5901 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
Kegel's Inn, which celebrates it's Centennial anniversary this year, is rooted in the German heritage and traditions that define a lot of Milwaukee's culture. Germany is often the first country to come to mind when one thinks of Christmas customs. They are, after all, credited with starting many of them, such as the Christmas Tree, Christkindl markets, and even the Christmas cookie. On their website, Kegel's declares: "It's not just a restaurant; it's an institutional landmark where generations have gathered to share meals, stories, and memories, embodying a nearly 100-year tradition of community and warmth". This couldn't be more true than at Christmas time, when you are immediately transported to an already ornately decorated beer hall adorned with a sizable tree, wreaths, garland and lights. Tip: If you want to make your evening even more festive, after dinner head a few blocks over to Candy Cane Lane and drive through a neighborhood of holiday light displays. The sense of community is astounding, and all it costs is a small donation to the MACC fund.
Best Dish: Normally we say get the fish fry, but for a Christmas meal we recommend the Schnitzel
130 W Ryan Rd, Oak Creek, WI 53154
Erv's Mug in Oak Creek comes alive with seasonal decor more than once a year, but they are mostly known for their wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor Christmas decor. Erv's prides themselves not only on their festive fixtures, but also their festive drink menu. Every year they throw their Christmas party on the second Tuesday of December where you can try their 12 Beers of Christmas flight. They also have a large offering of holiday-themed cocktails from frosty to creamy to hot beverages if beer isn't your thing.
Best Dish: French Onion Soup or haystack onions. Also good for a Wednesday/Friday fish fry
6501 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53213
Feeling some Italian food with your Christmas decor? Then you are in for a treat at Balistreri's Bluemound Inn. Even before entering the restaurant, you'll be awe-struck by the Winter Wonderland that takes over the wrap-around patio outside. But the awe doesn't stop there, upon entering you'll find a forest of red Christmas trees in the bar, and not a single room is lacking in holiday magic. Prepare for thousands of lights, and an abundance of life-size Nutcrackers to put you in the holiday spirit.
Best Dish: Chicken Marsala or the White Pizza
1298 Friess Lake Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033
Even during the off season, you'll see why this Kettle Moraine supper club would make for a cozy atmosphere during the winter months. Decked out with seven lit fireplaces and with a vast log cabin feel, The Fox & Hounds comes alive during the holiday season. This supper club has nine themed rooms, and you'll find decor in every one, from expansive Christmas trees nearly touching the high ceilings, wreaths and evergreen garland draping over every fireplace, and a larger than life St. Nick. The Fox & Hounds is also known for their 2 for 1 meal deals every day outside of their Friday Fish fry.
Best Dish: Skip the steak, try a pasta like the Seafood Alfredo
/ Travieso / Bosco's Waukesha
If you find yourself out in downtown Waukesha, you'll find a collection of decorated establishments within walking distance from each other. We started at Travieso, a Latin American fusion spot that opened this year in the Clarke Hotel and offers both tapas and mains. We were greeted by a warm decked out fireplace followed by a winter wonderland display of trees in the next room. Afterwards, we hopped over to Bosco's Social Club, a bar that is absolutely obliterared with ceiling ornaments and holiday decor, which is added on to their usual "I love dogs" theme. While we've yet to eat at People's Park (soon!), they are said to almost rival Bosco's in their decor, and is another great option if you don't want something as high-end as Travieso's.
Best Dish (Travieso): Vieiras Ibéricos / Scallops
11505 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53227
Natty Oaks is the place to be if you want your holidays served to you Wisconsin dive bar style, complete with pull tabs and tacky C9 bulbs. You can also choose to elevate your experience by booking a holiday dome, which is maybe best described as a candyland for Santa's elves. The 90 minute experience for 8 includes Hot Chocolate and a Christmas treat Charcuterie board. You can order off the regular menu and sip on playful specialty cocktails such as The Grinch or The Drunken Snowman. Natty's also offers Santa photo ops, shuttles to local Christmas events, and a Bad Santa Onesie party. Now that's a commitment to the holiday spirit!
Best Dish: The Original SmashCan™ burger
25811 119th St, Trevor, WI 53179
Located near the Illinois border in Trevor, Wisconsin, and a bit off the beaten path, we questioned whether we should add this supper club to the list at all. But for us, this is probably the first option we think of when it comes to a truly comforting dining during the holidays experience. The former early 1900s cabin is even breath-taking from the outside, with trees and humongous red bows embellishing the impressive white New England style building. Inside, you'll find yourself at home, warm by the colonial fireplace and tree. But the offerings might be the real star, starting with an impressive martini menu that boasts around 30 flavors, the most we've seen in our Supper Club experiences. The value is also excellent: meals come with soup, salad and potato; and the service is impeccable.
Best Dish: Shrimp de Jonghe
122 E Capitol Dr, Hartland, WI 53029
Nestled in the heart of Hartland, Palmer's offers a refined Midwestern charm that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Known for its expertly crafted, quality steaks and extensive wine list, this is our recommendation if you are looking for a higher end festive experience. During the Christmas season, Palmer's elevates their warm, rustic decor into a jolly retreat, adorned with twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, and elegant holiday wreaths, creating a magical ambiance for celebrating the season in style. It's a destination for indulgence and holiday cheer.
Best Dish: The steak
703 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Tin Widow has been hosting the Miracle pop up for as long as we can remember, making it a classic go-to for Milwaukeeans at Christmas.
Multiple Locations
All four Camp Bars deck their rustic, woodsy halls yearly, and you can grab some quick bites or some popcorn here if needed.
411 E Mason St 6th Floor, Milwaukee, WI 53202
The popular tiki bar has kicked things up a notch since moving to their rooftop location at Hotel Metro. This includes hosting a the Sippin' Santa pop-up by Beachbum Berry where you can literally sip from a variety of Santa tiki mugs.
2151 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Lost Whale has gotten into the groove with their Elf pop-up, celebrating the Will Ferrell classic that we all hate to love. They also have what is probably the most inventive Christmas cocktails in the city, including the Cotton-Headed Ninny Muggins, a straight up cock-tail adorned with cotton candy.
2501 S Delaware Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
If you're visiting At Random's Magic Forest, an event where they deck out their outdoor patio with heated huts and a collection of trees, we'd recommend either skipping the ice cream drink or renting a hut ahead of time.