That's when two local gentlemen bought and converted a log cabin, with room for only six tables, into a small roadhouse specializing in char-broiled steaks. Because it was located between Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo, the name Del-Bar was chosen.

When WW II began and business fell off, the owners lost interest. "Jimmy" Wimmer, a former University of Wisconsin football quarterback who grew up in the rural part of the Dells called Badger Valley, was eager to take over - even under less than fortuitous conditions.

At first, his wife Alice voiced surprise and some reservations. "We don't know anything about running a restaurant," she exclaimed. "You've got a domestic science degree (UW 1929), haven't you?" replied Jimmy. "Besides, you cook pretty good!"

They bought the Del-Bar in 1943 borrowing $500 from a friend on a handshake.

Little did the couple know they were establishing a strong family tradition that, over the years has become as integral part of the Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton region as man-made water parks and picturesque rock formations. From the beginning, the name has changed only slightly - from "The Del-Bar" to "Jimmy Wimmer's Del Bar," shortened to "Jimmy's Del-Bar" and now back to "The Del-Bar." No matter how customers remember the restaurant, a reputation for combining good food and drinks with dedicated, neighborly service and a relaxing atmosphere has never wavered.

During the war, Jimmy sought out farmers who raised cattle in order to procure enough beef to serve his customers. There were difficult, challenging times to overcome. During periods of high unemployment, when money was tight, the two worked long hours just to hold on. Wimmer not only succeeded, but over the years expanded the restaurant. Today it is more than 5 times its original size. Still very much a part of the establishment, however, is the original small dining room, now referred to as the Garden Room.

Stand in the middle of the restaurant to feel a part of the old log home. The first renovation, while small, occurred in 1952. Two more extensive remodeling projects were undertaken in 1963 and 1990. All three were designed by James Dresser, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, who studied under the celebrated architect at Taliesin in Spring Green. From the clean line of the building to custom-designed lighting and furnishings, no building in the Dells better showcases Wright's flair for and love of Prairie-style architecture than this one.

Even more important, however, is the Del-Bar's long lived tradition for good food and good company. Now under the capable hands of one of the Wimmer's four children, Jeff, and wife, Jane, the dinner menu offers steaks, fresh-grilled fish and shellfish.

The Del-Bar opens for dinner nightly. A talented staff, some of whom have worked at the restaurant for more than 20 years, are the backbone and spirit of the Del-Bar, keeping the tradition of warm hospitality, exceptional service and truly good food.

Everything and little has changed about the Del-Bar since 1952, the year travel writer W. Franklin of the Chicago Sun-Times ranked it as one of his "Top 10 in the Country," alongside such famous eateries as Brennan's in New Orleans and the King's Arms Tavern in Williamsburg, VA. Wrote Franklin: "..The Del-Bar at Wisconsin Dells (is) a comparatively small place along the highway which I have mentioned several times...Everything is delicious...There is a variety of entrees, each cooked with loving care, and the desserts will melt in your mouth....Every dish is just a little bit better than perfect."