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The Old Fashioned In Wisconsin Is A No-Fuss Hideaway With The Best Cheese Curds

The Old Fashioned in Madison, Wisconsin, offers a quintessential Wisconsin dining experience with its renowned cheese curds and classic cocktails.

Updated Jul 24, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

The Old Fashioned on Madison’s Capitol Square is a restaurant that celebrates all things Wisconsin. The eatery is named after the state’s favorite cocktail, and just like that signature drink, it’s something to savor. The Old Fashioned has some great food and cocktails, but if you order nothing else, get the cheese curds. They are gooey, savory, and delicious – some argue they are the best cheese curds in Wisconsin. It's a bold claim: Here’s why you should pay this restaurant a visit to try them for yourself.

The Old Fashioned is located in the shadow of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison – it’s right across the street, on the northeast side of the building.

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Bautista Martinez/Google

When you arrive at the restaurant, your first order of business should be a cocktail. In a place like this, you have to order an Old Fashioned – order it sweet or sour.

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The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant/Facebook

Either way, it will be hand-muddled. There’s also a great beer selection with more than 50 options, so you may want to order a chaser.

Once you have your drink in hand, you’ll want to take a look at the rest of the The Old Fashioned Wisconsin menu.

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The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant/Facebook

The restaurant has some delicious Wisconsin-themed offerings, such as Northwoods Nachos topped with Green Bay-style chili, a classic Wisconsin fish fry, and a Door County cherry salad.

A plate with a taco topped with fried chicken, shredded cabbage, radishes, and a lime wedge on a wooden table.
523sandrao/Tripadvisor

But no matter what main course you choose, you’ll want to order some of The Old Fashioned cheese curds. They are house-made fresh Wisconsin beer battered cheese curds and they have a very large fan club.

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The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant/Facebook

And we think they are one of the best foods invented in WI.

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Order them with a side of a sandwich.

A plate with a burger topped with pickles and onions, served with a side of cheese curds and a glass of beer.
William P/Tripadvisor

On warm Wisconsin days, you can grab one of the sidewalk tables and enjoy your order of cheese curds outside. Enjoy the view of the capitol and if you’re game, order a second basket of curds!

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The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant/Facebook

You can learn more on the Old Fashioned website. Have you ever tried this Wisconsin restaurant? What is your favorite item on the menu? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

While you're in Madison, discover why it's one of the happiest places to visit in Wisconsin.  Reserve a room and plan on staying for a while.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wisconsin/happy-madison-wi/

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Food

Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel & a Meal at This Vintage Supper Club in Wisconsin

Those who love mid-century, Northwoods nostalgia will love Richards of Dunbar retro supper club and motel

Published Nov 6, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

A few years ago, I was driving back home to Minnesota from a camping trip on Michigan's Upper Peninsula and got on U.S. Route 8, which would take me through some of the prettiest parts of Wisconsin, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and all its incredible trails. About half an hour out of Michigan, I approached the tiny town of Dunbar, Wisconsin, and I saw the most wonderful vision: a fantastically retro motel with an attached supper club (and as anybody who's read much of what I've written here knows, I love supper clubs, especially in Wisconsin).

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I didn't have time to stop on that road trip, but the name was burned into my mind: Richards of Dunbar Supper Club and Motel. I knew I'd have to visit one day, even though it's six hours from where I live. Well, I recently got the chance when I was tasked with chasing down some waterfalls in Michigan. I deliberately planned an overnight stop in Dunbar and quickly determined that this supper club and retro motel in Wisconsin's Northwoods should be on everybody's must-visit list.

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Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

The Richards of Dunbar sign alone is practically a roadside attraction in and of itself. Its multicolored lights and beautiful, mid-20th-century vibe make it a sight to behold: a beacon calling out to weary travelers looking for another era in which to eat and spend the night.

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Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

The motel rooms are simple, clean, and affordable. To be frank, it's a perfect place to stay in this remote Northwoods location, but nothing to write home about. I didn't even think to take a photo. Rooms typically hover north or south of the $100-range, depending on the season and events in the area.

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Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

Now the supper club, on the other hand, is a whole other story. With the exception on one near-fatal flaw - lack of a relish tray, which it remedies a bit with a salad bar - Richards is all you could ask for in a Wisconsin supper club. The lounge offers up big, strong bourbon Old Fashioneds (the brandy version is the state's official cocktail) that are perfectly mixed and reasonably priced.

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Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

The steaks are sizable, cooked to perfection, and served with classic sides. There are also plenty of other menu options, ranging from sandwiches and fish to chicken and ribs. One thing that did surprise me a bit is that, as retro as Richards is, some of the menu items definitely have 21st-century pricing. My tenderloin, for example, came in north of $40! I mention this not to imply that it's unreasonable; I was just taken aback when I compared it to other options on the menu. But, as you probably figured, I ordered it anyway, and it was well worth it.

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Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

I can't tell you how happy I am to know that Richards of Dunbar Supper Club and Motel exists, and I can't wait for the next opportunity I have to visit. Check out the Richards Supper Club menu on Facebook (you can even get breakfast in the morning!). For motel reservations, call Richards at (715) 324-5444. Tell us about your favorite retro dining and motels in Wisconsin on our nomination page!

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Food

This Regional Restaurant Is One of Wisconsin’s Favorite Places to Dine

Since 1937, the Northwoods Supper Club has been a place for delicious food and gatherings. This iconic restaurant in WI is a must-visit.

Updated Oct 27, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

If you’ve ever dined at a supper club then you’ll know why we love this one so much. Nestled within the heart of northern Wisconsin, you’ll find a restaurant that’s a destination for folks like us who are culinary enthusiasts and enjoy social gatherings. The name of this place describes it perfectly: The Northwoods Supper Club. This charming restaurant epitomizes the quintessential Wisconsin supper club experience, and The Northwoods Supper Club menu serves up excellent versions of all our favorites. Put your name in at the table or get a seat at the bar – here’s what’s waiting for you at The Northwoods Supper Club in Fifield WI.

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The tiny town of Fifield is located in Price County, deep in the scenic Wisconsin Northwoods. With a population that embraces the warmth of around 300 residents, Fifield is a place where nature's beauty meets a friendly, laid-back lifestyle. It is here you'll find one of our favorite small-town restaurants - The Northwoods Supper Club, tucked on the corner of Flambeau Avenue and State Road 70.

A large white deer statue stands in front of a building, with trees and a blue sky in the background.
marissa smith/Flickr

Step into the inviting confines of this supper club and be greeted by a full bar and a menu that delivers the best of Wisconsin's Northwoods culinary traditions. The menu options and specials vary throughout the week. You’ll find a variety of sandwich options as well as some enticing dinner options. However, it's the specialties that truly steal the show—indulge in succulent prime rib, mouthwatering BBQ ribs, or savor the Friday night fish fry. Don't skip over the melt-in-your-mouth baked cod, it's one of their specialty Friday night menu items.

A plate with baked fish, steamed broccoli, asparagus, and a baked potato, garnished with a lemon slice.
Thank You (25 Millions ) views/Flickr

My favorite things about the supper club are the portions are generous and the staff is friendly and welcoming. So it’s easy to see why this place has such a big following. It gets a lot of return customers! The old-school décor is the perfect backdrop for a meal at this place, and if you love a brandy Old Fashioned, you’re in the right place. Be warned: the drinks here pack a punch!

A glass of cocktail with ice and orange slices sits on a table in a dimly lit bar.
Lindsey Turner/Flickr

The Northwoods Supper Club experience. It’s not just about dining; it's a place for celebrations and gatherings. The banquet hall offers accommodation for groups of up to 250 individuals, specializing in all of life’s events, from weddings and anniversary parties to showers.

What makes the Northwoods Supper Club truly exceptional is its dedication to the legacy of Wisconsin's supper club culture. It delivers the camaraderie, tradition, and rustic charm of the Northwoods, one plate at a time. And we can't recommend this place enough.

Address: N14066 Flambeau Ave, Fifield, WI 54524

I love old-school supper clubs like this – it’s one of the reasons I enjoy traveling to the Northwoods. Be sure to browse the supper club menu to see all their delicious dinner items. And don't forget to visit the Northwoods Supper Club Facebook page for upcoming specials and events. If you plan on spending time in Northwoods check out Booking.com for all your travel plans. Interested in more Wisconsin adventures? Here’s what to see and do in Wisconsin. You'll find lots of exciting attractions for you and your family.

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