Imagine a place where time stands still, martinis flow freely, and the aroma of sizzling steaks fills the air.
Welcome to HOBNOB, Racine’s beloved supper club that’s been serving up nostalgia since Eisenhower was in office.
Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your taste buds and prepare for a culinary journey back to the golden age of dining.
We’re about to dive into the delicious world of HOBNOB, a Wisconsin institution that’s been charming locals and visitors alike for nearly seven decades.
Picture this: It’s 1954, and while Elvis is getting ready to shake things up in the music world, a little restaurant in Racine is about to start its own revolution – in the realm of comfort food and cozy ambiance.
Fast forward to today, and HOBNOB is still standing tall, a beacon of old-school charm in a world of fast food and trendy pop-up eateries.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Another old restaurant? What’s the big deal?”
Oh, my friend, HOBNOB is not just another old restaurant.
It’s a time machine disguised as a dining establishment, ready to transport you back to an era when dinner was an event and calories were just a twinkle in a nutritionist’s eye.
As you pull into the parking lot, the first thing that catches your eye is the iconic sign.
It’s not just a sign; it’s a statement.
Bold red letters proclaim “HOB NOB” against a backdrop that screams mid-century modern.
It’s like the building itself is saying, “Hey there, good-looking. Come on in and stay a while.”
And who are we to argue with a building, especially one that’s been dishing out deliciousness since Marilyn Monroe was the talk of the town?
Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that’s part “Mad Men,” part “Cheers,” and all charm.
The interior is a love letter to the 1950s, with a dash of timeless elegance thrown in for good measure.
Plush, tufted chairs invite you to sink in and stay a while.
The bar, oh that glorious bar, gleams with the promise of perfectly mixed cocktails and lively conversation.
And let’s talk about those windows.
Floor-to-ceiling panes of glass offer a view that would make even the most jaded city slicker stop and stare.
Lake Michigan stretches out before you, a shimmering expanse of blue that serves as the perfect backdrop for your dining adventure.
It’s like Mother Nature herself decided to provide the evening’s entertainment, and let me tell you, she puts on quite a show.
Now, I know we’re all here for the food (and maybe a cocktail or three), but can we take a moment to appreciate the decor?
It’s like someone raided the coolest antique store in town and decided to throw a party.
Vintage lamps cast a warm glow over the dining room, creating an ambiance that’s part romantic hideaway, part swanky social club.
The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of artwork that tells the story of HOBNOB’s long and illustrious history.
It’s like a museum, but with better lighting and the added bonus of being able to enjoy a steak while you peruse the exhibits.
Speaking of steak, let’s dive into the main event: the menu.
Oh boy, where do I even begin?
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the cow?
HOBNOB’s steaks are the stuff of legend.
We’re talking cuts of beef so tender, you could practically cut them with a stern look.
The Filet Mignon?
It’s not just a steak; it’s a religious experience.
Cooked to perfection and served with a side of “where have you been all my life?”, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to stand up and slow clap.
But wait, there’s more!
The menu is a veritable treasure trove of classic supper club fare, each dish more tempting than the last.
Take the Tournedos of Tenderloin, for instance.
It’s like the filet mignon decided to put on its fancy pants and go to the ball.
Topped with mushroom caps and béarnaise sauce, it’s a dish that’s dressed to impress.
And let’s not forget the Steak au Poivre.
It’s like your taste buds decided to take a quick trip to Paris, without the jet lag or the need to butcher the French language while ordering.
But HOBNOB isn’t just about the beef. Oh no, my friends. This place is an equal opportunity deliciousness provider.
The seafood options are enough to make you consider trading in your land legs for a set of fins.
The Four Shrimp Cocktail?
It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.
And don’t even get me started on the Fried Calamari with Basil Aioli.
It’s so good, you’ll be tempted to order a second round and wear it as a necklace.
Now, I know what you health-conscious folks out there are thinking.
“But what about the vegetables?”
Fear not, green-lovers. HOBNOB has you covered.
The Caesar Salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a work of art.
Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and croutons that crunch louder than your dad in front of the TV – it’s the kind of salad that makes you forget you’re eating something healthy.
And let’s not overlook the Twice Baked Potato.
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It’s like the potato version of a comeback kid – baked once, then given a second chance to be even more delicious.
It’s the Cinderella story of side dishes, and trust me, you’ll want to be there when the clock strikes midnight.
But what’s a meal without a little liquid accompaniment?
HOBNOB’s bar is not just a place to get a drink; it’s a portal to a time when cocktails were king and every bartender was part mixologist, part therapist.
The martinis here are so good, James Bond would consider switching his loyalty from MI6.
Shaken, stirred, or served with a wink and a nod, they’re the perfect companion to your meal or a delightful way to start (or end) your evening.
And for the wine enthusiasts among us, HOBNOB’s wine list is like a who’s who of the grape world.
From bold reds that pair perfectly with your steak to crisp whites that complement the seafood, there’s a bottle (or two) with your name on it.
Now, I know we’ve been focusing a lot on dinner, but let’s not forget about the other meals of the day.
HOBNOB’s lunch menu is like the cool younger sibling of the dinner menu – a little more casual, but still packing a flavor punch that’ll knock your socks off.
The sandwiches are so good, you’ll be tempted to write sonnets about them.
The Reuben, in particular, is a masterpiece of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing that’ll have you speaking in rhyme for days.
And don’t even get me started on the soup of the day.
It’s like the chef woke up and decided, “You know what? Today, I’m going to put happiness in a bowl.”
But HOBNOB isn’t just about the food and drinks. It’s about the experience.
It’s about stepping into a place where time slows down, where conversation flows as freely as the wine, and where every meal feels like a special occasion.
The staff here?
They’re not just employees; they’re memory-makers.
They’ve got that perfect blend of Midwestern friendliness and old-school professionalism that makes you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first time through the door.
They’ll remember your name, your favorite drink, and probably your life story by the time you’re halfway through your appetizer.
And let’s talk about the regulars for a moment.
These folks are the heart and soul of HOBNOB.
They’ve been coming here longer than some of us have been alive, and they’ve got the stories to prove it.
Sit at the bar for more than five minutes, and you’re bound to hear tales of Racine’s past, peppered with anecdotes about HOBNOB’s glory days.
It’s like storytime for grown-ups, but with better refreshments.
But here’s the thing about HOBNOB – it’s not stuck in the past.
Sure, it embraces its history, but it’s also moving forward, adapting to the times while still keeping that classic supper club charm.
They’ve embraced social media (hello, Facebook page!) without losing that personal touch.
It’s like your cool grandpa who knows how to use Instagram but still insists on writing you handwritten letters.
And let’s not forget about the events.
HOBNOB isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to celebrate.
Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, or just making it through another Monday – whatever the occasion, HOBNOB is ready to make it special.
They’ve hosted everything from intimate dinners for two to raucous retirement parties.
It’s like the Swiss Army knife of restaurants – versatile, reliable, and always there when you need it.
As we wrap up our culinary journey through this Racine icon, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with excitement.
Nostalgia for a bygone era of dining, and excitement for the meals yet to come.
HOBNOB isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the enduring power of good food, great company, and a dash of mid-century charm.
It’s a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and calories are blissfully ignored.
So, whether you’re a Wisconsin local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor eager to experience a true Midwest supper club, HOBNOB is waiting with open arms and a perfectly mixed Old Fashioned.
Just remember to come hungry, leave your diet at the door, and prepare for a dining experience that’s as timeless as it is delicious.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out HOBNOB’s website or Facebook page.
And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to this culinary time capsule.
Where: 277 Sheridan Rd, Racine, WI 53403
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram will thank you, and who knows?
You might just find your new favorite place to hob and nob.