Supper club tradition runs deep in Wisconsin. Built on family, fish fry and Old Fashioneds, they’re our gathering places, clubs where everyone is welcome, the likes of which you can’t find just anywhere.
If you like your dinner with a view, you’re in luck: each of these clubs are right on the water and boast some truly stunning sights of the state’s natural beauty. Sit down, stay a while, and enjoy the view at these nine scenic supper clubs on Wisconsin lakes.
Ishnala – Wisconsin Dells
Inside Mirror Lake State Park, tucked between pines, is a unique supper club with lovely and elevated lakefront views. A little teepee and walkway torches are reminders of century-old history, when the property was a trading stop for Native Americans. Their most popular cocktail, the Chief Ishnala, was created 60-some years ago. Ishnala is open May to October and does not take reservations.
Blanck’s Lake Aire Supper Club – Fond du Lac
Steps from the western shore of Lake Winnebago is Blanck’s Lake Aire Supper Club, the newer of two supper clubs that the Blanck family began operating in the 1950s. Now a third generation is involved, serving pork belly tacos as well as thick rib eyes. Linger on the patio, which is heated or air-conditioned as needed.
What began as a log resort in 1894 now has walls of windows that face Silver Lake. An outdoor beach bar operates in summer, and regional musicians perform in the indoor lounge. Besides views of natural beauty, at this supper club look for splashy wall murals, warm décor and their iconic greeter – six-foot-tall Boris the Bull, a statue added in the 1960s.
The Copper Dock – Hubertus
The coppery hue of Freiss Lake’s sunset is like a beacon for boaters and others to enjoy the relaxed waterfront dining at the Copper Dock, just five miles from the basilica on Holy Hill. Musicians perform on the deck seasonally, on Wednesdays, the same night their local-favorite snow crab special is served. Look for more delicious specials on other days, too.
Gib’s on the Lake – Kewaunee
Nestled between cornfields and Lake Michigan is Gib’s, where nearly all diners get a Great Lake view. This prime piece of rural real estate was merely a bar and grill in the 1920s. When three sisters took over for a while, their initials spelled G-I-B. Now, Gib’s serves a variety of mouth-watering dishes: high-quality steaks and ribs, pasta made fresh daily, Friday Fish Fry, and try classic German dishes on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Donny's Glidden Lodge – Sturgeon Bay
Tucked back in the woods, this charming supper club is the perfect place to unwind with a lakeside drink overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. Dine outside on the patio or inside the cozy stone cottage and treat yourself to their extensive menu of traditional supper club fare: steaks, prime rib, and fish fry are all regular specials.
Maiden Lake Supper Club – Mountain
Arrive by auto, boat and seaplane for broiled or coated walleye, prepared by the same family for over three decades, at Maiden Lake Supper Club. Settle onto the three-level deck for a gander at beautiful Maiden Lake in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Reservations are encouraged.
Pinewood Supper Club – Mosinee
Picture windows in the high-rafter dining room at Pinewood frame Half Moon Lake, but that is not the most unusual feature at this woodsy supper club. Check out the mascots: a herd of fainting goats, whose munching reduces landfill waste. The animals also fertilize the supper club’s numerous flowerbeds.
Sunset Bay Supper Club - Phillips
The flag out front says “Welcome, friends.” And it’s the truth — visitors rave about the friendly service at Sunset Bay Supper Club. The sunset views over Solberg Lake are breathtaking from this neighborly hang out. For the pasta lovers: each Sunday at Sunset Bay features a different Italian special.
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