The Immigrant Restaurant at The American Club
Elevated rustic American fare in rural Wisconsin
Housed in a warren of spaces on the lower level of historic The American Club hotel, Immigrant Restaurant is divided into six rooms, each of which represents the nationalities that populated Wisconsin in its early days — Dutch, German, Norman, Danish, French and English. Each area is a romantic, cozy and candlelit space, presided over by a friendly and polished staff.
Despite the restaurant’s name, the menu is firmly American, with updated versions of classics such as lobster and shrimp bisque and grilled tenderloin with seared foie gras. Save room for the cheese flight, sourced from local Wisconsin cheese makers, of course.
Despite the restaurant’s name, the menu is firmly American, with updated versions of classics such as lobster and shrimp bisque and grilled tenderloin with seared foie gras. Save room for the cheese flight, sourced from local Wisconsin cheese makers, of course.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Given the more rustic charm of Wisconsin — a rarity among Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurants — we think any weekend getaway at The American Club and its Immigrant Restaurant creates more than their share of romantic moments.
- You’ll find several rare liquors on hand at The Immigrant Restaurant, with the most exclusive selections in the scotch and cognac categories. Among some of the notable offerings is a Francois Voyer “Tres Vieux” cognac (only 221 bottles of the liquor were produced in 1936, one of which resides at The Immigrant Restaurant) alongside a Remy Martin King Louis XIII cognac.
- The chef has built personal relationships with some of the small artisanal cheese makers operating out of nearby farms to curate the 40-plus cheeses on the menu.
- Chef Thomas Hauck’s five-course tasting menu, which also features optional wine pairings, is a shining hallmark of his culinary talents. An expanded offering of the chef’s pick prix fixe options is in the works.
Things to Know
- During high season — otherwise known as golf season — May through October, The Immigrant Restaurant at the luxury American Club Resort is open for dinner five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.
- During low season, November through April, the restaurant remains open Friday and Saturday evenings only.
- While reservations are not always required at The Immigrant Restaurant, they’re strongly encouraged. With only 25 to 35 tables available in the cozy space, staffers suggest booking your table one week to 10 days in advance, when possible.
- Jackets are required for men at this fine dining establishment. Meanwhile, women are encouraged to rely on their own good judgment, but most opt for dresses, skirts or dress slacks with a blouse (shorts or jeans would leave you feeling severely underdressed).
The Food
- The menu changes often to keep up with the seasonal and small-batch of artisanal products available.
- Definitely go for the Wisconsin artisan cheese flight, specifically, the Evolution of Cheddar. If you’re looking to sharpen your knowledge of cheddar, this flight offers a side-by-side comparison of the cheese as it matures over a span of 12 years.
- The Immigrant Restaurant menu is made up of a five-course prix fixe tasting menu in addition to à la carte selections.
- Expect dishes like eared scallops with cauliflower puree, togarashi, watermelon radish, crispy Brussels sprouts and pomegranate; foie gras torchon served with Rare Tea Cellar Fields of France spiced brioche, petite greens, caramelized apple compote, topped with black truffle; and king crab roulade served with citrus poached endive, ruby red grapefruit, toasted almonds, watercress and crème fraîche.
The Design
- The most sought-after corners of the restaurant tend to be those that exude the closeness and nostalgia of Old World romanticism.
- The most popular spots include Normandy, an offset room that houses the establishment’s substantial red wine collection, and the Netherlands, which comprises two quiet alcoves adorned in classic Delft blue.
- Dimly lit chandeliers, wall sconces, historic portraits, vintage maps and lush tones of cranberry, cornflower and slate blue provide equally inviting surroundings across the remaining dining rooms.
Getting There
The Immigrant Restaurant at The American Club
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