Cimaroli's Supper Club - Portage

The perfect description of this place is "out in the boonies". It's located between Portage and the Wisconsin Dells, surrounded by corn fields and back-county roads. But you wouldn't realize the lonely country atmosphere as you pull into their parking lot, because it's packed with cars and people are lined up outside the building.

Based on some research and history, the original Cimaroli's building was known as Ye Olde Johnson's Inn Supper Club. Ron Cimaroli purchased it in 1970. Ron sold the business to his son in 2000. In 2005, after a fire, Cimaroli's was completely rebuilt.

Cimaroli's is a very modern atmosphere. They have a large two-tiered deck outside for patrons to enjoy their drinks while they wait for a table. The dining room seats about 100 people. The decor is bright colors and patterns. The Bar and Dining room are separated by the kitchen. The Bar has musical acts playing throughout the night, which isn't something we've seen yet.

The Home of the FLAT IRON STEAK! That's what it says on the front of their menu. So I had to Google it...I wasn't sure what that was. And Wikipedia says, "Flat iron steak is a cut of steak cut with the grain from the shoulder of the animal. This produces a flavorful cut that is a bit tough because it contains a gristly fascia membrane unless removed. Some restaurants offer it on their menu, often at lower price than the more popular rib-eye and strip steaks of the same grade. This is used, in some places, as a means of selling a less expensive cut from the same animal."

Their menu also included other Steaks, Prime Rib, Seafood, and Chicken. Maybe you'd enjoy a half pound of Frog Legs as an entree?? (or not). Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday they offer a BBQ Ribs special. Their Friday night fish fry includes Perch and all-you-can-eat Haddock. Their Sunday night feature is Liver and Onions.

I hope you're looking at their menu and thinking to yourself, "Wow, their prices are pretty reasonable". And that's because they are! They specialize in Flat Iron Steaks because they believe in offering affordable food all around. And that includes the Bar too. Their Old-Fashioneds are $2.50.

My group, which included Skyler, Serena, Ruth, and Mary, waited about an hour for a table (they don't take reservations). We drank our Old-Fashioneds out on their deck while we waited. The place was wall-to-wall people both inside and out. Once seated, we were at a table in the back corner.

We ordered an appetizer of Spinach Artichoke dip with homemade tortilla crisps. And dinners came with a soup or salad.

These crisps were very original and delicious.

Pro tip: I've learned to order my salads with dressings on the side at supper clubs. Otherwise, they will completely drown the plate in dressing. (And yes, I'm calling myself a pro, haha!)

Our entrees came quickly. We all ordered a steak dish, except Skyler,who enjoyed chicken tenders.

Prime Rib

Flat Iron Steak with Onions. Shrimp in the back.

Flat Iron Steak with onions and mushrooms

Serena and I had the Prime Rib, and frankly, it was not good. It was thin and cooked to death. It didn't even look like Prime Rib when they set it down in front of me. Serena agreed. And the flavor was bland. But the Flat Irons were good and enjoyed by Ruth and Mary. No desserts were ordered because we were full and it was warm and crowded in the dining room. So we were all happy to get up and move around.

Even though my cut of meat wasn't to my liking, I still recommend this place if you're looking for affordable eats and drinks. I would like to come back and try some other dishes - pasta, sandwiches, or chicken. And don't come at peak dinner hours. Wait until after 7pm if you can. The wait time will be quicker and bigger parties will be on their way out the door.

Ranking time!

1. Prime Rib specials are served every Saturday night.
They actually don't have a Saturday Special. Prime Rib is a regular menu item.

2. A relish tray is served.
No, just a bread basket.

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.
Yes.

6. All-you-can-eat fried fish on Friday nights.
Yes indeed.

7. Grasshopper and Pink Cadillac cocktails are large enough to share.
We didn't order one, so I can't grade them on it.

8. Christmas lights are strung along structures year-round.
I'm giving them a Yes on this point. While there are no Christmas lights inside, they have awesome lights on a big tree out front. This picture doesn't do them justice.

9. The Waitresses call you "Hon"
No. Unfortunately, the waitresses are too busy in the packed house to give you their full attention. But no complaints about our service!

10. The club has a scenic view of our beautiful state.
Well, I would say Yes. Their deck was a nice place to hang out. Even though the view is farm fields, it's still Wisconsin. At least it wasn't a busy highway in the middle of the city.

Cimaroli scored a 5 out of 10. Pretty middle-of-the-road. Personally, I didn't enjoy the atmosphere of this club. It was way too modern and big. I look forward to being in a small, dim-lit restaurant with the old decor. It takes me away and makes me imagine a different era. The era when dining out was a special occasion, not an every night occurrence. And that's why Wisconsin Supper Clubs are so special. They were popular in the mid and late 1900's because people stayed home and worked all week. So when they went out on a Saturday night, it was an event, an escape, and all-night affair.

But don't let my opinion turn you away, try out Cimaroli's for yourself and tell me what you think. I love having discussions with other Supper Club enthusiasts!