What is a Wisconsin Supper Club?

The Story Behind Wisconsin's Iconic Supper Clubs

When we talk about a true Wisconsin tradition, nothing captures it better than a night spent at a Wisconsin supper club. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the atmosphere, the history, and the people. Whether you’re sipping brandy old fashioneds with guests at the bar or swapping stories with locals while waiting for your prime rib, supper clubs are where Midwest memories are made.

From the first supper club opened in the 1930s to today’s booming revival, these clubs continue to serve up more than just dinner—they serve soul.

Key Takeaways

• Wisconsin supper clubs originated during Prohibition as secretive social venues prioritizing alcohol over food.
• They evolved into community hubs, offering a cozy, nostalgic dining experience with vintage decor.
• Supper clubs are integral to rural communities, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Signature offerings include the iconic Brandy Old Fashioned and the Friday Night Fish Fry tradition.
• They attract new generations with authentic, timeless dining experiences, blending nostalgia with local charm.

What Is a Supper Club?

Not Your Average Restaurant

At first glance, a supper club might seem like any other restaurant, but dig a little deeper and you’ll see what sets it apart. Typically located in rural areas, a Wisconsin supper club feels like visiting a long-lost friend’s cozy cabin. There’s something timeless about their silky wall fabrics, dim lighting, and warm wood-paneled interiors.

Many still use tables from decades ago, where diners enjoy hearty Midwestern fare in a room echoing with laughter, clinking glasses, and live music. These aren’t places to rush in and out of. Supper clubs invite you to linger.

The Full Wisconsin Supper Club Experience

Here’s what a typical evening at a Wisconsin Supper Club looks like:

• You arrive early for cocktail hour at the bar, greeted with a brandy old fashioned (sweet or sour? That’s the real debate).
• You’re served relish trays at your table, featuring cheese, pickles, and olives.
• Your dinner might include potato options like baked or au gratin, and a cut of prime rib that melts in your mouth.
• End it all with ice cream drinks like the classic Grasshopper or Brandy Alexander.
• Don't forget to celebrate the tradition with SUPP gear!

A Slice of History

Prohibition and the Birth of the Supper Club

The history of Wisconsin's supper clubs traces back to Prohibition. In that era, hidden speakeasies operated quietly throughout the Midwest. Once the alcohol ban was lifted, many of these secret spots blossomed into full-fledged supper clubs.

One of the first supper clubs was established in Chicago, offering a place where patrons could drink, dine, and even enjoy rooftop dancing under the stars. This format quickly spread northward to Wisconsin, where it was embraced and elevated into a cherished institution.

Many historic clubs still display quirky artifacts, like bullet holes in the wall from bygone eras—offering guests a literal peek into the past.

Post-War Popularity

By the mid-20th century, supper clubs became the go-to weekend outing for families and couples alike. Think summer nights spent near the lake, the glow of neon signs lighting up the parking lot. The idea was simple: come for the cocktail, stay for the food, leave with a full belly and full heart.

Post-WWII America saw people traveling more by car, making supper clubs attractive destinations. Whether you were coming from Lambeau Field, Hollywood, or even London, the supper club offered that nostalgic, small-town embrace.

Why Wisconsin?

Dairyland Meets Dinner Tradition

So, why did Wisconsin become the supper club capital of the world? It’s a combination of local pride, strong agricultural roots, and a deep love for brandy, cheese, and hospitality.

When you visit a Wisconsin supper club, you’re not just stopping for a bite. You’re stepping into a tradition where everything—right down to the salad and cheese trays—is served with heart. Whether you’re seated at a table overlooking a lake or warming up near a fireplace, it’s about more than the meal—it’s about feeling at home.

Inside the Supper Club Vibe

Rustic Charm and Vintage Décor

Expect vintage everything: silky wall fabrics, moose heads, retro bar stools, and beer signs older than you. These places ooze charm and nostalgia. Each supper club tells a story, from the antique store furniture to the hand-painted murals behind the bar.

Some even have their own legends, like celebrity visits or events where couples danced into the night under glittering chandeliers.

The Bar Is the Beating Heart

Before dinner, you stop at the bar. It’s an unspoken rule. This is where patrons catch up, order their brandy old fashioneds, and debate whether to go with fish fry or steak.

It’s not just a place for drinks—it’s a social hub, a place where first dates, family reunions, and even business deals unfold.

Classic Supper Club Menu Staples

The Beloved Relish Tray

A signature start to your meal, the relish tray is as Midwestern as it gets. Expect:

• Celery, carrots, and radishes
• Cheese spreads
• Pickles, green olives (sometimes blue-cheese stuffed!)
• Rye crackers

These trays build anticipation for the feast ahead, and sometimes they’re so good you nearly forget about the main course.

The Legendary Friday Fish Fry

If you ask anyone what day to visit a Wisconsin supper club, they’ll say Friday. Why? The Friday fish fry. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a weekly event. Usually featuring:

• Beer-battered cod, smelt, or perch
• Tartar sauce, lemon wedges
• Potato pancakes, fries, or coleslaw
• Slices of rye bread

This beloved tradition ties generations together around the table, week after week.

Prime Rib Nights

Reserved for weekends, prime rib nights are legendary. Whether you go queen cut or king cut, it’s served with au jus, creamy horseradish, and often a basket of bread.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a table by the window on one of those unforgettable summer nights.

The Role of Community

More Than a Meal – A Gathering

A supper club is often the center of a small-town’s social life. Locals and tourists alike visit to share meals, celebrate milestones, and take part in ongoing tradition. There’s always someone celebrating a birthday or anniversary at the bar.

It’s where diners from Chicago, New York, and beyond come to reconnect with Wisconsin roots and share in the experience.

Supper Clubs in Every Corner of Wisconsin

Northern Charm

Up north, you’ll find clubs tucked away near pine forests and lakes, ideal for weekend getaways. Some even have stories of mobsters hiding out—yes, with real bullet holes to prove it!

Milwaukee’s Take

Closer to Lambeau Field and urban areas, places like Five O’Clock Steakhouse blend old-school vibes with upscale flair.

Southern Comfort

In places like Lake Delton, clubs such as Ishnala offer lakeside dining with views that feel straight out of a postcard. Perfect for a night under the stars—and maybe a little rooftop dancing.

Famous Supper Clubs and Icons

Ron Faiola’s Documentation

No one has captured the supper club experience better than Ron Faiola. Through books, films, and interviews, he has preserved the iconic supper club's history and told the stories of these beloved Wisconsin gems, keeping their legacy alive for new generations of diners.

Finding Supper Clubs with SUPP App

Ever wondered how to effortlessly find the perfect Wisconsin supper club to visit tonight? Try SUPP App to find your next supper club adventure!

With the SUPP App, you’ll discover a world of supper clubs offering the best Brandy Old Fashioneds and ice cream drinks. Immerse yourself in a community where dinner is more than a meal—it’s an experience.

Use the app’s location-based search to find nearby gems and create a "Favorites" list to plan your ultimate supper club tour. Whether you’re exploring Wisconsin’s hidden spots or revisiting beloved classics, SUPP guarantees you belong to a tradition-rich dining culture.

Rate and remember your favorites, building a "Go-To" list that captures your cherished memories, making every visit feel like coming home. Embrace the supper club legacy today!

Tips for First-Time Visitors To A Supper Club

• Arrive to the supper club early to enjoy a drink at the bar.
• Don’t skip the relish tray.
• Embrace the tradition—order the prime rib or fish fry.
• Dress casually but respectfully—it’s a social space.
• Save room for ice cream drinks.

Wisconsin Supper Clubs During the Holidays

Lights, garland, and festive music add an extra layer of Supper Club magic during:

• Christmas
• New Year’s Eve
• Valentine’s Day

Seasonal menus offer unique drinks, desserts, and reasons to gather around the table.

Why We Love Supper Clubs

From Wisconsin to London, supper clubs offer something rare: unpretentious, joyful dining rooted in tradition. They give patrons a place to reconnect, slow down, and indulge in the flavors of the Midwest.

They’re not just restaurants—they’re stories in motion, chapters written in brandy and laughter.

Supper Clubs in the Digital Age

Today’s supper clubs blend old and new. Some have Instagram-worthy cocktails, others offer online reservations. Yet all hold fast to the same values: comfort, community, and a damn good brandy old fashioned.

A Timeless Wisconsin Tradition

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, a Wisconsin supper club welcomes you like an old friend. With cocktails, comfort food, and classic charm, it’s the kind of place you tell your friends about—no matter if they’re from Hollywood or York.

Conclusion: Let’s Keep the Supper Club Spirit Alive

From relish trays to rooftop memories, supper clubs are woven into the heart of Wisconsin. So next time you’re planning dinner, skip the chain restaurant. Go where tradition, community, and a good brandy old fashioned still matter. Go to a supper club.

FAQs

1. What is the best night to visit a Wisconsin supper club?

Friday is the top supper club day or night to visit, thanks to the iconic Friday fish fry.

2. What’s a relish tray?

A pre-meal sampler served at the table, featuring items like cheese, pickles, and crackers.

3. Are supper clubs only found in rural areas?

Mostly, yes. But some cities like Milwaukee and Green Bay also have gems worth visiting.

4. Who is Ron Faiola?

An author and filmmaker who has documented the rich history of Wisconsin supper clubs.

5. Can I get ice cream drinks at all supper clubs?

Most supper clubs offer favorites like the Grasshopper, especially during the summer and holidays.