August was a very fun visit. We had some newcomers to our dining group, which always makes for wonderful company! We drove to Jefferson to eat at The Edgewater, located right on the Rock River. From the outside, it's just a little shack that is easily missed if you're driving by.
The Edgewater dates back to the early 1900s. It has a history with Chicago mobsters. The owner was more than likely making moonshine and shipping it down the river. The money drop, hidden in the wall behind a coat-hook facade, is still behind the bar today.
With it's over 100 year history, the tavern has seen many owners come and go. Marty Wehausen bought it in 2001. Marty tried to turn the Edgewater into a sports bar with high-top tables and TVs. One night in 2009, Marty mysteriously walked away, and never returned. The bank that held the mortgage shut down the club, but kept the liquor license in tact. In 2012, Bill and Vicki Mills bought and took it over. The abandoned building was in very rough shape. They repaired the roof, floors, carpeting, refinished the bar, and repaired the fireplace. After a year of repair work, the Edgewater opened it's doors in September 2013.
There are two main dining rooms: the old slanted porch overlooking the Rock River. And the Pheasant Room, which is warmed by the fireplace during the colder months. There are also two private booths on either side of the fireplace. The building is cozy with low ceilings, dark wood paneling, and music piped through the entire building. Bill and Vicki suspect their place is haunted. Items seem to move when no one is there, and lights go out frequently three at a time.
The menu features prime rib, steak, pork chops, and seafood. Dinners include a relish tray, soup or salad, and choice of potato and seasonal vegetable. And there is a traditional fish fry on Friday nights.
When I walked in, I immediately felt crammed into the low ceilings and dark atmosphere. And it made me happy, classic supper club environment. The small bar area was illuminated by a pink neon light. The group ordered their old-fashioneds before we sat at our table. And by the way, there was a random disco ball in the bar.
We sat in the Pheasant Dining room. Our table centerpiece was a bunch of ceramic pheasants. We had a group of 8: Me, Skyler, David, Serena, Ruth, Vicky, Jerry, and Mary. I personally loved the atmosphere and decor of the club. A strong odor of cedar or wood filled the air. There was music piped in through the stereo - rat pack, Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Michael Buble played constantly.
Almost everyone in the group ordered Prime Rib or Steak. The menu was small, one page and to the point. After we ordered, our relish tray and bread baskets came. The relish tray had carrots, celery, radishes, dill pickles, and coleslaw. The bread was delicious, I don't even know how to describe it honestly. Then our soups and salads were served of course.
And for the main entrees: BEEF! I mean, this is the midwest after all. Don't be so surprised.
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| Sirloin Steak with Potato Wedges |
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| Chopped Steak with Mushrooms and Baked Potato |
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| Prime Rib with Baked Potato |
Shortly after our entrees came out, the head chef, in full white coat & hat, came out to see how the food was. That was such a friendly gesture that was appreciated. There were very few leftovers that the group took home. Then we ordered after dinner ice cream drinks! Grasshoppers and Brandy Alexanders for the table please.
And of course, my favorite part of the evening is the good company and conversation. I always learn new things about my family and hear some great stories. Really can't beat that.
Let's go ahead and grade this Wisconsin Supper Club:
1. Prime Rib specials are served every Saturday night.
Yes
2. A relish tray is served.
Yes
3. Manhattans and Old-Fashioned cocktails are served with Brandy.
Yes
4. Jell-O is served as a salad option.
No
5. Walleye is a regular menu item.
No, it's only served during Friday Night Fish Fry
6. All-you-can-eat fried fish on Friday nights.
Yes
7. Grasshopper and Pink Cadillac cocktails are large enough to share.
No, our deserts were not shareable. I ate all of mine by myself.
8. Christmas lights are strung along structures year-round.
No lights, just a neon martini-shaped light at the bar.
9. The Waitresses call you "Hon"
No. Actually, she wasn't very personable at all. And she completely disappeared once we wanted to pay our bills.
10. The club has a scenic view of our beautiful state.
Yes. Don't step too far, or you'll fall right in to the Rock River.
The Edgewater Supper Club gets a score of 5 out of 10. Even though it didn't hit all the points, it was a great experience. All of the food was delicious and nothing but good comments from our group. The prices were reasonable, for a supper club.David said it's hands-down his favorite so far. And Vivky ordered her first ever Old-Fashioned. Good night, good food, good company.
