After serving the North Shore for more than four decades, the owners of Pandl's in Bayside announced that the restaurant is closing for good, and we're asking readers to share their memories of the popular instituton.
What was it about Pandl's that made it special? What do you recall about Thanksgiving dinners or Sunday brunches at the restaurant? What other memories do you have of the eatery. Post your comments here and we'll publish the best in an upcoming issue of North Shore NOW.
(7) Read All ResponsesI am sorry to see Pandl's close, but I have to say that they looked like they were prepared to close about 10 years ago. It never looked like any money was put into the restaurant, to update the decor, or make it a more inviting atmosphere for return visits. I am sad to see that this restaurant will be turned into a synagogue, as the North Shore could really benefit from a first class restaurant.
My grandparents Art and Mary Kamman bought Shuchs in 1951 and ran it as the Saxony for many years. My father Dick Tierney was the manager. They sold it to a Kohler who sold it to Pandles. There is a long history of this building which started off as an inn for Milwaukeeans heading north. Two huge fires, one which claimed two lives. There used to be a pond just west of it which was drained for the first fire. It is sad to see it close. It was The Saxony South Seas a Polonesian Restaurant with a huge Tiki where the salad bar was the last time I was in there. Another piece of Milwaukee history gone.
All sorts of family celebrations were held at Pandl's - birthdays, anninversaries and my graduation dinner from college. The drive out to Pandl's along Lake Drive was always pretty - regardless of what season is was. It was fun being able to watch the deer and squirrels come and feed near the restaurant. The waitstaff was always very nice to me. I loved the restaurant's barbecued ribs, white fish and prime rib. I'll miss the restaurant and everyone involved. Thank you Pandl's for the wonderful memories I have!
For many years, I have always listed to more complaints, than compliments about the restaurant. I guess closing before Christmas, and not giving much notice to the devoted customers that booked holiday parties, has left a sour legacy.
Our fondest memory of Pandl's is when we had our wedding rehearsal dinner there on October 1, 1976. We had so much fun in our cozy corner off the main dining room. The staff made us feel very special and the food was delicious. Since then we have lived about 5 blocks away. On warm summer evenings we easily walked to Pandl's. We will especially miss the wonderful salad bar.
Certainly sad to hear about this closing. Many good times including my dad's 80th birthday and a reception after my mothers funeral. Always great food, great service and friendly atmosphere - see you in the Bay when we visit again.
It was not a Thanksgiving dinner or a Sunday brunch (although I have enjoyed both) that is my fondest memory of Pandl’s of Bayside. It was the fall of 1988, and I was planning my wedding to my second husband, Bruce Erickson. We each had children from our happy first marriages, widely-scattered; and New Year’s Eve was the most convenient time for most of them to be present. Our wedding was scheduled for 11 AM to be followed, we hoped, by a small luncheon. As I began calling to make a reservation, it soon became clear that very few restaurants were open for lunch on New Year’s Eve. When I reached Pandl’s, I was told, “We are not serving lunch on New Year’s Eve. “ There was a pause, and then came the welcome response, “but we will open our kitchen for you!” Thank you, Pandl’s, for making our wedding day special. We will miss you.