Wayside Inn

The Wayside has been my favorite restaurant for over 15 years now. I've always lived 30 minutes or more away, but whenever we have the time, we make the drive. There is no place that I would rather go for dinner when considering all aspects of a restaurant. So, here's just a few of the reasons I love this place.The Food: I've never had a bad meal here. The menu is pretty extensive, and over 15 years, I've tried a wide range of the options. You can go for the standard pub grub, or can spend a little more and indulge in the nightly dinner specials. Favorites from the standard pub grub: the Wayside burger, the smothered chicken sandwich, and the olive burger. Favorites from the dinner specials: blackened mahi-mahi, stuffed flounder, pretty much any other fish option, and the roast duck. All dinners come with an appetizer platter (this includes warm bread, two cheese spreads, pickled herring, pickled beets, and a variety of crackers) and soup or salad. I was most recently out there for their special New Year's Eve menu. I had some stuffed flounder that melted in my mouth, and almost every one else in my group had steaks that they said were fantastic and cooked just right.Standard Specials: I like when places have standard nightly specials that I can expect. There's always something different to spice it up, but I generally know what I'm walking in to. Wednesday and Friday - amazing fish options. Saturday - prime rib. Sunday morning - amazing breakfast skillets. If you can eat the whole thing, I'm impressed. The other days have specials too, but I've been on those days in a while, and don't want to give any inaccurate info.Atmosphere: I love the old fashioned, supper club feel. Don't expect to walk into a fancy, shiny place. Don't expect to use a card. CASH ONLY. There are two dining rooms with a bar in the middle, and the rules are strict. No eating at the bar. The bar is for pre- and post-dinner drinks, which is really nice since it keeps seats more available and conversation flowing.The Staff: If you talk to the staff and go more than once, they'll start to remember you. I've never had anything but cheery and prompt service. Every once in a while you have to wait for a drink, but only when it's really busy. I've never waited due to lack of effort on the staff's part. Also, when I came home on leave from Iraq, they went above and beyond to make my favorite meal. They know I love the mahi-mahi (not a regular menu item), so they got some out of storage and made it for me even thought it wasn't on the special board that night. I always feel welcomed and appreciated as a customer.The Price: Affordable. Most pub grub is under $8. Dinners are usually $12-20 depending on what you order. My stuffed flounder meal was right around $15, but that's for the appetizer plate, soup, and the meal (fish/broccoli/potato). I'm a hardy eater, and even I couldn't finish it all.The Regulars: My family is pretty social. Over the years of going, we've gotten to know some of the locals, and they're great as well. It's nice to sit down at a bar and be be surrounded by friendly, down-to-earth locals, who aren't afraid or annoyed to pick up a conversation with you.I really can't say enough great things about this place. I recommend it to everyone I know, and bring people along whenever I can convince them. I've never had a friend leave disappointed.

This is one of the hidden gem Wisconsin supper clubs. It has amazing fish fry's and chives exceeding the standard cod you find at lost Friday fish fry's. My favorite is the bluegill. My spouse had the cod. Very generous portions and include freshly baked loaf of bread and coke slaw with your choice of several potato options. Very reasonable prices and alcohol available Full bar as well. Excellent service. Never disappointed when I visit Wayside.

As a Wisconsin Fish Fry goes the perch here was exceptionally good tasting, fresh and a descent helping. I and a group of business want a bees were near this place and decided to give the rush fry a go We we're happy enough to try it again on Saturday night for steak and, oh well this place could have been a five especially the good drinks and reasonably priced food as well. The "prime rib" was a bit more like choice. The first thing I asked the wait staff awash a shaper knife please. And no one pleased but one of us five, The prime was tasteless and tough, the chopped sirloin was push away the mini tacos burnt, one meal, the pork chop the only thing made to be complimented. Sorry prime rib is the easiest as long as you start with PRIME. meat or, just call it Rib Roast PLEASE !

This is an old fashion supper club from the 70's80's. I loved it. Not much to look at and they generally have the best food. The parking lot was full so we expected a long wait for our fish fry at 5:30 pm Friday night. We were greeted and seated immediately. Drinks in 3 minutes. Food in 10. Great prices and excellent fish fry. Lightly breaded. Offers bluegill and perch. I had cod hubby had the bluegill. I'm going back.

Great food and great people. The food is excellent! Fresh bread with your salad, and generous pours from the bar. It's a little out of the way, but the food and prices are worth the drive.

I have been going to the Wayside my entire life. It remains consistently good over the years. It draws a local crowd. If you are from Jefferson and you walk in there you will someone guaranteed.It is cash only, but they do have an ATM.The interior is an old, small, country supper club vibe. I would guess nothing has changed inside for at least 40 years. The food is always great. I had the fried chicken recently which was tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy on the outside. Sunday brunch has a great selection, and Monday night is Mexican night. The Mexican is very much Tex Mex but it is good.For the old supper club feel give and good food give the Wayside a try.

Great food, great place! A long time food stop in J Town! Seafood , fish, steaks...It's all great ! The staff is friendly and professional, people & food here were great ! Stop in and eat !!

Breakfast is good . The food is ok. Friday fish fry give it a 3 star . No soup or Salad. Our salad was a small dish and cost us 6.00 for very little lettuce one tomato and one cucumber it was sad.

Having never before visited Jefferson we used Yelp to find a place to have dinner. As usual we were not let down. The restaurant was packed with locals despite being a bit outside of town. If you are anywhere close it is worth a visit. Hope they have their ham and cabbage soup the day you go as it was excellent. Hope we are in the area again so we can once again enjoy their food.

The Wayside Inn is somewhere between a family restaurant and a supper club. It's not fancy but has consistently great food, the Friday night fish fry is always great, steaks, fish/seafood and a new favorite - their chicken dinner (best I've had in the area and I've tried them all!) are all great choices! Their homemade hash browns are crispy, crunchy and delicious. All of the bartenders are friendly and know how to make a mean old fashion. Highly recommend!