wisconsin fish traditions and hearty German influences.
Their walleye parmesan takes the state’s favorite fish and gives it an Italian-inspired upgrade with a crispy breading and blanket of melted cheese.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why nobody thought of combining these flavors sooner.
The roast duck here rivals any in the state, prepared with techniques passed down through generations of German-American cooking.
Each bite delivers crispy skin that shatters at the touch of your fork, revealing succulent meat underneath.
Roepke’s has been a family operation for decades, and that personal touch shows in every carefully plated dish.
The dining room feels like visiting a relative’s house for Sunday dinner-warm, welcoming, and full of delicious smells.
Whether you choose the walleye or the duck, you’re experiencing the best of Wisconsin’s diverse culinary heritage on one plate.
8. Five O’Clock Steakhouse — Aged Steaks and Steakhouse Tradition
Milwaukee’s Five O’Clock Steakhouse at 2416 W State St has been charring steaks to perfection since 1946, making it a living piece of Wisconsin history.
The secret lies in their dry-aging process and impossibly hot broilers that create a caramelized crust you simply can’t replicate at home.
Walking into this place feels like time travel-the dim lighting, leather booths, and no-nonsense service transport you straight to mid-century America.
Every steak is hand-selected and aged on-site, developing those deep, complex flavors that steak enthusiasts travel across state lines to taste.
The char marks aren’t just for show-they add a smoky dimension that perfectly complements the rich, beefy flavor of properly aged meat.
I once watched a regular order his steak without even glancing at the menu, a testament to the consistency this place maintains.
Five O’Clock doesn’t chase trends or reinvent its menu-it simply does what it’s always done, exceptionally well.
For serious steak lovers, this Milwaukee institution remains the gold standard.
9. HOBNOB — Lake-View Fish Fry And Signature Ice Cream Drinks
Perched along Lake Michigan at 277 Sheridan Rd in Racine, HOBNOB delivers retro supper club vibes with a side of stunning water views.
Friday fish fry has achieved near-mythical status in southeastern Wisconsin, drawing crowds who line up well before the doors open.
The fish-your choice of cod, perch, or haddock-comes out golden and greaseless, with a light batter that lets the fish flavor shine through.
But what really sets HOBNOB apart are those towering ice cream drinks that look like dessert but count as beverages in supper club math.
These frosty concoctions arrive topped with mountains of whipped cream and a cherry, making you feel like a kid again with every sip.
The dining room’s vintage decor hasn’t changed much since the 1960s, and honestly, why would you mess with perfection.
Watching the waves roll in while working through a fish fry and ice cream drink defines the Wisconsin supper club experience.
HOBNOB proves that nostalgia tastes absolutely delicious when done right.
10. Marty’s Place North — Lake Perch And Towering Ice Cream Drinks
Up in the Northwoods at 2721 US-51 N in Arbor Vitae near Woodruff, Marty’s Place North serves the kind of comfort food that makes vacation memories stick.
Lake perch is the star here—delicate, sweet, and fried to a golden crisp that provides the perfect textural contrast to the tender fish inside.
Unlike some restaurants that skimp on portion sizes, Marty’s piles your plate high enough to satisfy even the hungriest fisherman after a day on the water.
The ice cream drinks here deserve their own fan club, arriving in glasses so tall they require two hands to lift safely.
These decadent creations blur the line between dessert and beverage, featuring premium ice cream blended into frosty perfection.
My family stops here every summer on our way to the cabin, and my dad still orders the same perch dinner he’s been getting for twenty years.
The Northwoods atmosphere-all knotty pine and mounted fish-creates that authentic up-north feeling city folks crave.
Marty’s reminds us that the best supper clubs combine great food with a sense of place.
11. River’s Bend Steak And Seafood — Broasted Chicken And River Views
Overlooking the water at 792 Riverview Dr in Green Bay, River’s Bend has been revived as a local favorite serving traditional supper club fare with a view.
While many Wisconsin supper clubs focus solely on steaks and seafood, River’s Bend proudly features broasted chicken as a menu highlight.
Broasting-a pressure-frying technique-produces chicken that’s incredibly juicy inside with a shatteringly crisp coating that regular frying just can’t match.
The process seals in moisture and flavor, creating what many consider the ultimate fried chicken experience.
Of course, the steaks here hold their own, grilled to order and served with classic supper club sides like baked potatoes and dinner rolls.
The riverfront setting adds a peaceful backdrop to your meal, especially during summer when you can watch boats cruise past your window.
River’s Bend represents the resilience of Wisconsin supper club culture-closed restaurants get new life when communities rally around beloved traditions.
Whether you choose the broasted chicken or a perfectly cooked steak, you’re supporting a piece of Green Bay’s dining heritage.