Inside Wisconsin’s Oldest Restaurant

By Christina Lorey

April 17, 2025

A lot’s happened since Nashotah’s Red Circle Inn first opened its doors in 1848. Throughout its 177-year history, the Inn has welcomed traders, trappers, settlers, tourists, working class, high class, and just about every diner in between.

1848: Francis Schraudenbach opens the Nashotah Inn to serve people heading from Milwaukee to Watertown

1854: A railroad is built through Nashotah, just feet from the Inn, causing a surge in popularity.

1889: Captain Fred Pabst buys the Inn and renames it Red Circle Inn, after his Pabst Brewing Co.

1917: The Inn catches fire, burning the upper two stories of the restaurant. Rumor has it: Local firefighters braved the flames to save the original Pabst bar, which still stands today.

1950: National food critic Dunkin Hines stops by, and names the Inn one of the top Road Houses of the decade.

Today, Red Circle Inn continues to live up to that reputation–-best known for great steaks, chops, and seafood. Click here to check out the menu.

🍽️ Tip: Stop by any Monday-Friday between 4 and 6 p.m. for social hour!

MORE: The 8 Wisconsin Restaurants Top Chef Judges Raved About

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina is an Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist and former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, you can find her volunteering with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and various mental health organizations. Send all story tips to [email protected] and sign up for her newsletter here.

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CATEGORIES: FOOD AND DRINK

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