Van Abel's, Hollandtown - Thursday June 14, 2018

Van Abel’s was opened in 1848 by Martin Van Abel as a resting point for cattle drives headed for Green Bay. The original building featured a saloon and an inn on the second floor. Martin eventually passed the business down to his sons Bill and Albert, who passed the business down to their sons Wilfred and Don. In 2002, Wilfred and Don passed the business on to their 10 children who still run the place today.

The business has gone through a lot of changes over the years and today emphasizes banquets, weddings and off site catering but still runs the supper club as well.  We arrived at the bar around 7:00 and ordered the usual old fashioneds, which were very good. There were a couple people at the bar waiting for carry out orders and only two tables occupied in the dining room. A tray of crackers, cheese spreads and liver pate was set up next to the bar. The walls were adorned with blown up black and white photos dating back to I would guess the 60’s and 70’s of patrons having a good time in the packed bar and restaurant. 

Our waiter soon came to take our order at the bar.  I opted for the broasted chicken, a house specialty since 1965, with potatoes, dressing and gravy with a side salad.  Ann chose the broasted chicken salad. We ventured into the dining room that by then was occupied by one lone diner.

The food was good, nothing special to note. I kind of felt that they were waiting for us to finish up so they could clean up and go home.  We concluded that their business model has changed over the years and the supper club remains as kind of an afterthought. Maybe the place is busier on the weekend but our perception based on this particular evening is that, despite the long history, their heyday as a supper club has passed.