Milwaukee, WI
Last weekend we took a trip to Milwaukee, WI, otherwise known as sausage, cheese and beer town - or the land of Supper Clubs. On the way there, we mapped "supper club" and found that we were surrounded by little red pins. There is more exploration to be done down the line, but the next two posts are a start!
Driving through Whitefish Bay, we came across a old log Inn as were winding around a bend headed to the lake. Intrigued, we pulled in. While not specifically labeled a supper club, this place was a supper club long before supper clubs came along.
Established in 1915, this Inn has been through four generations and the Pandel family still owns and operates it. It is said to be the oldest remaining restaurant in Milwaukee County.
Imagine this patio by the fireplace on a summer evening!
We walked in through a small entry - turned photo gallery, dining room, and headed for a beautiful old world bar. German steins, elves, antlers and rich dark woodwork adorn the room from head to toe. They don't make 'em like this anymore!
Look at these jolly little elves go to work!
The ship figurehead chandeliers are exceptionally wonderful.
As we were enjoying our old fashioneds, bartender Mario was filling us in on the Inn's history and his history as a bartender. He worked at the Tiki Lounge on 5th and Rogers back in the 70s (the lounge is no longer there - because believe me - we would have checked it out). Mario continued to tell stories and then brought the most delicious garlic toast followed by swiss cheese horseradish (!) spread and a shot of booze that tasted 100 years old!
We only had snacks at Pandel's, but we glanced at the menu and it looked pretty good - a mixture of German and Wisconsin delicacies. I'm still regretting not ordering the whitefish cakes.
One item on the menu in particular caught my attention - the schaum torte - a Milwaukee favorite and something my grandma would make. Then I thought to myself - hey wait, this place is oddly familiar. Interestingly enough, when I got home I found out that Pandl's was my great grandma's favorite restaurant and I was there when I was small. I just had the feeling when I was there that the place was really familiar - and it was.
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