A variety of new winter dining experiences are slated to launch at eight Lowlands Group restaurants just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend.
Each experience offers something unique, from heated outdoor structures (including domes, globes, shanties and winter chalets) and festive decor to seasonal menu offerings. In fact, reservations for myriad experiences are available online starting today for bookings Nov. 24 and beyond.
“We were so blown away by the response to our outdoor winter experiences in previous years that we wanted to elevate all of our spaces this winter,” says Eric Wagner, Lowlands Group CEO.
“Our new Alpenglobes at Café Benelux and Café Hollander are the only of their kind east of the Mississippi, and our custom fish shanties sourced and built in Eagle River will add a whole new dimension to Buckatabon’s winter experiences. From luxurious heated domes to cozy rustic Northwoods shanties, we really have something for everyone. Part of living in Wisconsin is either fighting the winter or embracing it. We prefer to embrace it.”
Here’s the lowdown on the experiences available at all eight Lowlands venues, along with information on how to make your reservations.
Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club
7700 W. Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 271-7700
thebuckatabon.com
Feature: Frank Larry’s Northwoods Shanties
[More info and reservations]
Bring on the nostalgic Northwoods vibes with three new Northwoods shanties designed and built in collaboration with Ken Schels, owner of KMS in Eagle River. Each shanty seats up to eight guests, with 90-minute reservations available. Each experience includes a complimentary drink package (choices range from Buckatabon old fashioneds to spiked hot cacao, bubbly and brunch drinks).
Centraal Grand Café and Tappery
2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378
cafecentraal.com
Features: Garden of Eten and Streetcar on Lincoln
[More info and reservations]
Centraal’s Garden of Eten tented courtyard patio is back, heated and decorated for boho-holiday dining. The courtyard is available for extended dining or private event bookings.
In addition, guests can reserve one of three private dining spaces inside Centraal’s Streetcar on Lincoln. Each car has undergone a festive holiday makeover and is ready for a cozy dining car experience. Reservations for up to six people are $50 and include a complimentary drink package and full menu for dining.
Café Benelux
346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com
Feature: Lux Domes and Lux Rooftop Warming Tent
[More info and reservations]
The Lux Domes are officially back on the Café Benelux rooftop. And they are even better than ever. This year, they've added six brand new Alpenglobe domes, each of which seats up to eight guests. They're even cozier and more luxurious than the previous domes and are sure to sell out in a flash.
For non-private dining options, Café Benelux also offers the The Lux Rooftop Warming Tent, allowing diners to take in the sights from the Third Ward's most unique rooftop.
Cafe Hollander
Cafe Hollander on Downer
2608 N. Downer Ave., 414-963-6366
cafehollander.com
Features: Downer Dome Village and Hollander Chalet on Downer
[More info and reservations]
Café Hollander Downer offers four heated winter domes outfitted with festive décor and with drink and food packages to suit a wide range of dining experiences; guests can also order from the regular Hollander menu. Complimentary drink package included.
New this year, guests can also make reservations to dine in the new Hollander Chalet. This enclosed and heated space is available for extended outdoor dining or can be booked for private events for up to 30 guests.
Cafe Hollander Brookfield
20150 Union St., Brookfield, (262) 785-4490
cafehollander.com
Feature: Dome Village
[More info and reservations]
Private winter domes allow shoppers to gather with a new view of The Corners. Seating is available by reservation for up to six guests. Food and drink packages to suit a wide range of dining experiences are available; guests can also order from the regular Hollander menu. Complimentary drink package included.
Cafe Hollander Tosa
7677 W State St., Wauwatosa, (414) 475-6771
cafehollander.com
Feature: Après Ski Lodge
[More info and reservations]
Café Hollander Tosa features four heated lodges on the bridge overlooking the picturesque river and passing train cars in the Tosa Village. The heated lodges accommodate up to six guests with drink and food packages to suit a wide range of dining experiences. Complimentary drink package included.
Cafe Hollander Madison
701 Hilldale Wy, Madison, (608) 237-3168
cafehollander.com
Feature: Winter Globes
[More info and reservations]
Four brand new Café Hollander Winter Globes offer a luxurious winter experience for groups of eight to ten guests. Reservations can be made for 90 minutes, with food and drink packages to suit a wide range of tastes; guests can also order from the regular Hollander menu. Complimentary drink package included.
Make your reservations now
Reservations, details and full menu options for all participating venues are available at lowlandswinter.com. While reservations are highly recommended, walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come first-served basis if availability allows. Each booking experience includes a 90-minute private dining experience for six to ten guests, plus a select beverage package of the group’s choice.
All Lowlands Group locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day, but open Black Friday and through the extended weekend.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, 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.
