Jack Pandl's: A Century of Family Traditions

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn stands as Wisconsin's oldest family-owned restaurant in continuous operation, serving North Shore families for over 110 years with authentic German-Austrian cuisine and heartwarming traditions that span four generations. This Milwaukee County Landmark has weathered the Great Depression, world wars, and even a pandemic while maintaining its old-world charm and family-first atmosphere. Located at 1319 E. Henry Clay Street since 1915, the restaurant represents not just a dining destination, but a living piece of Whitefish Bay history where families create memories across generations.

Immigrant dream to community cornerstone

The story begins in 1915 when Johann "Jack" Pandl and his wife Anna, Austrian-Hungarian immigrants, purchased what was then called "Bentley's Whitefish Bay Inn" from George Bentley. Johann had arrived at Ellis Island in 1906 with little more than determination, working as a hotel waiter at Milwaukee's Hotel Bismarck where he met Anna, who worked as a cook. Together, they transformed a simple tavern-grocery combination into something extraordinary.

The timing couldn't have been more challenging. The famous Pabst Whitefish Bay Resort had just closed the same year, eliminating a major source of customers. The surrounding area was still farmland, and the young couple faced an uphill battle to establish their restaurant. Tragically, Johann died in 1932 after falling down the inn's stairs, leaving Anna to run the business alone during the Great Depression. Her resilience became legendary – she was briefly arrested during Prohibition for serving beer, but charges were dropped, and she persevered through economic hardship by baking pies for neighbors and maintaining the restaurant's reputation for quality.

Evolution preserves authentic character

Unlike many establishments that chase trends, Jack Pandl's has remained remarkably consistent while adapting thoughtfully to changing times. The building itself dates to 1903 and has been carefully preserved, earning Milwaukee County Landmark status in 1984. The most significant renovation occurred in the late 1960s, adding the distinctive wooden panels and beams that define the restaurant's cozy Bavarian atmosphere today.

The second generation took over in 1957 when Anna's sons George and Jack assumed operations. George later opened "Pandl's in Bayside" in 1968, expanding the family legacy, while Jack continued managing the original location. The third generation began in 1992 when Jack's son John Pandl and his wife Laura took ownership. Today, Ryan Pandl represents the fourth generation, serving as general manager and being groomed to continue the family tradition.

Throughout these transitions, the restaurant has maintained its essential character while making strategic improvements. The addition of an outdoor patio proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing families to dine safely while supporting this beloved local institution.

Heart of the North Shore community

Jack Pandl's occupies a unique position in Whitefish Bay's social fabric, serving as a gathering place where multiple generations of families have celebrated life's milestones. The restaurant's role extends beyond mere dining – it's where first dates become engagement celebrations, where grandparents introduce grandchildren to the famous German pancake, and where families maintain traditions spanning decades.

The restaurant's community integration runs deep. Anna Pandl was known for her neighborhood outreach, regularly delivering homemade pies to locals. During the pandemic, the community rallied around the restaurant, with customers actively supporting takeout orders and checking on the family's wellbeing. This mutual support exemplifies the restaurant's position as more than a business – it's a community cornerstone.

The official landmark designation recognizes it as "one of the oldest restaurants in the Milwaukee area operating at its original location" and celebrates its role in preserving the area's "unhurried past." This recognition acknowledges not just the building's historical significance, but the restaurant's cultural importance to the North Shore community.

Signature dishes and family dining traditions

The Pandl’s Fish Fry

The menu at Jack Pandl's tells the story of authentic German-Austrian cuisine adapted for American families. The famous German Pancake remains the crown jewel – a baked Yorkshire pudding-style creation that rises into a dramatic, eggy trough served with powdered sugar and lemon juice. This isn't just a menu item; it's a rite of passage for North Shore children and a nostalgic return for adults.

Fresh whitefish holds equal importance, reflecting Wisconsin's Great Lakes heritage. The restaurant's preparation – boneless, skinless, and broiled with Spanish paprika – has remained unchanged for decades, served with their secret-recipe tartar sauce. Traditional specialties include Wiener Schnitzel, beef rouladen, and cheesy spaetzle, all prepared using Anna Pandl's original recipes.

The Friday fish fry represents classic Wisconsin dining, featuring multiple options from deep-fried lake perch to potato-crusted cod. Sunday brunch has evolved into a comprehensive affair with bottomless mimosas, while maintaining family-friendly appeal with generous children's portions and accommodating service.

Perhaps most beloved is the children's treasure chest tradition – after finishing their meal, young diners receive a small treasure chest filled with toys and treats. This simple gesture has created countless memories and demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to making every family visit special.

Multi-generational connections

The Pandl family's four-generation ownership creates authentic multi-generational connections that extend to their customers. Many families have dining histories at Jack Pandl's that span three or four generations, with parents bringing children to experience the same dishes and atmosphere they enjoyed as youngsters.

This continuity manifests in numerous ways. The building remains essentially unchanged since 1915, with original beer stein collections, Tiffany-style lamps, and oak tables creating an authentic time capsule. Staff members, many wearing traditional dirndl skirts, often serve multiple generations of the same families, creating personal connections that transcend typical restaurant service.

The family recipes and cooking methods have been carefully preserved through direct training from Anna Pandl to subsequent generations. Ryan Pandl, the current fourth-generation manager, learned traditional preparations from his father and grandfather, ensuring authentic flavors continue uninterrupted.

Historic milestones and memorable moments

Jack Pandl's has witnessed and survived numerous historical challenges, each strengthening its community bonds. The Great Depression could have closed many restaurants, but Anna Pandl's determination and community support ensured survival. The restaurant operated throughout World War II, serving families whose loved ones were overseas.

The 1965 zoning change marked a significant milestone when Whitefish Bay village officials granted the restaurant permanent operating status, ending annual reviews that had threatened its existence. This decision recognized the establishment's integral role in the community's identity.

The 1984 landmark designation represented official recognition of the restaurant's historical significance. More recently, the restaurant celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015, marking a century of continuous family ownership and operation.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the greatest challenge since the Great Depression, according to Ryan Pandl. The restaurant's successful adaptation to takeout service, outdoor dining, and safety protocols – supported by loyal customers – demonstrated the deep community connections forged over a century.

Current excellence and ongoing tradition

Jack Pandl's continues thriving under fourth-generation management, maintaining the delicate balance between preserving tradition and meeting contemporary family needs. The restaurant currently operates Tuesday through Sunday, offering indoor dining, outdoor patio seating, and a heated outdoor tent for year-round enjoyment.

Recent operational improvements include online reservations through OpenTable, expanded takeout options, and enhanced outdoor dining capabilities. The menu has been thoughtfully updated while preserving signature dishes, and the restaurant maintains its 4.5-star rating reflecting continued excellence.

Ryan Pandl's leadership as general manager ensures the family tradition continues while adapting to modern dining expectations. His training in traditional recipes and restaurant operations positions him to become the fifth generation of Pandl family ownership.

What makes Jack Pandl's special

Jack Pandl's represents something increasingly rare in modern dining – authentic family tradition combined with genuine community connection. In an era of corporate chains and constantly changing restaurants, this establishment offers consistency, quality, and personal relationships that span generations.

The restaurant's unhurried atmosphere encourages leisurely family meals without pressure to turn tables quickly. Children are genuinely welcomed, not merely tolerated, with the treasure chest tradition creating positive associations that last lifetimes. The spacious layout accommodates large family gatherings, while the cozy Bavarian décor provides intimate settings for smaller celebrations.

The authentic German-Austrian cuisine offers educational opportunities for families interested in cultural traditions, while the classic American additions ensure broad appeal. The restaurant's survival through multiple economic challenges demonstrates resilience and adaptability that families can appreciate and support.

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn stands as more than a restaurant – it's a living testament to immigrant entrepreneurship, family dedication, and community support. For North Shore families, it represents the rare opportunity to experience authentic tradition while creating new memories. The restaurant's 110-year journey from immigrant dream to beloved community institution demonstrates that some things truly improve with age. Whether introducing children to their first German pancake or celebrating grandparents' anniversaries, Jack Pandl's continues creating the multi-generational connections that define exceptional family dining. In a world of rapid change, this Milwaukee County Landmark remains a constant, welcoming families to experience the warmth, tradition, and authentic hospitality that have made it Wisconsin's oldest continuously operated family restaurant.