Diners who want to feel like they're tailgating at Lambeau Field can leave the grill and charcoal at home and strap on a bib at Bay City Smokehouse.

The restaurant inside the Bast Western Midway Hotel takes the tailgating experience to new heights. Massive, life-like murals capture the stadium ritual on the wall of the restaurant's three dining rooms, complete with smoking grills, pickup trucks and decked-out fans.

The murals have become so popular that diners often ask to have their photos taken in front of them, said Donelle Walters, food and beverage director.

Located across from the stadium on Packer Drive, Bay City Smokehouse is big on pigskin paraphernalia. In the "coaches corner" area, for instance, diners can check out 10 photographs of Packer greats from the '60s.

"It's a warm casual environment that usually attracts a 30 and up crowd, yet anyone is welcome," Walters said.

The hotel restaurant, formerly known as Peyton's. switched its menu and theme about a year ago. With a name like Bay City Smokehouse, it's no surprise that ribs - all smoked in-house - are its signature item.

"We're known for our homemade smoked ribs made from scratch St. Louis style," said executive chef Newey Boonperm. "We give more meat and better quality for our guest."

For those looking for a nice introduction to a platter of ribs, the barbecue chicken quesadilla - a flour tortilla with cheese, smoked chicken, diced green chilies, sour cream and barbecue sauce - is a popular appetizer choice. So are the chili fries, french fries topped with Smokehouse chili and smothered in melted cheddar cheese.

Diners not in the mood for a rack of ribs can choose from a variety of sandwiches, entrees and burgers on the menu. The Basic Big Mess Burger is a half-pound patty topped with lettuce, tomato and onion served with a choice of fries, coleslaw, baked beans or potato salad.

Bay City Smokehouse also offers 63 different imported and domestic beers.

By Valerie Christopher
Press-Gazette