Part Three at Stagecoach Inn

The journey to Stagecoach Inn near Fort Atkinson is well worth the trip for a perfect example of a traditional Wisconsin supper club. All photos by Angela Morgan.

A few miles off the eastern side of Lake Koshkonong on the border of Rock and Jefferson counties sits a very unassuming white house with a simple sign – The Stagecoach Inn. For miles along Wisconsin Highway 26, the glowing lights of the neon sign out front and the two windows peering into the dining room are the only things that light up for miles. Like most supper clubs in Wisconsin, the drive to this backroads destination is well worth it.

Walking into the Stagecoach Inn, you instantly feel you are stepping into a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The decor is a blend between Midwest northwoods and the old West; photos of covered wagons and buffalo herds are hung throughout on the log cabin style walls. The dining area is small and intimate, with additional tables in the bar area. All tables are full on most nights, and the sounds of Frank Sinatra and the chatter of patrons enjoying their casually elegant evening out fill the air.

You are greeted instantly, most nights by owner Sean Shinkay, and shown to a seat at the bar. It almost wouldn’t be a trip to a supper club without one, so an Old Fashioned is recommended (Shirley Temples are a great kiddie cocktail for the little ones). A couple minutes later it’s ready for you, pierced with an orange and topped with a cherry. Tastes like Wisconsin. The bartenders were very efficient and drinks modestly priced, especially for those used to more inflated prices in the city.

Bartenders hand out menus for you to peruse during the pre-dinner cocktail. Dressed in a formal black waitress uniform with white piping, waitresses will pay you a visit you at the bar to answer any questions over the menu and to take your order. The simple menu consists of classic American dishes with a few weekly house specials. Wednesday and Friday features the Fish Fry and Saturdays is the night for the Prime Rib special, one of their biggest sellers.

You decide when you’d like to take a seat at your table, and when you arrive, a table awaits with many goodies as your dining experience begins. A bread basket filled with hot rolls, breadsticks and crackers. Salads with homemade dressing. French Onion soup topped with croutons. And let’s forget the signature supper club item, the relish tray. At Stagecoach, the relish tray can vary from night to night, but it’s guaranteed to always have creamed pickled beet salad with other cold salads like three bean salad, kidney bean salad and sweet corn relish.

Delores Collins, of Milton, Wis., has been going to The Stagecoach Inn for more than 40 years, continuing to return for the great food and consistency. “I always tell everyone this is the place to get the best lobster I’ve ever had.” Most orders in the dining room were for steaks and lobster tails, and all come with a choice of baked potatoes, French fries, or Au Gratin potatoes topped with an out-of-place looking slice of Kraft American cheese. It sounds so wrong, but there is something so right about the taste.

Dozens of supper clubs are still in operation today. Some are handed down through families, others have found homes with restauranteurs as new devotees to supper clubs and to those with a nostalgic attachment to them. The Stagecoach Inn has been open for more than half a century. In 1995, Sean Shinkay purchased the supper club and is keeping the tradition alive. Most everything was kept the same, most importantly the delicious food. A small interior renovation increased the size of the dining room by a few tables and more room was added to the kitchen.

The staff is exceptional and truly cares that you enjoy your experience from the moment you arrive until you have finished your dessert drink–either a Pink Lady or a Grasshopper. After several visits, many will remember you by name. It’s part of what has helped keep this place consistent over the years, with both the amazing service of the long-term employees and the outstanding food.

You won’t find a website for Stagecoach. You won’t find them on Facebook or Twitter. No money is spent on advertising after all these years in business. The glowing word of mouth reviews have been working for years. Consider this one more addition to that list.

Stagecoach Inn is open Tuesday-Sunday 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and reservations can be made for parties of 5 or more at (608) 868-3850. Its located at 11946 North State Road 26, in between Fort Atkinson and Milton.

For Part One of Inside Wisconsin Supper Clubs at Jackson Grill, click here. For Part Two of Inside Wisconsin Supper Clubs at the Hobnob, click here.

Southeastern Wisconsin Supper Clubs:

Jackson Grill
3736 W. Mitchell St., Milwaukee
(414) 384-7384

Dobie’s
4136 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., St. Francis
(414) 744-9064

Joey Gerard’s
5601 Broad Street, Greendale
(414) 858-1900

11120 N. Cedarburg Rd, Mequon
(262) 518-5500

HobNob
277 S. Sheridan Road, Racine
(262) 552-8008

The Old Fashioned
23 North Pinckney Street #1, Madison
(608) 310-4545

Toby’s Supper Club
3717 South Dutch Mill Road, Madison
(608) 222-6913

Stagecoach Inn
11946 North State Road 26, Fort Atkinson
(608) 868-3850

Buckhorn
11802 North Charley Bluff Road, Milton
(608) 868-2653

Elias Inn Supper Club
200 North 2nd Street Watertown ‪
(920) 261-6262