Wisconsin Supper Clubs by Ron Faiola

 

The Allure of Wisconsin Supper Clubs

Each one is unique, and yet you know what to expect when you visit. Its beginnings are far from the Midwest, but it's easy to see why Wisconsin claims supper club supremacy.

Supper clubs were born in London, England's theatrical society in the late 19th century. However, it wasn't until Prohibition that supper clubs began to flourish in the United States. By the 1950s and '60s, supper clubs were a nationwide phenomenon. They were adult playgrounds where dining, dancing, and drinking reflected post-war prosperity and abundance.

Wisconsin's supper clubs started as taverns, resorts and dancehalls where fried chicken and perch were served along with a beer. Eventually these places transformed their food and decor, and as a result, the classic menu we know and love came into being: Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, Sunday broasted chicken and ribs. Plus relish trays, cheese and crackers at the bar and the undisputed cocktail: a hand-muddled brandy old fashioned.

But it's not only the food that draws people back to a supper club. Plenty of nostalgia is served up with each visit: memories of dressing up for dinner and having your first kiddie cocktail, or going to a high school prom, a graduation, an anniversary or a birthday.

It also helps that every supper club is steeped in history, with stories of misfortune, serendipity, and mischievous ghosts. It's fun to imagine if the walls could talk or that we could go back in time when a ribeye steak was two dollars and drinks were half a buck. This type of restaurant feeds the soul like no other, and we're fortunate to have so many exceptional supper clubs scattered around the Badger State.

Welcome to WisconsinSupperClubs.com!
Photography and Text by Ron Faiola
© Ron Faiola, © Wisconsin Supper Clubs, Inc.

Wisconsin Supper Clubs: Second Edition, Expanded and Updated on Amazon (November, 2023)

Ron Faiola's Other Two Wisconsin Supper Club Books

The Wisconsin Supper Clubs Story - An Illustrated History, With Relish on Amazon (2021)

Wisconsin Supper Clubs - Another Round Book on Amazon (2016)

You can also order Ron's DVDs right here:

Wisconsin Supper Clubs & Fish Fry Night Milwaukee DVD (2021)

BOTH MOVIES BACK IN PRINT! Two smash hits on ONE DVD! The original films that started it all: Wisconsin Supper Clubs - An Old Fashioned Experience and Fish Fry Night Milwaukee. The DVD runs approximately 2 hours total. SD NTSC, Region 0.

Wisconsin Supper Clubs & Fish Fry Night Milwaukee DVD on Amazon

View Supper Club Trailer Here

View Fish Fry Trailer Here

We're Here for a Fish Fry! DVD (2017)

As Seen on Public Television! This film by Ron Faiola takes a new look at the Wisconsin Friday fish fry tradition from the peak season of Lent to summer lakefront dining featuring different types of fish including cod, perch, bluegill, haddock and smelt. Take a trip on a commercial fishing boat in the bay of Green Bay, have some fish fry pizza and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Includes two bonus features: Fish Tales and Empty Nets, Empty Boats. 70 minutes total, Widescreen, NTSC, Region 0.

This title is out of print.

View Fish Fry #2 Trailer Here

Tilt-A-Whirls, Cowbells and Beer DVD (2015)

As Seen on Public Television! Ron Faiola takes you on a Summer Tour of Milwaukee area church festivals. The documentary features the rides, culture, music, food, drinks and fun at local parishes, including festivities at Divine Mercy, St. Matthias, St. Roman's and the 55th and final festival at St. Veronica's. Music by Polka legend Jeff Winard. Includes Bonus Features. 38 minutes total, Widescreen, NTSC, Region 0.

This title is out of print.

View Church Fest Trailer Here

For a list of over 250 supper clubs, visit: WisconsinSupperClubs.com.

These documentaries are a production of Push Button Gadget Inc.