WISCONSIN’S OLDEST RESTAURANT – SINCE 1848
A lot’s happened since we opened our doors in 1848, and I guess you could say we’ve seen it all. From dirt road to plank road to railroad, Red Circle Inn has been serving up good food with good service for generations of people in Lake Country.
We’ve been a stomping ground for traders, trappers, settlers, working class, high class and everyone in between. There’s so much history in these walls, you can almost taste it.
It was former owner Captain Fred C. Pabst who gave Red Circle Inn its name and iconic red circle logo, a nod to his Pabst Brewing Company. He made the restaurant the place to see and be seen around the lakes, not just for a beer, but for high-quality food and warm hospitality.
This long-standing outpost for traditional American fare is popular for wedding banquets. Based on 393 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
N44W33013 Watertown Plank Rd, Nashotah, WI 53058
Phone: (262) 367-4883
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
4–9 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 4–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–10 PM |
| Saturday | 4–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Reviews
Maureen Malone
We came here for a birthday dinner since I love a classic Wisconsin supper club. We ordered the appetizer board for two, which had several Wisconsin favorites with new twists. Fried deviled egg was delicious. The bread tray was a bit odd, and we almost felt like we shouldn’t ask for a second piece. My husband and I also split the salad special, which was a nice arugula, prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella salad with lemon olive oil. Around the time we got our salad, the kitchen got busier, and our server apologized for the lag. We weren’t in a hurry, so it wasn’t an issue. When the entrées arrived, we noticed a good amount black on the steak. We love a good char, but this was more burnt, and the steak was rare instead of medium, so that was unfortunate.
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D K
A magical evening with perfectly prepared entrees & wonderful service continues with the new management. Starters include classic Wisconsin options like meatballs, cheese platter and cannibal sandwiches. The new menu includes 4 time honored classics and steaks & potato entrees. No Friday fish fry options, but the Walleye classic meal is a delicious unique paring that was truly enjoyed. Soups, Salads, Enhancements and accompaniments available at an additional cost. There’s an extensive rotating wine list and when in doubt choose from the Sommelier’s picks. They knock it out of the park with their Lemon Cream Brûlée. The event space on the second floor is still available too. Another chapter has been written in the oldest restaurant in Wisconsin’s book that continues to be a special occasion treasure to enjoy!
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Ken Hewitt
I have recently eaten twice at the Red Circle Inn. I wanted a bit of time to pass to decide whether to post a review or not. I decided to post this in order to allow other diners the chance to make their own decision and be aware of what has happened to me twice.
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Lorri Wagner
Our first visit back since the remodel. We sat on the front patio and would not recommend that as it’s by a very busy intersection and quite noisy.
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Ms.Z
Service was outstanding. The entrance is very cold and impersonal. Which is fine if you are looking for that sort of thing. The food is very average probably below average. Would have thought the food would have been a 4.6 stars ⭐️. Not even close . The tuna poke was very disappointing. Not sure why tuna poke is made with mayo and put into a mold ? Not good. It is too bad. The atmosphere is very stuffy and ok if you are 90 years old. Only thing I can rant and rave about is the service here.
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Jay Mitchell
The Red Circle is quaint, comfortable, romantic, and special. The atmosphere is quiet, subtle, and pretty. The restaurant has several rooms, two of which are small and cozy. The decor of the rooms is understated, retaining much of the early 20th century history of the original. We got a chance to check out some large party rooms upstairs, and they are unique and grand. The food is carefully prepared and elegantly presented. It also tasted very good.
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Maggie Ley
Disappointing. No walleye so they substituted a whitefish, a bland fish that needs seasoning, which this did not have. Browned butter wasn’t enough. It was on a bed of wilted spinach which was tasty but mixed in with other dreck that was terrible. Beef stroganoff was mediocre. Caesar salad was just ok. French onion soup was decent. Too many servers (I know, shocker) but they took things from the table so quickly, we barely finished chewing a last bite and the plate was gone. It was if they were trying to quickly turn the table so they could get another seating in. Not enjoyable. Won’t be back.
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Redd Leroy
I LOVE working this venue! Great acoustics, beautiful setting, & the trains rolling by are a unique & entertaining element. The staff is impeccable, very caring about everyone’s experience. And the food….phenomenal!! Looking forward to many more weddings here.
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ME
Overpriced and cold awful tasting food.The menu is just a bunch of grease nothing fancy. The glasses and dishes were not clean very dirty. The remodeling job they did seemed like were trying to be elite, but it looks like a cheap wedding venue! This place does not have a cozy atmosphere. Noisy environment and the staff was snotty and cold. Left most of the gross food on my plate. Waste of time and money. Left no tip. Go somewhere else!
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Cindy Wilichowski
Terrible Mother’s Day Brunch.
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