- Attraction: The Packing House
- Location: 900 E Layton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
- Industry: Supper Club
- Website: http://packinghousemke.com
Step through the doors of The Packing House and time seems to slow down in the most wonderful way.
The Wiken family opened this Milwaukee institution in 1974, and their commitment to authentic supper club excellence has remained unwavering for five decades.
Milwaukee’s main airport terminal was just across the street when The Packing House opened in 1974, making it a convenient stop for travelers and locals alike who crave the genuine Wisconsin dining experience. What sets this place apart isn’t just the food (though you’ll be amazed by that too) – it’s the entire atmosphere that captures what made supper clubs so special.
The contemporary decor featuring large, mounted photos of Milwaukee scenes with a particular focus on the downtown skyline creates an elegant yet comfortable setting.
The tables featured white tablecloths and comfortable padded chairs. The ambience was welcoming, quiet and serene.
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Keep Exploring →Steak & Prime Rib Perfection
Award-Winning Garlic Stuffed Filet: The restaurant has garnered acclaim for its exceptional steak specialties, most notably the award-winning Garlic Stuffed Filet – a tender center-cut tenderloin that melts in your mouth while the garlic adds just the right savory punch.
All three steaks were grilled to perfection — even my requested Pittsburg Style was perfect, cold center and charred outside. The ribeyes had tremendous flavor and were so tender that they literally melted in your mouth.
Prime Rib Nights: Prime rib served Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights draws regulars who know quality when they taste it. Can’t say enough about the prime rib. Done to perfection!!!!! You’ll find generous portions carved to your preferred doneness, accompanied by traditional sides.
Steak au Poivre: The richly flavored Steak au Poivre, both prepared with meticulous attention to detail features the classic French preparation with cracked peppercorns and a cognac cream sauce that enhances rather than masks the meat’s natural flavor.
Signature Sides: The steaks with onion shreds, but also cognac or bernaise sauce for a modest $2 add on – these crispy onion straws are practically legendary among regulars, adding a delightful crunch and sweet onion flavor that pairs beautifully with any cut.
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Discover MoreThe Famous Friday Fish Fry Experience
Hand-Breaded Perfection: Everything we do is made from scratch… The breading is handmade, the coleslaw is handmade, our tarter sauce is handmade, our clam chowder is made in house. Everything is made from scratch. Our fish fry is hand breaded. The hand breaded Icelandic cod filets arrive golden and crispy with breading is crisp and blessedly free of grease, the fish tasty and flaky.
Drive-Thru Phenomenon: On any given Friday throughout this ordeal, cars have been lining up for blocks for fish frys – a testament to just how beloved this fish fry has become. There are official Milwaukee street signs that say “no parking” because of a Friday night fish fry. Glorious!
Potato Pancakes Done Right: The potato pancakes are about hockey puck-sized but share no other traits with that hard rubber piece of sports equipment. They’re dense without being tough and dry; they’re lightly peppered and thoroughly satisfying. These aren’t your typical frozen variety – they’re made fresh and have the perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Complete Fish Fry Package: French fries or potato pancakes, house made cole slaw and tartar sauce, rye bread and butter and lemon wedges. Cup of made from scratch clam chowder. The perch fry delivers incredible value with generous portions that will satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Additional Menu Highlights
BBQ Ribs: The recipe for slow-cooked, bone-tender BBQ ribs has never been altered, because it’s just that good. Well-seasoned and made according to our classic house recipe. Slow cooked until tender. Served with our own BBQ sauce and choice of side.
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Keep Exploring →Fresh Seafood Selection: Seafood enthusiasts will find a wealth of options, from delicately prepared shrimp specialties to succulent lobster and a variety of fresh fish selections including walleye prepared multiple ways and flounder stuffed with artichoke and spinach.
From-Scratch Soups & Desserts: You’ll find that soups and desserts are prepared fresh daily in their kitchen, including their famous New England clam chowder that comes with every fish fry.
Atmosphere & Entertainment
Classic Supper Club Vibes: It reminded of an old school supper club with sophisticated, dark steakhouse in blacks and dark neutrals with cylinder light shades. This is what Wisconsin would call a traditional supper club – relish tray, excellent brandy old fashions and outstanding service and food.
Live Music Experience: Live Music: Wed & Thur 6-10pm; Fri & Sat 6:30-10:30pm in the bar area creates the perfect backdrop for dinner. Live music in the bar several nights a week features local musicians playing everything from jazz standards to contemporary favorites.
Bar & Cocktail Excellence: Enjoy Milwaukee’s Favorite Old Fashioned! The brandy old fashion was very good, you can’t visit a traditional Wisconsin supper club without having one. The bartenders know how to make a proper Wisconsin-style brandy old fashioned with all the traditional garnishes.
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Discover MoreSpacious Yet Intimate: Their spacious dining room provides plenty of room even during busy periods, while still maintaining that cozy supper club intimacy that makes conversations flow easily.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: The packing house is not inexpensive (our bill including tax and tip came to $300) but it was a very outstanding meal. For somewhere out of town, it is still in the expensive category however the service and quality is first class and justifies the price.
You’re paying for premium ingredients, scratch-made preparations, and an authentic supper club experience that’s increasingly rare.
Reservations Recommended: Make certain that you have a reservation. They can get very busy. Yes, you can make a reservation by picking a date, time, and party size. This is especially important on weekends and during fish fry Fridays.
Parking & Location: Located conveniently across the street from Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport, parking is readily available in their lot. The location makes it perfect for celebrating before or after flights, or as a destination dinner.
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Keep Exploring →Family Legacy: On its second generation of ownership, The Packing House is a pillar of Milwaukee’s restaurant community with Bob St. Louis, our chef, has been here for 42 years, since he was 15 – this consistency shows in every dish.
Best Times to Visit: Friday nights don’t really get busy until about 6:30 so earlier dinner reservations can help avoid peak crowds. The lunch fish fry option lets you enjoy the same quality during less crowded daytime hours.
The Packing House
📍 900 E Layton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
