Goodman Clubhouse and Supper Club

I write this review from the land that time forgot. At least I've got an internet connection...

I write this review from Dunbar, Wisconsin. A little context: there was a bear in a tree right outside my bedroom window this morning, according to my cousin. Since you have to drive everywhere, take care to be mindful of ATV crossings. If you're looking to purchase some craft beer, take note that High Life is available at the Discount Depot where you can purchase your fishing license and firearms from a nice gentleman in a blaze orange tank top, as well.

Northern WI is a different world, to be sure. It's hard not to go into culture shock when visiting. Remember when I said 'Tosa was a different world when I reviewed "Yo Mama!"? I take it back. I take it wayyy back.

That said, I love it up here. Life is simple. Things are different. Everyone knows everyone, and there's this strange sort of visceral honesty in existence that's pervasive here. There's no way I could live up here myself, but it's most certain that visiting a place like this puts you in check a bit. It causes you to re-evaluate your personal concept of reality. Or maybe I'm just getting all existential. Whatever.

Enter: Goodman Clubhouse and Supper Club. Don't call it a restaurant. It's a supper club. Don't get it wrong. There's a difference.

It is my belief and understanding that supper clubs ONLY exist in Northern Wisconsin.

The building is ancient in the most fantastic way. Built in 1914, it once housed a bowling alley, a dance hall, a post office, movie theater, a candy store, and a restaurant. It was built with the architectural style of a Mt. Vernon in mind. Due to its age and aesthetic, it's both grand and modest all at once. The bar, the seating and the entire establishment is trapped in this sort of time warp. A hodgepodge of furniture from the 40s and 50s, the light fixtures in the restaurant itself seem to scream 1927. Frozen in time, it's almost magical. It is magical.

Fish Fry = quintessential and iconic Friday fare in our great state of Wisconsin, from MKE to everywhere else

Supper club + old-timey music (think big band) + a brandy old fashioned sweet crafted by a gentleman who's most likely worked at the Goodman Clubhouse since before I was born = like nothing else

I may not even delve into the service and the food... because the ambiance is what I was most concerned with. (Okay, I will a bit, because this *is* a review, after all. The fish was good, everything else lackluster, and the service was interesting.)

It's all about experience.