Recently, a close friend told us about an upcoming PBS re-broadcast of a show about Wisconsin Supper Clubs that included a venue in one of our well-known Wisconsin haunts: Rice Lake’s Lehman’s Supper Club and Lounge.
A True Wisconsin Supper Club
Located right next to the hotel at which we were soon to be staying, not only was it easy to access, Lehman’s Supper Club and Lounge provided a great example of a true Wisconsin Supper Club. I had visited Lehman’s on one other occasion a number of years ago on another business trip. Lauren & I decided to walk over and give it another try.
The dining room was dark and cozy, with lots of dark wood, tables and comfortable booths. Although I would have liked to partake of the relish tray (and I hear Lehman’s has a great one) that is indicative of a “true supper club”, on this occasion, we decided that we would simply visit the bar and try some appetizers and cocktails.
Typically “Supper Club Dark”
It was only a Tuesday night but, upon entering, we could see that the dining room was already filling – a very good sign. The bar area was also quite busy.
Numerous tables and booths were occupied and the bar itself contained only a few empty seats. We grabbed two of the remaining chairs and began to survey our surroundings as we perused the dinner menu and ordered a beverage.
Typically supper-club dark, Lehman’s Lounge also features small “Christmas” lights over the bar that add to the ambience – it accentuated a warm and friendly feel. The restaurant’s dinner menu features everything one might imagine. There were light appetizers (including some excellent deep-fried cheese curds, shrimp cocktail and calamari), sandwiches and salads, fish and seafood, chicken, ribs, pasta and steaks.
Lounge Specials
We concentrated on the lounge specials (there were over a dozen listed on a lighted sign behind the bar) on this particular evening, ordering a Half-Pound of Peel-and-Eat Shrimp and some Deep-Fried Cheese Curds. Both of these were cooked to perfection and were really tasty. Cocktails were of the “healthy pour” variety and reasonably priced as well.
True Wisconsin Supper Club
It was a short visit and, as I mentioned, we did not stay for dinner on this particular occasion. But if the appetizers – and service – we received at the bar are any indication of what’s available in the dining room and from the dinner menu, I can guarantee that we’ll be back. Great job Lehman’s. You’re an excellent example of a true Wisconsin Supper Club! I rate you as a solid 4 Zins and hope to be back soon!
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Lehman’s is located at 2911 S Main St in Rice Lake, WI. The supper club is adjacent to the Rice Lake Best Western Inn which makes it convenient for a special occasion or weekend getaway.
