The Buckhorn Supper Club of Milton WI: A True Gem in the Midwest

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The Buckhorn Supper Club of Milton, Wisconsin is a true gem in the Midwest. This supper club has been serving up delicious food and drinks for over 90 years, and it’s still going strong today.

Nestled on the shore of Lake Koshkonong, the Buckhorn Supper Club is a family-owned and operated business known for its delicious food, friendly service, and picturesque views. You can even pull up off the lake to their dock in your boat!

This place is a typical example of how to run a supper club. From the minute you walk in the door and see the exposed stone, dark wood, and low lights, you know you have arrived in a slice of Wisconsin history.

They set the stage

A friendly greeting from the host welcomes you as your reservation is confirmed and then you take a seat at the bar. Vintage music from standards of the 1940s and 1950s is heard in the background ranging from Artie Shaw to Sinatra.

As you sip the perfect Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet your eyes dance over the wall decor. Everywhere you look there is something different. From a lobster montage to the local favorite sports teams, there is a feast for your eyes.

Then it is time to set at your table.

I go incognito

Here is the thing, I usually hate to go to a restaurant where they know I am a travel writer and will be doing a story. I end up with the experience that is over the top – and often far from the usual norm.

I have more than one person who stops at the table to top off that water glass, a dirty plate never sets in front of me, and the food, well it is spot-on perfect every time.

We were a known quantity this time – it was no surprise that a travel writer was in the crowd. We had that impeccable experience.

As I sat at my table with the family, immersed in our own dinner, we looked around at the Buckhorn, and it was easy to see that everyone got that same treatment.

What really impressed us is the way they had everything staged to the point that you would never know that there is a labor shortage. So many establishments are struggling right now and you never got that feeling watching the incredibly choreographed service.

Buckhorn Supper Club Menu

Now, let’s talk about the food! They have a simple, streamlined menu, that is well executed. We started with an order of the Kraemer Wisconsin Cheese Curds because we have a teenager. I think it is one of their food groups…

They were lightly battered, almost fluffy, and served with ranch dressing. the 15-year-old had to slap dad’s hands as he kept going back for another and he doesn’t even like fried cheese curds.

We relegated him to the bread basket that came with butter and cheese spread – with crunchy breadsticks.

The Baked French Onion Soup came next and was perfect down to the beading on the broth. We can see why it has become a favorite at the Buckhorn – the teen gave it six stars out of five.

Then the main dishes.

A seven-ounce fillet mignon Oscar-style for me (with crab, asparagus, and Bearnaise sauce), the Broiled walleye for my husband, and a steak for the kid.

The steaks were tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. The crab was fresh and plentiful as were the asparagus spears – which still had that slight snap of crispness. The Bearnaise had just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce. You can see from the picture how “chunky” the Oscar was, instead of the super liquidy standard most places serve with only a few pieces of crab visible.

I literally moaned after each of the first few bites until I was given “that look” by the family…

I never touched the au jus that was served along with it – it simply wasn’t needed.

The walleye was flaky and moist with a delicate flavor that was enhanced by the lemon and melted butter it was served with.

I can’t believe we had room for dessert

Hot Lava Cake for the teen, Key Lime Pie for the hubster, and I had a Pink Squirrel.

The hot lava cake was light and airy, with oozing chocolate from the center. They brought more than one fork assuming the teen would actually share any… her European pastries class paid off as she could describe it in detail for me.

The homemade key lime pie was tart and refreshing with a graham cracker crust that had just the right amount of crunch. I managed to sneak a small bite by pointing out a boat that wasn’t on the lake to get him to look out the window – and still can’t believe it worked, LOL. He was NOT going to give any of it up.

But my favorite was the Pink Squirrel. If you aren’t familiar with them, it is made with Brandy, Crème de Noyaux, and ice cream.

It is a recreation of a drink that was popular in the 60s – and it tasted as I remember them. Rich, creamy, and with just enough alcohol to give it a bit of a kick.

The three straws were a nice touch but I wasn’t going to share…

Handicap Experienceable

While you can’t easily get a wheelchair up the front steps, it is easy to access this place from the doors off the back patio. All tables are nices spaced apart and easy to maneuver around. You will not want the bathrooms right off the dining room, but want to use the ones off of the bar area.

Summing it up

The Buckhorn Supper Club is definitely a gem in the Midwest! The food was amazing, the service was great, and the atmosphere was perfect. I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Wisconsin or just looking for a great meal.

With summer finally here, you might even be able to enjoy your meal on their large back patio. What could be better than seeing the sunset over the lake as you savor your meal?

Don’t take my word for it – get your fanny there and try it out for yourself. Make a reservation by calling (608) 868-2653.

It is located at 11802 N Charley Bluff Rd in Milton, Wisconsin