Why Supper Clubs Are Great Places To Go To

By Ruth Walker


One type of restaurant that gained currency in the twentieth century had their start during Prohibition days. Mainly, their beginnings were interesting because they were supported by passing gangsters on the run from the Feds. These restos were located in very small towns nobody have heard of that took in gangsters who were quiet and did not really bother anyone in the town.

Also, gangsters brought with them good liquor and this was something no one else had in abundance in decent places. Wisconsin supper clubs were founded from this kind of history, but they quickly became popular with many folks after prohibition. Their legitimacy was unquestioned since they took no part in gangster history.

In this day and time, the club of this type is where fine folks can go to and rub elbows with others when dining and drinking. Standards here are for fine dining, and any other kind of new innovation in food preparation, restaurant etiquette and technology. Supper clubs are among the most progressive of dining places.

Wisconsin state did have a lot of backcountry roads back then. Some little towns were found on these roads, where farming families decided to live together and have a main street. Taking a break from fighting the law, gangs took breaks in these places, away from central locations where the FBI had offices, places with many escape routes.

These main streets had some makeshift eateries, where some folks could spend the time of day, and gangsters were something from another planet. But these boys knew how to butter up people, and they wanted a moment of peace in the middle of a war. Over time, these diners grew with the custom brought in by gangs, and the quality food and liquor they brought in with them.

Supper clubs eventually took in the spirit of being fine places that were quiet but had a distinct flavor of being progressive. They are usually located on the city limits or beyond town, and enjoy the quiet and exclusive nature of rural enclaves. However, they are simply a drive away from the urban centers.

The state therefore has its own excellent version of out of the way clubs with an aura. These are not exclusive, but operate more like starred places on the Michelin book on the suburbs of Paris. They are actually very legit, and have nothing of the spirit left from those times when gangsters where their main source of income.

These are places that have a past and it often shows on walls. Photos or mementos are interesting, even as those hard times are not in evidence for actual service. The atmosphere is the opposite of furtive joy, but about good times done quietly and with warmth and excellent service.

The tastes here are American or Midwestern, classic portions of steak, with excellent sides. But then, the owners are worldly enough and feature many kinds of entrees. These are diners that become instant favorites with first timers, and the tradition of quiet welcome continues, a thing that gangs from yesteryear appreciated in their own way.




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