If you grew up in Northeastern Wisconsin, you know the vibe. It’s Friday night. The air smells like pine and slightly damp asphalt. You’re looking for that specific kind of comfort that only exists in a place where the wood paneling is dark, the drinks are stiff, and the fish fry is a religious experience. This is where Redwood Inn Green Bay WI enters the chat. It isn’t some flashy, neon-lit gastropub trying to reinvent the wheel with deconstructed tacos or kale foam. Honestly, it’s a time capsule.
Located on the city’s east side, specifically on Main Street (which is actually Highway 141 as you head toward Denmark), the Redwood Inn has been a staple for decades. It's the kind of place where the regulars have "their" stools and the staff knows if you prefer the perch or the walleye before you even sit down. People come here because they know exactly what they’re getting. In a world of "disruptive" dining and rotating pop-ups, there is something deeply grounding about a menu that stays true to its roots.
What Makes the Redwood Inn Green Bay WI Actually Different?
Most people think a supper club is just a restaurant. It’s not. It’s a social ecosystem. At the Redwood Inn Green Bay WI, the layout itself dictates the experience. You walk in, and you’re usually greeted by the bar. That’s intentional. You don’t just get seated; you linger. You grab an Old Fashioned—brandy, sweet, with olives or cherries depending on your moral compass—and you wait.
The food is the main event, but the ritual is the secret sauce. While many modern diners are obsessed with "farm-to-table" labels, the Redwood Inn has basically been doing that since before it was a marketing buzzword. They specialize in the Holy Trinity of Wisconsin dining: Perch, Prime Rib, and Broasted Chicken.
Let’s talk about that perch. It’s butterfly-filleted, lightly breaded, and fried until it’s just crisp enough to snap but tender enough to melt. In Green Bay, perch is a competitive sport. Every Friday, locals debate who has the best. The Redwood Inn consistently stays in that top-tier conversation because they don't over-complicate the batter. It’s seasoned, it’s fresh, and it’s served in portions that assume you’ve been working in a field or a paper mill all day.
🔗 Read more: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
The Prime Rib and the "Old School" Standards
If you isn't a fish person, you're probably there for the beef. The Prime Rib at Redwood Inn Green Bay WI is a local legend for a reason. They slow-roast it. It’s not rushed. It comes out with that perfect pink center and a crust that’s salty and savory.
- The Cut: They offer different sizes, usually ranging from a standard queen cut to a "get the cardiologist on speed dial" king cut.
- The Sides: Forget truffle fries. You’re getting a baked potato wrapped in foil or maybe some hashbrowns with onions.
- The Soup and Salad Bar: This is a dying art form. The Redwood Inn maintains that classic spread. We’re talking pasta salads, fresh greens, and usually a soup that feels like a hug from your grandmother.
The "Redwood" name isn't just for show, either. The interior leans heavily into that rustic, lodge-like aesthetic. It feels warm. Even when it’s ten below zero outside and the wind is whipping off the bay, it feels like summer inside. That’s the magic of the lighting and the heavy wood accents. It’s cozy. Really cozy.
A Note on the "Broasted" Factor
Not many places do Broasted chicken correctly anymore. It requires a specific pressure-frying technique that keeps the oil out and the juice in. The Redwood Inn has mastered this. It’s a great alternative for the one person in your group who doesn't want seafood or a heavy steak. It’s salty, crispy, and surprisingly consistent. Consistency is actually the hallmark of this place. You could go today, or you could have gone in 1995, and the experience would be remarkably similar.
Why History Matters in the Green Bay Dining Scene
Green Bay is a town built on tradition. You see it at Lambeau Field, and you see it at the Redwood Inn Green Bay WI. This isn't a place that changes its menu based on TikTok trends. There are no "small plates" here meant for sharing; there are large plates meant for eating.
💡 You might also like: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
Historically, supper clubs like this served as the community hubs for the outlying areas of Brown County. Before the city expanded outward, places like the Redwood were "destination" spots. You took the car out for a drive, enjoyed the scenery, and ended the night with a massive meal. Even though the city has grown around it, the Redwood still feels like a getaway.
It’s also worth noting the service. In many high-end restaurants, service can feel transactional or, worse, pretentious. Here, it’s conversational. The waitstaff are often career professionals. They’ve seen kids grow up, graduate, and bring their own families back in. That kind of continuity is rare in the 2026 hospitality landscape.
Managing Expectations: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a visit to the Redwood Inn Green Bay WI, don't just show up at 6:00 PM on a Friday and expect to sit down immediately. That’s a rookie mistake.
- The Friday Rush: It is a madhouse. Embrace it. The wait is part of the fun. Grab a drink, find a corner of the bar, and people-watch.
- The Portions: They are huge. Seriously. If you’re not a big eater, consider sharing or prepare for leftovers that actually taste good the next day.
- The Vibe: It’s casual but "nice casual." You’ll see people in Packers jerseys and people in suits. Everyone fits in.
One thing that surprises newcomers is the price point. For the quality of the meat and the sheer volume of food, it’s incredibly reasonable. You aren't paying for "ambiance" in the sense of expensive art or designer furniture; you’re paying for high-quality ingredients and decades of expertise.
📖 Related: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
Is it actually "the best"?
"Best" is a dangerous word in Green Bay. If you ask ten locals where the best fish fry is, you’ll get twelve different answers. However, the Redwood Inn Green Bay WI is almost always in the top three. It’s the baseline for what a Wisconsin supper club should be. Some places might have a better view, and some might have a fancier cocktail list, but few match the Redwood for pure, unadulterated consistency.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience at the Redwood Inn Green Bay WI, follow this specific game plan:
- Call Ahead: Check their current hours and reservation policy. Supper clubs can be quirky about when they take bookings versus when they are walk-in only.
- Order the Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet: Even if you aren't a "brandy person," try it here. It’s the regional specialty and they make them the right way—muddled and strong.
- Don't Skip the Perch: Even if you think you don't like freshwater fish, the Yellow Perch is the gold standard of the region.
- Bring Cash: While most places take cards now, some of these old-school spots occasionally have "cash only" bars or specific registers. It’s always better to be prepared.
- Explore the Area: If you’re visiting from out of town, take a drive further down Highway 141 afterward. It’s a beautiful stretch of Wisconsin countryside that helps you understand why this location was chosen in the first place.
The Redwood Inn represents a slice of Wisconsin culture that is slowly being homogenized by corporate chains. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the old way of doing things—focusing on quality, community, and a damn good piece of fried fish—is still the best way.