A Rare Second Chance
I have stated numerous times that I will rarely return to a given restaurant for a “second chance” review. One of those exceptions was a recent re-visit to Rolling Oaks Supper Club and Lounge. For my motivation… read on!
The COVID Catalyst
You may be wondering “why the exception” in this particular case? The answer is found in this phrase: Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 – Covid-19. We all know and remember it was – and still is – simply, Covid-19, a very nasty virus. In 2019 through 2021, Covid devastated businesses in most of the world. Service businesses – especially restaurants – took a huge hit as a result of the disease.
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No Review?
It was late in 2021 when Lauren and I found ourselves heading north on a business to a trip to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We ended up driving north to Barron for a meeting and decided to have dinner that night at a place called Rolling Oaks Supper Club and Lounge. Short story: it was not a particularly pleasant experience and a less-than-stellar first impression. As a result, I did not review it. End of story… well, almost.
Why The Return to Rolling Oaks?
Back in that area recently, we decided to give it another try. Why? One: Rolling Oaks advertised a Friday night fish fry. Two: They also advertised a salad bar (with unlimited soup and salad!). Three: it was, after all, a Friday night! What did we stand to lose? This time? Nothing!
A Welcoming Start and Beverage Perfection
A smiling hostess escorted us to a very nice table next to the porch window that afforded us a great view of the scenic Rolling Oaks golf course. She also left us with menus. Our server would arrive shortly, asking if we would care for something from the bar. Of course we did! A decent pour of Grey Goose for me; Lauren selected a glass of Chardonnay. Perfect… times two.
Salad Bar & Fish Fry Impressions
We ordered two fish fry specials ($16.99). Both were Cod, as most Wisconsin fish fries seem to be. Lauren asked for the broiled version, along with Parsley buttered baby red potatoes. I selected the fried version and a baked potato.
While we were waiting, we headed to the salad bar. There was head lettuce, cottage cheese, pasta salad, coleslaw, beets cheddar cheese, black olives, sunflower seeds, bacon bits, and… well, there were more items than I can remember. Everything was quite fresh, and very good. Impressive!
Minor Quibble
The only slight drawback was the continued requirement for patrons to don plastic gloves at the salad bar. Likely a lingering practice from the Covid era, it still felt a bit unnecessary. I understand it but simply sending a server to clean/wipe down/sanitize the implements on the salad bar would likely work just as well… A regular, periodic cleaning of serving implements could achieve the same sanitation.
I did opt for a bit more salad, just as the dinners were brought out. The plating could have been better, but I must say that the fried cod was exceptional – perhaps of the best I have had “up north”. Crispy and well cooked it was! Lauren’s broiled cod was a tad overdone. Not so much as to be inedible, but just enough to be a bit dry, even with the butter on it.
A Well-Deserved Rating for Rolling Oaks
Overall, the experience was far better than our last visit. Service was very good; salad bar and dinners were very good as well. It was a great overall experience – and… the evening easily surpassed our previous visit.
Even with a minor quirk (the plastic glove thing), Rolling Oaks Supper Club and Lounge has earned a well-deserved 3 ½ Zin rating. It’s a place to which you should definitely go. I can promise that we will be back when the opportunity presents itself!
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Rolling Oaks Supper Club is located at 450 W Division Avenue Barron, WI 54812
Lauren’s Links
- Wisconsin Supper Clubs: An Old-Fashioned Experience by Ron Faiola
- The Supper Club Book: A Celebration of a Midwest Tradition by Dave Hoekstra (Author), Garrison Keillor (Foreword)
