Supper Club Doors of Wisconsin

Oh yeah, that’s not a door. But it IS a delicious duck dinner. More about that later.

I believe it was late July or early August when Natasha approaced me with an idea. She had come across a Facebook post from a friend, who had been to Ishnala Supper Club as part of a “thing” that many Wisconsinites do: Make the rounds of the state’s supper clubs, enjoying cocktails, food and friendships. Natasha asked if I would be interested in doing this with another close friend, Kelly, and whoever else wants to join us, making monthly rounds of supper clubs that are within a reasonable driving distance. I said “yes!” and so it began.

The three of us got together one evening and came up with a list of 15 supper clubs that we will be visiting over 15 months, starting this past September. In preparation, I purchased a second edition copy of “Wisconsin Supper Clubs” by Ron Faiola. The byline is “An Old Fashioned Experience,” which means Natasha and I will be rating each establishment’s version of our favorite adult refreshment, and the three of us will give opinions about the food. In addition to the book, I created a spreadsheet with all of the pertinent information needed to get to our destinations, including a link to Google maps.

We chose a local establishment as our first foray into clubbing. One of our rules for this adventure is that we would not include supper clubs in the Fox Valley (because we have all been to most of them, probably more than once), but the Black Otter Supper Club in Hortonville (not Hooterville, that’s a TV show) was the exception. It’s about 15 minutes northwest of Appleton and a good way to get our feet wet.

There isn’t a fancy door here, but it is a well-known supper club and that made it very busy on a Saturday afternoon. We had agreed to meet around 4:00, when the crowd would still be somewhat light, but by the time our table buzzer went off, the bar was full and the place was already packed. No matter, though. Once seated, the service was great, the salad bar had numerous offerings, and I didn’t hear anything bad about the entrees. I chose the blue gill dinner as that is a very seasonal offering and not many clubs or restaurants offer the fish that dad would take my brother and I casting for in the summer.

On a scale of 1-5, I would rate the food a 3-1/2 or 4 (saving the 5 until we are all blown away), but the old fashioned, made from a mix without muddled fruit, was a 1.

And then came October and our next adventure. I’ll try to keep this short-ish as this post is supposed to be about doors, but since I am the designated “blogger” for our adventures, I am here killing two old fashioned’s with one gulp.

Fox and Hounds, Hubertus, WI. This supper club is a little north of Milwaukee, a hop, skip and a jump from the famous Holy Hill-Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. This basilica is worthy of a door post in itself, but we only had time to get to the chapel, light a candle, say a quick prayer, admire the autumn views from the third floor walkway/platform leading into the church, and then be on our way.

This is an internet photo of the main door (behind the white hanging flowers). I wanted to take a photo of my own, but Fox and Hounds was already busy by 4:30 and there were two people hanging outside, by the door. Everything was decorated for autumn and Halloween, with colorful mums, a giant scarecrow and more people in the vestibule. At first I couldn’t believe how busy this place already was at 4:30, but then again, it was a Saturday and we were close to a basilica that sees about 500,000 visitors every year.

Getting back to the duck. It was delicious! All of the food was delicious. When first looking at the menu, one might have anxiety over the prices, but they do this BOGO thing that in reality, makes the cost of their meals on par with many other supper clubs. The only issue would be if you go there alone, but then I might order two meals and take one “to go.” Our server was excellent and we left her a nice tip.

On a scale of 1-5, I would give the food a 4 and the old fashioned a 5. Best old fashioned that Natasha and I have had in a bar or restaurant in a long time. Maybe ever. Kelly is not a fan of hard liquor, but she appeared to enjoy her glass of water. Maybe Natasha and I can coax her into one glass of wine next time, a nice Moscato perhaps.

Fox and Hounds is a nice place with the feel of a log cabin hunting lodge. I would love to see it at Christmas and perhaps during the week, when there are not so many people hanging around the doors and tables and elsewhere.

We have already picked a date in November for our next excursion, but it is up to Natasha to pick the place as it will be her birthday dinner. If you want to know more about the supper club experience, the books that are available, and a list of Wisconsin establishments and their doors, click HERE.

Enjoy the gallery of photos from Fox and Hounds and a few from Holy Hill and the color of autumn.

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From Dan’s blog:

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