You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times if you live anywhere near Lake Winnebago. 384 South Main Street. It looks like a classic, unassuming Wisconsin storefront, but Sully's of Fond du Lac Inc—known to most of us simply as Sully’s Irish Pub—is basically the heartbeat of downtown for anyone who values a heavy pour and a burger that actually tastes like beef.
Honestly, in an era where every "pub" feels like a sterilized corporate chain with fake brick walls, Sully’s is a bit of a relic. But a good one. It's the kind of place where the floor might have a story to tell, and the person sitting on the stool next to you has likely been coming there since before you had a driver's license.
What’s the Deal with the Name?
Business filings officially list it as Sully's of Fond du Lac Inc, but if you walk in and call it that, people might look at you funny. It’s an Irish pub at its core. A few years back, Rayce Fleisner took the reins and gave the place a much-needed facelift. He didn't ruin it, though. That’s the fear, right? Someone buys a local staple and turns it into a minimalist coffee bar.
Fleisner did the opposite. He kept the "shenanigans" vibe but fixed up the exterior and interior, making it feel less like a dark cave and more like a spot you could actually bring a date to without apologizing first.
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The Reuben That People Drive Hours For
If you search for Sully’s, you’re going to see one word over and over: Reuben.
It’s a bit of a legend in Wisconsin. Most places use that thin, watery deli meat that tastes like salt and sadness. Not here. Sully’s is known for slow-cooking their own corned beef. It’s thick-cut, tender, and piled onto marbled rye with enough sauerkraut to make a doctor happy.
Is it the "best in the state" like some travel blogs claim? That’s a tall order in Wisconsin. But it’s definitely in the top tier. They even serve corned beef and cabbage on the 17th of every month, because why wait for March to feel Irish?
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More Than Just Cabbage
The menu is surprisingly big for a corner pub. People rave about the burgers, mostly because they still use an original grill that's probably seasoned with decades of flavor.
- The Western Burger: It’s messy. Fried onions, BBQ sauce, and a patty that actually has some weight to it.
- Irish Nachos: Instead of tortilla chips, you get those crispy, seasoned potato slices smothered in cheese and toppings. It’s basically a heart attack on a plate, but worth it.
- The Pizza: Don’t sleep on the "Irish Spice Baby" pizza. It sounds weird until you try it.
The Local Vibe (And Why It Matters)
Sully’s isn't just a restaurant. It’s a community hub. They do bar bingo. They have the games on. They host ribbon cuttings with Envision Greater Fond du Lac. It’s the kind of place where the bartender, like the local-favorite Candace, actually remembers what you’re drinking.
There are some quirks, though. If you go on a Friday night or during a big game, don't expect "fast food" speed. It’s a small kitchen. They’re making stuff to order. Sometimes the service can lag when the house is packed, and the payment process might take a minute. If you’re in a rush to get to a movie, maybe pick a different night.
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Is It Worth the Trip?
If you're looking for white tablecloths and a wine list that requires a dictionary, go somewhere else. But if you want a pint of cold Guinness, a burger that requires three napkins, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely lived-in, Sully's of Fond du Lac Inc is the spot.
It survived the 2020 era of chaos, it survived a total renovation, and it’s still standing as a Main Street anchor in 2026. That says a lot about a business these days.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Calendar: Aim for the 17th of the month if you want the full corned beef experience.
- Timing is Everything: Visit during a weekday "L-hour" to chat with the staff and avoid the weekend crush if you want faster service.
- Order the Reuben: Seriously. Even if you think you don't like sauerkraut, give it a shot here. It's the benchmark for the region.