Supper club
This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (September 2007) |
A supper club is an American dining establishment generally found in the Upper Midwestern states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. These establishments typically are located on the edge of town in rural areas [1]. They were traditionally thought of as a "destination" where patrons would go to spend the whole evening, from cocktail hour to enjoying night club style entertainment after dinner [2]. They feature a casual and relaxed atmosphere [3].
Typical Menu
Supper clubs generally feature "simple" menus with somewhat limited offerings featuring "American" cuisine [4]. Menus included dishes such as prime rib, steaks, chicken, and fish. An "all you can eat" fish fry was particularly common at supper clubs in Wisconsin [5].
Relish trays featuring items such as crackers, carrots, pickles, radishes, and celery are typically served at the table on "Lazy Susans" [6].
History
The first supper club in the United States was established in Beverly Hills, CA by Milwaukee, WI native Lawrence Frank [7]. They became popular during the 1930s and 1940s, although some establishments that later became "supper clubs" had previously gained noteriety as prohibition roadhouses [8].
Supper clubs can still be found in the Upper Midwest but they are now simply restaurants rather than the all-night entertainment destinations [9] of the past.
A Brief List of Supper Clubs in the United States
- Club 26 (on Highway 26 between Fort Atkinson and Milton, Wisconsin)
- Beverly Hills Supper Club - located in Kentucky, 165 died in a fire in the club in 1977
- Aqua 1066 in Vancouver, British Columbia (Burrard and West Hastings)
- The Plantation Supper Club in Minocqua, WI
- ModusSupper Club in San Diego, CA
- POSHRestaurant & Supper Club in Washington, DC
- Red Top Supper Club in Hazel Green, WI
- Reza's Lakeview Supper Club in Friendship, WI
- Don's Supper Club in New London, WI
- Lake Aire Supper Club in Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- Sunset Supper Club in Taycheedah, WI (near Fond du Lac, WI)
- The Phoenix in Cincinnati, OH
- Club Chaparral outside Wonewoc, WI
Supper Clubs in the United Kingdom
Supper Clubs in the UK takes the Cabaret concept of the American 1930s and 40s and aims to bring the ambience of the underground New York jazz club to the UK entertainment scene. With some really great singers and bands, people can enjoy a dinner without the formality of a ball. It is a well-established fact that supper clubs are often the centre of social networks in rural midwest communities, and now they are becoming the centre of social networks in bustling urban environments. Traditional Supper Club menus consist of standard American fare, and in the UK there is a concerted drive to give the food and wine a modern British twist.
Some Supper Clubs are purely informal dining societies whilst other incorporate musical acts to complement the atmosphere. There is also a form of Supper Club which acts as an informal dating platform, but this is certainly a growing market.
External links
- Description of a typical Wisconsin Supper Club and Selected Clubs in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin History Explorer: Supper Clubs
- Supper Club Is One Of The Things That Make Wisconsin What It Is
- Supper Clubs in London, UK taking the American concept with a British twist
References
- ^ "Supper Clubs: Buildings with Taste", Wisconsin State Historical Society
- ^ Dennis Getto, "Supper clubs that are a cut above prime time", Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- ^ Dennis Getto, "Supper clubs that are a cut above prime time", Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- ^ Dennis Getto, "Supper clubs that are a cut above prime time", Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- ^ "Savoring the Past: Supper Clubs"
- ^ Dennis Getto, "Supper clubs that are a cut above prime time", Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- ^ "Supper Clubs: Buildings with Taste", Wisconsin State Historical Society
- ^ Brenda K. Bredahl, "The state of the supper club scene", Chicago Tribune, August 26, 2007.
- ^ "Savoring the Past: Supper Clubs"
- Supper Club Is One Of The Things That Make Wisconsin What It Is. (June 27, 1999). Wisconsin State Journal.