Why I.d. Is One of Wisconsin's Most Unique Restaurants: 7 Hidden Details Worth Discovering

Aug 14
5 min read

Updated: Aug 19

Some restaurants are defined by a signature dish.

Others are remembered for the full experience.

Walk into I.d. in Delafield, Wisconsin, and you'll notice there's something different. It isn't just the food. It's the feeling that every moment has been carefully considered, from the artwork above your head to the sharable dish you just happen to devour.

Every visit to I.d. offers another detail to discover, rewarding guests who take a closer look.

With its second decade in Lake Country, we're pulling back the curtain on a few of the thoughtful details of our unique Wisconsin restaurant that have been there all along. Here are seven hidden gems of the restaurant, unmasked:

1 - The Unique Fixtures and Ceiling Art

It's easy to be captivated by the dining room. It takes a second visit to realize just how much there is to discover.

Start by looking up.

You'll find 18 one-of-a-kind chandeliers, each with their own design and personality.

Then, your eye catches the commissioned ceiling artwork by Jim Spellman. Keep looking and you may spot the hidden face overlooking the dining room, a detail many guests never notice until someone points it out.

2 - The Patio That Feels Timeless

If you join us near sunset, you'll understand why patio season has become a favorite among regular guests.

The patio's intentionally weathered architectural details give the space a timeless character that pairs perfectly with long summer evenings in Lake Country. The doors have a special patina to them that reflects a collective aesthetic of Geronimo Hospitality.

Here and at each one of our collection of properties, every element contributes to an atmosphere with palpable energy.

Wine room private dining at I.d. Delafield, WI

3 - The Best Table in the House

Framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, I.d.'s private wine room offers the best of both worlds. You'll enjoy an intimate dining experience while remaining connected to the energy of the restaurant, with views into the dining room and an impressive floor-to-ceiling wine display as the backdrop.

At the center of the space is an 12-foot continuous grain slab table that seats up to 14 guests, making it an ideal setting for milestone celebrations, family gatherings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and client dinners.

Best of all, the room is available at no rental cost. Simply meet the food and beverage minimum, and your group can enjoy one of Lake Country's most distinctive dining spaces.

Looking for a backdrop for your next event? Contact us to book the room.

4 - The Bell Tower

While not part of the standard dining experience, selected special guests occasionally have the opportunity to visit one of the property's most unique vantage points overlooking historic Delafield: the Bell Tower overlooking downtown Delafield and the rolling landscape of Lake Country.

And if you don't happen to get the invite, look up to see the glance outside the restaurant to see this distinctive architectural feature.

5 - The D.J. Booth Above the Bar

One of I.d.'s most unexpected features is tucked above the bar, just beyond the widescreen television: a built-in DJ booth.

It's been part of I.d.'s design since the restaurant opened, although many guests don't realize its purpose until they see it in action. During I.d.'s 10th anniversary celebration, the booth became the center of the evening as a live DJ helped mark the milestone.

It's one more example of how I.d. was designed to adapt. On most nights, it's an intimate restaurant. For special events and celebrations, the same space takes on a different energy without ever losing its character.

6 - The Intentional Pours and Pairings

At I.d., wine and spirit pairings are not an afterthought.

They are thought of as a part of the dining experience.

General Manager and Sommelier Luke Bartsch thoughtfully selects every spirit or wine with the I.d. menu in mind.

That approach changes the conversation at the table.

Instead of simply recommending a bottle, Luke and his team help guests discover pairings that unlock new flavors and create those memorable "you have to try this" moments.

It's an experience that recently earned I.d. an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, recognizing the restaurant's thoughtfully curated wine program.

This distinction celebrates restaurants with wine lists that offer quality selections and complement their cuisine, exactly the philosophy you'll find within this Delafield, WI restaurant.

7 - The People Who Make the Difference in Your Service

Memorable restaurants aren't built by one person. They're built by teams who choose to stay, grow, and perfect their craft together.

At I.d., that commitment shows in every interaction. The average tenure of the front-of-house team is more than four years, a remarkable milestone in an industry known for turnover. That experience creates a level of hospitality that's difficult to teach. Servers know the menu inside and out, remember returning guests, anticipate needs, and confidently guide first-time visitors through the shared plate experience.

The team's backgrounds are just as impressive as their tenure.

One server is a registered nurse who brings the same attention to detail and care to every table. Another is a theology instructor at Marquette University whose passion for conversation and connection naturally complements the restaurant's hospitality-first approach. Together with the culinary team, they create an atmosphere where genuine relationships matter just as much as exceptional food.

Behind the scenes, the culinary artists collaborate every day to ensure every detail feels intentional. The culinary team has built a culture of creativity and a shared commitment to excellence.

The Secret Behind the Name

It's one of the questions the team hears most often.

What does "I.d." stand for?

The answer isn't posted on the walls or printed on the menu. In fact, the meaning behind the name has remained one of the restaurant's longest-running mysteries.

The story goes that only Geronimo Hospitality Group CEO Rob Gerbitz knows the full meaning behind the name, and he's keeping it that way.

Over the years, guests and team members have offered plenty of theories, but the real answer has never been publicly shared.

Like many things at I.d., it's another detail that sparks conversation and keeps people wondering long after the meal is over.

The Best Destination Restaurants Leave You Curious

The more you know about I.d., the more you realize there's always another detail to discover.

It might be the chandelier hanging above your table. A wine pairing you wouldn't have chosen on your own. Or a favorite dish that returns with a new perspective.

If it's your first visit, enjoy the experience. If it's your tenth, look a little closer. You may notice something you've never seen before.

Reserve your table to discover what makes I.d. a destination restaurant in Wisconsin for travelers and locals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes I.d. different from other restaurants in Wisconsin?

I.d. blends chef-driven cuisine, intentional design, original artwork, and intentional spirit + wine program to build an experience that extends well beyond the plate.

Is I.d. open every day?

I.d. is open every day. The Lake Country dining establishment serves dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Lounge & Bar opens daily at 4 p.m.