By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Nov 01, 2022 at 9:33 AM

The holidays will be here before you know it, and Lowlands Group is welcoming them with open arms and the return of “Lowlands Winter” experiences at all eight of their grand cafes and supper club locations.

The enjoyment of Lowlands domes, globes and Northwoods shanties has become a dining tradition for many, offering an opportunity to enjoy a meal with friends and family while embracing our Great Milwaukee Winter. In fact, the experiences have been popular enough to attract diners from over 24 states including Chicago, Boston, New York, Los Angeles and Washington D.C., as well as Puerto Rico. 

Shanties at Buckatabon
Shanties at Buckatabon
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In fact, during the 2021-22 season, over 4,000 guests took advantage of the Winter Experiences, consuming over 2500 warm beverages including hot cocoa, hot toddies and coffee drinks. They also consumed over 1100 pounds of cheese and over 800 old fashioneds.

“What started out as an experiment has evolved into a Wisconsin tradition, and we’re thrilled to bring back our Winter Experiences this year,” notes Eric Wagner, Lowlands Group CEO. “ We’ve had friends and family coming together to celebrate the holidays, couples getting engaged, and friends from all over the country uniting for a bier in one of our spaces.” 

Every location has a different experience, tailored to each restaurant’s concept and clientele. All feature peak evening and weekend booking slots that can be reserved ahead of time online, with pricing ranging from $50 to $150, based on location and time. Walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability. 

Each booking experience includes a private dining structure for up to 6-8 guests for 90 minutes, plus two complimentary beverage packages of the group’s choice. Specially-curated pre-order beverage and food menus are designed for family-style service, with themed or customizable options to be ready for the group upon arrival.

Seasonal drink package highlights include Buckatabon Old Fashioned, Mulled Spiced Sangria, Rumchata Cocoa and more. Curated food menus are available for pre-order at various locations.

Lux domesX

Winter Experiences include:

Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club
7700 W Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 271-7700
thebuckatabon.com

Frank & Larry’s Northwoods Shanties are back for 2022-23, offering a unique Buckatabon supper club experience designed and built in collaboration with Ken Schels, owner of Eagle River’s KMS. Private reservations in the shanties can be made for groups of up to eight guests.

Café Benelux
346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com

The Lux Domes on the Cafe Benelux rooftop  will return once again for the holiday season. But guests are encouraged to get their reservations in early, as the domes sell out very quickly. 

The Alpenglobes introduced last season will also be back. These cozy, luxurious domes seat up to six guests and all reservations include a keepsake mug. The Café will also offer The Lux Rooftop Warming Tent again this season.

New this year, guests of all ages will be welcome to experience the Lux Domes. Previously only available for guests 21 or over, Café Benelux has adjusted its policy to allow more families to participate in one of Milwaukee’s most unique winter experiences.

Cafe Hollander
2608 N. Downer Ave., 414-963-6366
7677 W State St., Wauwatosa, (414) 475-6771
20150 Union St., Brookfield, (262) 785-4490
5900 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 236-0107 
cafehollander.com

Meanwhile, all Hollander locations will continue to offer ever-evolving Café Hollander Winter Wonderland experiences

In Wauwatosa, guests can enjoy a meal in a Winter Globe. New this year, two of the globes will be set aside for a truly luxurious winter experience for groups of up to six guests.The Hildale location in Madison will also bring back Winter Globes, wich accommodate groups of up to eight guests.

On Downer Avenue, Brookfield and Mequon, guests can once again experience the Dome Village featuring four heated winter domes featuring festive decor. Reservations are available for groups up to six.  Mequon will feature two special Winter Domes on their fire-warmed patio.

Centraal Grand Café and Tappery
2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378
cafecentraal.com

Both the Boho tent-covered courtyard and Street Car on Lincoln are back this year. In fact, both walk-in and reservations are available on a limited basis, both at no charge this season.

Reservations, details and full menu options will be available starting November 9. 

Be the first to know

Guests are invited to join Lowlands Rewards Program to receive special offers and updates - and possibly early reservation opportunities. To sign up, download “Lowlands Rewards” in the App Store or text the word “Lowlands” to 43618.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.