Calderone Club in Fox Point Serves Up Italian Tradition

For nearly five decades, a modest restaurant on Port Washington Road has been quietly serving what many locals consider the finest Italian food on Milwaukee's North Shore. Calderone Club in Fox Point isn't just another Italian restaurant—it's a living piece of Milwaukee culinary history, carrying forward recipes and traditions that trace back to 1945. This family-owned gem has earned devoted multi-generational followings with its award-winning meatballs, legendary crispy eggplant, and cracker-thin pizza made from a recipe that helped define Milwaukee's distinctive pizza style. For North Shore families seeking an authentic Italian dining experience where the owners greet you by name and the food tastes like it came from an Italian grandmother's kitchen, Calderone Club delivers the real thing.

A family story that spans three generations

The story of Calderone Club begins in Milwaukee's Third Ward, where the Caradaro Club opened in 1945, pioneering the cracker-thin crust pizza that would become synonymous with Milwaukee-style pizza. In 1969, Antonio and Rosea "Mama" Fazzari, immigrants from Reggio di Calabria, Italy, purchased the Caradaro Club from founder Joe Todaro—acquiring not just a restaurant, but the precious pizza recipe that continues to anchor the menu today.

After a brief return to Italy in the mid-1970s, where the family frequented a beloved restaurant called "Il Calderone" (meaning "cauldron" in Italian), the Fazzaris returned to Wisconsin with a new name and renewed vision. They opened the first Calderone Club on Milwaukee's East Side in 1976, and the Fox Point location followed shortly after in the late 1970s, bringing their authentic Southern Italian cooking to the North Shore. Today, Carmelo Fazzari operates the Fox Point location while his brother Gino, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, runs the downtown Milwaukee sister restaurant. The family's matriarch, Mama Rosa, whose recipes for meatballs, lasagna, and tiramisu still grace the menu, passed away but her culinary legacy lives on in every dish that leaves the kitchen.

Appetizers and starters

Calderone Club's appetizer selection reveals the kitchen's commitment to doing Italian classics exceptionally well. The Crispy Eggplant at $13.95 has earned the distinction of being voted Wisconsin's number one—thin slices expertly fried to golden perfection that even eggplant skeptics find irresistible. Big Tony's Italian Sausage and Peppers brings robust flavors at $14.95, while Mama Rosa's Homemade Meatballs at $8.95 offer a preview of the recipe that won Milwaukee's Best Meatballs at the 2012 Meatball Challenge.

For lighter starters, the Bruschetta at $10.95 features fresh tomatoes mixed with onions, basil, garlic, jalapeño peppers, and olive oil. Classic Italian appetizers including Crispy Calamari at $15.95, Mozzarella Marinara at $12.95, Breaded Ravioli at $12.95, and Battered Mushrooms at $11.95 round out the selection. Simple pleasures like Garlic Bread starting at $6.75 or the Antipasto Platter at $15.95 provide perfect options for sharing. The restaurant's homemade soups deserve special mention—Minestrone and the hearty Chicken Chowder with chopped chicken, corn, peas, carrots, and potatoes run $5.95 to $7.95, with traditional Clam Chowder available on Fridays.

Pasta dishes showcase authentic family recipes

The heart of Calderone Club's menu lies in its specialty pasta section, where fresh pasta made daily from imported durum wheat semolina meets recipes perfected over decades. The Spaghetti and Meatballs at $23.95 combines Mama Rosa's homemade marinara with those award-winning meatballs for a dish that defines comfort food. The Lasagna at $24.50 follows the exact family recipe from the original East Side restaurant, layering tender noodles with seasoned meat and melted mozzarella.

More adventurous pasta lovers will find plenty to explore. The Short Rib Stuffed Ravioli at $25.50 arrives bathed in a sherry mushroom cream sauce, while the Lobster Stuffed Ravioli at $29.95 provides an indulgent option. The Linguine Pescatore at $27.95 showcases the kitchen's seafood capabilities with bay shrimp, calamari, whitefish, clams, and mussels in your choice of red or white sauce. Tortellini Con Funghi at $23.95 pairs cheese-filled pasta with a tomato cream sauce and fresh mushrooms. The Manicotti at $21.95—pasta tubes stuffed with ricotta and topped with mozzarella and marinara—has been described by locals as among the best in the city. Fettucini Alfredo at $20.95 can be enhanced with chicken or shrimp, and the Penne Con Salsiccia at $25.95 delivers a tomato cream sauce with spicy sausage for those craving bold flavors.

Chicken, veal, and seafood entrees

The Mama Rosa Chicken Spiedini at $29.95 stands as the signature dish of the house—chicken stuffed with mozzarella, basil, and pepperoni, then breaded and baked with a garlic butter wine sauce that exemplifies the restaurant's approach to Italian cooking. The Chicken Marsala at $25.95 has earned devoted fans who describe the sauce as "heavenly," while the Chicken Parmigiano at $24.95 delivers two lightly breaded breasts baked in marinara and topped with mozzarella. For those watching carbs, Sugar Jay's Chicken at $22.95 offers chopped chicken with peas, mushrooms, and onions in white wine and garlic.

The veal selection uses premium Wisconsin Strauss Veal, with options including Veal Scallopini, Veal Marsala, and Veal Parmigiano ranging from $32.95 to $34.95. The Veal Piccata at $34.95 features lemon, capers, and white wine for a classic preparation. Seafood offerings include Shrimp Reganato and Shrimp Scampi, both at $32.95, plus market-price Grilled Salmon. All entrees come served with bread, salad, and your choice of red potatoes or pasta.

Pizza follows a historic 1945 recipe

The Neapolitan thin-crust pizza at Calderone Club isn't just good—it's historically significant. The recipe dates back to the 1945 Caradaro Club and represents the cracker-thin crust style that became Milwaukee's signature pizza tradition. One devoted customer declared it "the best pizza anywhere—including Italy," noting that no pizza in Naples compared to Calderone's perfect sauce, fresh toppings, and extraordinary crust.

Pricing for build-your-own pizzas starts at $13.95 for a 10-inch junior, $18.00 for a 16x11-inch medium, $20.95 for a 20x14-inch large, and $24.95 for a 24x16-inch party size. Standard toppings including Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, onions, bell peppers, and Roma tomatoes range from $2.50 to $6.50 depending on pizza size. Artisan toppings like San Daniele Prosciutto di Parma and fresh Fior di Latte mozzarella cost slightly more. Specialty pizzas include the Calderone Veggie, Calderone Special with sausage and mushrooms, and the fully-loaded Calderone Works. The Margherita pizza features San Marzano sauce with fresh mozzarella and basil. Alternative crusts include Pinsa Romana for an additional $5 and gluten-free options ranging from $6 to $8 extra.

Steaks, sandwiches, and Friday fish fry

Beyond Italian classics, Calderone Club serves impressive steaks ranging from the Steak Spiedini at $28.95 to the substantial 17-ounce bone-in Ribeye at $59.95. The 8-ounce Filet Mignon at $46.95 and 12-ounce New York Strip at $53.95 come seasoned and grilled with sautéed mushrooms. For sandwich lovers, the Meatball Sandwich at $17.50 showcases those championship meatballs with mozzarella and marinara, while Big Ray's Chicken Parmigiano Sandwich at $17.95 and Anthony's Burger at $17.95 offer satisfying alternatives. All sandwiches come with French fries or pasta marinara.

Honoring Wisconsin tradition, the Friday Fish Fry at $17.95 features your choice of breaded or beer-battered cod served with Italian bread, fries, homemade coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Calzoni options ranging from $21.95 to $24.95 include Veggie, Meatball, and the meat-packed Calabrese with sausage, pepperoni, and spicy soppressata. Vegetarians will appreciate the Eggplant Parmigiano entree at $23.95.

Desserts and drinks

Every dessert at Calderone Club costs just $6.95, making it easy to end your meal on a sweet note. The Tiramisu follows a homemade family recipe—three layers of ladyfingers soaked in espresso syrup with mascarpone mousse and chocolate drizzle. Classic Cannoli features sweetened ricotta with chocolate sauce and maraschino cherries. For something refreshing, the Lemon Ripieno serves lemon sorbetto in a natural fruit shell, while the Flute Limoncello combines lemon gelato swirled with limoncello. The Spumoni Bomba layers strawberry, pistachio, and chocolate gelato coated in chocolate with white chocolate drizzle, and the Chocolate Salted Caramel Soufflé offers moist chocolate cake with a creamy caramel center.

The full bar specializes in cocktails, with staff noting that Lemon Drops are a house favorite. The restaurant takes pride in its Italian wine selection, and you can even buy a round of beers for the kitchen staff for $12—a charming touch that speaks to the family atmosphere.

Practical details for planning your family visit

Calderone Club is located at 8001 North Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217. You can reach them by phone at (414) 352-9303 or visit their website at calderoneclubfoxpoint.com. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. They are closed on Mondays. Note that they stop taking orders and seating guests 30 minutes before closing. Holiday closures include Easter, Memorial Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Parking is free and available in a lot down the street from the restaurant, with additional street parking in the area. The lot is wheelchair accessible, and the restaurant offers full accessibility including entrance, restroom, and seating accommodations. Bike parking is also available. For pricing expectations, appetizers range from $6.75 to $15.95, pasta dishes from $20.95 to $29.95, chicken entrees from $22.95 to $29.95, and pizzas from $13.95 to $34.95. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments are all accepted.

Reservations recommended

Given Calderone Club's popularity and relatively intimate size, reservations are highly recommended. You can book through their website, though tables are limited to 90 minutes during peak times and confirmation may take up to 12 hours. For families who prefer dining at home, carryout is available directly through the restaurant, and they offer free delivery throughout the North Shore area. Online ordering is available at calderoneclubfoxpoint.zenfoody.com. Third-party delivery through services like Grubhub and DoorDash may also be available. Catering services can be arranged by calling the restaurant directly.

A genuinely family-friendly atmosphere

Calderone Club earns consistent praise as a family-friendly destination on review platforms, making it ideal for North Shore families seeking quality Italian dining without pretension. The atmosphere strikes a balance between the white tablecloths and flickering candles that create a warm ambiance and the welcoming, casual vibe that makes families with children comfortable. High chairs are available, and the menu naturally appeals to younger diners with familiar favorites like pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiano.

Reviewers frequently mention the staff's warmth toward all guests, with one noting how employees went out of their way to engage with an elderly grandfather, helping him feel at home while waiting for family to arrive. The restaurant has become a destination for celebrating milestones—from after-school achievements to birthdays to swim meet victories. For families with younger children, earlier seatings tend to work best given the restaurant's cozy size.

A true North Shore treasure

What distinguishes Calderone Club from other Italian restaurants isn't any single element but the combination of authentic heritage, consistent quality, and genuine hospitality that's increasingly rare in dining. The staff remembers regular guests' preferences—one reviewer noted that her favorite lemon drop appears at the table before she even orders. The owners personally greet guests, creating an atmosphere where, as one diner put it, "you feel like you are part of their bustling family."

The food itself reflects an unwavering commitment to from-scratch cooking using family recipes unchanged through generations. This isn't corporate Italian—it's the real thing, served in a neighborhood restaurant that has remained true to its roots while adapting to serve new generations of North Shore families. Local food critics consistently rank it among Milwaukee's best Italian restaurants, and the 2012 Milwaukee Meatball Challenge championship and Wisconsin's Best Crispy Eggplant distinction validate what regulars have known for years. For North Shore families seeking an authentic Italian dining experience with genuine warmth and exceptional food, Calderone Club represents exactly the kind of local treasure worth discovering and returning to again and again.