Motel Bar brings Wisconsin supper club charm to Chicago

Long before farm-to-table became a buzzword and tasting menus dominated restaurant headlines, Midwesterners were gathering in cozy supper clubs for leisurely evenings filled with prime rib, fish fries and brandy Old Fashioneds. Now, that cherished Wisconsin tradition has found a new home in Chicago with the arrival of Motel Bar, a River North destination that blends nostalgia, hospitality and classic comfort food into one inviting experience.

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Located at 600 W. Chicago Ave., Motel Bar is a new concept from Episcope Hospitality that pays homage to one of Wisconsin's most beloved culinary institutions: the supper club. The restaurant embraces the timeless traditions that have made these establishments a staple of Midwestern culture for generations while introducing them to a new audience in the heart of Chicago.

From the moment guests step inside, Motel Bar evokes the atmosphere of a classic Northwoods retreat. Rich wood accents, vintage décor, low lighting and nostalgic touches create a warm, welcoming environment that encourages diners to slow down and savor the experience. The space is designed to feel less like a typical restaurant and more like a gathering place where friends and family can settle in for an evening of food, drinks and conversation.

The menu draws heavily from supper club traditions, featuring many of the dishes and rituals that have become synonymous with the Wisconsin dining experience. Complimentary relish trays arrive at the table before the meal, while favorites such as Friday fish fries and slow-roasted prime rib anchor the menu. Behind the bar, guests can sip classic cocktails including Brandy Alexanders and Old Fashioneds, longtime staples of supper club culture.

To fully appreciate Motel Bar's inspiration, it helps to understand the unique place supper clubs hold in Wisconsin history.

While supper clubs can trace their origins back more than a century, Wisconsin became the unofficial capital of the tradition during the mid-20th century. Found throughout the state's small towns, lakeside communities and vacation destinations, these establishments offered much more than dinner. They served as social hubs where neighbors gathered, families celebrated milestones and visitors lingered for hours over cocktails and conversation.

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A traditional supper club evening often begins at the bar with a brandy Old Fashioned before guests move to the dining room for steaks, prime rib, lake perch or a Friday fish fry. Relish trays filled with pickles, olives and vegetables remain a beloved custom, while desserts and ice cream drinks such as Grasshoppers and Pink Squirrels frequently provide a sweet ending to the night.

Unlike many modern restaurants focused on efficiency and rapid table turnover, supper clubs are built around hospitality and connection. The experience encourages guests to relax, enjoy the company around them and make an evening of their visit. That slower pace and sense of community continue to resonate today, helping preserve a dining tradition that remains deeply woven into Wisconsin culture.

Today, hundreds of supper clubs still operate throughout Wisconsin, and their influence continues to spread beyond the state's borders. Restaurants like Motel Bar are helping introduce a new generation of diners to a uniquely Midwestern tradition while preserving the customs and flavors that have made supper clubs enduring favorites for decades.

Longtime Chicagoans may recognize the address from its previous incarnation as Motel Bar, a popular River North neighborhood hangout that occupied the space for years. While the name remains, the current concept represents a fresh chapter for the property, reimagined by Episcope Hospitality as a supper club-inspired destination that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Wisconsin while maintaining the welcoming spirit that made the original venue a local favorite.

Now open at 600 W. Chicago Ave. in River North, Motel Bar offers Chicagoans a chance to experience one of the Midwest's most cherished dining traditions without leaving the city. Whether stopping in for a Friday fish fry, a perfectly mixed Old Fashioned or a leisurely dinner with friends, guests will find that the supper club spirit, equal parts comfort, hospitality and nostalgia, is alive and well. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (312) 786-5525.