Restaurant Review: Quaker Steak & Lube of Middleton, Wisconsin

Quaker Steak & Lube is an international chain of restaurants that maintains the theme of all things mechanical and mobilized, whether it be race cars, bikes, or boats. The place looks like a repair garage, with lots of car parts and even whole bikes strewn around. The wait staff wears mechanic uniforms.

At Quaker State, there is always some activity planned. However, one of the more notorious activities, at least during the warmer months of the year, is the weekly Bike Nite event. This event, which occurs on Wednesdays, features lots of bikes, bike riders, a band, and of course the obligatory drink special or two. It can get really rowdy, and security officers are brought in to keep the peace- though I've yet to see a fight break out.

I was recently at Bike Nite at Quaker Steak thanks to the invitation of a friend. We arrived around 7PM and the place was hopping. After getting our drinks (Capital Amber from the local Capital Brewery), we walked around the parking lot of the place, scoping out bikes and even a boat. I'd estimate there were at least 500 bikes in attendance, and many more bikers and biker chicks.

Eventually, looking at all these bikes took a toll on our bellies. We sat down at an outdoor table and asked for menus. Despite the place being packed, our waitress came around quickly with waters and other liquid refreshment. I took the menu from her and perused the vittles.

Quaker Steak has some good food for a mechanic's shop. One can order appetizers such as the O-Ring Ontenna, which consists of 1 inch thick onion rings piled on a metal antenna-like pole. For a few extra bucks, one can get the onion rings plus pretzels, mozzarella cheese sticks, and crispy Italian breaded dill pickles in a feat called the 4-Wheeler.

Of course, what Quaker Steak & Lube is best known for is its Jumbo wings, which come in all kinds of bucket sizes. Then you get to choose your wing sauce. There are a grand total of 20 wing sauces, ranging from completely mild (Ranch) to really, really hot (Atomic). By the way, if you want to order Atomic wings, you need to sign a release form.

Aside from wings, there are the usual staples such as Thunderbird Steak (aged 28 days), Revved-Up Ribeye, Steak and Fried Shrimp, GTO Gyro, and Baby Back Ribs. One may also order a range of sandwiches, such as Mustang Chicken (chicken tenders, Provolone cheese, smoked bacon served on a garlic toasted sesame seed bun), Sirloin Steak Sandwich (sirloin steak strips sautéed with onion, red peppers, mushroom, and Provolone), and Fish Tailin' (crispy Haddock fillet topped with a choice of cheese and and placed on a toasted roll with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tartar sauce).

On this particular occasion, we went with the Turkey Bacon Club, probably one of the healthier choices around. After about 10 minutes, the Club arrived with a generous portion of French fries and two pickle slices. The Club consisted of thinly sliced turkey breast, bacon, Swiss and American cheeses, lettuce, tomato, and roasted red pepper mayo on toasted Ciabatta bread.

The sandwich was quite good and filling to boot. The fries were crisp and hot. Before long, we had to order another beer to wash down the meal.

Afterwards, we checked out the band that was playing that evening. It didn't quit until at least 9PM- and this on a regular Wednesday night! I will definitely have to return for another Bike Nite and a bucket of wings to boot.

Here is some additional information about Quaker Steak & Lube:

Quaker Steak & Lube
2259 Deming Way
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 831-LUBE(5823)
Web: http://www.quakersteakandlube.com/