If you have children, you know how challenging it can be to plan a date night with your spouse. After-school activities, drop-offs at friends’ houses, and a constant barrage of grocery shopping and meal prep can put a real damper on romance.

So, when my wife and I do get a rare night to ourselves, cooking and cleaning are out of the question. We’re going out, and we’re going to make the most of it!

One of these mythical date nights presented itself a few weeks ago, and Hallie and I decided to check out Shady Grove. It’s a supper club located just south of Beldenville, on Hwy 65. And now that we’ve been there, we can honestly say that everyone should give it a try.

Shady Grove’s menu is phenomenal. Our starter salads were served with homemade dressing and pickled beets (which are so much better than they sound). The dinner rolls were hot, tasty, and clearly fresh from the oven. I was in paradise before I’d even chosen a main course.

I mean, come on. How many restaurant-style rolls are getting dumped out of a freezer bag and popped in the oven a few hours before the dinner rush? By the time they get to your table, they need a tablespoon of butter each just to be palatable. Not so at Shady Grove. Their commitment to fresh, homemade dishes is commendable.

When it was time to order, I went with the prime rib and au gratin potatoes, which came with a homemade horseradish sauce (delish). Hallie landed on the broiled walleye and hashbrowns. Honestly, it had been too long since we enjoyed a meal that much.

Plus, the service was exceptional. Shady Grove is only open Thursday through Sunday, so it was packed, but our waitress never missed a beat. Our glasses were always full. The entire staff was genuinely attentive and kind. As a realtor in the St. Croix Valley, I appreciated the attention to detail.

Because the restaurant gets really busy (for good reason), I would suggest making a reservation before heading over. And go in the summertime, when the weather is even nicer! There’s some beautiful outdoor seating that Hallie and I are planning to take advantage of in the future.

Shady Grove made it easy for us to enjoy our date night, and I know they’ll do the same for you. Carve out some time and go connect over a fantastic meal!