Mequon’s Historic Stagecoach Stop Serves Supper Club Classics

The Range Line Inn isn't just a restaurant—it's a portal to Wisconsin history that happens to serve exceptional prime rib. Housed in one of Mequon's oldest buildings, this beloved North Shore institution has been feeding families for generations while preserving nearly two centuries of local heritage. Whether you're craving a classic Friday fish fry or celebrating a milestone birthday, this cozy establishment delivers the quintessential Wisconsin supper club experience that our area is known for.

The building predates Wisconsin statehood

The story of The Range Line Inn begins in 1840, when Gordon Hubbard constructed the building on an 80-acre parcel purchased from the government—eight years before Wisconsin even became a state. Originally christened "The Half Way Inn," the establishment earned its name from its strategic location midway between Milwaukee and Port Washington, making it an essential stop for weary travelers on horseback and stagecoach.

Over its remarkable 185-year history, this building has worn many hats. It served as a mail handling station, telegraph office, rooming house for local schoolteachers, church, town meeting hall, and even Ozaukee County's original dance hall where Dixieland jazz concerts drew crowds from across the region. Perhaps most intriguingly, the building's underground catacombs have fueled persistent rumors of its role as an Underground Railroad station during the Civil War. Current owner Kristy Knudsen acknowledges that "based on the structure of the building, I could see where it could have happened."

The Strong family purchased the restaurant in 1981, with Jack Strong, his wife Kristy, and brother Pat taking the reins. Patrick Strong later became the sole owner in 1985, having actually tended bar there during jazz concerts in the 1970s. Today, Kristy Knudsen operates the restaurant, maintaining the culinary traditions her family established while preserving menus that remain nearly identical to those from the 1940s and '50s. A framed copy of the original restaurant menu still hangs in the dining room.

Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time

Located at 2635 W. Mequon Road at the corner of Range Line Road, the restaurant offers on-site parking and maintains its historic character throughout. Low ceilings, original wood paneling, and leaded glass features create what reviewers consistently describe as a "cabin-y vibe" that transports diners to another era.

The layout unfolds through several intimate spaces. You'll first encounter a cozy bar area where strong brandy Old Fashioneds are the specialty, followed by wooden booths with leaded glass dividers. Continue through and you'll discover the larger, more formal dining room—accessed by walking past the kitchen—along with several smaller dining alcoves seating just four to six tables each. One room features a fireplace, and historic photographs line the walls throughout. The restaurant's mascot, a horse named Stymie honored with a picture on the wall, pays tribute to its stagecoach heritage.

Reviewers consistently praise the atmosphere as "warm, cozy and intimate" with "classy supper club charm." Whether you're dressed up for a special occasion or keeping it casual for a weeknight dinner, The Range Line Inn accommodates both approaches without pretension. One visitor perfectly captured it: "Inside, you feel transported in time."

A note on accessibility: The historic building does have interior steps. While portable ramps are available and management will assist guests who need them, families with wheelchair users should call ahead to arrange accommodations.

The menu delivers supper club favorites

The Range Line Inn earned national attention when its BBQ Chicken was featured in Fortune Magazine in 2004 at the request of former Harley-Davidson CEO Jeffrey Bleustein, who raved about the dish. But that's just one highlight on a menu that celebrates classic American cuisine.

The Center Cut Steer Filet ($36.95) arrives char-broiled alongside the restaurant's famous shredded onion rings—a signature accompaniment that keeps regulars coming back. Seafood lovers gravitate toward the French Fried Shrimp ($19.95), featuring seven jumbo butterflied and breaded shrimp, while the Range Burger ($10.95) with Angus beef, bacon, and homemade range sauce has developed its own following. They also serve Deep-Pot Fried Range Chicken—half a chicken lightly floured and deep-pot fried with cranberry sauce—alongside chicken and BBQ ribs combos and chicken parmesan.

The real stars, however, might be the complimentary homemade cheddar rolls and popovers that arrive warm in a basket at the start of every meal. Reviewers consistently call them "the best rolls ever," and fresh batches emerge from the kitchen throughout dinner service. Every entrée comes complete with soup or salad, your choice of potato, and these beloved rolls—true to supper club tradition.

Weekly specials drive much of the traffic: Lobster Wednesday brings two cold water lobster tails at special pricing, Thursday highlights fresh Lake Superior Whitefish, Friday Fish Fry offers beer-battered Icelandic haddock ($12.95), lake perch ($14.95), or baked cod ($12.95) with homemade potato pancakes, and Saturday means Prime Rib and whole roast duck. Reservations are strongly recommended on these popular nights.

Families will find plenty to love

The Range Line Inn warmly welcomes families, making it an excellent choice for multi-generational gatherings. The dedicated children's menu keeps young diners happy with familiar favorites—grilled cheese ($4.95), fried chicken ($6.95), chicken fingers ($5.95), and mini corn dogs ($4.95)—all served with French fries at prices that won't break the bank.

The booth seating throughout works well for families, and the restaurant regularly hosts milestone celebrations from children's birthdays to grandparents' anniversaries. Multiple reviewers specifically mention bringing extended family for special occasions, describing it as "perfect for a family dinner." The atmosphere strikes that sweet spot of being refined enough for adults to feel they're enjoying a nice evening out while remaining comfortable enough that kids won't feel out of place.

Desserts provide a sweet ending to family meals, with homemade options including Door County cherry pie, key lime pie, and a decadent double chocolate truffle brownie à la mode—all priced between $2.95 and $4.95.

Plan your visit to this North Shore treasure

The Range Line Inn is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM and closed Sunday and Monday. Given its popularity, especially on special nights, reservations are highly recommended. Call (262) 242-0530 or visit www.therangelineinn.com to book your table.

The restaurant offers takeout for those who want to enjoy their favorites at home, and delivery is available through DoorDash and Grubhub. With a 4.3 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor and a ranking of #9 among 54 Mequon restaurants, the reputation speaks for itself—along with a 99/100 health score that provides additional peace of mind for families.

Why The Range Line Inn deserves a spot on your family's list

What truly sets The Range Line Inn apart isn't just the quality food or the cozy atmosphere—it's the sense of continuity with the past that permeates every visit. Owner Patrick Strong once reflected: "The best part of all of this are the friends I made here, the support of the neighborhood and a very loyal and competent staff. You just don't see that." Some servers have worked there for more than 20 years, and families return generation after generation.

In a community where change seems constant, this restaurant remains an anchor. The history printed on the paper placemats, the photographs on the walls, the recipes unchanged for decades—they all contribute to an experience that feels increasingly rare. You're not just having dinner; you're participating in a tradition that stretches back to before Wisconsin was a state, in a building that may have sheltered freedom seekers fleeing slavery, that certainly sheltered countless travelers and communities across nearly two centuries.

For North Shore families seeking a dining experience that combines genuine history, quality comfort food, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere welcoming to all ages, The Range Line Inn delivers something special. Just be sure to save room for those legendary rolls.