Nashotah’s Red Circle Inn, Wisconsin’s oldest restaurant, is back! It closed last fall when longtime owners Norm and Martha Eckstaedt retired and sold the business to Beloit-based Geronimo Hospitality Group.
Among the changes that Geronimo made to the 174-year spot (N44 W33013 Watertown Plank Rd.) were to update the décor and create a new menu. Executive chef Joe Heppe leads the kitchen – which he also does for Geronimo’s property in Delafield – I.d. at the Delafield Hotel. His menu includes some “time-honored” classics (skate schnitzel, pan-seared walleye, beef stroganoff, roasted half-chicken, $25-$31) and dishes that are certifiably Wisconsin. For instance, the starters include Wisconsin meatballs with concord grape glaze, cannibal sandwiches and encargot en croute ($5-$28). The relish platter for two ($19) features cheddar beer cheese dip and dark rye canapes, grilled summer sausage and fried deviled egg. Entrees of a carnivorous nature range from beef tenderloin, ribeye steak and pork chop ($32-$54). Besides classic frozen cocktails like the grasshopper and pink squirrel, the dessert menu has a chocolate grasshopper torte, lemon creme brulee and seasonal tart ($9-$10).
Hours: Mon-Thurs 4:30-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4:30-10 p.m. Bar: 4 p.m.-close. Make a reservation here.
