A supper club is a dining spot where the meal is the evening’s main event: originally an American restaurant open only at suppertime, today also a ticketed dinner hosted in a private home or a hidden space.
The classic version is a Wisconsin institution. Independently owned and usually out in the countryside near lakes and woods, these places grew especially popular after the Second World War, with menus of steaks, prime rib and Friday fish fry, a relish tray of pickles and cheese spreads, and an ice-cream drink for dessert. Live music and dancing were once part of the package, and guests traditionally began and ended the evening at the bar.
The brandy-based house drink has its own tale: Korbel brandy was presented at the Chicago World’s Fair, and Wisconsin’s German communities adopted it. The modern underground supper club keeps the spirit but swaps the lake view for a mystery address sent the day before.