Let’s get this out in the open: I love supper clubs. Ever since I’ve been a kid, I’ve loved them. There’s something to be said about weird mid-century vibes, wood paneling and more kiddie cocktails than you can handle.
But let’s back up for a second, because chances are that non-Midwesterners are a little lost here. Supper clubs are really just a specific type of restaurant that you’re likely to find in small towns and tourist spots. They’ve got a pretty limited menu – we’re talking prime rib, steaks, a Friday fish fry and maybe a lazy Susan of crudites. There’s also a standard roster of supper club drinks which are all my favorites: the brandy old fashioned sweet, Grasshoppers and Brandy Alexanders.
When Michael and I found out we were going to Door County for our honeymoon, I immediately declared that we had to go to the Greenwood. The Greenwood was one of my favorite places growing up. The French fried chicken was to die for and the kiddie cocktails always came with extra cherries. That’s what I’m talking about.
The first night of the ol’ honeymoon we donned our finest vacation garb and headed up to Fish Creek. I hadn’t been in a dozen years and I was desperately hoping it was as I remembered. And to my great pleasure, not a thing had changed. Murals of Door County landmarks still graced the walls, the tables engraved with maple leaf designs were still shining and it was just as dimly lit as I remembered – sheer supper club perfection.
Because we are Wisconsinites through and through, we ordered brandy old fashioneds and followed our dinner up with Grasshoppers at the bar. And either because we are very adorable, the only people at the bar or the youngest people in the joint by 25 years, we got our picture posted on their Facebook page. Day maker for sure.
Now I know I haven’t done the topic justice, so I recommend Wisconsin Supper Clubs: An Old Fashioned Experience for those of you that know and love these places just as I do.
