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Supper clubs in and near Madison, WI: prime rib, fish fry and old fashioneds

Travel Wisconsin describes supper clubs as "dimly lit, dinner-only, linger-why-don't-you restaurants," and the hallmarks are the same across the state: a relish tray, steaks and prime rib, a Friday fish fry, a brandy old fashioned at the bar and an ice cream drink for dessert. Here are the ones in and near Madison, each checked on its own website in November 2026. Many book up on Friday and Saturday nights, and some don't take reservations on weekends, so check before you go.

Checked against official sources · Updated November 2, 2026

In Madison

  • Tornado Steak House, 116 S. Hamilton St.: the steakhouse just off the Capitol Square, "famous for steaks," with dinner nightly from 5 p.m. and a late-night menu Wednesday to Saturday. Reservations are strongly encouraged; call, since it doesn't take them by email.
  • Turn Key Supper Club, 1344 E. Washington Ave.: a supper club in an 1885 building, with a Tuesday and Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, ice cream drinks and Sunday brunch with a bloody mary bar. Reservations recommended.
  • The Harvey House, W. Washington Ave.: tucked behind Madison's historic train depot, it calls itself a celebration of Wisconsin's iconic supper clubs, with classic cocktails. Book on Resy.
  • Toby's Supper Club, 3717 S. Dutch Mill Rd.: a family-run east-side club established in 1944, serving fish, shrimp, chicken and steaks. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. (bar at 3), closed Sundays, and reservations are taken Monday to Thursday. Call to confirm hours.

A short drive

  • Maple Tree Supper Club, 6010 U.S. 51, McFarland: family-owned since 1985, with prime rib Thursday to Saturday, steaks, seafood, homemade soups and a salad bar. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. Reservations are taken except on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Rex's Innkeeper, 301 N. Century Ave., Waunakee: family-owned since 1988, with a cozy supper club feel, open for dinner every night and for lunch on weekdays.
  • The Hilltop, 4173 County Rd. P, Cross Plains: established in 1938, with hand-cut steaks, a fish fry and classic old fashioneds. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.

Worth the drive

  • Buckhorn Supper Club, Milton, on Lake Koshkonong: a lakefront tradition for more than 95 years, known for prime rib slow-roasted 14-plus hours (while it lasts), a Friday fish fry and baked French onion soup. Open Friday to Sunday; reservations strongly encouraged.
  • Ishnala Supper Club, Lake Delton: the classic lakeside club near the Dells, famous for its muddled old fashioneds. It's seasonal and closed for the winter, reopening April 8, 2027, and it doesn't take reservations.
  • The Del-Bar, Wisconsin Dells: founded in 1943 and run by the third generation of the Wimmer family, with char-broiled steaks, seafood and a fried fish dinner. Open daily from 4 p.m.; reservations recommended.

How to supper club

Go early and start at the bar with an old fashioned, then settle in: the hallmarks Travel Wisconsin lists are relish trays, juicy steaks, from-scratch side dishes and ice cream drinks, and "the Friday fish fry is as customary as the Old Fashioned." Plan on a long, unhurried dinner; that's the point.

More Wisconsin traditions: our fish fry guide, bars guide and where to eat.

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Sources

Rules and dates can change. Check the official source before you rely on them, and suggest a correction if something is out of date.