The Lox Club, Combined Locks - Saturday March 3, 2018

WOW – What a great experience.    On two previous visits the Lox Club was so busy we decided not to stay, but on this particular Saturday night there was a space or two open in the parking lot.  We arrived about 6pm and the cozy barroom was buzzing.  We found two seats at the circular (or maybe oblong) bar, so typical of Supper Clubs.    We were greeted by the bartender and ordered two brandy old-fashioned sweets.  They were excellent, and a bit stronger than most.  Crackers, cheese spread, and liver pate’ were available in the barroom and did not disappoint.  I tried all of them.  The atmosphere was fun and the clientele spanned all generations.   If we weren’t hungry, we might have sat there for hours. 

One of the owner’s, Cindy, was the hostess and she stopped by to see how we were enjoying our drinks.  Cindy is the daughter of the original owners, “Butter” and Betty Vander Wyst.  Butter, a Combined Locks Paper Mill worker started the Lox Club in 1965.  Of five children, Cindy and Joe are still involved in the business.  We chatted a little and Cindy told us the small expansion of the barroom, where diners could enjoy an after dinner drink, used to be the family’s living room.    

We were given menus at the bar, and after about a half an hour a waitress stopped by to take our order.  She, like many Supper Club staff, was very efficient and experienced.  She returned a bit later reporting that table 17 was ready when we were – no rush.  I love that.  It’s so unlike many of the restaurants today where you are quickly shuttled in and out. 

When we were ready we found table 17, where my salad was waiting.   Seeing us there, our waitress brought Paul’s French onion soup and a bread bowl with typical buns and small banana nut muffins.  Even before getting to our main course, I have to say that the food was excellent.  Paul commented the cheese was melted just right and the flavor of the French onion soup was great.  My salad was very fresh and the bleu cheese dressing was served on the side with crumbles in one container and creamy bleu cheese in another.  So good!  Paul had the special, a Kansas City Strip with a twice baked potato, and I tried the salmon with broasted potatoes.   All the food was really tasty and well prepared.    

For anyone living in Appleton, it is well worth taking the 10 minute drive east to Combined Locks to experience the Lox Club.    I’m sure we’ll be back.