52 Supper Clubs in 52 Weeks

Saturday night took us on another venture to the Supper Club Mecca of Wisconsin, Calumet County on the east side of Lake Winnebago, this time to Schwarz’s Supper Club in the small hamlet of St. Anna. Ziggy and Evelyn Schwarz opened a one room tavern in 1957 that through three generations has blossomed into a large supper club that today employs more than 100 people, serving up to 700 patrons on a typical weekend night. We arrived about 5:15 to find the parking lots nearly full. After locating a parking spot, we headed for the barroom to find the bar packed, no open stools. Just as we entered, a couple seated right by the door welcomed us as if they knew us and offered us their seats at the bar as they were heading into the dining room.    We gladly accepted their offer and promptly ordered a couple of old fashioneds from one of the friendly bartenders. Schwarz’s bar is a long, backwards L-shaped bar with tables around the perimeter. We guessed that there were well over 1...

The Idlewile is another interesting place located in one of the many small towns in the corridor between Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan.     This area is well known for excellent supper clubs and the Idlewile did not disappoint.   The Idlewile site dates back to 1869 when a hotel called the Northwestern was built.   The hotel and restaurant served businessmen and travelers that came by horse and railroad.    Nick Lansen was the builder of the establishment and there were several long-term owners over the early years.   In 1922 the Enders acquired the hotel and the entire building was rebuilt.   In 1944, the hotel business was given up.    There were many owners between that time and 1990 when the current owners, Brenda and Dave Panko, bought the business.   The Pankos have maintained the buildings historic elements and elegance including the original tile floor, staircase and paned windows, and an old organ in the dinin...

Reaching out to the northwestern perimeter of our 52 mile radius, we ventured to Plover, Wisconsin to the Sky Club.   Named because of its proximity to the Felix Gauthier McDill airport, the history of the establishment dates back to 1935 and like many supper clubs it was a noted stop for travelers and went through a series of different businesses (gas station, diner) before becoming a traditional supper club in the 1950’s.    Since 1961 it has been owned by three generations of the Freund family, with brothers Patrick and Eric as the current owners.   Since it was a Friday night, we arrived early and found a place at the large, but cozy bar.     It appeared there was a regular Friday night crowd.   We ordered two brandy old fashioneds, mine press and Paul’s sweet.   Paul believes it may have been the best he has had to date.   I agreed it ranked high.   After a nice relaxing time at the bar, we informed the host we were ready ...