General Information

What kind of ambiance can I expect at Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club?
Nestled beneath the beautifully restored Val Air Ballroom, our supper club blends history, community, and refined classic dining to pay tribute to Tom Archer’s legacy. Surrounded by warm lighting, cherished relics of the past, and thoughtfully curated décor, every visit feels like a step into a timeless story. Whether you’re here for an intimate dinner, a lively gathering, or a quiet drink at the bar, you are always at the heart of the music’s history.

What’s the story behind Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club?
Tom Archer (1895-1963) was a major player in the big band / ballroom movement of the 1930’s - 40’s. At his peak, he operated nine ballrooms across the Midwest, Val Air being his flagship property. He was a founding member of the National Ballroom Association and worked on a national level to improve laws for the music industry as well as fellow ballroom operators.

Upon his sudden death in 1963, a band leader wrote, “No one did more to keep people dancing in the Midwest than Tom Archer." We hope you enjoy this collection of photos and memorabilia in honor of his legacy. Let the music live on! - Loyce Archer Dunbar

Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club is more than a dining destination—it’s a tribute to the golden era of live music, where food, drinks, and nostalgia come together.

Is Tom Archer’s open on show nights?
Yes! Supper clubs are beloved for their intimate dining, handcrafted drinks, and rich conversation. We highly encourage dinning with us on show nights for an extra spark to the historic Val Air experience, Tom Archer’s welcomes guests Thursday–Saturday, and all Val Air Ballroom show nights!

Reservations & Dining Room Access

Do I need a reservation to dine at Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club?
While walk-ins are welcome, we highly recommend reservations, especially on show nights. You can reserve a table through our website or by calling ahead.

Can I access the dining room if I don’t have a ticket for a show?
Yes! Whether the stage is set for a show or the night is all about great food and conversation, Tom Archer’s keeps the doors open Thursday–Saturday evenings. With increased crowds on show nights, we highly recommend securing a reservation for guaranteed seating, but a ticket to the show is not required. 

Can I dine before, during, or after a show?
Absolutely!

• Before the show: Our dining room is open for dinner service starting at 5pm, making it the perfect spot to grab a meal before heading into the performance.

• During the show: Even though we are below the Val Air Ballroom, you can still enjoy a dinner during a show day. We highly recommend making reservations during show days.

• After the show: Our last seating is at 9:30 pm., during certain show nights you may find the supper club open a little bit later for after-show cocktails!

Menu & Daily Specials

What kind of food do you serve?
Our menu features elevated comfort food. Think relish trays, steaks, and hearty pasta. 

Do you offer any signature dishes that we shouldn’t miss?
Yes! While our menu rotates seasonally, our must-try dishes include the Relish Tray, the Archer’s French Dip Sandwich, our Spaghetti, and our selection of Iowa Steak cuts. For a lighter option, our Eggplant Pasta and The Val Wedge Salad are fan favorites.

Can I bring in a birthday cake or other dessert?
We really think you’ll enjoy our cheesecake and other dessert offerings, but you are welcome to bring in outside desserts for celebrations. A $2o cake fee will be applied per dessert brought in. This fee is to cover the service of cutting and additional serving utensils provided.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! We offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free modifications of our menu. If you have any specific allergies or dietary needs, just let your server know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. However, our kitchen is not gluten-free but we make it as friendly as possible.

Bar & Drinks

What’s the drink selection like?
Our bar is stocked with craft cocktails, an extensive whiskey selection, ice-cold beer, and signature drinks inspired by the spirit of the country club.

Do you have any signature cocktails?
Absolutely! Our signature drinks reflect the club’s country-meets-classic vibe, but don’t miss out on our seasonal rotations. Signature favorites include the Archer’s Old Fashioned, the york style Whiskey Sour, our classic take on the French 75, and the Ballroom Martini (served dry, dirty, or twist).

Do you offer any non-alcoholic cocktails?
Yes! Our bartenders are not only skilled at crafting the classics. Just let us know what you're in the mood for, and we’ll create a thoughtfully made drink without the booze.

What kind of wine selection do you offer?
Our wine list features a carefully curated selection of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, ranging from bold, full-bodied Cabernets to crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blancs. We focus on quality wines that pair perfectly with our menu, including options from both classic vineyards and unique, small-batch wineries.

Do you offer wine by the glass or only by the bottle?
We offer both! Enjoy a rotating selection of wines by the glass or order a bottle to share. If you’re unsure what to pick, our team is happy to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.

Can I bring my own wine to Tom Archer’s?
Yes, we allow guests to bring their own wine. A $30 corkage fee applies per 750ml bottle. Our staff will gladly open and serve your wine at the table.

Parking & Accessibility

Where can I park?
We have a designated lot for self-parking. There are signs that will direct you to the free parking area. Please be prepared to show your reservation during a show night.

Is the venue accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes, we are fully ADA-compliant, with accessible seating, restrooms, and parking. Our ADA entrance is located on the east side of the building, labeled Door 8. If you need special accommodations, let us know in advance, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Private Events & Group Dining

Can I host a private event or large group dinner at Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club?
Absolutely! We offer private dining and event space for birthdays, corporate gatherings, and celebrations.
Contact our team for details and availability at sierra@valairballroom.com.

Parties of 8+ are subject to an automatic 20% gratuity.