J. Harrod's, Gilman's Point, John E'S

I am still looking for a "Wisconsin supper club" experience here in the Ville. What are your opinions on:
J. Harrod's
Gilman's Point
John E'S

[Robin Garr]

Gilman's Point

I did a Voice-Tribune review of Gilman's Pointe (sic) and found it significantly below standard. Consider Blackstone Grill in Prospect for a similar and much more successful scene. Sorry I can't tell you how it compares to a "Wisconsin supper club," though, Phil. I'm a virgin in that territory, although Zur Krone near Marquette U. is one of the nicest Wisconsin beer bars I ever saw ...

Phil, I think you guys HAVE to try Pat's Steak House on Lower Brownsboro Rd(for the food correlation to a supper club - not the entertainment). They don't accept plastic (although I think they have a money machine on the premises now), so take cash with you. Totally old-school, waiters in green vests and bow ties, proper cocktails, family-style sides, and great steak.

I know there are two camps around here in regards to Pat's - I am firmly in the "Yes, please" camp.

Also, I can't remember - have you been to L&N Wine Bar? It's not a supper club, but it's somewhere you need to eat before you give up on Louisville.

Phil, you may have defined the "Wisconsin supper club" experience in a previous post, but I've obviously missed it...would you mind re-posting it.

I echo Marsha's assessment of Pat's Steak House, as arguably the best steak place in the area...obviously others disagree, and people either love Pat's or regard it as overrated and outdated....the only fault that I find with Pat's is that it can be rather pricey...but if you seek a traditional steakhouse experience, Pat's is hard to beat around here....

I've never been impressed by the food at John E's (but have heard some good big band there).

Phil,
I've been to several supper clubs in Wisconsin and actually don't think anything locally is very close. Of the three restaurants you mention the only one I think have a very good meal is J. Harrod's and I've found them to be somewhat spotty. Marcia mentioned Pat's, I personally think they have a very good steak but I find the atmosphere very on enjoyable, as Marcia said people fall into 2 camps in regard to this restaurant and I fall into the "don't go" category.

Sorry I can't be more help in your quest but if such a restaurant exists exist in Louisville I haven't found it. If you find one please let me know.

J Harrods -

I've eaten at J Harrods on several occasions and have never been disappointed. The food , atmosphere, and service has been excellent. Now, on the subject of Pat's Steak House, I'll keep Yes/No to myself. However, I do recommend trying Palermo Viejo. It's a personal favorite of mine.

I'm not sure what a Wisconsin Supper Club is, but I have been to J Harrods twice in the last few months and have been quite pleased. Try the fried chicken

Gilman's Point

I did a Voice-Tribune review of Gilman's Pointe (sic) and found it significantly below standard. Consider Blackstone Grill in Prospect for a similar and much more successful scene. Sorry I can't tell you how it compares to a "Wisconsin supper club," though, Phil. I'm a virgin in that territory, although Zur Krone near Marquette U. is one of the nicest Wisconsin beer bars I ever saw ...

Please stay away from that place. To put it nicely, I found it to be significantly below standard myself. I am not even sure if the place is still open. I knew the place was suspect when the manager/sommelier/server/know it all person came over and informed me that Cakebread Chardonnay was the best wine on the planet as if I never heard of Cakebread or Chardonnay before in my life. On a side note, people like that are the reason I can't bring myself to ever order any Cakebread product anywhere. Kind of like Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.

I'm not sure what a Wisconsin Supper Club is..

Im not a cheese head but we did spend alot of time in the North woods and the UP. The best way I can explain the supper club is to state how it is different from a regular restaurant. Often people end up spending the entire evening there. Chatting at the bar or having drinks after the meal out on the deck. It is not uncommon to find a table set up with breads and cheese type snacks to munch on while you mill away the evening. In my experience the patrons have been retired couples and the occasional family. Generally good solid midwestern food with a great fish fry on Friday nights.Often in the summer the tourists flock to all the little fishing lakes up there, and the locals need a place to retreat to. Some of the best ones weve been to have been kind of out of the way without much signage.

So at the clubs, is the food family style? Buffet?

So at the clubs, is the food family style? Buffet?

Weve been to a couple that had a buffet,but most are not.You still sit at your table to eat but theres alot of standing around drinking cocktails before and after the meal. One thing that seems to hold true for all of them is the large portion size. Big steaks,huge portion of prime rib, big plate of walleye,big bowls of sides served family style. Another thing you will find often is the huge platter of pickles,veggies,and relishes that gets put on every table.

Sounds like you need a place with a party/banquet room. Would that be more more sufficient for your purpose?

I have never been to a Wisconsin supper club but, most Saturday nights we have quite a party at Westport General Store. Saturday March 21 at 7pm we host Swing Shift- a Frank Sinatra / Tony Bennett style band. Ala Cart menu and then lots of mingling and hanging out. Come out and give us a try Phil.

A Wisconsin supper club is something different where ever you go. Basically, it serves American food, cooked well with large portions. There is a large bar filled with people of all ages, drinking, talking, laughing, and having a heck of a good time. The restaurant itself is pleasant, bright and clean, but nothing special in ambiance. Usually, almost everything is included in the price of your meal: Relish tray, rolls, salad, entree and sides. Before the end of the evening, the bartender knows your name and is mixing you one hell of a drink for around $5. You go home with a full stomach, happy, without spending a ton of dough. Every time you go back, they remember your name and your drink.