McFarlandFew states take Friday fish fry as seriously as Wisconsin, and Toby’s Supper Club, located in the nearby town of McFarland, transforms the Midwestern tradition into a full-on sport. Here, patrons must pre-order dinner at the bustling bar—a practice that requires an early arrival and dogged determination. But if you’re game, it’s well worth the effort.

Dining at a real-deal Wisconsin supper club was at the top of my Madison to-do list, and Toby’s did not disappoint. Visuals director Thomas Payne and I were lucky enough to score seats at the bar, where a friendly local let us in on the restaurant’s protocol: sit at the bar (or stand and hover if it’s a busy night), have a drink, put your dinner order in, and when your food is ready, a server will bring you to your table. We did as instructed, and a round of old-fashioneds later, we were rewarded with a hearty steak and fish fry dinner complete with all the fixings: soup or salad, your choice of potato (we opted for Toby’s fluffy, crisp-edged hash browns), a relish tray, and a bread basket that included both dinner rolls and, to our surprise and delight, cinnamon rolls.

Family recipes and decades of tradition make Toby’s the kind of place where regulars have their own bar stools. Located on Dutch Mill Road, this no-nonsense establishment has been serving Madison families since the early days of supper club culture. Friday nights bring crowds for the legendary fish fry, featuring beer-battered cod that’s crispy outside and flaky within.

It’s not a true supper club experience unless you have to drive awhile to reach your destination. Which makes the Buckhorn in Milton a go-to when you’re craving familiar supper club fare and a lakeside view to boot. Situated alongside Lake Koshkonong, the Buckhorn sits atop Charley’s Bluff to give diners a spectacular view of the sunset over the lake.

Supper Clubs are a very midwest thing, particularly a thing you’ll find all over Wisconsin. They started circa 1940’s in Milwaukee and are a classic multi-course dining experience without the price tag. Think: white linen tablecloths and napkins, tiny candles on the table, dark wood interiors and a bar full of locals.

Stepping into Toby’s Supper Club feels like entering a portal to an era where dining out was synonymous with celebration and community. This Madison gem revives the cherished tradition of Wisconsin’s supper clubs, blending nostalgia with gastronomic delight. At Toby’s, every evening is an occasion.

I landed in Madison, and my sister, who drove from her home in Northwest Wisconsin, met me at the airport. I figured that I better call in the experts – a real Wisconsinite – if I was going to really learn about the Wisconsin Supper Club culture enough to write about it.

Fish fry is super-popular, so bre prepared to wait at the bar, where the old fashioneds will be dispensed in short order. Fish is a choice from baby pike, catfish, cod or lake perch. Insiders hold that the side of hash browns with cheese is a must.

A step inside this far east side spot is like a trip back in time, from the complimentary relish tray and bread bowls to the cheese curds “fried until the cheese screams to escape.” The key lime pie martini is the club’s signature cocktail.

The dinners are served with soup or salad, potato, relish tray, and dinner rolls. They feature Blue Gill, Cod, Lake Perch, and Baby Pike, which keep people coming back for more. There’s also an option to do fish and steak or shrimp!

If I had to pick my favorite place, period, based on all the fish available, I’d probably say Toby’s. Just overall, I think they do the best job of everything. But, I mean, the Dorf Haus is impeccable.

Madison has some famous Wisconsin supper clubs like Avenue Club And Bubble Up Bar and Toby’s. And don’t forget that “Fish Fry” Fridays are still in full force in Madison WI!

It’s known for fish fry, but the fried chicken is next level. I’m talking buttermilk soaked before cast iron. Try it you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re looking for a spot a little closer to the city center, check out Toby’s Supper Club or the Maple Tree Supper Club.