This week we are taking a look at Simpons Red Ox Lounge and Supper Club in Appleton. This business  originally opened in 1971 on American Drive and was eventually reopened at its current location on Oneida Street after being destroyed by fire in 1995.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is what I would consider your traditional Wisconsin old school supper club.  I mean that in the most flattering of ways.  The ambiance of the bar area includes the theme of the “red” ox.  It is dimly lit and boasts  red in many ways.  Just to highlight a few, the red bar,  vinyl chairs and red textured walls behind the bar.  One element that is unlike the traditional supper club is the presence of televisions in the bar area, a few small tv’s behind the bar and plasma’s in the seating area.  The only negative comment that I would have is  there were several gambling machines located in the bar area.  I personally feel that the presence of the machines in a supper club somewhat cheapens the atmosphere.  Although I am not a fan of the gambling machines, I have family members who do enjoy them and they can be a big draw for customers.

Food: Before visiting the Red Ox, I talked to friends and read other online reviews to get a feel of what others were saying. I was surprised to not find even one negative review about the place, this sparked my interest even more. On top of that they are recipients of Fox Cities Magazine’s Golden Fork Award for “Best Supper Club”.   To begin, let’s examine the beverages, most peoples favorite opening act. I had my normal Jim Beam and Coke and was happy with it, nothing worse then starting a dining experience then a weak drink. One thing I learned after our visit is that the Red Ox has a tradition of great home made old fashioned’s and pickled mushrooms, looks like I have a good excuse to go back now:)  They also claim to have the largest spirit choices north of Milwaukee. Spirit list - Wine list

The menu is huge, there is no way you can’t find something you will like.  All the traditional supper club menu items are available as well as a large selection of specials and lighter fare options.  The friends we were with recommended that I try the garlic tenderloin, so I had the surf and turf, garlic tenderloin and scallops.  My wife had the tenderloin and haddock. Our meal started with the traditional bread and a salad before getting our meal. I like my steak medium rare and it came perfectly cooked. The steak was butterflied open with minced garlic inside and a good amount of seasoning on the outside. The steak was a little bit salty but overall a good cut of meat.  My scallops were broiled in english butter and were very rich.  I could have eaten dozens of these jems. Click picture below for a larger view of my meal. Our dinner for 2 with a few drinks and desert was about $70 with a tip.

Conclusion: I was glad that our friends suggested it, because it was a good experience.  We did not have a lot of  time for dinner as we were heading to the comedy club, and the Red Ox did a nice job of seating us and providing quick friendly service.  We will definitely go back again, especially if we are looking for a supper club type meal and atmosphere.  The one thing  I do dislike is that I always see employees smoking in their whites just outside the door on the Oneida street side and that is just not appealing.

Red Ox Information:
website - www.redoxsupperclub.com
Address - 2318 S Oneida Street Appleton, WI 54914
Google Map
Contact - Online Form
Phone Number - 920-830-4121
Menu - From Website

Brian $16-$22, Supper Club