University Club of Milwaukee

Great value, perfect location, fantastic service. Use it if you can.

While a bit dated, new management is providing a facelift and the chef has been left to his own devices. Thank God, he’s terrific. Outstanding food and superb wine list. But what this club has that no other has in Milwaukee is an amazing view on the 6^th floor. It is the best dining view in Milwaukee (of the lake of course), even better than the Pfister’s Blue room. The club also has rooms but that’s where it’s somewhat dated though they also cost less, which is helpful when family comes to town (for me). Lately they have some amazing speakers including JP Morgan’s Chief Economist, which is in keeping with the «university» theme I think. Check this out — the staff is most helpful.

I felt like I had gained access to the «Old Boys’ Club.» I expected to feel like Barbara Streisand in «Yentl.» I was treated much better though, and there was no feeling of inferiority. In fact, it was quite the contrary. The maitre d’, Jeffrey, was very obliging, and knowledgeable about the house supply of wines. A dear friend promised to bring me as a guest just for the «experience.» He said that the UC has relaxed its formality, but I wanted to treat it with respect. I even wore my great-grandmother’s white gloves. I paid homage to a bygone era, when exclusive clubs were fashionable and membership was enviable. I embraced the opportunity to take a trip back in time. The décor is trapped in a time warp, but it is that character that makes it grand. If it had lacked stuffiness, I would’ve been disappointed. It was an enjoyable experience. The view was spectacular from the 6^th floor dining room, overlooking Lake Michigan, the moon shining and reflecting on the water. I think the company contributed greatly to the pleasant experience. I cannot downplay the food, though. It was quite well made. I ordered the pork tenderloin with acorn squash purée and date bordelaise. Superbly sweet sauce with tender, juicy tenderloin slices. I liked it very much, and it was balanced by the smoky Bordeaux that was paired with it. The reason for the 3 stars is because I was disappointed by the service from the waitstaff. Although she was a nice server, our attendant did not provide the demitasse spoon for the palette cleanser; she did not clear the dirty utensils for each course; she was not educated on the menu (i.e., did not know how salads were dressed or what the entrees were served with). Also, the waitstaff, in general – aside from the polished bartender – was «frumpy,» crumpled, and unpolished. I would have expected them to be perfectly pressed and the most graceful of staff, given their station at such an establishment. Tradition, I think, at places like the UC should be restored and maintained. You join a club for a reason, and it’s not just for the view.

Chef Doug has some of the best and most creative meals in the city. The food is outstanding and staff is very friendly. Best view of the lake too from the 6^th floor!

I tend to be a hardcore modernist who likes up-​to-​the minute modern interiors, or mid century moderne 50’s and 60’s stuff. But, surprisingly, I’m also a fan of somewhat stuffy, upscale elegance. Well, the University Club is neither of those, but I think it was up to the minute and/​or appealingly stuffy awhile ago.
After checking out Milwaukee hotels and noting their overpriced rooms, I commented that maybe it’d be better for a guy who needs to work in MKE occasionally to join a private club. Quelle idea!
We got a tour of this place, by my time honored method: Walk in and act like you belong there. It worked great, and we got to explore the whole place.

Old, dated, stuffy, and a caricature of other more upscale University Clubs, such as in Chicago, DC or elsewhere.
But, they are obviously anxious for members in this down economy, and my creative companion came up with a great idea: join the Milwaukee University Club and stay there when in town. Membership is in relative terms, dirt cheap.
We popped in here anticipating that my business may bring me to Milwaukee a few nights weekly for a while. And I was searching for a hotel alternative over here on the East Side, with a view of Lake Michigan and easy access to the footpaths on the Lakefront.
In addition to being a place to sit around, read and drink, the University Clubs always have hotel accommodations which are usually very good enough.
The cooooooooolest part about University Club membership is the 190 reciprocal private clubs around the world to which you gain access with membership. A few years back when a member of the University Club in Chicago, I used the reciprocal rights to stay at the Cosmos Club in DC, Lotos Club in NYC, etc.
The club was closed, since it was Sunday. But the young man behind the desk let us walk around and check it out.
It’s as I thought. To be expected, but it might just be the ticket.