Chops — Restaurant in City of Green Lake

During an outing to Green Lake last fall we stopped in here around 4pm on a Saturday afternoon, planning to take advantage of the happy hour. When the hostess checked us in, she told us that only outdoor seating was able to participate in happy hour. OK, we went outside. The server outside took 30 minutes to get to us, then didn't know why the menu outside was different than inside, and sent us back inside. He said to ask at the bar about it. We asked the bar and were given the happy hour menu.

From there, we only had about 15 minutes left before happy hour was over and still hadn't been able to order. We were seated back where we were originally inside, and finally a server took out orders. We each got a drink and an appetizer. The menu didn't list prices, just a certain dollar off for drinks and half price apps, so we looked at the full menu to compare and still didn't get clarity.

When he came back with the first of the drinks, they were wrong. I ordered a pinot noir and was given white wine, and then they had accidentally poured a red blend, so I got that one and not what I ordered. The only drink that came correctly was the martini.

Now the appetizers, this poor waiter had zero idea what was on the menu and I asked if the truffle frites were truffle fries. His answer was "yes, truffle frites", even when asked if they were french fries or potato fries three times. Fortunately, that's what they were.

After 2 hours and missing dinner elsewhere, we went to pay and the bill had prices that didn't match either of the menus, and an extra wine. It took three rounds with the waiter, a calculator, the hostess, and finally the bartender to get close to a solution and eventually we left the correct amount of cash and walked out. It was horrible service, but the food...

Green Lake is special to me. I have a fondness for this area that extends well into my past, and if I am fortunate enough, well into my future. Like any small town or city in the Midwest, it has had its ups and downs as far as a thriving downtown business district. I've seen the rise and fall and eventual rise again of summertime activities bustling with loads of people all enjoying themselves. I am ecstatic that the area appears to be on another upswing. However, I cannot begin to express my heartache at the closing of the legendary Lil Corporal. I was stunned when I first found out it was closed and during every subsequent trip to Green Lake I still stop by and peer into the windows where I can see apparitions of memories past enjoying a hearty breakfast. But this isn’t a farewell to a friend, it is a happy hello to a new companion! I am decidedly certain that chops will continue to establish itself in much the same way as Lil Corporal (and a shout out to Adim’s Rib) where people will fondly revisit as the decades of their lives go by and they find themselves one day bringing their grandchildren to this wonderful steakhouse. Great cuts of meat, clever side dishes, and a variety of wines pepper this concise and flavorful menu at prices that will make you smile once the...

We absolutely loved our visit to Chops Green Lake! Even though we arrived about 30 minutes before closing, the staff welcomed us warmly and made us feel like it was truly their pleasure to serve us.

The drinks were outstanding—the Brandy Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule were both crafted to perfection. For starters, we ordered the Ahi Tuna and Tenderloin Crostini, and both were mouthwatering—so good we’d order them again in a heartbeat.

Dinner was just as impressive. The Airline Chicken was tender and flavorful, the lamb chops (their signature dish) were out of this world, my niece’s filet melted in her mouth, and another guest had the fettuccine Alfredo, which was classic and comforting.

We finished with the Salted Caramel Cheesecake—OMG, pure heaven! And of course, we couldn’t resist a Brandy Alexander to cap off the evening—hands down the best one we’ve ever had.

Chops exceeded our expectations from start to finish. Delicious food, perfectly made drinks, and truly welcoming service. Highly recommend and we will...