Tucked along Pewaukee Lake, the 5 O’Clock Club serves the kind of Wisconsin comfort that keeps locals coming back. That perch fish fry has a following, and for good reason: crisp, golden, perfectly seasoned, and served with all the right fixings. Whether you are chasing sunset views or a classic supper club vibe, this spot checks every box. Come hungry, leave happy, and start planning the next visit on the drive home.
Legendary Perch Fish Fry
The perch fish fry is the headliner, and it arrives hot, crisp, and whisper light. Each filet breaks with a clean snap, revealing tender flakes that taste like the lake breeze right outside the window. You get lemon wedges, tangy tartar, and just enough salt to make every bite shine.
Expect classic sides that feel like a Friday ritual. Coleslaw brings crunch, rye bread adds tradition, and fries or potato pancakes seal the deal. You will catch yourself slowing down to savor the last crumbs of golden breading.
It is worth the drive because it feels familiar yet carefully crafted. This is Wisconsin supper club soul, plated with pride.
Supper Club Atmosphere
The moment you step inside, the room wraps you in wood tones, warm lighting, and lake views that soften every edge. Voices hum, ice clinks, and a friendly host greets you like a regular. It is timeless in the best way, the kind of place that makes you settle in and relax.
Tables are set with care and the bar glows like a beacon. There is a story in every framed photo and every knot in the paneling. You feel the Wisconsin supper club lineage from the first sip to the last bite.
Come before sunset for the gold across the water. Stay after for that unhurried contentment you will carry home.
Old Fashioned Cocktails
An Old Fashioned belongs in your hand here, whether you lean sweet, sour, or press. The bartender builds it with care, muddling just enough and balancing whiskey or brandy with a bright citrus kiss. Cherry and orange garnish pop against the amber glass.
It pairs beautifully with fried perch or a juicy prime rib. Sip slowly and let the conversation find its rhythm. This is not rushed drinking, it is ritual.
If you are new, ask for a recommendation and watch the pour. The Old Fashioned becomes the evening’s metronome. Balanced, familiar, and exactly what the supper club mood calls for.
Lakeside Views And Vibes
Pewaukee Lake spreads out like a painted backdrop through the windows, reflecting sunset in shifting ribbons. Boats glide by and the shoreline lights flicker on as dinner unfolds. The view turns an ordinary meal into a small celebration.
Grab a seat near the glass or pause by the water before ordering. The breeze carries a hint of pine and grill smoke. It is a gentle reminder to breathe and enjoy the moment.
Photo ops abound, from golden hour to twilight blues. You will leave with full plates and fuller camera rolls. Honestly, the lake makes everything taste a little better.
Friday Night Tradition
Friday at the 5 O’Clock Club feels like a hometown holiday. The door swings, the bar fills, and the fryer sings. You will meet neighbors you have not met yet and trade smiles in the hallway.
The rhythm is predictable and comforting. Fish plates parade out, rye bread stacks vanish, and laughs linger like steam over a hot plate. If you grew up here, it is memory. If you did not, it becomes one fast.
Make a reservation or arrive early to snag the best spot. Relax into the pace, enjoy the buzz, and let tradition take the lead. This is why locals keep coming back.
Potato Pancakes And Fixings
Potato pancakes arrive crisp at the edges and tender inside, fried to a deep bronze that crackles when you cut in. A side of applesauce cools the heat with gentle sweetness. If you like savory, a swipe of sour cream is the move.
They sit beautifully next to perch or walleye, soaking up lemon and tartar drips. Every bite tastes like Wisconsin comfort in perfect balance. You will be tempted to order a second round.
Ask for extra napkins and do not skip the last crunchy corner. These pancakes carry their own spotlight. Simple ingredients, well executed, and delicious with a cold beer.
Service With Heart
The team here knows how to read a table. Water stays full, plates land hot, and you get honest menu guidance without the sales pitch. It feels like they want you to have your best night, not just a good one.
Ask about specials or the freshest catch and you will get a straight answer. Timing is smooth even when the room is hopping. Smiles are real and names are remembered.
That personal touch turns a meal into a memory. You feel seen, not rushed. It is hospitality the old fashioned way, and it keeps the whole experience humming.
Prime Rib And Steaks
When the craving leans red meat, the prime rib steps in with juicy confidence. Sliced thick, rosy in the center, and paired with au jus that deepens every bite, it satisfies. Steaks come seasoned and seared for that craveable crust.
Order a baked potato with a mountain of butter or choose seasonal veggies for balance. The kitchen respects the classics and cooks them right. You will appreciate the steady hand at the grill.
It is the perfect fallback if someone at your table is not into fish. Either way, you win. Pair with a robust pour and enjoy the quiet nods around the table.
Homestyle Starters
Kick things off with cheese curds that squeak and stretch, lightly battered and irresistible. A crock of French onion soup arrives bubbling, capped with molten cheese that begs for a spoon. Shrimp cocktail keeps it classic with zippy sauce.
These starters set an easy tone for sharing. You taste the kitchen’s confidence in the simple details. Salt, crunch, and warmth dial your appetite in perfectly.
Order a couple for the table and pace yourself. The mains are generous, but these bites are worth the room. You will appreciate the way they preview the meal ahead.
Local Roots And Ingredients
The menu leans into Wisconsin flavors, with market produce and regional fish doing the heavy lifting. You can taste the freshness in the crunch of slaw and the snap of perch. It is homestyle without shortcuts.
Seasonal specials pop up when the farms are flush. That attention to timing keeps plates lively and honest. Nothing feels fussy, just thoughtfully sourced and cooked with care.
Ask your server what is local this week and follow their lead. You will find a plate that matches the season. It keeps every visit a little different and always grounded.
Comforting Sides And Salads
House salads are crisp with a tangy dressing that wakes up your palate. The baked potato is fluffy and ready for butter, chives, and a generous grind of pepper. Seasonal vegetables arrive bright and well seasoned, not an afterthought.
Classic rye bread shows up warm and comforting. Coleslaw brings creamy crunch that pairs perfectly with fried fish. Portions are generous enough to share but hard to part with.
Mix and match to build your ideal plate. You will find it easy to please every appetite at the table. Simple sides done right make everything else shine brighter.
Date Night By The Water
If you are celebrating, this is an easy yes. A window table, an Old Fashioned, and a shared dessert turn into a memory. The low glow and lake shimmer do half the work.
Split the perch and prime rib for the best of both worlds. Take slow bites and let the conversation stretch. Friendly service keeps the pace just right.
Stroll the shoreline after dinner, even when it is chilly. You will head home feeling refueled and a little spoiled. That is what a proper supper club night should do.
What To Know Before You Go
The 5 O’Clock Club is closed Monday and Sunday, with lunch and dinner hours Tuesday through Saturday. Fridays can be busy, so reservations or an early arrival help. Parking is straightforward and the lakefront is easy to find.
Prices sit in the comfortable middle, good value for careful cooking. Check the website for hours and specials before driving. If you want the view, ask politely when booking.
Dress is relaxed but neat fits the room best. Bring an appetite because portions are generous. You will leave satisfied without breaking the bank.
Family Friendly Comfort
This is the kind of spot where kids try a new bite and adults get their favorites. The menu balances familiar comfort with quality, making it easy for everyone to agree. High chairs, patient servers, and shareable plates keep stress low.
Start with curds and split plates to sample more. The energy stays warm without getting rowdy. You will appreciate how the staff anticipates small needs.
It is a welcoming way to introduce little ones to Wisconsin supper club traditions. Leave room for dessert so the night ends sweet. You will be planning the next family night before you reach the car.
Desserts To Finish Strong
Save space for something sweet, because desserts here are classic and satisfying. Think sundaes, cheesecakes, and seasonal pies that taste like home. Coffee or a nightcap rounds things off with a relaxed exhale.
Share a slice or claim your own. The crusts are flaky, the fillings balanced, and the presentation simple and inviting. It feels like a proper supper club sendoff.
That last bite seals the memory of the evening. You will walk out smiling, already plotting a return. End on sweet notes and call it a perfect night.
How To Make The Most Of Your Visit
Come a bit early to catch golden hour on the lake and settle in with a drink. Ask about the day’s fresh options, then commit to the perch or split plates to sample more. Pace yourself and leave room for dessert.
Choose seating near the windows if available, but anywhere feels cozy. Lean into conversation and enjoy the unhurried service. The vibe works best when you let it breathe.
Before leaving, step outside for a quick lakeside moment. That small pause will stick with you on the drive home. It is the perfect way to finish a classic Wisconsin evening.