Imagine a world where the aroma of sizzling prime rib wafts through the air, and time-honored traditions are served up alongside hefty portions of nostalgia.
Welcome to Wisconsin’s supper club scene, where culinary dreams come true and elastic waistbands are put to the test.
1. Dreamland Supper Club (South Range)
Tucked away in South Range, Dreamland Supper Club is the stuff of, well, dreams.
As you approach, the iconic neon sign beckons like a lighthouse guiding hungry sailors to shore.
By day, it’s a charming throwback to simpler times.
But as night falls, it transforms into a glowing beacon of gastronomic promise.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where the 1950s never ended, and neither did the portions.
The wood-paneled walls whisper tales of countless celebrations, first dates, and “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” moments.
It’s like your grandparents’ living room, if your grandparents were really into mood lighting and had an uncanny knack for grilling meat to perfection.
Their prime rib is the stuff of legend – so tender, you could cut it with a harsh glare.
Paired with a classic Old Fashioned (because when in Wisconsin, do as the Wisconsinites do), it’s a meal that’ll have you seriously considering a permanent move to the Badger State.
2. Ishnala Supper Club (Lake Delton)
Perched on the edge of Mirror Lake, Ishnala is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled onto a movie set.
The rustic log cabin exterior gives way to a dining room with panoramic views that’ll have you questioning why you ever eat indoors.
As you walk in, you’re greeted by a sign that says “Welcome to Ishnala,” which is Native American for “By the time you leave, you’ll need to be rolled out.”
Okay, I made that up, but it should be true.
The prime rib here is so good, it might actually be illegal in some states.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to hug the chef, then ask them to adopt you.
The ambiance is pure Northwoods charm, with just enough kitsch to remind you that you’re in a place where fun is as essential as the food.
And let’s be honest, after a few of their signature cocktails, you might start believing you’re a lumberjack.
Just resist the urge to try and chop down any nearby trees.
3. The Del-Bar (Wisconsin Dells)
The Del-Bar in Wisconsin Dells is what happens when mid-century modern design meets Midwest hospitality and has a love child named “Delicious.”
From the outside, it looks like the kind of place where the Rat Pack might have hung out if they’d had a sudden craving for cheese curds and prime rib.
Inside, the retro vibe is strong enough to make you check your phone to see if you’ve accidentally time-traveled.
But don’t let the vintage aesthetics fool you.
The prime rib here is thoroughly modern in its ability to make you forget all your troubles, including that pesky “I should watch my cholesterol” nonsense your doctor keeps harping on about.
The Del-Bar has been serving up slabs of beefy perfection since 1943, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect the art of making grown adults weep with joy over a plate of meat.
Pair your prime rib with one of their classic cocktails, and you’ll understand why Wisconsin Dells isn’t just about water parks and fudge shops.
4. Pinewood Supper Club (Mosinee)
Nestled among the pines (shocking, I know) in Mosinee, the Pinewood Supper Club is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve been let in on a local secret.
It’s got all the charm of a hidden gem, with none of the pretension that usually comes with “discovered” spots.
The exterior might remind you of that cabin your uncle owns up north, but inside, it’s all supper club magic.
The prime rib here isn’t just a meal; it’s a religious experience.
It’s the kind of dish that makes vegetarians question their life choices and carnivores consider writing epic poems in its honor.
What really sets Pinewood apart, besides its ability to make you forget that salads exist, is its lakeside setting.
There’s something about eating a perfectly cooked piece of beef while gazing out at a serene lake that makes you feel like you’ve finally figured out this whole “life” thing.
5. HobNob (Racine)
With a name like HobNob, you know you’re in for a good time.
This Racine institution has been serving up prime rib and good vibes since the 1950s, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
It’s the kind of place where “casual elegance” means you put on your fancy flip-flops.
The retro-chic exterior, complete with that amazing neon sign, is like a time machine disguised as a restaurant.
Inside, it’s a delightful mishmash of mid-century modern and “your cool grandma’s living room.”
But let’s be real, you’re not here for the decor (though it is pretty awesome) – you’re here for the prime rib.
And oh boy, does HobNob deliver.
Their prime rib is so tender, it practically melts in your mouth like beefy cotton candy.
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Pair it with a view of Lake Michigan, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’ll make you wonder why you ever eat anything else.
Just be prepared for the inevitable food coma – it’s a small price to pay for such deliciousness.
6. Tornado Steak House (Madison)
Don’t let the name fool you – the only thing that’ll be spinning here is your head, and that’s from the sheer deliciousness of their prime rib.
Nestled in downtown Madison, Tornado Steak House is where the capital’s movers and shakers go to loosen their ties and their belts.
The exterior might be unassuming, but step inside and you’re transported to a world where leather booths are king and martinis flow like water.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see Don Draper in the corner, nursing an Old Fashioned and contemplating his next big ad campaign.
But let’s talk about that prime rib.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to stand up and slow clap.
It’s so good, you might find yourself involuntarily making “mmm” noises with every bite.
Don’t be embarrassed – it happens to everyone here.
Just embrace it and join the chorus of satisfied diners.
7. Schwarz’s Supper Club (New Holstein)
Schwarz’s Supper Club in New Holstein is the epitome of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
This place has been serving up prime rib and good times since 1957, and they’ve got it down to a science.
It’s like the Swiss watch of supper clubs – reliable, classic, and always impressive.
From the outside, it looks like the kind of place where time stands still.
And in many ways, it does.
Inside, you’re greeted by a warm, wood-paneled interior that feels like a big, delicious hug.
The kind of hug that comes with a side of au jus.
Their prime rib is the stuff of legend – so tender, you could probably eat it with a spoon if you were so inclined.
But please don’t.
Use a knife and fork like a civilized person, even if the meat is tempting you to dive in face-first.
Pair it with their famous garlic toast, and you’ve got a meal that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished this one.
8. Silvercryst Supper Club (Wautoma)
Silvercryst Supper Club in Wautoma is what happens when “charming” and “delicious” have a baby and raise it in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
From the outside, it looks like a cross between a ski lodge and that restaurant your parents would take you to on special occasions.
Step inside, and you’re enveloped in a warm, wood-paneled embrace that screams “comfort food ahead!”
The decor is a delightful mix of rustic charm and supper club chic, with just enough taxidermy to remind you that you’re definitely in Wisconsin.
But let’s cut to the chase – you’re here for the prime rib.
And boy, does Silvercryst deliver.
It’s the kind of prime rib that makes you want to write sonnets, compose symphonies, or at the very least, loosen your belt a notch or two.
Pair it with a view of Silver Lake, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s worth every mile of the drive to get there.
9. Lehman’s Supper Club (Rice Lake)
Last but certainly not least, we have Lehman’s Supper Club in Rice Lake.
This place is like the Swiss Army knife of supper clubs – it’s got everything you need, and a few things you didn’t even know you wanted.
From the outside, Lehman’s looks like it could be the setting for a Coen Brothers movie – quirky, a little mysterious, and undoubtedly Midwestern.
Inside, it’s a warm, inviting space that feels like it’s been hosting family celebrations and first dates for generations (because it has).
Their prime rib is the stuff of local legend.
It’s so good, it should probably have its own Instagram account.
Tender, flavorful, and big enough to make you question your life choices – in the best possible way.
Pair it with one of their classic cocktails, and you’ll understand why people have been making the trek to Rice Lake for decades.
So there you have it, folks – nine slices of prime rib heaven right here in America’s Dairyland.
Remember, calories don’t count when you’re making memories.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy some stretchy pants.