By David Brierley
The term “innkeeper” dates back to medieval times, referring to the people who ran inns which provided food, drink, and lodging for travelers and their horses. It could be said that the supper club is sort of a modern interpretation of an inn. They provide guests food, drink, somewhere to rest and recuperate, and stables for their horses (or rather, parking lots for their cars).
Rex’s Innkeeper, named for the owner, Rex Endres, opened in Waunakee in 1988. Then a relatively small town with a population of less than 6,000 people, there were only a few dining establishments in town.
Waunakee has grown considerably since then, with many more people and many more places to grab a bite to eat. Rex’s Innkeeper, however, is still there, serving its supper club fare and slinging old fashioneds.
Rex’s Innkeeper sits on the north side of town, near the banks of Sixmile Creek. While the surrounding area is somewhat urban, with chain restaurants and shops nearby, the supper club’s large parking lot is bordered by wilderness, thanks in large part to the nearby golf course.
The building itself is a sprawling single story, seeming enormous from the outside. It is neat and tidy, white painted brick with a black shingle roof. It has a large porte cochere at the front, a favorite supper club feature for dropping off dining companions under cover during inclement weather.
The architecture of the supper club also includes a turret at the front with narrow windows, and the porte cochere has a rich red cloth roof with a white serrated square fringe. The supper club’s name, Rex’s Innkeeper, is spelled out in something like an old English font on the front of the awning, and on the front of the building framed in large, wood beams.
As you face the building, you’ll notice well-manicured gardens to the right, with a water feature and a footbridge leading to a matching white gazebo. All of these architectural features, along with the natural stone around the entryway, give the impression of a medieval castle. Yet, it’s all subtle enough to avoid being tacky.
As you enter through the main doors, the medieval theme continues with a nice slate floor, dark wood walls, a white ceiling with dark wood beams, and a natural stone fireplace directly ahead of you. The fireplace is flanked by two animal-print sitting chairs that fit in well with the theme.
Turn left to head to the bar, or turn right to head to the host stand and main dining rooms. It’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially on those typically busier nights later in the week and on the weekend.
It’s also a good idea to arrive early so you can check out the bar area, which continues the medieval theme with dark woods and white block pillars. The bartenders are very efficient, and the old fashioneds they serve are very tasty.
The bar area stretches around the corner to a seating area with quite a few tables. These two areas are joined by a stage for live performances. This is somewhat rare for supper clubs these days, but live music almost always leads to a good time.
All in all, the bar area at Rex’s Innkeeper offers a great place to unwind from a long day, relax with a cocktail, and settle in for a night of good times and great food.
Once you’re sufficiently relaxed and the worries of the day have melted away with each sip of your drink, you can pop back over to the host stand and you will be shown to a table in one of the dining rooms. These, too, continue the subtle medieval theme with wrought iron chandeliers that hold electric candles, ornate ironwork borders around the windows, and wall sconces holding vases with unique plants.
Once you’ve been seated at your table, your server will be along shortly to bring water and menus, and take any drink orders should you find yourself running dry. The menu is fairly large without being overwhelming, and offers plenty of supper club classics.
Appetizers start off the show with cheese curds, several types of shrimp (shrimp cocktail, coconut shrimp, and spicy boom boom shrimp), chicken (both wings and tenders), onion straws, deep fried pickle spears, and mac and cheese bites. There is hardly a way to go wrong with any of those.
Moving down the page you’ll find the ultimate supper club jackpot: a soup and salad bar. Quite the thorough affair, the soup and salad bar can be had on its own for less than $10, though it’s included with most entrees. It should be noted, the salad bar is not included with the Friday fish fry special, but can be added on for a small fee.
Next up is the fairly comprehensive seafood selection. Items here include shrimp (breaded, broiled, coconut, or Shrimp de Jonghe), haddock, walleye, salmon, and lobster.
Poultry follows, with tasty broasted chicken featuring Rex’s signature seasoned butter. Other options include chicken cordon bleu, grilled chicken breast, and chicken tenders.
Steaks come next. Rex’s Innkeeper features a wide variety of cuts including New York strip, several different tenderloin options, ribeye, sirloin, flat iron, and – of course – prime rib. The prime rib can be ordered in 9, 12, or 16 ounce portions, and is served every night except Fridays.
Pork chops and barbecued ribs round out the nightly menu, along with combinations of some of the above. It’s always nice to have the option for variety, right?
Finally, Rex’s Innkeeper offers specials each night, punnily referred to as their knightly specials. Monday is comfort food night, with chicken and dumplings or liver and onions. I would only care to try one of those options, but I’m guessing they’re both fantastic if you’re into that sort of thing. Tuesday specials are pork chops, haddock, or half a roast duck.
Wednesday brings the option of the fish fry, broasted chicken, or chicken and barbecued ribs. Thursday specials are chicken tenders, pepper steak, or walleye. Friday, of course, is fish fry night in Wisconsin. Additionally, Rex’s offers a top sirloin with shrimp, or chicken and cod on Fridays.
Saturdays bring back the duck and walleye, and also offer Steak Oscar. Finally, Sunday specials include a 9 ounce prime rib, broasted chicken, or roast turkey with dressing (stuffing to those of you from outside Wisconsin), mashed potatoes, and vegetables.
Once you order, it’s time to head up to the salad bar for a smorgasbord of delights. There’s salad, of course, with every topping you could hope for, and a wide selection of salad dressings. There’s also cottage cheese, pasta salads, potato salad… all the good fixings for a classic supper club salad bar.
The servers at Rex’s Innkeeper are friendly and pleasant, and incredibly good at their jobs. They’ll make sure to time your entrees right so that your food will come fresh from the kitchen once you’ve finished your appetizers, soups, and salads. It’s the little details that count, and this supper club does it right.
When it’s time for dessert, Rex’s Innkeeper offers some tasty sounding treats and dessert drinks, so be sure to save room.
To keep up with dinner specials and special events the restaurant holds, be sure to check out their website and follow them on Facebook. Rex’s Innkeeper also offers event space and catering for private parties from 25-500 people, so the next time you need a destination for an office party or even a wedding, you know where to look.
Sadly, Rex Endres passed away in July, but his family and the staff at Rex’s Innkeeper have vowed to keep the restaurant running in his honor. We offer our condolences.
Where in Wisconsin is this supper club?
Address: 301 N Century Ave, Waunakee, WI 53597
Nearby landmarks: Located in Waunakee, about seven miles north of Madison, just south of The Meadows of Sixmile Creek golf course.
Website: https://www.rexsinnkeeper.com/