Are you on the hunt for the best supper clubs in Wisconsin? Supper clubs are more than a type of restaurant — they’re a part of the state’s cultural identity. They’re about more than just food; regulars at these establishments know that good company and conversation are as important as what you eat.
The typical supper club experience involves starting with a cocktail at the bar, giving your order to the host, and then proceeding to a table set with bread, salad, and a relish tray (olives, pickles, and peppers). The best Wisconsin supper clubs have a few more elements in common: dim, cozy interiors (think wood paneling and cushy booths), a killer cocktail menu, and the pre-appetizer relish tray.
Wisconsin has over 200 supper clubs, with Ishnala taking the spot of #1 (more on that one below). If you’re planning to visit a supper club in Wisconsin and really get a feel for these cornerstones of Wisconsin’s culinary culture, check in advance about any specific dress code. Many lean on the casual side, but some adhere to stricter attire: business casual or smart casual. When in doubt, wear a nice shirt or blouse and some freshly pressed slacks or a skirt!
Regardless of the vibe, you can’t go wrong with any supper club in Wisconsin, but here are the top 10 best supper clubs in Wisconsin if you want a truly authentic experience.
1. Ishnala Supper Club
Ishnala Supper Club is the best supper club in Wisconsin, so if you’ve only got time to visit one, this should be your top pick! It’s located near the city of Wisconsin Dells, within Mirror Lake State Park. In fact, the restaurant is at the end of a long, winding country road through forest and meadow to a cozy-looking, multi-story restaurant right on the banks of the lake.
The restaurant’s specialty dishes are food “from land and sea,” so expect lots of options for both seafood and meat. If you want to order their most popular dishes, try the prime-rib wrapped asparagus, the butterflied prawns, and escargot if you’re feeling fancy.
Ishnala’s doesn’t accept reservations and is quite popular, so calling ahead is a good idea. Otherwise, be prepared for a possible wait until a table is available! Fortunately, you can grab a drink at one of the three lounges in their Arrowhead Bar, with views out over Mirror Lake, to make the time go by enjoyably.
If you are looking for the best restaurants in Wisconsin Dells or even the best supper clubs in Wisconsin Dells, you will always see Ishnala on the list.
2. Roxy (Oshkosh)
The Roxy is a locally-owned supper club located in downtown Oshkosh. As soon as you set foot inside, even before being greeted by the friendly hostess, the warm and cozy decor will invite you in and immediately put you at ease.
With a menu that seems to go on forever, you’ll never be short on options. In fact, you might have a hard time choosing! Start with one of their many appetizers before your main course, and snack on oysters, steamed mussels, or classic Wisconsin bar food like cheese curds and homemade onion rings.
For dinner, choose from their Italian, seafood, sandwich, or stir-fry menu. The prime rib is among their most-ordered dishes, so if you’re looking for a suggestion, you can’t go wrong with that. Their wild rice is also very popular, as is the French onion soup (both vegetarian-friendly.)
3. Buckhorn Supper Club (Milton)
If a lakeside patio dinner sounds like something you’d enjoy, then the Buckhorn Supper Club in Milton would be our suggestion. It’s located on the banks of beautiful Lake Koshkonong, with a patio that overlooks the water.
They specialize in slow-roasted prime rib and steaks. In the summer months, stop by for one of their traditional lobster boils. And, of course, it’s not a supper club dinner without the classic drink in your hand: an Old Fashioned (choose from brandy or bourbon).
There is also a full kids’ menu, so there is no need to hire a babysitter for the night—bring the kiddos along for the ride. The whole family can enjoy a relaxing dinner in a warm, welcoming environment, and the views over the lake during dinnertime are the perfect backdrop. Not to mention, the sunsets are beautiful and add the perfect peaceful ambiance to your evening.
4. McGregor’s Blink Bonnie Supper Club
If you’re looking for a true Wisconsin experience in a cozy roadside bar and restaurant, thrumming with activity and the chatter of cozy, well-fed diners, McGregor’s Blink Bonnie Supper Club will surely fit the bill. It is always one of our favorite restaurants in Minocqua.
Sit up at the pinewood bar, decorated with handmade wood art and twinkling lights, and order a classic Old Fashioned while you wait for a table. Or, choose from their extensive selection of beers and sip a cold one while you chat.
The biggest draw of McGregor’s is the ambiance. This is a place that manages to be entirely authentic while still surpassing all your expectations for a Wisconsin supper club. But that doesn’t mean the food isn’t to die for. In fact, they are best known for their massive juicy steaks, which are served (still sizzling) in cast iron skillets right to your table.
Alternatively, try their walleye or trout dishes, pork chops, or the full rack of ribs. Regardless, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness will make you immediately want to come back.
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5. HobNob (Racine)
This supper club is perched on the shore of Lake Wisconsin between Racine and Kenosha. First opened in 1954, it’s older than many supper clubs in the state and, even with its classic 50s decor, still holds its own against newer establishments. Eating at HobNob is a true Wisconsin experience, and you won’t find a place more authentic than this.
There is an outdoor patio area perfect for summer nights, or you can reserve private dining areas for parties of 2 or more (great for large groups). There’s something for everyone on the menu, whether you’re hungry for steak, prime rib, or juicy seafood. The duck is particularly popular if you want to try something different!
And, of course, no meal is complete without a drink, whether it’s a glass of wine from their extensive wine list or one of their signature ice cream drinks. Check out their cocktail lounge on Friday and Saturday evenings for live music and entertainment to go with your pre-dinner drink.
6. Lehman’s Supper Club – Rice Lake
Dating back to 1934, Lehman’s Supper Club in Rice Lake is another one of the oldest supper clubs in Wisconsin. The simple and unassuming interior gives way to some of the best hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and pasta available in Northern Wisconsin.
This is about as traditional an experience as you can have, with all the classic fixings: relish trays, popovers, and refreshing Old Fashioned cocktails made fresh. Stay in the dining area for a full meal, or head over to the less formal bar side for a drink and some light snacks.
Looking for recommendations? The scallops, juicy steak, and prime rib are all seared to perfection. They also do a few more casual menu items, like sandwiches, soups, and salads. Not starving, but need something more substantial than an appetizer? Check out the menu section specifically dedicated to smaller servings for the less hungry.
7. 5 O’clock Milwaukee
Money Magazine called this one of the top ten steakhouses in the US, so this is a must-try if you’re looking for a dinner reservation on your trip. If you’re looking for a classic vibe and a truly authentic experience, don’t skip this one. It’s Milwaukee’s oldest supper club and one of the best steakhouses in Milwaukee.
Located in Milwaukee, 5 O’Clock Steakhouse serves up juicy grilled steaks, chops, and the freshest seared seafood. The lobster mac and cheese is a less traditional option but equally popular. In addition to their sprawling dinner menu and daily specials, they have a wide selection of beers, a wine list, a cocktail menu, and a dessert menu. There is also a private cocktail lounge for events if you are interested in an unforgettable experience with a bigger group.
For more great restaurants in Milwaukee, check out our top Milwaukee restaurant guide.
8. Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant
This is fine dining done the Wisconsin way. Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant in Sturgeon Bay is a dinner service restaurant open from 4 to 9 p.m. This supper club’s decor is a little more modern, with a beautiful forest lodge-inspired dining room and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto Lake Wisconsin’s Whitefish Bay. But one look at the menu will reassure you that this is still a classic supper club.
Traditional must-haves like seared steak, prime rib, and rack of lamb are aplenty. Most supper clubs offer steak add-ons, but only at Donny’s can you “gliddenize” it with a Merlot sauce, candied onions, and Gorgonzola.
Another unusual dish worth trying is the German Platter. It’s exactly what it sounds like, piled high with meatballs, sausages, schnitzel, dumplings, and sauerkraut.
9. Pinewood Supper Club (Mosinee)
Pinewood Supper Club is a family-owned restaurant on the shores of Halfmoon Lake along the Wisconsin River. Thanks to its perfect location, this is another spot with beautiful lakefront views.
The interiors are modest but inviting, not unlike a familiar cabin in the woods that will put you at ease from the moment you set foot inside. They’ve kept many parts of the original building, which dates back to the early 1900s, like the stone fireplace and the pinewood ceiling beams that gave the restaurant its name.
Open exclusively for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Pinewood Supper Club is one of the few remaining supper clubs in the area. Their steaks are juicy and seared to perfection, while other classics like French onion soup and stuffed salmon are equally worth trying. Swing by on a Friday to try their famous Friday Fish Fry, a favorite meal among restaurant regulars.
Interested in trying something really different? The marinated, breaded, and deep-fried gator tail balls make a great appetizer to any meal.
10. Schwarz’s Supper Club (New Holstein)
Casual dining and great food — that’s at the heart of Schwarz’s Supper Club. This modest restaurant has a strong reputation in the community and is a popular hangout for locals, and despite its popularity, they don’t take reservations. So, expect a wait for a table on a busy night—not a problem when you’ve got an Old Fashioned in one hand or a glass of wine from their impressive wine list.
Of course, the ambiance isn’t the only thing that makes Schwarz’s a winning supper club. The stellar reviews speak for themselves. The food here is cooked to perfection and served in the classic supper club way while maintaining a vibe that appeals to guests of all ages: a classic-meets-modern dining experience that appeals to everyone.
It’s hard to single out any one thing from their menu. But there’s a reason you’ll see so many tables ordering the juicy, tender, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib or the whole broasted chicken. And if you’ve got room left for dessert, it’s hard to turn down a traditional ice cream drink.