Roepke's Village Inn, Charlesburg - Tuesday September 11, 2018

Roepke’s Village Inn is in Charlesburg, about 5 miles south of Chilton on the east side of Lake Winnebago.  Owned by the Roepke family since 1968, the establishment’s roots date all the way back to the 1880’s when like so many other rural supper clubs it began as a saloon and stagecoach stop.  Over the years the building served as a church theatre, grocery store and dance hall before becoming a supper club in the 1940’s. Charlesburg was settled by German immigrants in the mid-1800’s and the restaurant has honored that heritage with a traditional German menu in addition to all the typical supper club items.

 

When we arrived at about 7pm on a Tuesday night, the barroom was surprisingly busy.  The two bartenders, Tim and Gary, were involved in good natured bantering with the patrons and were quite entertaining.     We sat at the bar, which was roughly in the shape of a 3 leaf clover, and Paul ordered his usual BOFS and I had a vodka tonic.  The bartender supplied us with menus and we sat back, relaxed and perused the menu.

   

When we were ready, Gary the bartender took our order.  Paul was torn between a steak or a German entrée but went with the Cowboy steak  (bone-in ribeye) with garlic mashed potatoes upon Gary’s recommendation.  I tried the special, which was halibut with broasted potatoes.  Gary came back shortly after and said he would take us to the table whenever we were ready.

Gary escorted us back to our table in the busy dining room.  I indulged substantially in the salad bar, more than usual, because they had some very good salads – three bean, kidney bean, and cucumber onion – and the typical cheese and liver spreads.   The food overall was very good.  Paul said the ribeye was excellent as were the garlic mashed.  I enjoyed the halibut, but thought it was slightly overdone, but for some reason it was better leftover for lunch the next day.

   

Roepke’s had a very friendly and fun atmosphere.   We’ll definitely be back to try the German food next time.