Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat?

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ScreamingChicken)

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:34:26 GMT

I'm leaving for Appleton this Friday and it's good to see that Dick and Joan's, George's, and Red Ox all do weekday lunches as well as dinner. I'll definitely be in the Valley by dinnertime but I could make it there in time for a late lunch, too.

My employer has a Green Bay branch and there's some talk about a few people possibly meeting at Sammy's on Friday night as well.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (Wintahaba)

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 07:10:53 GMT

A few links for your Fox Valley visiting enjoyment....
Dick and Joan's-http://www.dickandjoans.bravehost.com/
The Heiting Place...the original home of Dick and Joan's-http://heitingplace.com/
George's Steak House-Been around forever-Always a winner of Best Steak + a cool old Piano Bar-http://www.georgessteakhouseappleton.com/
The Out-O-Town Club-Off 41-Classic 40's Supper Club-http://www.outotownclub.com/
The Red Ox-Another institution and great fresh Oyster Raw Bar a few days a week-http://www.redoxseafoodandsteakhouse.com/
Almost across from the Red Ox-Neimuth's Market-THE go to place in the Valley for Fresh Seafood/Distinctive Beer/Fine Meat
Selection-http://niemuths.com/
Enjoy!

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ann peeples)

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:20:59 GMT

I agree, Mike. 5 O'clock remains our favorite place, hands down. We love everything about the place. Have you tried their steak fries? Divine when dipped in the steak juice.....

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (kland01s)

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:39:12 GMT

Wintahaba

Yes, I have been the business all my adult life, started as a waiter at an Inn in Maine after High School, then got into management after college, with stints (in order-my poor Wife) in N. Virginia + DC/Florida/NE Philadelphia/Albany NY area/Des Moines/Rochester NY/Lake George, NY/W Chicago Burbs/Appleton/N Virginia, again/back to Appleton. We also leased and operated 2 restaurants-1 in Albany, NY area and a 1946 Diner in the Adirondacks. I am also an artist that mostly paint's "Vanishing America" roadside type paintings. I am still working on a series featuring Diners/Motels/Gas Stations/Drive-Inns etc. I need to finish a large Dog & Suds Drive-Inn that has "almost" been done for 5 years now :) Here is a sample, taken w/ camera, so not as sharp as in person. Thanks...I've been lurking for years and recently started posting...you folks are informative and entertaining. GREAT SITE.

Very nice!!

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (MilwFoodlovers)

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:25:11 GMT

Annie, The 5 O'Clock Club still gets my big thumbs up. The potato is now ala carte but still the size of a football. The steaks a bit smaller than years ago. Everything else remains unchanged (not including prices which are more than fair), the hot bread, the relish tray, the communal salad (smaller but they will re-fill upon request), the service, the large drinks, the ordering at the bar. I look forward to returning.

http://www.fiveoclocksteakhouse.com/wi/index.html

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (Wintahaba)

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:48:00 GMT

Yes, I have been the business all my adult life, started as a waiter at an Inn in Maine after High School, then got into management after college, with stints (in order-my poor Wife) in N. Virginia + DC/Florida/NE Philadelphia/Albany NY area/Des Moines/Rochester NY/Lake George, NY/W Chicago Burbs/Appleton/N Virginia, again/back to Appleton. We also leased and operated 2 restaurants-1 in Albany, NY area and a 1946 Diner in the Adirondacks. I am also an artist that mostly paint's "Vanishing America" roadside type paintings. I am still working on a series featuring Diners/Motels/Gas Stations/Drive-Inns etc. I need to finish a large Dog & Suds Drive-Inn that has "almost" been done for 5 years now :) Here is a sample, taken w/ camera, so not as sharp as in person. Thanks...I've been lurking for years and recently started posting...you folks are informative and entertaining. GREAT SITE.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ScreamingChicken)

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:35:11 GMT

Wintahaba

I have never been, but my servers and bartenders would go all the time.

Are you in the restaurant business, Chris?

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ann peeples)

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 14:42:47 GMT

Thanks, Wintahaba-drooling.......I will say as I could never eat that much meat at a time, I LOVE leftovers.....

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (Wintahaba)

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 11:30:11 GMT

Ann, Since you are a prime rib fan this one is for you. The Black Otter Supper Club in Hortonville. http://www.theblackottersupperclub.com/index.html I have never been, but my servers and bartenders would go all the time. The Queen bone in (2lbs-25.95)~The King bone in (4.5lbs-33.95)~The Super bone in (7.25lbs+ market price-finish it and get a photo on the Wall of Fame + a t-shirt)~The Extreme bone in (10lbs+ market price-finish it and get a photo on the Wall of Fame + a t-shirt + a 20.00 Gift Certificate)....4 people have finished the Extreme in 7 years-YIKES! Chris

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ann peeples)

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:26:00 GMT

Awesome, MFL!Just love the ambiance of that place. Funny, as they now charge extra for a baked potato, I just dont miss them. They were huge!Have fun!

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (MilwFoodlovers)

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 17:39:55 GMT

We're celebrating a good friend's 60th birthday at the 5 O'Clock Club this coming Tuesday, Dec. 4th.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ann peeples)

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:26:02 GMT

Five O Clock Club does the pre ordering thing-you check in with the hostess, she sends a waitress over-you order. When your table is ready, they seat you, bring the bread, appetizer tray( love this-olives, green onions, candied apples, etc) a huge bowl of salad with 3 types of dressings. Then, the steaks!

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (Wintahaba)

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:34:06 GMT

After we had tried D&J's, we went to a few more and they almost all did it that way, now some have changed to a more traditional style (like the Red Ox and Mark's East Side) dining service. BTW, Mark's has excellent German food (+ fresh fish and Supper Club fare also) and has been around as a restaurant since 1948...owned by Mark's Dad (since the 1960's) before...check out the web site...Mark is very nice gentleman and runs a fine restaurant. Chris

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ScreamingChicken)

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:33:39 GMT

We went to the Stagecoach Inn (north of Milton on Hwy. 26) last Friday and I think they do roughly the same thing. The table next to us was reset and soon 2 plates of food appeared, followed by the diners whose orders had been taken while waiting in the bar.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (JRPfeff)

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:52:08 GMT

Chris,

Your story about the unique ordering system is reminiscent of Machut's in Two Rivers. They have the "Number System" where you order at the bar, too. We sat there for a half hour on our first visit before we figured out we had to order at the bar. When the table is ready, a number lights up telling patrons to head into the restaurant.

Jim

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (Wintahaba)

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:17:40 GMT

Ann, That is the great thing about Supper Clubs....everybody has their favorites for specific unique reasons. I love hearing what makes each one special to an individual.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ann peeples)

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:54:24 GMT

I have two favorite supper clubs( as described by Wintahaba) Five OClock Club in Milwaukee( their filets are fabulous) and The Corner House in Racine( prime rib is to die for) TheCorner House has an adge, as they have appetizers on the bar while you wait for your table. However, both are great people watching places-different walks of life -from the younger generation who have discovered great steaks-to us frequent guests who just love everything about the place!

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (Wintahaba)

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:55:56 GMT

Jim, The D&J's fish fry is excellent, they are very good when it comes to fryer maintenance (my pet peeve) and w/ the top tier seafood platter they includes frog legs...a true throwback. As far as the Old Fashioned's, they are pouring them either sweet or savory (and they know what each long time guest wants) like they are going out of style....a TRUE mark of a Wisconsin Supper Club...the bar is always packed. You are also correct in the pricing...amazing. You must also finish your evening w/ a pink squirrel or a grasshopper, to which I have them add a touch of Baileys, to complete the visit. BTW, this restaurant was our 1st foray into Wisconsin Supper Club experience years ago when we first moved here. Being from the East Coast we were perplexed when we saw no Host Stand (?) and were confused. We sat at the bar (when we could finally get a stool) and asked one of the 3 very busy bartenders what the heck do we do? She said have a drink, ask for a menu, and when you are ready to order tell me. We perused the menu and said I guess we are ready...she gets on this phone (at the end of the bar) and then you hear "waitress to the bar". Many servers are about w/ order pads and the bartender points to us, and a waitress comes up to take our order. When we are finished she says I will come and get you when your table is ready. Around 40+ Minutes later (it was a pre Packer Saturday night) she says table 24 is yours, help yourself to the soup and salad bar. Bread and water were already on the table and just as salads were almost finished, comes our piping hot NY Steak and Prime Rib. It was excellent and I was amazed at how well timed and coordinated the whole process was. The staff who have worked together for years knew how to gauge the level of bar interaction and keep the tables full and flowing at all times. After that we were SOLD and at one point (better financial times) we went either Friday or Saturday every week for a few years. We truly loved the time at the bar pre-dinner (not just because of the drinks) for the constant flow of interesting people of all ages who would always provide great conversation and insight into the fabric of the area. The thing that is so different about Supper Clubs is that it is a generation/loyalty thing. The great grandparents went, then the grandparents, then the parents, and now the children who are bringing their children...it is almost like a private club. A very UNIQUE and ENJOYABLE experience. Please excuse my long rant...Chris

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (JRPfeff)

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:09:11 GMT

Wintahaba,

How is the fishfry at the 220 Supper Club?

And I'll bet you can knock back Old Fashioned's all night for the price of a cocktail at that big city place.

Jim

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (Wintahaba)

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:54:15 GMT

SC, No, I have never been, but I have heard good things about it..always seems busy when I pass by also. BTW, D&J's also does a great Friday Fish Fry (Duh?) and one of the bartenders butterflies the Perch earlier in the morning. Prime Rib only on Sat/Sun though.
The Red Ox is very good also...They have a few nights when they bring in FRESH oysters...unique for around here. I can fill my "missing Maine and the East Coast" and get my Raw Bar fix.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ScreamingChicken)

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:42:36 GMT

Wintahaba, have you ever been to Out-O-Town? I've driven past it a few times and it definitely looks interesting.

I see that Dick & Joan's isn't far at all from my end-of-January Appleton destination, and that it opens at 4:30 pm on Fridays. I just might have to check it out, and The Red Ox might be a possibility, too.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (Wintahaba)

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:33:03 GMT

Dragging up an older thread, but seeing the header page of Lawry's in Chicago made me laugh about the cost of dining in big name restaurants. In Appleton we have a slew of surrounding Supper Clubs that put out great quality "old school" fare for a fraction of the cost of the big brands. Our hands down favorite is Dick and Joan's 220 Supper Club where a great King Cut of 14-16oz Prime Rib is 19.25 and I swear (I've been in the biz all my life) is never less than 20oz. Included is of course the potato and fresh bread + the salad bar (port wine cheese/liver spread/+ the usual fresh veggie suspects)...of course because this is a Wisconsin Supper Club. :) I really do not like salad bars, but what makes D&J's different is the Hot Bacon Dressing! No, not a little side as a dressing choice, but a heated crock pot of 75% chopped bacon in a tangy vinegar dressing w/ a big ladle. Sinfully indulgent. My wife loves the NY Strip (12-14 oz) for 18.50. This steak reminds me of the dark clubby restaurants my parents would take us to on special occasions and the steak was "SEASONED" and had great charred beefy flavor. We are also lucky to have The Heiting Place, The Red Ox, and about a dozen or so others. When you have these local places it is hard to justify the $ spent at the big names...and yes, I have done so at Morton's, Capitol Grille, Fleming's (my fav among the "names") etc., but especially in these times, I'll take a Supper Club anytime. True jewels.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (KenK)

Sat, 22 May 2010 19:52:17 GMT

We stopped in Dino's in Dodgeville a couple years back, after checking this site for a good Wisconsin fish fry.

Fish Fry -- Classic Wisconsin

The bad news was was the fact that we stopped on a non friday, which was not the fish fry night

The good news was the lunch we had the day we stopped. Great food, fun filled wait staff, and wonderful Roadfood atmosphere, complete with wooden floor.

Next stop.... has to be on a friday night.

Dinos of Dodgeville

Definitely worth the drive, IMO.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (stricken_detective)

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:16:40 GMT

JRPfeff
If Bobbi sees that it is now Piefest, I will never hear the end of it.

It'll be our little secret...on the internet.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (JRPfeff)

Wed, 19 May 2010 20:52:06 GMT

ayersian

And by the way, Amy & I will make it to your house for the annual piefest...some day. We do talk about it frequently! Chris

Chris,

If Bobbi sees that it is now Piefest, I will never hear the end of it.

Speaking of pies, there's a great rundown of pies at the Norske Nook by one of our new Roadfooders. Drool away.

Jim

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (ayersian)

Tue, 18 May 2010 19:15:30 GMT

JRPfeff

buffetbuster - Since you will be near the WI-MI border and possibly in the UP, you will definitely have to stop for pasties. A favorite from the 2009 Ayersian World Eating Tour was Dobber's Pasties (also featured in 500 Things to Eat Before It's Too Late).

JRPfeff, you're hilarious! Thanks for the plug above, but we missed a tremendous amount of RF, of course. I still think about those pasties from Dobber's, however...every day, actually, as the little pasty magnet I bought there is stuck to my fridge. And by the way, Amy & I will make it to your house for the annual piefest...some day. We do talk about it frequently! Chris

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (stricken_detective)

Tue, 18 May 2010 17:41:54 GMT

The Cookery is great, not sure about Sweetie Pie's.

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (buffetbuster)

Tue, 18 May 2010 14:05:15 GMT

I'm starting to get serious about planning my trip. The amount of info and worthwhile tips in this thread is staggering. It would take me the rest of the Summer just to put a dent into it! Thanks to everyone for their contributions.

Any opinions on Sweetie Pie's in Fish Creek, Door County?

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (mamaduck43)

Sun, 02 May 2010 12:50:42 GMT

MilwFoodlovers

Our good friends live on Devil's River Road in Maribel. Lot's of good eating along the lake from Green Bay to Milwaukee. I heard the pork chop sandwich and walleye are good at Basil's II but when I go, I have to have a double cheeseburger too. Did you move here from Colorado Springs?

Yep - - my daughter and her gang live in New Denmark - - I had visited a bunch of times and last July, I made a spur of the moment decision to move here... I live in Denmark and I am proud to say I survived my first Wisconsin winter... Of course, I don't go out and about unless I really need to, so it was nice watching the winter go by from my apartment windows...
With all of the good eats around here, I am kinda like a kid in a candy shop with a quarter in my pocket... What to do, what to do??? Konop's wieners, Dick's buns Suster's broasted chicken and fish and chips platters and now Basil's II burgers -- - I think I have found a chunk of heaven on earth.....

Re:Roadfood tour of Wisconsin, where to eat? (MilwFoodlovers)

Sat, 01 May 2010 23:53:09 GMT

Our good friends live on Devil's River Road in Maribel. Lot's of good eating along the lake from Green Bay to Milwaukee. I heard the pork chop sandwich and walleye are good at Basil's II but when I go, I have to have a double cheeseburger too. Did you move here from Colorado Springs?