KING SIZED COCKTAILS & HOSPITALITY IN LISLE Growing up it was always a special treat for my Grandma to take me to Rayme’s for crab cakes. Resting on a corner in the quaint town of Lisle since 1974, it was my favorite place to dine. No matter the time, the bar was filled with suit clad men with friendly faces and waitresses bustling from table to table. So after a change of hands in 2009, a flood in 2013 and a new building, would Rayme’s still be the quintessence of Wisconsin supper clubs? Would the food and atmosphere still be as comforting as in years past?
There aren’t many restaurants that fit into the genre of Wisconsin supper clubs. The first supper club in the U.S. was established in Beverly Hills by Wisconsin native Lawrence Frank and made popular in the 1930s and 1940s. These restaurants were considered destinations where patrons spent the whole evening enjoying American cuisine served on white table cloths.
Raymes has always been just this, with a lunch and dinner menu consisting of old reliables prepared simply. Starting with warm crusty bread and ending with a classic butterscotch bread pudding, Rayme’s comforts your stomach and soul from beginning to end.
Although it was my sisters first time dining at Rayme’s I have been many times before and was impressed with the new sophisticated atmosphere that still kept the ambiance of the original space. Owners Jerri and Gary Nolan accept nothing but the best– from the outstanding service to the succulent seafood they aim to please. From the minute you are greeted by Jerri until you end the night with a king sized cocktail at the bar with Gary, you feel right at home.
We suggest to start with the calamari steaks and shrimp cocktail along a spicy bloody Mary or white sangria and baked clams. The entrée includes the decadent baked French, a daily soup special or the salad with any of the house made dressings. The orange roughy with pineapple salsa or grouper is a light choice, but if you are a meat and potato type of person the ribs and oven browns are a favorite. Another pleasing comfort food is the chicken pot pie.
I relived some memories while making new ones with my sister. Jerri and Gary Nolan took the best from Rayme’s and made it better.
Rayme’s 4801 Lincoln Avenue, Lisle (630) 963-2240 raymessteakhouse.com Owners: Jerri & Gary Nolan
ABOUT THE CRITICS Stephanie (right) & Tiffany (left) Schmoker are west suburban sisters who have always shared a love for dining out and they also enjoy cooking together. They came from a family of 7 and grew up on farm with fresh fruits, veggies and more. Watch for their review of a different west suburban restaurant in each issue of Glancer Magazine. Invite them to your eatery at editorial@glancermagazine.com.
