The Old Fashioned

This place is great. As a tourist to Wisconsin the mission was to find a classic Wisconsin place serving classic Wisconsin things, and of course Wisconsin cheeses. Now I can’t speak to how close to usual Wisconsin Food Culture Old Fashioned is, but I will say as soon as we walked in the door and were given a run down of the offerings we knew we had found a gem. They serve a massive selection of beer, usually around $5 a pint, and all from Wisconsin. They serve a bunch of cocktails (several versions of old fashioneds too), many with Wisconsin twists and typical styles. Their cheese selection, is all Wisconsin cheese with a huge array to select from. We had to ask our waiter for his recommendation and were very pleased with the selection. They run nightly specials and all the food is very tasty. They do try to serve as much as they can get from Wisconsin. The service was great, though the place was very busy. Turnover of tables was quick. The view is wonderful, right in front of the state capital building. You’ll enjoy it for sure.
5 7 years ago (27-05-2018)

Place was really busy but it was clear why. Burger was great, so was service. If you like heat, get the spicy burger. Salad was alright. But just leaf with a creamy dressing - would have been better with an oil-based dressing, but you don't go to a place like this for a salad, so it's forgiven. Will be back next time I'm in Madison.
5 7 years ago (15-05-2018)

Tuned up bar food with excellent service and a warm, bright pub atmosphere despite the huge size of the place. Best grilled burger I've ever had in the Midwest, fried cheese curds put me into a happiness coma, they use the good pickles and give you a handful, and they make a pretty good cafe latte (bummer no syrups available though). Also had breakfast here: gorgeous eggs with orange yolks, they do sunny side up with the whites cooked through, and the biscuits are damn good. Sourdough toast with cherry jelly could feed me the rest of my life. Can't recommend the sausage gravy, though; it's made with too much butter and the sausage isn't browned.
5 7 years ago (10-05-2018)

I went at lunch time and the ambiance and service was good but the food was great. I got the spicy burger and it was juicy and tasty. The bread is nicely grilled to give a crisp outside but it also had a soft center. Now the drink selection is impressive, many local and mainstream beers. I had the regular old fashion and it was made well and had smooth finish. Would definitely come back again.
5 7 years ago (27-04-2018)

Excellent place for food! This place is ALWAYS packed and you're most likely going to have to wait a bit sometimes up to an hour, but if it's your first time here, I highly recommend it! They have excellent service, the food is super tasty and prices are good. There are 2 bars with whatever drink you want a long with various beers. They are famous for their genuine beer battered cheese curds with smoked paprika dipping sauce and their Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup garnished with popcorn. Since they are located in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin, parking is going to be a pain unless you get lucky and find a place right on the square. If not, there are several parking ramps within walking distance. If I lived closer, I'd be there daily just for their beer cheese soup!! Ya, it's THAT good!!
5 7 years ago (29-04-2018)