Wisconsin Supper Clubs: Old-Fashioned Food and Fun

As our waitress approaches, we set down our brandy old-fashioneds and push aside our relish tray. The plates she brings celebrate old-school big eating: a porterhouse that hangs over the rim, a casserole-size dish of potatoes topped with bubbling cheddar, a tower of crispy fried fish and enough iceberg lettuce salad to feed a small wedding party.

Our first thought, of course, is whoa. Who eats like this anymore? Um—-we do, every time we go to a supper club, and Beloit, Wisconsin (50 miles southeast of Madison), has a bevy of them. The hearty portions, paper menus and friendly owners make these throwback, dinner-only restaurants legendary.

Pictured: The Key lime 615-tini is a big seller at The 615 Club in Beloit.