GARY: One of the best supper clubs in the area is the Del-Bar; named for its location between the Dells and Baraboo…
If anything, Jeff and Jane Wimmer reach even higher and up-hold the no-compromise tradition established by Jimmy and Alice Wimmer in 1943.

MAE: It’s hard to believe sitting in this beautiful Wright-influenced Prairie-style dining room that the restaurant began as a roadhouse with only six tables.

GARY: James Dresser, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, has designed the expansions and updates since 1951. Michelle, out attentive and friendly waitress, said more expansion is planned.

MAE: Del-Bar’s reputation was built on char-broiled steaks, but seafood, chicken and other wisconsin favorites like Wiener schnitzel make choosing a challenge. I couldn’t resist the evening’s special, broiled salmon with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. The salad came topped with huge, savory blue cheese crumbles on a plate of mixed greens. What a treat! GARY: Ask your wait staff for food or wine suggestions. the Wimmers make a point of training staff with wine tastings and menu sampling, and Del-Bar consistently wins Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Michelle recommended a delicious Miner (Napa, ’00) Chardonnay and a lip-smacking red, Blockhedia Petite Syrah (Napa, ’01). The white was a nice match for the salad, and the big red could have devoured the juicy bone in the Swiss-style angus steak by itself.

MAE: I saved room for dessert and wasn’t disappointed. I love chocolate, and Del-Bar’s chocolate torte was wonderfully enhanced with fudge sauce.

GARY: That Blockhedia enjoyed pairing with the chocolate, too!

Madison Magazine
Article by:
Gary and Mae Knowles

Gary Knowles and MaePatrice Knowles live in Madison where he is a communications consultant to clients in travel, hospitality and entertainment and she is a media relations specialist for Meriter Hospital.