By Kevin Revolinski | Photo courtesy Wisconsin Dells CVB
In 1943, Jim and Alice Wimmer bought a humble roadside cabin-restaurant with six tables. The Del-Bar, so named by its original owners because one was from Wisconsin Dells and the other from Baraboo, grew to become a distinguished supper club set in a Prairie-style building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé, James Dresser. Today, photos in the restaurant’s lobby commemorate the family’s hospitality history.
In the late 1970s, the couple’s son, Jeff Wimmer, started taking over for his father. Along with his wife, Jane, the couple managed the restaurant until his daughter, Amy, purchased the business in 2018. His other daughter, Anne Stoken, joined a year later. Both had left tech careers in Colorado to return home.
“We really couldn’t see another family owning this restaurant,” says Anne.
The menu focuses on Prime-grade steaks, which Anne notes is the highest-quality cut of meat, with the most marbling and flavor. Also find seafood, and the schnitzel and walleye date back to the original menu. The recipes for their popular French onion soup and the hot bacon dressing are originally from their grandmother, Alice.
Tradition extends beyond the menu.
“The food is going to be great, but we have to make sure our service and hospitality are on par with our food,” says Amy.
Anne agrees: “That’s something our grandmother was diligent about.”
