A dim lounge bar with leather chairs, wooden tables, chandeliers, and a sign reading “UPHOFF’S BOTANICA” on the wall.

The Worst Kept Secret in Wisconsin Dells

Enjoy an old-fashioned the old-fashioned way. Uphoff’s Rotunda is a period-themed speakeasy bar in Wisconsin Dells serving Prohibition Era cocktails, fine wines, live entertainment, and a happy hour.

A cozy bar with wooden tables and leather chairs, a long counter, shelves of bottles, and warm ambient lighting.
A cozy corner with a brick baseboard, wooden shelves, a chandelier, framed art, and various books and trinkets displayed above a dark tufted bench, inviting warm vibes.

Hours Of Operations

  • Sunday - Thursday | 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Friday - Saturday | 3:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Happy Hour

Sunday - Thursday | 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

​ View Menu

Uphoff’s Rotunda Features

  • Rotunda bar that seats up to 13 guests
  • Lounge area that seats up to 48 guests
  • Wine cave that seats up to 10 guests
  • Two 55-inch Samsung Frame TVs
  • Located on the lower level
  • Available for private events or group reservations
A coupe glass with a dark cocktail beside a brass lamp on a wooden surface, cozy bar vibe.
A dim, wood-paneled study or bar with a long bar counter, high shelves, leather chairs, and chandelier lighting, cozy and restrained.

Happy Hour

A Timeless Tradition

Travel back in time to the best happy hour in Wisconsin Dells.

Uphoff’s Rotunda offers a happy hour from 3:30 – 6:00 pm Sunday through Thursday. Enjoy 25% off our menu. If you start getting hungry, you can get a delicious dinner right upstairs at the Dawn Manor restaurant or order from a select menu right in Uphoff’s Rotunda.

​ View Menu

A wine rack displays rows of bottles on a wall, with brick lower wall, leather chairs, and a framed portrait above, in a cozy wine bar.

The Wine Cave

Taste timeless fine wines in the private wine cave at Uphoff’s Rotunda. Perfect for wine tastings and other small gatherings, the wine cave can be reserved for groups and private events for up to 10 guests.

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Old-fashioned roadside diner with a curved brick facade, a tall circular sign reading "GODE’S" (likely "Godee's" or similar), and retro mid-century styling.
A vintage black-and-white scene with three men shaking hands beside a classic car in front of a theater marquee, “Topper” style signage, and an “Oscar Mayer” delivery ad.

History of the Original Uphoff’s Rotunda

Before it was a Wisconsin Dells speakeasy, Uphoff’s Rotunda was a classic Chicago bar.

Uphoff’s Rotunda and its signature round bar are inspired by the real bar of the same name. Originally located in Chicago, it was moved to Wisconsin Dells in 1940 by Steve Uphoff’s grandparents, Mike and Marian Uphoff. The Uphoff family played a key role in developing the tourism business in Wisconsin Dells and a rich family history in the area that dates back six generations.

Steve and Linda Uphoff started Uphoff Ventures in 1988 and take on a variety of projects, including entertainment centers, luxury rentals, and more. Uphoff Ventures purchased Dawn Manor in 2017 and turned it into a restaurant and speakeasy in partnership with Morrissey Hospitality. Uphoff’s Rotunda serves as a tribute to the family’s history and roots in the region.

  

Uphoff’s Rotunda and Speakeasy Art and Displays

The painted women in the corner are originals done by Wisconsin artist George Raab as are the cast metal relief silhouettes found on the shelves.

Uphoff’s Rotunda commemorates the famous Uphoff’s Rotunda Bar and Restaurant built in Lake Delton and run by Mike and Marian Uphoff, grandparents of the current owner.  Look for the framed placemat and the framed menu from Uphoff’s Rotunda on the wall.  Around the shelves, you will see various Uphoff family photos and numerous original knick-knacks and collectables from the Dawn Manor mansion, including the former mansion key board and the intriguing intercom system used in the house. Above the safe and crystal lamp is a shadow box display of unique perfume bottles from the original Dawn Manor.

The shadow boxes of special travel documents along with a State issued Certificate of Introduction, were sought after and used by the worldwide galivanting Mrs. Raab on her frequent international excursions and study tours.

Dawn Manor now sits on the site of the former Pizza Port Restaurant owned and operated for many years by the O’Malley family.  You can see some images and a menu from the old Port hung on the wall.

Three other unique pieces include a framed picture of the W.J. Newman Company sign, Newman was a former owner of Dawn Manor in the late 1920’s, a stunning black and white image of Helen Raab, and a photo of her only son Kirby and his dog Bonnie.

A black-framed vintage photo of a sunlit sewing or craft room with a central worktable, chairs, and shelves, all in sepia tones, framed on a white wall, done.
A framed portrait of a woman with a dark bun, wearing a red top and dangling turquoise earrings, hung on a light-textured wall.

Wine Cave Art and Displays

This unique space in Dawn Manor features the Andrew Carnegie table, which was made in England in the late 1800’s and shipped over to America. It was a gift by Carnegie to his friends the Raabs who used it regularly in Dawn Manor. See the portrait of Andrew on the wall. This unique furniture piece was purchased by Steve and Linda Uphoff in 2012 and the family had it restored for use here in the restaurant’s private dining room.

The famous veiled lady painting of Helen Raab was done by Wisconsin artist George Raab.

The interior photos of Dawn Manor are from the days of Helen Raab and illustrate her restoration of the mansion to its former 1855 Victorian grandeur.

A Sophisticated Wisconsin Dells Speakeasy Within Dawn Manor

At Dawn Manor, hospitality is more than service. Here, hospitality is a story that is told through every detail, every interaction, and every dining experience. Uphoff’s Rotunda, a Prohibition-era speakeasy bar in Wisconsin Dells, extends that tradition of hospitality. Equal parts refined, relaxed, and discreet, Uphoff’s Rotunda offers a quiet, upscale bar experience in the heart of our historic Wisconsin Dells restaurant. With classic cocktails and creative riffs, an impressive list of spirits and a wine list made for sommeliers, this hidden gem channels the spirit of a bygone era while embracing contemporary amenities.

Character, Craft, and Classic Cocktails at Our Wisconsin Dells Bar

Uphoff’s Rotunda is more than just a great bar in Wisconsin Dells. It’s an invitation to slow down and settle into an elegant and unhurried bar experience. Tucked below the main dining rooms of Dawn Manor, bathed in moody lighting, and furnished with rich, luxurious tones and textures, our Prohibition-era speakeasy blends vintage charm with contemporary comforts. Think deep wood, plush seating, warm, glowing lights, and nods to Dawn Manor’s storied past. Whether you’re grabbing pre-dinner drinks, settling in for date night, going hard for Happy Hour, or catching a night cap, the ambiance at Uphoff’s Rotunda will set the tone.

Behind the bar, our talented team works with intention. Each drink on the menu, from classic cocktails to signature creations and seasonal concoctions, is crafted with fine spirits, fresh ingredients, and timeless technique. The cocktails at Uphoff’s Rotunda are worth a slow sip, served with the attention you’d expect from an old-school barkeep — the one who is already making your drink by the time you take a seat.

To complement the beverage menu, we offer a curated selection of small plates and shareable appetizers — designed for passing, pairing, and enjoying at your own pace. And, pop in to Uphoff’s Rotunda for the best happy hour in Wisconsin Dells, Sunday - Thursday from 3:30-6:00pm, and enjoy all food and beverage menu items at 25% off.

With its intimate atmosphere and horseshoe-shaped bar, cozy lounge seating, and private wine cave, Uphoff’s Rotunda offers timeless hospitality and sophisticated, spirited experiences. This Wisconsin Dells bar is a place for conversation, celebration, and enjoying the moment.

Plan An Evening at the Best Bar in Wisconsin Dells

Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet cocktail or planning a small private gathering, Uphoff’s Rotunda delivers a polished, period-style setting unlike any other bar in Wisconsin Dells. Join us for Dawn Manor’s perfect blend of history, hospitality, community, and classic cocktails at Uphoff’s Rotunda.

Reach out to inquire about seating to start planning a private event with our team!

Frequently Asked Questions