Popeye's on Lake Geneva

One of Milwaukee’s many selling points is its proximity to Chicago.

A less-oft-mentioned selling point is its proximity to one of the Midwest’s best little tourist towns, Lake Geneva.

Growing up just 20 minutes from LG, I’m quite familiar with it. It’s a charming place on a beautiful (and very deep) lake, and the town boasts lots of little shops and ice cream parlors and arcades and restaurants. There are also several fun bars and clubs and a lot of touristy things to do like renting bikes and jet skis, hitting the beach and going on boat rides and dinner cruises.

In addition, there is a 21-mile path that winds around the lake, allowing the public to get up close and personal with some of the fabulous mansions that border the lake.

On Saturday I had lunch in Lake Geneva with mom and Kathy and Amanda at one of my favorite places there, Popeye's.

Popeye’s sits directly across the street from LG’s main beach and boasts lovely lake views, a very lively atmosphere and some darn good food.

And I’m not just saying all this because I spent three of the best summers of my life working there.

It’s true – I got a waitressing job at Popeye’s in the summer of 2001 and returned the following two summers, spending many of my days and most of my nights making friends, running around waiting tables, serving up delicious food and drinks and earning some mad cash.

(*Here's a little proof: embarrassing photo #1 of this post.)

Popeye’s is huge – it seats hundreds of people at a time, and on any given summer evening, the place is jam-packed and the line to get a table is out the door. Tables turn quickly, though, and the food is worth it! For a fun date or a place to go with a big group, it’s just a really fun restaurant.

They make whole chickens on a spit outside, and they serve most anything else you can think of – burgers, pastas, seafood, steaks, sandwiches. They’re famous for their cheddar-broccoli soup, their spinach and artichoke dip, and that chicken, which is juicy and seasoned to perfection.

On Saturday, Amanda and I shared their baked brie, which – I’m embarrassed to admit – I LIVED on the last summer I worked there. Butter and cheese with almonds, over bread. Does it get better?! Then we shared a cheeseburger, too. It was all so good! 

Popeye's holds a special place in my heart for another reason, too. Had I not worked there, I never would have met my husband!

I worked there with a guy who lived with Dave at the time in Whitewater, which is where I went to school at the time, too. On October 4, 2001, I went to his house for a little get-together and the minute I walked in the door, I spotted a very handsome and shy-looking guy sitting the couch. I ended up sitting next to him for the evening and we chatted and … yada yada yada … the rest is history!

(For the record, since we're talking about it, we met at 19, dated for 10 months, broke up and broke each other's hearts, and got back together in June of 2003 and have been smooth sailin ever since. That's our story.)

(*And while I'm at it, here's embarrassing photo #2 of this post.)

But … I digress. I was talking about Popeye's. And Lake Geneva.

Even when you live in a friendly, accessible city with lots to do like Milwaukee, it’s nice to know you have options when you want to escape for a day, too. Lake Geneva is about an hour away and a fun little day trip. And if you go, I definitely recommend giving Popeye’s a try!

You can tell ‘em Erin sent you. J 

Comments

[Charlie]

Popeyes! I love Popeyes!! Chicken and biscuits.

We're talking about the same place, right? ;)

[Andre]

I was really hoping you were writing a post about Popeye's Chicken too. They put hamburger in their mashed potatoes for chrissakes! And they have amazing commercials like these...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YSzTf7hSf4Y

BTW, embarrassing photo #2 isn't really. But #1? I think you need a stronger word than embarrassing. :^)

[Dave]

Those are some pretty sweet bunched up socks, Erin.

[Andre]

Who was the shy guy on the couch, and doesn't Dave mind that you spent the whole night talking to that guy?

Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week.

[Charlie]

LOL!! Hilarious... Standing ovation, Andre :)

There's a 2 drink minimum, but I'll stick around for a 3rd.

[Andre]

Having a drunk audience makes my jokes seem funny. Just ask Erin and Dave.