Red Circle Inn

4.1

1240 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

- Wisconsin's Oldest Restaurant -

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. Over the years, 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.

Over 170 years later, the legacy lives on. As you enjoy your meal and the nostalgia of Red Circle Inn, you’ll learn why guests have been returning, generation after generation. Some might call Red Circle Inn a legend…that’s fine by us.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2023

10:30 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Steak, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(262) 367-4883
Website
http://redcircleinn.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Joe Heppe
Private party facilities
Our reimagined event spaces make great gathering places for groups large and small, and our dedicated events team will work with you to create a customized catering menu that's perfect for the occasion. PABST ROOM – 6 to 12 Guests | WINE ROOM– 13 to 28 Guests | PROVIMI ROOM– 40 to 100 Guests | POLASKI ROOM – 100 to 240 Guests
Private party contact
Kim Ash : (262) 646-1600 ext. 103

Location
N44W33013 Watertown Plank Road, Nashotah, WI 53058
Neighborhood
Nashotah
Cross street
Watertown Plank Road
Parking details
Generous private parking lots adjacent to the building as well as immediately across the street. Additional on street parking in-front of restaurant.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Milwaukee Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

What 1,240 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.4Service
4.2Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

1,240 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent! Great price, Great service! Will be back soon to try everything on the menu! The braised Rib stroganoff (meat literally melted in your mouth)! And the pheasant risotto was one of the best I’ve had!
Is this helpful?
NK
NancyK
Milwaukee
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a great dinner. The food and service were excellent.
Is this helpful?
K
Kubi
Milwaukee
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I want to thank the staff at Red Circle Inn for the extraordinary dinner and evening celebrating our anniversary. We have not been to the Red Circle Inn for a while (it’s under new ownership and was closed for renovations) but we were excited to see what changes were made. We were very excited that they have captured the charm of the original Inn. Our meal was delicious (I had the scallops, and my wife had the pheasant) and the service was delightful. Our server was Nicki (sp?) and she was excellent and very pleasant to talk to. We also met both the assistant manager and the owner/manager, and they were very friendly and pleasant. We also enjoyed sitting at the bar enjoying our cocktail and all the Christmas decorations. I love experiencing a restaurant where you feel like part of the family.
Is this helpful?
VJ
ValJ
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated my birthday here. Dinner was amazing: delicious food & friendly staff. Perfect from start to finish. Can’t wait to return.
Is this helpful?
PD
PineDiner
Seattle
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall2food2service2ambience2
This restaurant is so disappointing. A tired dining room with below average ambience. The service is inconsistent, with incorrect drinks and incorrect wines. The food is heavy and bland. There is simply nothing special about this dining experience. Over-priced mediocre food and service. Don’t waste your time. If you are in lake country dine elsewhere.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience4
Service was slow and inconsistent. Wine list (by the glass) was not updated and the server kept bringing different flavors wine than what was ordered. Didn’t say anything until we did. Just tried to pass off a different wine. Even when we ordered a bottle he brought the wrong one. Food was generally enjoyed except for my entree. He kept pushing the special, which was terrible. Won’t be back
Is this helpful?
TH
TamraH
Milwaukee
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Food was wonderful. Service was amazing. We were seated promptly at our reservation time. Drinks and desserts were excellent. The only suggestion would be to try to do something to absorb some of the sound in the dining room as it was very loud and hard to hear the people you were dining with.
Is this helpful?
L
Lizh
Milwaukee
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
Steak special was very nice and regular sirloin steak which was overcooked. Delicious ravioli appetizers. Service was spotty. Had to ask for water and drinks several times.
Is this helpful?
C
Cathy
Milwaukee
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food as always…. Pheasant was ok, but the untraditional beef stroganoff was superb!! Highly recommend
Is this helpful?
K
Kimikins
Indiana
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
I love this place. This old house with so many additions and fun places has such a great ambience of an elegant supper club and uniquely prepared, tasty food. We all had the pan seared walleye which could have been warmer and was missing a little breadcrumb flavor, but the wine, meatball appetizer and escargot were delicious. We love sitting in the bar enjoying the chatter and the ambience. Servers and staff are always attentive and sweet. Red Circle and Union House are our 1-2 for a nice dinner out!
Is this helpful?
DE
DEK68
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We decided to try a place we haven’t been before for Date Night. We were pleasantly surprised that we had no problem getting a reservation on a Friday night. Our Server was very nice and the dining room has a cozy fireplace! We ordered the corn fritter appetizer as well as the oyster Rockefeller toast. Both were wonderful! Our entrees, the Salmon and the Filet, were delicious. We will be back!
Is this helpful?
T
Timothy
Miami
80 reviews
vip
5.0
80 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a Lake country Gem. Food is delicious. Service is great and staff are friendly. Menu is diverse with specials each night that are terrific. we had fish, Steak and Pork chop and all were terrific. You have to give this spot a try.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated a birthday. The serving staff gave our guests and B-Day girl special help. The bar was filled with great conversation by the bartenders and guests alike. We left in high spirits! Thank you Red Circle Inn
Is this helpful?
6
6tribes
Chicago
33 reviews
vip
2.0
33 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
we had the prime rib. It was chewy and we had to ask for steak knives to cut it. It also came with a gravy, I perfer just an au jus. The waiter told us that the bread was free when we declined it. I had a Geronimo card with our charge card and he asked if we wanted to split our bill on 2 cards. Tose 2 comments were odd to me. It was not a great meal, we will take a looong break before we return
Is this helpful?
BC
BrianC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience2
My wife and I have enjoyed coming here in the past but this time the staff appeared rushed/frantic which caused poor service. Food was good as usual, probably won’t be going back anytime soon.
Is this helpful?
S
Slomo
Milwaukee
9 reviews
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
Since the restaurant has changed owners, the quality of food and service has really gone down hill. We went shortly after they opened, and were not impressed. We decided to try again, and unfortunately, it was not better. The chef seems to drown everything in demi glace and the food was mediocre in terms of taste. The servers all seem to be new as they don't seem to be very attentive or aware of what they should be doing. Sadly, a really good restaurant is no more, and we have decided we will not go back as the prices are way too high for the quality of food and service you recieve.
Is this helpful?
DS
DScoop
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience3
Overall, very disappointing. Went for a birthday celebration. Ordered all food and drinks right away after being seated. We were at the table for over 2 hours and our food still hadn’t come. Manager was not able to say when the food would arrive. Server was nice. We left and didn’t get a chance to eat. Sad.
Is this helpful?
LE
LeeE
Milwaukee
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
The untraditional stroganoff was not good. Unusual spices & noodles too large. Wedge salad was excellent. Scallops were good.
Is this helpful?
a
alcoka
Milwaukee
107 reviews
vip
3.0
107 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Tried the "new" RCI with friends on a Saturday evening. Our table was ready and the dining room was full. And loud. We had to talk loudly to be heard by the people sitting right next to us. Waited awhile for our drinks, but overall service was good. Caesar salad was heavy on the dressing and anchovies. Wedge salad looked good Entrees were average. We really expected so much more based on the chef. Walleye was small. Salmon was small. Duck was plentiful, but nothing special. Monkfish special was rather plain, although the carrot/squash blend was excellent. Mushrooms weren't crispy at all. Opted for dessert drinks. Tasty. Regular dessert dish is limited to 3 rather uninspired options. Glad we checked it out. But no need to go back soon. Their sister restaurant I.d. has many more imaginative options.
Is this helpful?
EH
ElizabethH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the renovations and the atmosphere of the dining room - the Bar area is really beautiful. The service and food fantastic - we will be returning.
Is this helpful?
RT
RobT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good menu and steaks are awesome, the best anywhere !
Is this helpful?
l
lindas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time here with no preconcieved food expectations from "the old owners." The food did not disappoint! Chose the meatballs in grape jelly and zucchini fritters to start from the extensive starts page. The meatballs were soft, nicely cooked and slight sweet(but not sickly sweet). The fritters contained a nice surprise of corn within the batter which I absolutely loved. Each was served on top of the silkiest smooth potato mash. Not alot of chicken entrees ( except on Tuesdays which boast a fried chicken special) but the numerous fish and steak entrees left a wide array of choices. I opted for the pork chop and my friend ordered the stroganoff. A fresh crudite platter and homemade bread selection kept us anticipating the food to come. The crudites had a fresh, crisp vinegary snap to them and the herbed and spicy butters accompanying the bread accented the soft doughy goodness on the plate. Being a little familar with Chef Heppe's style of cooking I expected a twist and the entrees did not disappoint. My chop was a thick 2 inch cut and it had the beautiful carmelized grill marks of an expertly done chop. Perfectly cooked and juicy I made my friend try a bite of that perfection. She marveled at how perfectly it was cooked--so kudos to the grill! More silky smooth potato mash and steamed broccolini rounded out my entree. The stroganoff was unlike anything we've seen but don't let that put you off of ordering! Unlike being drowned in a mushroom soup like sauce the stroganoff was lightly drizzled with two perfect sauces of a green herby fresh sauce as well as a lighter white creamy base sauce. Thick house made noodle supported huge chunks of lovely braised beef short ribs. We both tried a bite ofveach others entrees and stroganoff is next on my list. Fall apart meat, fresh sauces garnished with dill and perfect pasta are a win! Service was excellent. Waters were always filled and empty plates cleared promptly. Definately will be back!
Is this helpful?
CS
CherylS
Milwaukee
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
The Host forgot about us and I had to remind him that we needed to be seated, which he then promptly did. Our waitress was Awesome! The Beef Stroganoff and Salmon entrees were Excellent. However, the Walleye Filet was the size of a Fish Stick and definitely not an Entree portion size. Very disappointed in that Entree.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience4
Red Circle Inn had been one of our favorite restaurants in the area and always had a phenomenal experience each time we visited. We were anxious to try the new menu and were very disappointed with our experience last week. We ate in the bar area and waited nearly 20 minutes until our order was taken, while the food arrived quickly, we were underwhelmed by both of our entrees and soup/salad that started our meal. We missed many of the old favorites especially the carrot cake from the previous menu, and unfortunately we do not plan to go back to what had been one of our favorites in Lake Country.
Is this helpful?
MB
MattB
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 18, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
Service was outstanding, redecorated facility was nice, not much different than before. Unfortunately all 3 of us would rate the food 4 or 5 out of 10. Steaks were kind of fatty and tough, even at med rare, French onion soup was small and unremarkable. Old fashioned wa fantastic however
Is this helpful?
g
georgej
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Totally satisfied. Everything about visit was great...........exceeded all expectations.
Is this helpful?
g
gdpupper
San Francisco
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Food and service was average, not as good as it was with previous owners
Is this helpful?
B
Baldman
Milwaukee
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience1
Don't eat or drink here! 5 of us went on a Saturday night and we all got different entrées. Steaks weren't cooked properly, salmon wasn't fresh. Way too much citrus in everything, including drinks. I wish we would've tried this place before a chain bought it!!
Is this helpful?
P
Patti
Milwaukee
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience2
We were excited to eat and visit the Red Circle Inn to see the renovations. The dining room atmosphere was a bit cold. We were seated by the kitchen door that was constantly swinging open and closed. I don't think they should have a table at this location. The walls were stark white with no greenery or material to absorb the noise and give the place a warm inviting feel. The bar area is very large but it has bathroom tile on the floor which makes it very strange. However, the food was very good. We ate the beef stroganoff and the pork chop.
Is this helpful?
DW
DW066
Milwaukee
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Food was generally pretty good, not great. I had the walleye. Portion size was quite small. I also had a Caesar Side Salad. It was good but definitely over-dressed. Portion size was good. My wife had the Untraditional Beef Stroganoff which was quite good. Very large portion size. Service was extremely good. I would definitely go back but it might not be my first choice.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was great. The staff is exceptional! We had escargot and oysters for appetizers which were delicious! We also had the large wedge salad for the table which they split 4 ways without us asking ,which we appreciated. The French onion soup was exceptional. Our dinners were all superb. We had Beef Stroganoff, Pork Chop, Scallops and a Ribeye, along with a side of spinach au gratin. I’ve been to the old Red Circle Inn which was awesome in its prime. The new Red Circle Inn pays homage to the original with updates to the atmosphere and menu that are first rate. We will be back!
Is this helpful?
SS
SusanS
Naples
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ambience…the BEST, food was delicious, drinks were perfect and our server, although VERY busy, met all of our needs with a smile and wonderful attitude. Lovely evening!
Is this helpful?
GB
GregB
Milwaukee
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Steaks were well seasoned and delicious. Service was outstanding. Onion ring appetizer was not my favorite thus the 4 star. But bread service. Relish tray and the Milwaukee Sour cocktail were great.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrate your next special occasion at Red circle inn! What a hidden gem. We felt wined and dined between the service and incredible food. We were greeted with complimentary champagne for our anniversary, shared duck ravioli and French onion soup for appetizers, had delicious steak and halibut for dinner, and treated to a lemon creme brûlée to top of the evening. Mary Ann made us feel cherished and welcomed. Everything was absolutely fabulous - can’t wait to come back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mandy was great food was great thank you we came 30 minutes away will be back
Is this helpful?
JB
JillB
Naples
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amanda our server, fabulous. A great meal and experience.
Is this helpful?
PD
PhilipD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was very good. Service was great and the servers were very friendly and helpful in explaining anything on the menu. Liked the touch of a glass of champagne as it was our anniversary
Is this helpful?
F
Foodiedude2
Milwaukee
120 reviews
vip
5.0
120 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
They respected our wish for a quiet table for our meeting. Food and service was excellent! Drinks a bit small, but overall a wonderful experience!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The ambience was so pleasant and so very special! Our server Amanda was very personable and helpful in making recommendations. The beef stroganoff and swordfish dinners were delicious!
Is this helpful?
JG
JimG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was quick, friendly and accommodating, food was excellent.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Red Circle Inn offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (262) 367-4883.

Red Circle Inn is rated 4.1 stars by 1240 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2023

10:30 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

N44W33013 Watertown Plank Road, Nashotah, WI 53058

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Watertown Plank Road
Neighborhood
Nashotah
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Steak, Comfort Food
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Generous private parking lots adjacent to the building as well as immediately across the street. Additional on street parking in-front of restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Joe Heppe
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://redcircleinn.com/
Phone number
(262) 367-4883
Private party facilities
Our reimagined event spaces make great gathering places for groups large and small, and our dedicated events team will work with you to create a customized catering menu that's perfect for the occasion. PABST ROOM – 6 to 12 Guests | WINE ROOM– 13 to 28 Guests | PROVIMI ROOM– 40 to 100 Guests | POLASKI ROOM – 100 to 240 Guests
Private party contact
Kim Ash : (262) 646-1600 ext. 103

Featured in

100 Milwaukee Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Red Circle Inn

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 Milwaukee Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Pork Chop

Beef Stroganoff

Pan Seared Walleye

Menu

What 1,240 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Red Circle Inn offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Red Circle Inn restaurant rated?

Is Red Circle Inn currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 Milwaukee Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day