Imagine a place where time stands still, martinis flow freely, and the aroma of sizzling steaks fills the air.
Welcome to HOBNOB, Racine’s retro gem!
Nestled in the heart of Racine, HOBNOB isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a portal to the fabulous fifties, complete with all the charm and none of the outdated social norms.
As you pull into the parking lot, you’re greeted by a sign that screams “mid-century modern” louder than your aunt’s flower-print polyester pants.
The exterior of HOBNOB is a delightful mishmash of stone, wood, and glass, topped with a sign that could easily double as a prop from a Rat Pack movie.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see Frank Sinatra sauntering out, martini in hand, crooning about flying to the moon.
But don’t let the retro vibes fool you – this isn’t some kitschy theme restaurant where the servers wear poodle skirts and force you to do the twist.
No, HOBNOB is the real deal, a genuine supper club that’s been serving up good times and great food since the days when “tweet” was just something birds did.
As you step inside, prepare for your jaw to drop faster than a lead balloon.
The interior is a masterclass in mid-century design, with enough wood paneling to make a lumberjack weep with joy.
The bar area is a sight to behold, with its curved countertop and plush stools that practically beg you to perch on them and order an Old Fashioned.
Speaking of which, if you don’t order an Old Fashioned at HOBNOB, you might as well turn in your Wisconsin resident card right now.
These folks mix a mean cocktail that’ll have you seeing stars – and not just because you’ve had one too many.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Before you dive into the liquid refreshments, take a moment to soak in the ambiance.
The dining room is a cozy affair, with intimate booths and tables draped in crisp white linens.
The lighting is dim enough to be romantic but bright enough that you won’t mistake your steak for your napkin.
And oh, those windows!
Floor-to-ceiling panes of glass offer views that’ll make you forget you’re in Racine and not some swanky Manhattan penthouse.
Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show – the food.
HOBNOB’s menu is a love letter to classic American cuisine, with a few modern twists thrown in for good measure.
It’s the kind of place where you can order a shrimp cocktail without a hint of irony, and nobody bats an eye.
The appetizer section is a treasure trove of retro delights.
Take the Six Blue Points on the Half Shell for instance. It’s oysters, folks, but saying it like that makes you feel like you’re in an episode of Mad Men.
Or how about the Four Oysters Rockefeller?
It’s a dish so rich, it probably has its own offshore bank account.
But the real showstopper is the Shrimp De Jonghe”
If you’ve never had this Chicago-born classic, imagine succulent shrimp swimming in a sea of garlicky, buttery breadcrumbs.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to kiss the chef, but please don’t – we’re trying to keep things classy here.
Moving on to the main event, HOBNOB’s steak selection is enough to make a vegetarian reconsider their life choices.
The Filet Oscar is a 6-ounce tenderloin topped with crab meat, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce.
It’s like the steak equivalent of wearing a tuxedo – fancy, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress.
For those who believe bigger is better, there’s the Porterhouse.
At a whopping 24 ounces, it’s less of a steak and more of a personal challenge.
The menu even warns that it’s “not recommended for well-done orders”.
In other words, if you like your steak cooked until it resembles a hockey puck, maybe stick to the chicken.
Speaking of chicken, HOBNOB doesn’t disappoint in the poultry department either.
The Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic done right – tender chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and fried to golden perfection.
It’s comfort food with a fancy French name, like if your grandmother suddenly started speaking with a Parisian accent.
For seafood lovers, the Lobster Tail is a must-try.
It’s the Cadillac of crustaceans, served with drawn butter and a side of “I can’t believe I’m eating something this fancy in Wisconsin”.
But wait, there’s more! The sides at HOBNOB are not to be overlooked.
The Twice Baked Potato is a carb lover’s dream, stuffed with cheese and bacon and probably a few hopes and dreams for good measure.
And let’s not forget the Creamy Bleu Cheese Dressing.
It’s so good, you might be tempted to drink it straight.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but what about dessert?”
Oh, my sweet summer child, HOBNOB has you covered.
Related: Savor Rustic Charm and Scrumptious Meals at this Beloved Wisconsin Countryside Restaurant
Related: This Funky Barbecue Joint in Wisconsin Will Serve You the Best Beef Brisket of Your Life
Related: The Wonderfully Quirky Restaurant in Wisconsin with Live Goats Grazing on the Roof
The Grasshopper Ice Cream Drink is like a liquid after-dinner mint, but with a kick that’ll make you forget all about those breath fresheners.
For those who prefer their desserts solid, the Chocolate Lava Cake is a volcanic eruption of cocoa goodness that’ll have you seeing visions of Willy Wonka.
But the pièce de résistance, the crown jewel of HOBNOB’s dessert menu, is the “Brandy Alexander”.
It’s a cocktail, it’s a dessert, it’s a religious experience in a glass.
One sip and you’ll be crooning “Fly Me to the Moon” faster than you can say “Frank Sinatra”.
Now, let’s talk about the service.
The staff at HOBNOB are like a well-oiled machine, if that machine were programmed to be charming, attentive, and occasionally crack jokes that would make your dad proud.
They’re the kind of folks who remember your name, your usual order, and probably your social security number (but they’re too polite to mention it).
The waiters glide between tables with the grace of Fred Astaire, balancing plates of sizzling steaks and towering desserts with superhuman precision.
It’s like watching a beautifully choreographed dance, only instead of music, it’s set to the sound of clinking glasses and satisfied sighs.
But HOBNOB isn’t just about the food and drinks.
It’s about the experience.
It’s about stepping into a time capsule and emerging in an era when dinner was an event, not just a pit stop between Netflix episodes.
It’s about dressing up a little, sipping a cocktail slowly, and actually talking to the person across the table from you.
The atmosphere at HOBNOB is electric, a buzz of laughter and clinking glasses that makes you feel like you’re part of something special.
It’s the kind of place where you might overhear a business deal being sealed over steaks, or a marriage proposal happening over dessert.
But perhaps the most magical thing about HOBNOB is how it brings people together.
In an age where we’re more likely to text the person next to us than actually speak to them, HOBNOB encourages real, face-to-face interaction.
You’ll see families celebrating birthdays, couples on first dates, and old friends catching up over cocktails.
It’s like a microcosm of society, all united by the universal language of good food and strong drinks.
And let’s not forget the regulars.
Every great supper club has its cast of characters, and HOBNOB is no exception.
There’s the guy who’s been coming every Friday for the past 30 years, always ordering the same steak, medium-rare.
There’s the couple who had their first date here in 1965 and still come back for their anniversary.
And then there’s the group of ladies who meet for martini lunch once a month, gossiping and giggling like they’re still in high school.
These folks are the heart and soul of HOBNOB, the living, breathing embodiment of its history and charm.
As the night wears on and the cocktails keep flowing, you might find yourself getting a little nostalgic.
Maybe you’ll start reminiscing about the good old days, even if those days were before you were born.
That’s the magic of HOBNOB – it has a way of making you feel connected to a past you never knew.
But don’t worry, you won’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight.
HOBNOB keeps the party going well into the night, because in the world of supper clubs, time is just a suggestion.
So, whether you’re a Wisconsin native looking for a taste of nostalgia or an out-of-towner seeking a unique dining experience, HOBNOB is a must-visit.
It’s more than just a restaurant – it’s a time machine, a social hub, and a culinary adventure all rolled into one.
Just remember to come hungry, dress snazzy, and be prepared for a night that’ll have you saying, “They sure don’t make ’em like this anymore.”
Oh, and one more thing – don’t forget to check out HOBNOB’s website or Facebook page for more information and updates.
And when you’re ready to embark on your retro adventure, use this map to find your way to this slice of 1950s heaven.
Where: 277 Sheridan Rd, Racine, WI 53403
So, what are you waiting for?
Grab your best vintage outfit, work up an appetite, and get ready to hobnob at HOBNOB.
Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.