I like supper clubs for their atmosphere, fish fry, Brandy Old Fashioneds and sense of nostalgia. That’s why it seems somewhat odd to have a new supper club open–how it can it replicate the history and loyal patrons that are integral parts to this category of restaurant?

Step one: take over for another supper club. Baba’s Supper Club opened late February in the space formerly occupied by Herreman’s supper club in Sun Prairie, thus assuming all the wood paneling, dark lighting and regulars.

Baba’s is still in its infancy stage, so consider this a preview vs. review. For example, some of the external signage, including the parking lot’s–says Herreman’s. Also, the waitstaff and hostess were unfamiliar with details such as how many people could be seated in the banquet rooms in the basement.

I attended their inaugural brunch, which takes place Sundays and costs $13.95 for all-you-can-eat. The salad bar was average. It was nice to see a French onion soup instead of the far too often-served chicken noodle or beef vegetable, but there was no bread or cheese from the salad bar to add to it.

The rest of the food was served in the far side of the bar, which was separated from the dining room by a waiting area, so it was a bit of a hike to get there. Items included biscuits & gravy, pancakes, overcooked scrambled eggs, baked chicken and mashed potatoes & gravy. A carving station featured both ham and prime rib, both of which were cold because the heat lamp was not hot enough. Still, the prime rib had great flavor, though the fat had solidified because it was barely room temperature.

Mini-cream puffs, brownies, cookies and other desserts filled another table. I didn’t like that the bartender was telling a patron how disgusting she thought cream puffs were as I was putting one on my plate.

Since I don’t live in Sun Prairie, I’m not sure I would go out of my way to return to try the dinner menu. But for folks that reside in the area, you may want to wait a few weeks for the staff at Baba’s to iron out the wrinkles before giving it a try.