Ask any Wisconsin family about Friday night plans, and there is a good chance the answer involves a supper club, a relish tray, and a long wait in the front lounge. These roadside dining rooms have been feeding small towns for generations, and the best ones still make their Old Fashioneds by hand, muddled the slow way instead of poured from a shortcut bottle.
The seven clubs below stretch from the Mississippi River bluffs to the Lake Geneva shoreline, each with its own reason to make the trip. Save this list for your next weekend drive, and maybe send it to the person in your family who still orders the same thing every single time.
1. Schwarz’s Supper Club, New Holstein, WI
Muddling matters here. At Schwarz’s, the Old Fashioned is built the proper way, with the ingredients worked together in the glass rather than splashed in from a premade bottle.
That attention to detail is a big reason this east-central Wisconsin spot is often mentioned among the top tier of supper clubs in the state. It sits out on Sheboygan Road in rural New Holstein, the kind of drive that makes the meal feel earned.
The setup is a little different from most places. You get your menu in the lounge area, order while you wait, and then head to the dining room when your table is ready.
Plan for that wait, because Schwarz’s does not take reservations, and Saturday evenings are the busiest stretch of the week. Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are the quieter windows if you prefer an easier visit.
On the plate, think big steaks, a salad bar, and the Prime Rib for 2, which is exactly what it sounds like. The dining room has a historic, homey look that fits the nostalgic reputation.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, with the doors opening as early as 2:30 PM on Sundays. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed, and a kids’ menu makes it an easy pick for multi-generation suppers.
2. The Sky Club Supper Club, Plover, WI
Here is a souvenir most restaurants never think to offer. At The Sky Club in Plover, you can buy a bottle of the house Old Fashioned mix to take home and try at your own kitchen table.
The mix exists because the drink is a point of pride. The service around it is old-school and polished, with a staff that knows the menu well and keeps things moving.
The dining room leans classic, complete with a fireplace and a long-standing supper club look. It manages to feel both casual and a little dressed-up at the same time.
Steaks and seafood anchor the menu, backed by a salad bar. Start with the Rudolf Cheese Curds, a fitting opener in a state that takes its curds seriously.
Reservations are accepted and recommended for dinner, especially on Friday evenings, which draw the biggest crowds. Weeknights tend to be calmer if you want a slower meal.
The club opens at 4 PM Tuesday through Sunday and stays closed on Mondays. A private dining room and catering make it a common choice for group gatherings in the Stevens Point area.
3. Arthur’s Supper Club, Spring Green, WI
Spring Green is known for its theater and rolling Driftless hills, but Highway 14 has its own draw. Arthur’s is an old-school institution with prices that stay friendly, often landing in the $20 to $30 range per person.
The appeal is the full ritual. You start with an Old Fashioned up front, then move on to steak, salmon, or another classic plate in the dining room.
Broasted chicken and prime rib are part of the lineup, which is standard Wisconsin supper club fare done the familiar way. A soup and salad bar rounds out the meal.
The room has a slightly quirky personality, along with a fireplace and a relaxed pace. Arthur’s also offers outdoor seating, a nice bonus during summer road trips through Sauk County.
I like this one for travelers who want a real supper club without big-city prices. Reservations are accepted, and Friday and Saturday evenings fill up first.
Doors open at 4 PM Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so time your Driftless drive accordingly.
4. Sullivan’s Supper Club, Trempealeau, WI
Few supper clubs come with a Mississippi River view, and fewer add an Irish twist. Sullivan’s sits along the river in Trempealeau, with a large outdoor deck that makes the scenery part of the meal.
Inside, the vintage supper club setting is what you would hope for from a traditional Wisconsin spot. Expect a fireplace, an extensive lounge menu, and Old Fashioneds made with care.
Steaks are a highlight, and the salad bar gets plenty of attention too. There is even a Kid’s Salad Bar option, plus a Salad Bar Only choice for lighter appetites.
One handy detail sets Sullivan’s apart. The club offers a shuttle service for nearby guests, which makes it easier for visitors staying in the area.
The schedule is a little unusual, so double-check before you go. It is closed Wednesdays, and Sunday service starts early at 11:30 AM, while other days open in the evening.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners. Live music and a private dining room make it a popular gathering place for family get-togethers.
5. The Duck Inn Supper Club, Delavan, WI
With a name like The Duck Inn, you can probably guess the signature. This Delavan supper club specializes in duck, served with perfectly crispy skin.
The rest of the menu reads like a supper club greatest hits list. Prime rib and trout almondine share space with the duck, and grasshoppers show up on the dessert side of the evening.
The Old Fashioned is treated as part of a complete experience. From the first glass to the after-dinner treat, every classic step is covered.
The setting is rural Walworth County, out on Highway 89 in a country location. Inside, the look is historic and old-style, with a fireplace adding to the upscale feel.
Reservations are recommended, and there is usually a wait anyway, especially on Fridays. Weekday afternoons are the quieter times.
Thoughtful touches stand out here, including a braille menu and changing tables for families. The club is closed Tuesdays and opens at noon on Sundays.
6. Club 23, Wisconsin Dells, WI
After a day of water parks and Dells crowds, a quiet rustic supper club starts to sound pretty great. Club 23 sits on Highway 23, offering a calmer kind of Wisconsin Dells evening.
The Old Fashioneds here have a reputation for being both tasty and strong. Seating at the lounge counter comes with attentive service, so it is an easy spot to wait for your table.
Portions are huge, so come hungry or plan on leftovers. The menu sticks to traditional American supper club meals.
A fireplace and rustic decor set the mood without feeling fussy. The overall atmosphere stays casual and comfortable, and the wait staff keeps things friendly.
Pay close attention to the calendar. Club 23 is open only Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 PM, so Sunday visitors will need a backup plan.
Reservations are accepted, and Friday evenings are the busiest. A kids’ menu and free parking make it simple for families coming off a Dells vacation day.
7. Brandy’s Old Fashioned Supper Club & Cocktails, Lake Geneva, WI
Some places hint at their specialty. This one put it right on the sign, naming itself after the drink Wisconsin is famous for.
The Old Fashioned is the house signature, and it gets backed up by hearty comfort food. Prime rib and broasted chicken lead the menu, and the French onion soup is a strong way to start.
The setting captures the nostalgia of a true supper club, even though it sits in a busy vacation area. You will find it on South Lake Shore Drive in Lake Geneva.
Hours run later than most clubs on this list. It opens at 4 PM daily and stays open until midnight Thursday through Saturday, a nice option for late arrivals.
Reservations are recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings. Early weekdays tend to be the calmest.
Families are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu on hand. If you want a classic supper club night to wrap up a lake weekend, this stop fits neatly into the plan, and it is a fitting final round for any Wisconsin supper club road trip.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.