You’re driving down a dark, winding road in Kenosha County, right near the Illinois border, and suddenly this big, white house appears out of the blackness. It looks like someone’s home. Honestly, if it weren't for the neon sign and the parking lot full of SUVs, you might just keep driving.
This is Colony House Trevor WI, a place that feels like a glitch in the matrix—in the best way possible.
Most people think "supper club" and they imagine a kitschy, 1970s wood-paneled basement. While the basement at Colony House definitely hits those notes, there’s a lot more going on here. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a living museum of Wisconsin culture that has survived since the early 1900s.
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But here is the thing: if you go in expecting a modern steakhouse experience with sleek lines and "fusion" appetizers, you’re going to be very confused.
The Real Deal on the Ambiance
The main building dates back to the early 1900s. The dining room, which seats about 94 people, was tacked on in the 1940s. When you walk in, you’re greeted by waitresses in Colonial-style dresses. Yeah, really. It sounds like it should be a tourist trap, but it’s not. It’s just... the way they’ve always done it.
The decor is heavy on New England vibes. We're talking antique tables, chairs that have probably seen more birthdays than you have, and a fireplace that actually gets used when the Wisconsin winter starts biting. It’s cozy. Sometimes it’s a little loud because of the old hardwood floors, but that’s part of the charm.
The restaurant has been owned by Karen and Eugene Stevens, along with Bruce and Lisa Francart, for decades. Eugene is the chef. That’s a long time to keep a kitchen running.
What You’re Actually Eating (and What to Skip)
Let’s talk about the food. If you’ve never been to a "true" Wisconsin supper club, the ritual is the most important part. You don’t just order a steak. You get the "works."
At Colony House Trevor WI, every dinner starts with a basket of crackers and a scoop of cheese spread. It’s a classic move. Then comes the freshly baked bread, a soup, and a salad. By the time your entree arrives, you’re already halfway to a food coma.
- The Prime Rib: This is the heavyweight champion here. They make it fresh every single day. It’s thick, it’s juicy, and it usually comes with a twice-baked potato that is basically a meal on its own.
- The Friday Fish Fry: This is Wisconsin. You cannot skip the fish fry. They use Icelandic cod and lake perch. The beer batter is the color of "ripe wheat," as some old-school food critics like to say. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the bluegill or the smelt.
- The "Oscars": This is a signature move for the kitchen. They take a steak, chicken, or salmon and top it with asparagus, king crab meat, and a heavy pour of béarnaise sauce. It’s rich. It’s over the top. It’s exactly what you want on a Saturday night.
- The Dover Sole: Surprisingly, this is one of the few places in southeastern Wisconsin that does a proper Dover sole, lightly floured and sautéed with green grapes and toasted almonds.
Honestly, the Shrimp de Jonghe can be a bit hit or miss depending on the night. Some regulars swear by it, but others find it a little ordinary compared to the steaks. Stick to the beef or the fresh fish specials.
The Bar Scene and the "Official" Drink
You cannot visit Colony House without stopping at the bar. It’s the law. Okay, not really, but it should be.
The bar area is where the locals hang out. If you want the real experience, order a Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet. Wisconsin consumes more brandy than almost anywhere else, and the bartenders here know how to muddle it right. They also have a massive wine list and a martini menu that is surprisingly deep for a place in the middle of a cornfield.
They do a Happy Hour from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday through Saturday) and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sundays. It's bar-only, so grab a stool.
Things That Catch People Off Guard
One thing most newcomers don't realize is that Colony House Trevor WI is actually a massive building. It’s about 7,500 square feet. There are two levels of dining and two separate bar areas.
Even with all that space, you need a reservation on the weekends. I’m serious. If you show up at 6:30 PM on a Friday without a call, you’re going to be staring at the fireplace for a long time before you see a menu.
Also, keep an eye on the location. It sits right at the junction of two country roads (119th St and Highway JF) about half a mile south of Trevor. It overlooks a small creek and rolling farmlands. If you go during the summer, the sunroom upstairs offers some of the best views in Kenosha County.
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The Survival of the Supper Club
In an era where every restaurant is trying to be "Instagrammable," Colony House is just being itself. It’s an anomaly. It hasn't changed much in 80 years because it doesn't have to.
People drive from Milwaukee, Kenosha, and even Chicago (it’s only about 45 minutes south of Milwaukee and just over the border from Antioch, Illinois) because they want something that feels permanent. They want the relish trays, the Colonial dresses, and the prime rib that hasn't changed recipes since the 90s.
Tips for Your First Visit
- Make a reservation. This is not a suggestion. Call 262-862-2076.
- Go hungry. The portion sizes are generous, and you get a lot of "extras" with the meal.
- Try the Potato Pancakes. If you’re there for the fish fry, get the potato pancakes instead of the fries. They are homemade and worth the extra calories.
- Check the hours. They are closed on Mondays. Most nights they open at 4:00 PM, but Sundays they start a little earlier at 3:30 PM.
- Dress code? There isn't a formal one, but most people do "smart casual." You'll see people in suits and people in nice jeans.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning a trip to Colony House Trevor WI, your first move should be checking their daily specials. They often have things like grouper or brie-stuffed filet that aren't on the standard menu.
Once you arrive, don't rush. The whole point of a supper club is the "leisurely atmosphere." Grab a drink, talk to the person next to you at the bar, and enjoy the fact that for a couple of hours, the rest of the world doesn't really matter. Take a look at the antique furnishings and the old woodwork; it’s a piece of Wisconsin history that won't be around forever. Turn off your phone and just eat the bread.