Navigate the winding road through the woods and emerge at a timber lodge where six bars await. The setting announces itself immediately—floor-to-ceiling windows frame Mirror Lake, while the summer sun begins its descent toward the western horizon. Grab a seat at any bar that has space and settle in with an old fashioned served amber in its straight-sided glass.

The rib eye lands on your table thick and browned, its char speaking of a kitchen that knows beef. Duck arrives with stuffing and sauces that elevate it beyond typical supper club fare—so memorable that diners find themselves savoring the leftovers days later, discovering subtle spices they missed the first time around.

Watch the scallops arrive in their ceramic bowl, each one sporting that coveted golden-brown sear. The French onion soup surprises everyone who orders it, its rich broth and melted cheese cap converting skeptics into believers. These aren't afterthoughts but dishes that hold their own against the steakhouse standards.

The kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions with grace—those allergic to beef can request preparations in alternative oils rather than the standard beef tallow. Salmon satisfies pescatarians while butterflied prawns pair seamlessly with prime rib for those who can't choose between surf and turf.

Service flows as smoothly as the brandy in your glass, with staff managing the busy dining room with practiced efficiency. The dessert parade includes smooth caramel cake, rich chocolate pie, and a spiked mint shake that feels like a nod to simpler times.

Yes, the Lake Delton area location means occasional battles with biting lake bugs. Yes, the no-reservation policy creates waits that stretch into hours. But watch diners settle into their lakeside perches with drinks and cheese spreads, transforming delay into anticipation. The food that eventually arrives makes every minute worthwhile.

At these scores, Ishnala earns its reputation as one of Wisconsin's premier supper club experiences. The combination of exceptional lake views, consistently excellent steaks, and that intangible magic that happens when everything aligns creates something more than just dinner—it becomes the kind of evening you remember long after summer fades.