Although the Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to many fabulous supper clubs, one of my favorites in the whole world is Dreamland Supper Club, which is located just outside of Superior, Wisconsin. One thing I'll give to our neighbors to the east is that they know how to do these classic eateries right, and I think Dreamland is one of the best supper clubs in Wisconsin. So, whenever I happen to be in the Twin Ports, I always try to make time for a trip to Dreamland.
Dreamland Supper Club in South Range, Wisconsin, has been a Twin Ports institution for a century.
From the outside, this Northwoods outpost of supper club perfection looks more roadhouse than steakhouse - as it should be, since it was a speakeasy during prohibtion.
But once you enter, you're greeted with the casual supper club decor you'd expect to see at such an establishment.
There's a dogsledding mural in a back room that I am particularly fond of - and I always try and sit near it if I can.
You won't find leather booths or folks in ties here.
A lot of folks, in fact, ride over on their ATV or snowmobile. The only thing fancy about a proper supper club like Dreamland is the food.
...like the 16-ounce lobster tail dinner for which Dreamland is known.
If it's a supper club, I'm starting with a bourbon old fashioned.
And since this is Wisconsin, I know it'll be done right. (It is the official state drink, after all). And believe me, Dreamland does a good one.
The surest sign that you're dining in a true supper club is the presence of a relish tray.
Any supposed supper club that doesn't offer one is immediately suspect. Dreamland's take is a good one. Pickled herring used to be an automatic inclusion. It's not anymore, but it is available on request.
If you order an entree, you'll be offered a cup of soup or a glass of tomato juice, as well as a salad, to kick off your meal.
Dreamland's menu features all the classics you'd expect to be available at a Wisconsin supper club.
You'll find chicken, ribs, pork, chops, and fish, as well as a few surprises like French-fried turkey and duck confit. The duck was perfect - tender and flavorful.
I'm a classicist when it comes to supper clubs and inevitably order steak.
I usually get the New York strip at Dreamland (along with au gratin hashbrowns), which they season well and prepare to a perfect medium rare.
As proud as Dreamland is to feature a four-course meal, it's often a little much for me.
But I promise - it makes a great lunch the next day. When I visit Superior, I like to stay at the Barker's Island Inn Resort. It's got a fantastic harbor-front location, and it's just minutes from Dreamland.
Have you had a chance to dine at Dreamland Supper Club near the Twin Ports? Let us know in the comments!
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