Milwaukee Supper Club

Ok all you Milwaukee-philes out there....what, in your opinion, is the best (and by best I mean: classic 1930's, smokey, steak and old-fashioneds) supper club in Milwaukee? I've been in that supper club kind of mood lately, but have no experience to pull from.

And no need to feel confined to Milwaukee proper either. Anything within a 15-20 minute drive of the city limits is fair game.

Thanks!

This is far from my area of expertise but you have to consider Coerper’s 5 O’Clock Club. Rumor is that it’s soon closing or being sold after 50-some years so you might have to hurry. Coerper’s was mentioned briefly in this thread. Also, here’s a review that devotes a fair amount of space to steaks, smoking, and cocktails. Sounds like just what you’re looking for.

Thanks ReneG. I just made reservations at Coerper's for Friday night. The reservationist did say that they "won't be around for much longer." Purposefully vague?

This sounds exactly what I'm up for.

trixie-pea

I'll get my Milwaukee report posted one of these days, but not to dissuade you at all from Coeper's (which sounds SO good), I wanna point out another place. Not really what you had in mind, but quite retro all the same:

Old World Serbian on Lincoln near 6th and a BIG church.

We had a very, very, very pleasant meal there, and I am gonna try some time soon to set up a dinner there with a spit grilled whole pig.

Rob

Rob,

How long ago did you go? How were the Serbian selections? Burek, cevapcici, bbq'd lamb? Smoked oysters? Serbian wine? This place sounds like a riot. I wonder how for in advance you have to order a whole roast suckling pig.

For anyone interested, here is a pretty detailed review of the restaurant.

*trixie-pea

trixie-pea wrote:Rob,

How long ago did you go? How were the Serbian selections? Burek, cevapcici, bbq'd lamb? Smoked oysters? Serbian wine? This place sounds like a riot. I wonder how for in advance you have to order a whole roast suckling pig.

For anyone interested, here is a pretty detailed review of the restaurant.

*trixie-pea

Long ago, last week!

I'll have details up one of these days. The burek IS fantastic, quite the mix of crisp and soft. We did not have any Serbian wine (note, I think the wines are Croation or at least the better ones), but I did have a good beer and a very nice slivowitz to close the meal. Ms. VI had a "Serbian tea" which is hot slivowitz and tea, and she really liked that.

They ask for three days notice on the roast pig. They also do roast lamb and goose.

Rob

Heading to Milwaukee this weekend and have been doing much research on a supper club to hit. So far, I'm leaning towards Butch's Old Casino Steak House, Jackson Grill or Five O'Clock Club.

Does anyone have any other suggestions or recommendations? We're only having dinner one night and I'd like to knock it out of the park with a classic supper club with great food. Thanks!

Those are all good choices. They can all be considered a steak house foremost. All are very good in that regard. Jackson Grille is one of those under the radar places. Jimmy Jackson does some wonderful stuff.
For a real supper club experience, the HobNob in Racine Area is that experience.

THE BEST supper club in South East Wisconsin is Ray Radigan's just south of Kenosha on Sheridan Rd.
We will be there Monday for ST Pat's Day.
Last year's Guinness Irish Stew was excellent and I would expect that to be an offering all weekend but call ahead to verify.-Dick

I enjoyed Country Squire in Muskego a number of times. Nothing could be more classic, from the friendly crowd and barman in the bar, to the excellent 1959 menu, with pretty darn good but small salad bar. Wonderful wait staff, exactly right food. Highly recommended!

Geo

So I tried to make reservations at Jackson Grill and they were completely booked for the night. I instead made reservations at Butch's Old Casino. Unfortunately, our plans were ruined due to a pet care situation so we are trying again next weekend.

On the upside, I called Jackson Grill again and a week ahead of time, they had merely 3 time slots open for a reservation so I nabbed one of them. I'll report back next week.

We went to Butch's Old Casino two weeks ago. The food was mehhhh, I do love the old school atmosphere but its just kind of dirty. The bathrooms had lots of dust and debris as well as the woodwork. I wish they would just clean it up a little. Also the brandy old fashioned was kind of disappointing.

Sorry to hear about your experience at Butch's but for dinner's sake, I guess I'm glad our plans got changed so I can try Jackson Grill. Looking forward to more trips across the border this summer to try Radigan's, Country Squire and Hob Nob.

ldub wrote:Looking forward to more trips across the border this summer to try Radigan's, Country Squire and Hob Nob.

Although the food didn't get universally rave reviews, we had a great time at the Hob Nob last summer.

I can't say I have ever had a truly outstanding meal at a supper club. For me its just nostalgia, with okay food. Its about the experience and reliving my childhood memories.

It is memories, but it is still current also. Atmoshere sometimes trumps perfect food. Most Clubs have cetain things they do awfully well. Stick to those. What is wrong with a relish tray with crisp radish, green onion, etc... Usually good drinks and good people abound.

I went to the Jackson Grill on Saturday and had a very pleasant experience. There was no relish tray, but otherwise fit the bill. Good drinks, good food and plenty of it. Very friendly staff, lots of regulars.

My flat iron steak was cooked perfectly and was very very tender and seasoned perfectly. Brandy old fashioned sweet was large and made very well. Very nice experience. Can't wait to try more supper clubs this summer!