Behind the Pass with Chef Joe Papach
The Harvey House | Madison, Wisconsin
Tucked behind Madison’s historic train depot, you’ll find the old baggage claim building. In a striking example of urban reclamation, this simple brick edifice, which was an empty shell, is now an elegant two-story restaurant known as The Harvey House. Inspired by the golden age of train travel and the post-Prohibition boom of supper clubs in the Midwest, it unites 19th-century history, culture, and cuisine with modern design and sensibilities. There is even a train car refurbished as a dining room.
Husband and wife team Shaina and Joe Papach returned to their Midwestern roots after years of working in Michelin-starred restaurants across the country, including The French Laundry, Quince, Chez Panisse, and Gramercy Tavern. They certainly have the chops! Shaina leads design and manages the business, and Joe runs the kitchen.
We recently caught up with Chef Joe Papach. Watch the short video here.
Seasonal Supper
On the menu are classic local dishes with a witty twist and an edge of refinement. Joe’s menu shifts seasonally and pays homage to Midwestern favorites made with super-fresh, local ingredients. He relies on Fortune Fish & Gourmet for a local favorite: Great Lakes walleye. He says that Supper Club Rules are simple: wild-caught walleye must be on the menu.
Fortune’s portion-cut CAB ribeye is another staple at Harvey House. Cut at Neesvig's, our local Windsor, WI facility, these steaks offer convenience for the chef, precision butchering, and quality that Wisconsin has trusted since 1913.
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Don’t Forget the Drinks
Cocktail culture has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years, with craft cocktails taking the spotlight. Mixed drinks are more than just drinks – they are fashion in a glass and cultural time capsules with unique origin stories.
At The Harvey House, the drinks don't miss. Right on target for the vintage vibe, they offer timeless classics like the Ice-Cold Martini, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, and Manhattan, each with a local nod and wink. A well-curated wine list joins the iconic drinks on the menu.
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