The White House Inn, Butte des Morts - Saturday September 1, 2018

Returning from Milwaukee on a Saturday night we decided to try the White House Inn in Butte des Morts.  We arrived around 7:30 to find the small parking lot full but upon entering the building found out that it would only be about a 15 minute wait for a table, so we settled in at the small bar and ordered up a couple of our usual brandy old fashioneds. The drinks were muddled and very good. Complementary popcorn was offered at the bar.

We chatted with the hostess, who has worked there 18 years, while we waited for our table and she filled us in on a little of the history of the place.  It was originally built around 1900 by the George Walter Brewing Company of Appleton and was operated as a saloon, run by a blacksmith by the name of Smith.  Over the years and through several owners the building housed a saloon, hotel, and was converted to a candy factory and soda fountain during Prohibition. Most of the woodwork in the bar is original, including the hollowed out posts where they hid the liquor during prohibition. Soda taps are still there from its soda fountain days.

James Kontos purchased the building from his brother Chris in 1929 and opened a supper club called the White House.  It eventually became Jimmie’s White House and then just Jimmie’s.  For about the last 30 years, the establishment has been owned and operated by Miles LaFever.  The LaFever family has an impressive collection of Civil War artifacts from Corporal Tunis LaFever, Miles grandfather, that are displayed throughout the restaurant.

The hostess guided us to a booth in a small room just off the barroom.  A waitress soon appeared to take our order. Ann opted for the blackened haddock with cucumber sauce, potato peels and a salad. I decided to try the prime rib special with a baked potato and salad. The White House doesn’t have a salad bar, just a choice of soup or salad with your dinner. Warm bread was served with dinner.

Our food was very good and our entire experience at the White House Inn was excellent. Definitely worth another visit!