There is no better way to experience the state’s rich culture and hospitality than by dining at a classic Wisconsin supper club. These beloved restaurants offer warm hospitality, handcrafted cocktails and locally sourced meals that showcase the best of Wisconsin products.
What is a supper club?
A supper club is a uniquely Wisconsin dining experience. Originally emerging in the 1920s and 1930s as prohibition-era speakeasies or social clubs, these restaurants evolved into family-owned establishments known for their classic cocktails, leisurely atmosphere and exceptional meals and service.
A strong yearning for connection and community, especially in rural Wisconsin, has kept the supper club tradition alive for generations. One of the things that makes Wisconsin supper clubs special is their deep connection to the local community. Many of these iconic restaurants source their ingredients from nearby dairy farms, cattle ranches and fisheries, ensuring that visitors enjoy the freshest flavors Wisconsin has to offer.
What to expect at a Supper Club?
Here’s our guide to everything you need to know for your first visit to a Wisconsin supper club.
When you arrive, check in with the host or hostess.
Grab a seat and a drink in the bar area.
Be prepared for a wait between arriving and dining – it’s all part of the experience! Arrive early for a cocktail at the bar while you wait for a table. We recommend the classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned.
Order your dinner and find your table number.
Expect hand-cut steaks, prime rib, Friday fish specials, broasted chicken and relish trays filled with local cheeses, pickles and spreads. Your server will let you know when it’s time to be seated and point you to your table.
Enjoy your dinner!
Wisconsin supper clubs encourage slow dining, where the meal is as much about the company as the food.
Try an after-dinner ice cream cocktail.
Support Wisconsin dairy farmers by trying a grasshopper, brandy alexander or pink squirrel to cap off your Wisconsin supper club experience.
Our Favorite Wisconsin Supper Clubs
Check out our recommendations for our favorite Wisconsin supper club experiences. Hungry for more? Explore our Prime Rib Trail for fan-favorite recommendations.
Schwarz’s Supper Club, St. Anna
Located in the Supper Club Capital of the Midwest®, Schwarz’s specializes in steaks and fresh seafood. Get creative with your table name – it will be announced to the whole bar when your table is ready!
Frederick’s Supper Club, Milton
Known for a casual yet refined atmosphere, Fredrick’s Supper Club is a charming gem in downtown Milton. Fredrick’s is known for its 22-hour slow-roasted prime rib, and diners rave about its level of tenderness. This is a nostalgic, must-try, classic supper club that will leave you wanting more!
The Del-Bar, Wisconsin Dells
Award-winning food and rich history greet you at the door of The Del-Bar in Wisconsin Dells. Three generations of the Wimmer family have made The Del-Bar a culinary tradition of the Dells area. It has been recognized with numerous awards from Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison and OpenTable.
Jake’s Supper Club, Menomonie
Everything about Jake’s Supper Club in Menomonie is premier. From its scratch kitchen to its Tainter Lake views, you’re sure to be in awe after a bite at Jake’s. This spot features your classic supper club fare and drinks
Lehman’s Supper Club, Rice Lake
Lehman’s Supper Club in Rice Lake has been family-run for four generations. Since 1934, Lehman’s has served a robust menu that brings a sense of nostalgia to the Rice Lake area. No stranger to Wisconsin traditions, this supper club features a full service cocktail lounge that is perfect for catching Packers and Badgers games in the fall.
Supper clubs invite you to slow down, sip an Old Fashioned and savor a meal made with fresh ingredients from Wisconsin farms. From hand-cut steaks and prime rib to the iconic Friday night fish fry, every dish reflects the flavors of America’s Dairyland. We hope you enjoy your Wisconsin supper club experience!