Simpson's Supper Club in Waupaca offers iconic recipes with a twist

WAUPACA, Wisconsin (WFRV) – Since 1932, Simpson’s on the corner of Main and Badger has served dinner to generations of locals and visitors.

The owners may no longer be Simpsons, but they are practically part of the family.

“I’ve known her all my life,” says Brynn DeHay, who bought the property with her husband Danny shortly before the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brynn thanks Danny’s leadership for delivering takeout orders that kept the Supper Club running until reopening.

“Simpson’s means a lot to Waupaca and the surrounding area,” Danny admitted. “It’s a really good feeling to be a part of it.”

When Local 5 recently visited, Danny was bartending and Brynn was visiting the Wisconsin Supper Club Enthusiasts Facebook group. They formed during the pandemic-related closures and now meet in person at a different supper club each month.

“It’s a community club, a local club,” Brynn explained. “When people from Illinois come here in the summer to stay because it’s beautiful and they meet people they know. It’s definitely a club of sorts. Not a cult, but a club.”

This Sunday, prime rib was the most popular choice. But the DeHays say seafood is also the star.

“A lot of our seafood is fresh and as seasonal as possible,” Danny explained. “Right now we’re sourcing Copper River salmon from Alaska. I would say one of our favorites is the grilled haddock. It’s not something I would necessarily order, but if you do, it’s one of the best things we do.”

Brynn just had to add that it is served with the Simpsons’ signature white wine and butter sauce.

They have the traditional relish tray and a special garlic spread that seemed to be a big hit.

You might notice this when you enter the mushroom sculpture outside. That’s because these are avid mushroom pickers who offer special dishes during the mushroom season.

“People in this area know how special and rare they are,” Danny said. “We put it on our Facebook page and they call and say, ‘Reserve me one,’ because they know they’re here today and gone tomorrow.”

The staff has one of the best reputations, including Jon Krueger, who was voted the best bartender in Waupaca.

“I’m very proud of that,” Krueger said. “It’s been great. The people I’ve worked with the whole time. The owners I’ve worked with. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have been here for 35 years!”

And if you’re wondering if the tradition of serving Tom and Jerry cocktails on Christmas Eve will continue, the answer is yes!

Simpson’s seems to have the perfect blend of tradition and freshness that will attract a new generation to the corner of Main and Badger in Waupaca.