By David Brierley
Wisconsin supper clubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are sprawling spaces with dining rooms that can seat hundreds, while others are compact, with a line out the door on summer weekends. Some offer high class, white tablecloth service, while others have more of a local hole-in-the-wall vibe.
None of these characteristics makes one supper club better than another. They’re all fantastic in their own way, and the variety is something that makes them special. Here in Wisconsin, you can find a supper club for any occasion, whether it’s a Friday night out getting rowdy with friends or a romantic dinner for two.
This month’s subject, Crystal’s Wood Lake Supper Club, sits on the smaller, cozier end of the size spectrum. It also toes the line between neighborhood hangout and classy dining. It hits a sweet spot with its friendly bar atmosphere and outstanding food. With that said, let’s pull up a stool and get to it.
Crystal’s Wood Lake Supper Club lies, as the name implies, on the banks of Wood Lake, south of Coloma and north of Westfield. It’s just off of County Road CH, which parallels Interstate 39.
Upon driving up you’d be forgiven if your very first impression is, “Wait, is this a supper club or a barn?” The building is shaped like a classic Wisconsin barn with two stories and a gambrel style roof. It’s sided in gray, though, not red, and the parking lot and neon beer signs pretty quickly give away the fact that you have arrived at a supper club after all.
Behind the restaurant, you can catch a glimpse of Wood Lake glimmering in the evening light. Being near the water really helps set a relaxing tone for the night.
As you walk into the front entryway, you’re greeted by a heavy, ornately carved wooden door. Beyond that, you’ll find yourself in the barroom. The walls and the bar (top and sides) are finished in beautiful stained wood, giving a classy northwoods vibe.
Just to your left as you enter the barroom is a host stand, and to the left of that is the entrance to the dining room. But for now, let’s check out the bar and grab a cocktail.
The bar is a full rectangle, so there’s plenty of padded bar chairs to grab a seat on. Doug, who owns the supper club along with his wife, Crystal, might just be behind the bar. Let me just say, he makes an incredible old fashioned.
I’ve had a lot of brandy old fashioned sweets in my day, but I have to say Doug’s might be one of my favorites. It’s just the right combination of sweet, but not too sweet; strong, but not too strong; and is garnished with an orange wedge and maraschino cherries the way the good Lord intended.
The layout of the bar makes it easy to make conversation with others, and the guests there are laid back and friendly. That is, after all, the correct disposition when you’re enjoying a night out at a supper club.
Like any good supper club, you can take a look at the menu and place your order from the bar. Then, you can either choose to eat right at the bar, or at a table in the dining room.
The menu is heavy-duty with a nice leather cover, and it contains all the supper club classics (and then some).
The supper club has a fairly large selection of appetizers. Classics range from spinach artichoke dip and coconut shrimp to cheese curds and onion rings. Some unique appetizers are also available, like golden duck strips, duck wontons, and fried thai shrimp. The classics are a must, but it’s nice to have some options if you’re in the mood to try something a little different.
Crystal’s Wood Lake has a nice selection of steaks, too, including a New York strip, a signature 16-ounce ribeye, a tenderloin filet, a t-bone, and a whopping 24-ounce porterhouse. Additionally, you can add seafood to any steak, which sounds like a perfect supper club combination if I’ve ever heard one.
Fridays in Wisconsin are for fish fries, as you well know, and Crystal’s doesn’t disappoint. They have their “famous” fish fry with homemade breading, beer battered fish, broiled cod, fresh lake perch, and fresh catfish. Plenty of options for the discerning Wisconsinite.
Next up we have the seafood selection, which is quite extensive. Norwegian salmon, king crab legs, walleye almondine, Swiss almond cod, lobster tail, and jumbo coconut shrimp are just some of the options. Plenty of seafood options make for supper club perfection.
A list of house favorites rounds out the menu with barbecued ribs, broasted chicken, roasted duck, chicken or shrimp alfredo, 1/3 pound burger with fries, and prime rib. Gilligan’s Island fans will appreciate the different size selections for the prime: The Mary Ann (10-12 oz), The Gilligan (14-16 oz), and The Skipper (20-22 oz). Classic.
The menu at Crystal’s also offers a section of lighter entrees (chicken breast, pork filet, liver and onions, and veggie pasta, to name a few), full size salads, and a kids menu for those 12 and younger.
It’s also worth noting that most entrees can be had as a combo with another entree, so you don’t have to worry about missing out if you’re stuck between two choices.
Once you’ve had time to sip your cocktail (whether it’s your first, second, seventh…) and peruse the menu, your server will come over to take your order. Once your table is set with soups, salads, and any appetizers you ordered, you’ll be led into the dining room.
The cozy dining room at Crystal’s is a major changeup from the ambiance of the barroom. Where the bar is all stained wood, the dining room is classy with white walls, dark carpeting, a stone fireplace in the corner, and Tiffany glass-style chandeliers and wall sconces. The balance between upscale and relaxed is perfect for a casual night out.
No matter what you ordered from the supper club’s extensive menu, I have no doubt it’ll be enjoyable and filling. Everything seems to be made fresh, and there’s certainly no shortage of food. Entrees are served with soup or salad and your choice of potato, vegetable, or rice. Plus, you’ll get a basket of breadsticks and cheese spread, and a basket of dinner rolls.
After all that, if you’re able to find some room in your dessert stomach, Crystal’s serves some delightful-sounding sweet treats. Plus, it’s a supper club, so after-dinner drinks are always available.
To keep up with specials and events at Crystal’s Wood Lake Supper Club, be sure to follow their Facebook page.
Check out our interactive map that shows the supper clubs we’ve visited to find one near you. And, as always, there will be plenty more supper club fun to come.
Where in Wisconsin is this supper club?
Address: W7115 Dakota Ave, Westfield, WI 53964
Nearby landmarks: On the north shore of Wood Lake, just off of I-39 between Coloma and Westfield.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/crystalswoodlake
Three can’t-miss features:
1. Lakefront location
2. Northwoods bar vibes (but classier)
3. Possibly one of the best old fashioneds in the state