7 Wisconsin Supper Clubs That Miss The Mark & 7 That Stay Timeless
Wisconsin supper clubs are legendary for hearty meals, cozy atmospheres, and old-fashioned charm, but not every club lives up to the reputation.
Some leave diners disappointed with lackluster dishes or tired vibes, while others consistently deliver comfort, flavor, and a sense of tradition that keeps patrons returning.
Exploring these spots reveals which clubs have stood the test of time and which ones fail to capture the magic, showing that supper club success is all about heart and taste.
1. Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club
Trying too hard to be trendy, Buckatabon feels more like a supper club theme park than the real deal. The Northwoods-inspired decor looks straight out of a catalog rather than accumulated over decades of history.
Their relish trays lack imagination, and the cocktails come with unnecessary flourishes.
What should be comfortable nostalgia instead feels like an Instagram-ready replica missing the authentic charm that makes true supper clubs special.
2. River’s Bend
Gone are the days when River’s Bend delivered consistent quality. Recent visits reveal overcooked steaks and underwhelming fish frys that would make your grandparents shake their heads in disappointment.
Service has become rushed and impersonal, a far cry from the warm hospitality that defined this once-beloved establishment.
The prices keep climbing while portion sizes shrink, leaving loyal patrons wondering what happened to their favorite riverside retreat.
3. Lehman’s Supper Club
Resting on decades-old laurels, Lehman’s hasn’t updated their menu since the Carter administration.
The once-charming wood paneling now just looks tired, and the lighting is so dim you might mistake your prime rib for chicken.
Cocktails arrive watered down, and the famous relish tray features vegetables that clearly came from a can.
Most disappointing is the service – distracted staff who seem annoyed when you ask for recommendations or dare to request extra butter.
4. Silvercryst Supper Club & Resort
Silvercryst suffers from an identity crisis – is it a resort, a bar, or a restaurant? The confused concept results in mediocre execution across the board.
Food arrives lukewarm after long waits, and the once-famous prime rib now resembles something you’d find in a hotel buffet.
The lakeside views remain stunning, but they’re not enough to compensate for bland food and disorganized service that leaves you checking your watch repeatedly.
5. Toby’s Supper Club
Walking into Toby’s feels like stepping into a time capsule – and not in the good way. The menu desperately needs innovation beyond the same tired offerings they’ve served for decades.
The salad bar wilts under fluorescent lighting, and the signature steaks arrive consistently overcooked.
Locals still defend it fiercely, but nostalgia only goes so far when your baked potato arrives cold and your cocktail tastes like it was mixed in a kiddie pool.
6. 5 O’Clock Club
Despite its promising name, the 5 O’Clock Club delivers disappointment right on schedule.
Their once-famous fish fry now tastes like it came from the freezer section, and the brandy old fashioneds lack that muddled magic that defines Wisconsin’s signature cocktail.
Pewaukee Lake views can’t compensate for uninspired food served by staff who seem perpetually rushed.
The dining room’s dated decor might qualify as retro if it weren’t so obviously neglected rather than preserved.
7. Chissy’s Pub & Grille
Chissy’s identity crisis leaves diners confused – is it a sports bar or a supper club? The blaring TVs and piped-in music destroy any chance of the intimate atmosphere that makes supper clubs special.
Menu items arrive inconsistently prepared, with steaks ranging from raw to hockey-puck status depending on the night.
The relish tray features sad carrot sticks and ranch dressing from a bottle. What could be charming small-town hospitality instead feels like a chain restaurant with an identity problem.
8. Ishnala Supper Club
Perched dramatically over Mirror Lake, Ishnala offers breathtaking views that complement perfectly executed classics. The pine-paneled dining room exudes authentic Northwoods charm without trying too hard.
Their brandy old fashioneds remain the gold standard – properly muddled with just the right balance of sweet and sour.
Prime rib arrives exactly as ordered, accompanied by a relish tray featuring house-pickled vegetables. Generations of families return year after year, proving some traditions deserve preservation.
9. HobNob
Commanding Lake Michigan views since 1954, HobNob combines mid-century glamour with hearty Wisconsin hospitality.
The circular dining room offers panoramic lake views that change with the seasons – crashing waves in fall, ice formations in winter.
Their relish trays feature house-made pickles and local cheese spreads. Steaks arrive with perfect char marks, while the fish fry draws crowds from both Wisconsin and Illinois.
Most impressive is how they maintain tradition while subtly updating classics to keep things fresh.
10. Buckhorn Supper Club
Nestled alongside Lake Koshkonong, Buckhorn delivers sunset views that alone justify the drive. Family-owned for generations, they’ve maintained quality through changing times without sacrificing character.
Their signature prime rib draws devotees from hours away, arriving perfectly pink and accompanied by yorkshire pudding.
The bar area hums with conversation rather than blaring TVs, and bartenders remember regulars’ preferences without prompting.
Even first-timers receive the warm welcome typically reserved for longtime patrons.
11. Pinewood Supper Club
Overlooking Half Moon Lake, Pinewood balances rustic charm with refined cuisine that exceeds expectations.
The knotty pine interior feels authentic rather than staged, accumulated over decades rather than installed all at once.
Bartenders craft proper ice cream drinks without eye-rolling at these labor-intensive classics.
The menu features expected supper club fare but executed with care – house-cut steaks, properly broiled fish, and sides that aren’t afterthoughts.
Year-round, the fireplace creates an atmosphere that makes you want to linger over one more brandy alexander.
12. Duck Inn Supper Club
Hidden down country roads near Delavan, Duck Inn rewards those who make the journey with unpretentious excellence.
Their namesake roast duck arrives crispy-skinned and fall-off-the-bone tender, a recipe unchanged for generations.
The bar buzzes with conversation between farmers, lawyers, and everyone between, all drawn by properly made cocktails and generous pours.
Servers know the menu intimately and offer honest recommendations. The building’s quirky layout reveals its evolution from roadhouse to institution, each room telling part of its nearly century-long story.
13. Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant
Perched on Lake Michigan’s Door County shoreline, Donny’s stone exterior promises substance over flash – a promise the kitchen delivers on. Their European-trained chef elevates supper club classics without making them unrecognizable.
Steaks arrive with perfect temperature gradients and sides that receive equal attention. The wine list surprises with thoughtful selections beyond the expected.
Most memorable is how they maintain formal service traditions without stuffiness – napkins refolded when you leave the table, crumbs swept between courses.
14. The Packing House
Proving supper clubs can thrive in urban settings, The Packing House has anchored its Milwaukee neighborhood since 1974.
Friday fish fry draws lines out the door, but regulars know to come for the prime rib that rivals any rural supper club.
Live piano music creates the perfect backdrop for conversation rather than competing with it. The cocktail program respects tradition while offering subtle contemporary touches.
Most impressive is how they maintain consistency despite high volume – each plate arrives as if prepared for the only table in the restaurant.