Supper club

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A supper club is a place to eat and socialize, often aiming for a refined feel but with affordable prices. In the 2010s, the term also started to describe underground or secret restaurants, which are sometimes called home bistros, guerrilla diners, pop-up restaurants, speakeasies, and other names.

In the United States, supper clubs are found across the country but are most common in the Upper Midwest—Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. They are often located on the edge of towns in rural areas. The first U.S. supper club opened in Beverly Hills, California, started by Milwaukee native Lawrence Frank. Supper clubs became popular in the 1930s and 1940s and sometimes began as roadhouses from the Prohibition era. Traditionally, they were a full evening experience, with cocktails, dinner, and after-dinner entertainment. Today, many keep a relaxed, fun vibe rather than the big-nightclub format of the past.

Menus at supper clubs tend to be simple and American in flavor, with dishes like prime rib, steaks, chicken, and fish. A Friday night fish fry is especially common in Wisconsin, and brandy old fashioneds are a traditional drink. A relish tray with crackers, cheese, and vegetables is often served at the table.

In the United Kingdom, the supper club idea brought a cabaret atmosphere inspired by 1930s and 1940s American clubs. Some venues offered live music and a social, less formal dining experience, while others mixed informal dining with entertainment. Over time, many of these clubs gave way to modern nightclubs or other venues.

Today, there’s a revival of the “supper club” as a smaller, underground experience. These venues usually have a set or limited menu and encourage guests to mingle with people they may not know. They may use rotating or roving spaces and sell tickets rather than walk-in meals.

In the 2020s, underground restaurants and supper clubs grew in the UK, with attention from major newspapers. They are mainly found in London and are often found through word of mouth and social media.

In Latin America, underground restaurants are called paladares or puertas cerradas (locked-door restaurants). They are often informal but can set high standards and offer affordable ways to try new foods. For hosts, it’s a chance to experiment with cooking and earn money without running a formal restaurant.