We have travelled to the Dells at least twice a year for the last 6 years and had not heard of Ishnala. My Husband watched a PBS special on Wisconsin Supper Clubs and Ishnala was featured so we decided to give it a try. It is located off the beaten path and overlooks Mirror Lake so we had very high expectations. It is a very beautiful resturaunt with a lot of history and ambience.

I had the 10 oz filet ($37.00) and husband and MIL had the bone in ribeye ($39.00). The steaks were cooked to perfection but that's where it ended for us. I felt the "up charges" incurred during the ordering process very annoying.

House salad vs. Ceaser-up charge (even though the menu states either and the Ceaser was not prepared table side as a traditional Ceaser would be...IMO it was just a change in lettuce)

Choice of a some potatoe options vs. Sweet potatoe-up charge

Green bean almondine vs. asparagus-up charge

The "relish tray" which is a supper club trademark consisted of wrapped crackers with a cheese spread that was supposed to be homemade. I can't speak to whether it was or not but was nothing special.

Also, butter is served in pre-wrapped pats...a little annoying as well. At a place like this I would expect a bowl of whipped or at least softened butter. To have to unwrap 20 butter pats for my baked potatoe (yes I am a butterton) is not my idea of fine dining.

The chocalate mousse dessert was to dye for but the coffee served was tepid at best.

I am very used to ala carte' pricing so it wasn't the money. It was the fact that there were these hidden charges. Also, the license plates on the majority of vehicles were from Illinois and Minnesota...not local Wisconsin plates should have been a red flag.

Eat there if you must but the locals reccommend House of Embers or Del Bar if you are looking for this type of dining experience. I have eaten at both and very much agree. I would suggest having a drink and some appetizers. That way you could enjoy the beautiful views that Ishnala has to offer without incurring the price.

I took my family to Ishnala last week for dinner and it was outstanding. The service was top notch. The food was perfect. Had shrimp and a filet and both were delicious. The shrimp were huge and fresh and the steak was cooked to perfection. The setting for Ishnala is in the state park, and the view of the lake is gorgeous with the changing colors. They are only open from spring to the end of October. My family loved the food. I told the owner when we left it was one of the best meals I have ever had. Definitely will go back.

The facility is amazing. Walking toward the restaurant from the parking lot is like walking back in time 50 years.
The initial greeting by the host and hostess was friendly but, since this was our first visit, could have been a little more explicit about were to go while we waited for our table. We found the bar and had a very good brandy old fashioned while we waited.
The food was very good but slightly overpriced. Salads, steaks, and potatoes didnt dissappoint.

Great food, service and atmosphere. This is located on scenic Mirror Lake, on the outskirts of the Dells. This was a great romantic dinner and was everything we heard about.!