Sweet or Sour? Brandy or Whiskey? These are just a few questions Wisconsinites take very seriously when it comes to our favorite cocktail. Over the years, restaurants across the state have been steadily perfecting this classic supper club staple. Whether you like to keep it simple or are ready to try something new, here are nine Wisconsin restaurants that you must visit if you love old fashioneds.
- Ishnala Supper Club (Lake Delton)
Photo by Mariah Haberman
Located on Mirror Lake, Ishnala was voted the number one supper club in the state. Sink into your chair on the outdoor deck and sip an old fashioned made with muddled fruit and their homemade mix. Ishnala Supper Club is open seasonally during the warmer months. - The Twilight Supper Club (Land O’Lakes)
Next time you’re in the Northwoods, swing by Twilight Supper Club and try one of their flavored old fashioneds. My fave? Their signature “Twilight” Old Fashioned infused with a touch of ginger and finished off with a candied ginger garnish. I also suggest trying at least one of their specialty desserts including martini desserts, ice cream drinks and traditional s’mores by the campfire. Mmm…toasty! - Driftless Glen Distillery (Baraboo)
Photo by Caitlin McKinstry
Located along the Baraboo River, this distillery doubles as a full-scale restaurant. It even boasts a large outdoor dining area to complete the experience. Topping my list: The Granny Smith Old Fashioned, Maple Old Fashioned and Blackberry Old Fashioned.
- The Old Fashioned (Madison)
It’s a restaurant that celebrates all things Wisconsin…so you know their old fashioned is top-notch! The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant is known for simple hand-muddled old fashioneds. Whether you stop in for the fish fry, or to try any of their locally-sourced specialties, you’re in for a treat (and a nice view of the Wisconsin State Capitol!).
- The Libertine (Green Bay)
Photo by Nick Kraftzenk
If you consider yourself a craft cocktail connoisseur and happen to be roving the land of green and gold, make your way to The Libertine. This hot spot features a “Wisconsin-style” old fashioned made without soda, as well as fancy-schmancy, hand-cut ice. Ooh la la! - The Packing House (Milwaukee)
Photo by Maggie Schultz
Consider yourself more old-school than fancy-schmancy? You’ll love the atmosphere at The Packing House. Located across the street from the Milwaukee airport, this spot features live lounge and jazz music as well as a fish fry drive thru. (Genius!) When you step up to the bar be sure to ask for their “Deluxe” Old Fashioned, prepared with Korbel brandy, Cherry Heering, Luxardo cherries, fresh orange slices, Angostura bitters and lemon-lime soda.
- La Cave (La Crosse)
Located inside the restaurant Le Chateau, you will find La Cave. The La Cave lounge features beverages exclusively from Europe. Along with the classic, try their Fumé Old Fashioned, one of their many signature smoked cocktails. - The Mill (Sturgeon Bay)
If you’re looking for a traditional Brandy Old Fashioned, look no further than this Door County supper club. Insider tip: The Mill is also known for their family-style baked chicken dinners as well as fish boils in the summertime. - Cimaroli’s Supper Club (Portage)
Photo by Kenzie O’Keefe
Q: What could be better than sipping on an old fashioned at a classic supper club? A: Sipping on an old fashioned that only costs you $2.50 all day every day! Cimaroli’s is a three-generation family-oriented supper club known for their flat iron steak and, of course, delicious and reasonably priced drinks.
For the ultra passionate, check out our “Call Me Old-Fashioned” tee at shop.discoverwisconsin.com!
Caitlin McKinstry is a member of the Discover Wisconsin Crew. Born and raised in Madison, Caitlin is an avid Wisconsin Badgers fan, ice fisherwoman and lover of all things cheesy. Stream Discover Wisconsin episodes at discoverwisconsin.com. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)
