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Eric B.

The Old Fashioned is a Capital Square hotspot. In fact, it's pretty difficult to get a table in a reasonable amount of time during regular dining hours. Alas - we arrived about 10pm and got a 2-top right away. The Up-North Old Fashioned is a classic made with Kessler's. Just order one and don't worry about it. If you are a brandy person, not to worry you can be accommodated. We spilt the Mac and Cheese with Bacon. This is very cheesy and rich dish - but works well as something to share. Companion had the chicken sandwich, which came with bacon and cheese. I had the Friday night perch special. This was really pretty good. The batter was nice and crispy with a nice crunch. The fish itself was very mild with good flavor. I think the fish specials or the fish sandwich in general are good choices. The Old Fashioned burger is also good with bacon, cheese and a fried egg - but be careful this menu item is prone to be over cooked. When ordered medium rare it's tasty unless it comes out well done. This has happened to me enough times that I just won't order burgers of any kind at this restaurant. The beer list is so big as to be obnoxious and overwhelming. If it's summer and they have the frozen brandy slush - just order one. I'd give this place 4-stars but the service can be iffy... If not sort of off putting - accommodations are rarely made for the customer, it is the way it is and if you prefer something else, this place isn't for you. This said the Old Fashioned is open late and serves late. A big bonus from my perspective. It's a local joint - of you follow my posts you know I'm passionate about eating locally - Just do it.

L Y.

I was told this place is a staple in Madison. It's easy to see why given the ambiance, but the food just wasn't that impressive. Had the #30 house burger with cheese curds. The garlic sauce was awesome, but there were way too many onions and the burger itself was a little overcooked and definitely underseasoned. The cheddar, bacon, and egg were egg-cellent toppings. The cheese curds seemed like they'd been sitting under a heat lamp for a little too long. Not quite crispy, not quite hot, and really just not that interesting. Next!

Joe P.

Descriptive phrase: Wisconsin bites and libations, done right. Short and sweet, The Old Fashioned serves Wisconsin staples and prepares drinks to local tastes better than most. Their titular Brandy Old Fashioned cocktails are the best I've had and a steal at $4. The Cheese Curds are gooey and greasy. Their draught beer selection is hard to beat. The Beer-Cheese Soup comes with popcorn on top. It's my #1 recommendation for non-Wisconsinites in Madison for a bit.

Nancy W.

Stopped in for lunch on a Saturday and as always it was packed. We didn't wait long for a table and our server appeared in minutes with ice water. We both ordered a cup of soup - roasted garlic parsnip with homemade croutons - and salads. Mine was the beet salad with gorgonzola and pecans. It was huge and delicious, as was the soup. Our server checked on us periodically and kept our drinks filled. One small complaint is the blast of cold air each time the door opens. Not sure what can be done, but not the best setup for those sitting near it. All in all a solid lunch.

Neal R.

Please go here! Great selection of beer, mixed drinks strong, and their old fashions are made at the bar every minute. I had all of them. Cheese curds are great, but hey I was in Wisconsin. Cheese platter was on point. The chips were great thing to snack on while drinking everything on the drink menu. Get the old fashion beer, come on $3, for a good beer, I'm sold. I had the old fashioned burger and it was also amazing, should of just gotten fries because it's an extra $3 for the side of cheese curds. As you can probably tell, I was here for a long long time. If I had time to kill all day I would have stayed there from afternoon to close.

Yuliya M.

First of all, the fried cheese curds are sooooooooooo delicious!!!! Order the before you even look at theresy of the menue! They are fluffy, chewy and just perfect. Never thought I could write that about cheese curds! Overall, the experience was great!! We came in and got seated right away. The service was super quick and the staff was very friendly. The portions were pretty big and could be shared between two people. We got a bowl of chili and a roasted turkey sandwich with side of salad, which was delicious! I would for sure come back and would recomend you check it out if you are in the area. Didn't get to try but the drink menue looked good too!

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Andy S.

Great place right on the Capitol Square. Very good food and good beer selection. Pretty good prices as well. Expect to pay anywhere from $8-$10 for a sandwich/burger with side. Didn't end up having the fried cheese curds like other people recommend but they did look delicious! Only gripes for this place are that you can expect to wait a while for a table and they do not take reservations. Second, when it gets busy the service can be slightly spotty and it seemed to take a while to get our food. It's such a great place though that's probably why it's so busy!

Rachel B.

Solid contemporary take on the classic Wisconsin establishment. Service is always fantastic. Great specials. Make your own old fashioned's are fun.

Rachel B.

We only had drinks at The Old Fashion but it was a fantastic experience. Our bar tender was great and made my new favorite drink. He heated up a snifter glass with boiling water and dumped it. He then put in Grand Marnier and St Germaine (1:1) and put in a twisted lemon peel. Incredible.

Richard S.

Went here for lunch and the cheese curds were nice, light and airy. They could do them a little better by substituting the wax parchment paper for paper towel to help soak up some of the grease from the fryer. The burgers were good, cooked properly and tasted great. Our server could of benefited from being a little quicker, didn't check on us that often and we sat at our table after our meal was done waiting for about 10 minutes to get our check afterwards and almost another 5-10 after I supplied a method of payment. I thought maybe he got lost on his way to the register? But all in all, a good place to get a great bite to eat. I will definitely be back to try it again.

Kevin H.

Decent, a classic, but a little overhyped.

Badger F.

I'm a huge fan of The Old Fashioned, but I don't get there as much as I'd like because it's ALWAYS packed. Service is always friendly and attentive, huge selection of beer, great food (amazing cheesecurds), and of course a craftily delicious brandy old-fashioned). Overall, always a great experience. RATINGS (A+ -- F) Service: A Food: A Drinks: A+ Price $: B+ Atmosphere: A Overall Experience: A

Idalee D.

Ate there last night. So good! Cheese curds were amazing and the onion straws are everything an onion ring wished it were. I had the brat and was presently surprised. It had been 28 years since my last visit to Madison when I graduated from U W and I had missed brats and cheese curds and this restaurant made we remember why. It is well worth the wait!

H. L.

Their check in tech was nice. They text you when a table is ready. Having a drink and hanging out in the mean time was easy to do. Their Spicey Burger was awesome! Service first rate. Atmosphere fun!

Sydney M.

Simple, rustic decor, relaxed and easy atmosphere, great service. It's all about that smoked paprika sauce. Still, I'd give it a 3 based on "just decent overall"- but the sweet bourbon Old Fashioned was Absolute Vintage Perfection. Could not have been better. I'm a sucker for a rustic cocktail in a place with wooden floors.

Nari L.

This place is great! I came here with 2 of my gfs for lunch and we were already full from breakfast so we just ordered a few things and just shared like appetizers. We ordered a cheese plate which was really good. We also got their chili with spaghetti which was my personal fave! All i all, I would def be back here when I'm in Madison! Such a great spot to eat and mingle with friends. They have outdoor seating which is nice!

Pete B.

Long wait but the food was very good. Cheese curds were wonderful. They ran out of hot dogs which was surprising.

Sue S.

Great food and best customer service ever!! We stopped in at the Old Fashioned on a busy Sunday evening. My friend entered our name and they told her it would be about a half hour wait and took her cell phone number. Unfortunately a couple digits got messed up and we never got a call. When we asked about our table after 30 minutes or so, they realized what had happened and we got the next available table. Our server did a nice job and the food was great. We were very content. Then after we "paid" our bill, the manager came over and gave us a way more-than-fair adjustment due to their mistake. It wasn't necessary, but it sure left a good taste in our mouths (as did the yummy meal)!! We'll be going back again soon.

Isabel S.

I'm not really a vegetable person but their NO.20 salad ROCKS!!!! I'll go for it again soon.

Phil H.

I came in for a late lunch on a football Sunday afternoon. While, the bar tender didn't know the brews well, there was a great taste sheet to help with choosing from the huge selection of craft brews on tap. The menu was simple and I enjoyed my pork sandwich. Last summer I walked in on an epic karaoke session. It's a beautiful space.

Lila S.

Excellent food and service and ambiance. The Wisconsin burger was so flavorable. You can tell that it was good quality meat. The cheese curds with smoked paprika sauce, horseradish, and garlic sauce were also quite delectable. We also had the salad with beets and Gorgonzola- super yummy! I would definitely come here again!

Tracy B.

Sweet spot for beer lovers. Brats good too & bartenders very friendly & knowledgable.

Stephanie W.

Stopped here twice on a business trip. Great selection of local beer (I'm a craft beer enthusiast from NH). I kept getting beer samplers, they were served on a board shaped like Wisconsin. Fried cheese curds were great. Highly recommend the number 30, the egg on a burger sounds weird but is to die for! Friendly waitstaff, (beer) knowledgeable server.

Drew W.

The night didn't start off well at the old fashioned. We had a 1.5 to 2 hour waiting time. The restaurant calls your table by texting your cell phone. For some odd reason they (the restaurant) could not get the message to send to us. After waiting for about 1.5 hours for our table I decided to go check how long it would be before our number was called. They had bypassed us because of the cell phone problem. After we were finally seated we order a few beers which were great. We also ordered the bratwurst appetizer which was amazing. For my main course I had the bacon Mac and cheese and it was terrific. Minus having that little mess up with our table not getting called everything else tasted so great. Suggest to everyone to try this place out but recommend going on a less busy night. The university of Wisconsin was having family weekend that night. Great food though!!!!!!

Timothy L.

The menu has so much more potential beyond sandwiches and old fashioneds. Sit at the bar to avoid the wait and to get the best service.

Keri F.

Ah the "Old Fashioned." Should read "Wisconsin's BBQ". For some reason, it took me a while to get here. This has got to be the best example of Wisconsin "supper club" I've been to yet. I have recently re-taken to the poultry meats (few veggie options flourish at this establishment: salad, veg/cheese sandwich), and I can FINALLY enjoy the beauty of "smoked and cured" here in Wisconsin. BBQ just ain't much in this town, so if you need that kind of fix, come here for "smoking" awesomeness (sans sauce). Everyone has a favorite here; mine is the chicken sandwich. It's actually pretty boring to some of the other menu items, but the secret's in the bacon. It's a great combination together: delicately flavored, wood-grilled, medium-cut, moist chicken (breast style, not shaved, not ground) against 2 thick-cut (check it: 1/4 inch!) pieces of smoked bacon, wedged between basic country bread: one mustard, one mayo (or opt for the "tiger sauce" little more horseradish bite - not "hot", but more zing). Like a one-two punch and I'm "out". (hahaha ) The original comes with Swiss cheese, but I'm lactose intolerant and avoid (A friend recently had this sandwich with cheese and said it changes the flavor a little: adds a heavy, sweet tint). I just can't explain how that smoked flavor makes my tummy pull a smile to my face. And you're listening to a person on a mostly salt-free diet! It's not salt but smoked, hickory and all! To smooth it all down, try one of their 52 TAPS! (even more bottled! 150 total). And please, in a bar with this wide range and in the state of "brewers", don't be a tourist - TRY something different. Blue Moon is not the end all, be all of 'stylish' beers! Try a "snit" tasting (3 oz samples), find the one you like while you wait for your food, then order the perfect beer to wash down that smokey flavored yummy whatever you chose for Bfast, lunch, or dinner. Now for dessert, skip the edible stuff and get to the real Wisconsin treat: you HAVE to have the namesake, Old Fashioned. Initially I wasn't a fan, but I've been in Wi long enough, and just knew I could do it. I mean Wi children are practically raised on these! At this bar, took me about 2 times to find the right combo! This place has variation after variation to help you find the right one, and BILLY is the best Old Fashion bartender in the state - listen to him. He muddles like there's no tomorrow! My tip: unless you're from Wisconsin or love Korbel style drinks, avoid the "true" old fashioned: I love me my Whiskey OF sour! (Took the ingredients South, think I might have some converts back home!) Other tips: This place is perfect after Farmer's Market shopping in the warmer months! Plus the cooks usually buy something from market and for extra, can add it to your meal (like fresh tomatoes or corn) - look for the add-in. On warm days, the salads are great. The tuna sandwich is nice, but nothing excellent. This place is heavy on cheese (the great stuff is fried cheese curds and the mac n cheese). With that said, it's heavy food! Share that s...tuff, don't settle for it alone as your meal. Even better in cold months. From what I watch, people also love the Bloody Mary's - and they look great (garnished with meat, cheese, olive, pickle, even add pickled egg!). Breakfast: The breakfast rosemary potatoes are unlike anything I'd ever eaten before - deep fried, like potato wedges, but smaller in size and much better flavor. Order the small apple fritter (from local bakery) while you wait in AMs. Caution: The breakfast ham is a drug - salty meaty yummy. Who cares about the 'sides' if the main event is a knock out? the fries are only the 2nd best in the mad-town and the onion strings are addictive. "look mom, they're all gone!" Wait time can be an hour on the weekends: find the bar, catch a bartender and a cheap Blatz, watch the old westerns, listen to Johnny Cash and glasses clinking against rushing taps, smell the hickory, peruse the menu, wait it out and smile. You're turn is coming, it's worth your time. Dangit! I gotta go back! Old Fashioned - thanks for rescuing me from this BBQ wasteland! Ps. You re-define the brewing state!

Paul G.

We stopped into Madison for the evening. We were looking for some local fare. The hotel desk clerk recommended The Old Fashioned. It was a short drive to the capital building. It was Sunday night, I was amazed that the place was packed. That had to be a good sign. We had the following the Old Fashioned burger, fried cheese curds, the Wurst platter and two kids meals. The burger was likely the best burger I have had in my life. Absolutely incredible. The cheese curds are battered in house, not frozen. They were incredible. We have a German exchange student with us, he has been sampling sausage all over the Midwest hoping to find something as good as home. The Sausage on the platter was "exactly like home" however the sour kraut was not to his liking. We also had the beer cheese soup. It was more beer than soup, it was good but not what I expect from a cheese soup. This trip was great

Rachel H.

A gal like me would be found in a place called "The Old Fashioned." I'm a lover and collector of typewriters, Polaroid cameras, anything old and fogey-ish. Add in the Wisconsin culture, and I am sold. This place screams 'Sconnie from the curds to the selection of local beers to the ability to add Braunschweiger or ring bologna to menu items. Pickled egg anyone? I didn't partake in any of these goodies, but I did get curds as well as sample several beers (go with the sampler glasses set in a little wooden Wisconsin). I also tried the Wisconsin style old fashioned with Korbel. It's sweeter than the traditional one, but I have a spot in my heart for it nonetheless. My sandwich was good, the curds were better. This place is popular and does get crowded, but I do hope to brave those crowds on a repeat trip sooner rather than later. Hold the pickled eggs.

Andrew E.

Probably a 3.5. This was our first time in Madison, and I decided I was going to have cheese curds come hell or high water, since I'd also never had those before! Around the table was a sandwich, a burger, and lots of curds and fried onions. The curds and the onions were a bit of a highlight, but I felt so guilty afterwards...I suppose I should've been better prepared for that. Otherwise, the meal seemed like fairly standard bar fare - great for a diet-busting lunch! Prices and service were fine, too - it was a pleasant and unhurried meal looking out towards the capitol building.

Rustygirl M.

Went over Labor Day weekend. Very busy! Had to wait but they text you when your table is ready. Had a beet salad. Boyfriend had huge fish sandwich. Both were good but surprised to see this place written up in so many places as a place to go. It didn't seem unique.

Jen W.

As the 744th reviewer of this place I doubt there is much I can add. I will just say this: the old fashioneds are only $6.50! Holy cheap! Even if you upgrade to a sphere ice cube for $1.50 that's one helluva deal.

Katy H.

Yummy cheese platter that we split as an appetizer. However, I got a too too large salad consisting mostly of spinach and was sub-par. My fiance got a very good hamburger though. I would go back but just order the cheese platter as a meal.

Marcia S.

Madison is well known for its taverns and supper clubs, and The Old Fashioned is the mother of them all. If you're from out of town, this is one of the places you don't want to miss. Yes, there are as many tourists as locals here, but that doesn't mean you can't get a good meal and have a fun time too. Here are some suggestions based on my recent visit. 1) Take a clue from the locals and eat early. We were seated quickly at 6:30, but by the time we left at 8:30, the place was jam packed and the wait long. 2) Get in the mood with a cocktail. I hadn't ordered an Old Fashioned since I hung out with Dan Draper, and I'd forgotten how smooth they can be. Two are even smoother. Three are usually a bad idea. Or try a craft beer from their huge selection. 3) Check your cholesterol numbers at the door and get the fried cheese curds. A little crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside. This is why you're here... to try something Wisconsin, hey? 4) Skip the cheese plate... ours was mediocre and served with no presentation. But the grilled cheese sandwich and signature Old Fashioned Burger with a fried egg were both yummy. Our friend from Madison had the trout, which she says is her favorite. 5) Walk around the Capital Square when you're done eating. It's historic and right outside the door. And exercise will help repair the damage caused by those fried cheese curds.

Shelley Y.

Burger and cheese curds? Yes please! This is a higher end place where you'll get a juicy burger and fried cheese curds with a melty inside but not overly greasy. Order takeout for lunch (they get really busy so call ahead) then go find a place to sit on the capital lawn or bench and listen to the musical performances as you enjoy your food!

PJ C.

Great selection of Wisconsin fare: brats, walleye and of course deep fried cheese curds. The food is solid and on this visit the service was lighting fast. When in town visiting relatives we often stop here and this time we got a table with no wait - a first! OF is super popular and waits can be very long on weekends especially football Saturdays. But not so at 5pm on a Tuesday. The beer choices of mostly Wisconsin beers is extensive. A favorite stop of ours in Madison!

U. F.

Seems to be living off of its institutional status. Most everything has been said. The burgers are amazing. The grass fed beef and commitment to local produce is impressive. This might just be the best grass fed burger we've ever had. Quite unbelievable. Why not 5 stars? $1 up-charge for tomato on a regular burger. That's a bit cheap. Especially when you ask for no cheese and you paid for the cheese. At least it turns out this is an heirloom tomato because it is in season. So that's a plus. It was a really good slice of tomato!

Jeff L.

I one I many people who rave about this place. I've taken my family to dine there one and enjoyed it. Not the type of place were you'll eat healthy but there is some guilty pleasures here you can't miss. My wife and I also like to come by for drinks. I introduced her to here first brandy slush and she always wants to go back another. Great atmosphere and a unique Madison experience.

Albina O.

It's a bit over-hyped. It is a Madison staple, so if you're a tourist in the market for a tourist destination, this isn't a bad place to go. If you're a local in search of good food, there's better places in Madison. Their grilled cheese is fantastic. They have perfectly done matchstick fries; they could use some seasoning besides the salt, but the sauce served with them is delicious. The cheese curds OK, you'll love them if you've never had cheese curds before. But if you know your deep fried cheese, you won't be impressed here- cheese is a bit stringy, and the batter quite bland. The brats are definitely over seasoned. If you have good meat, you shouldn't need this much salt. I'm sure they have good meat, so they are doing it a dis-service my smothering the taste. In summery, they over salt and under season otherwise. There will be a long wait. It is not a calm and laid back environment, at all. This place is bustling, loud, and they could definitely hang some heavy curtains to help with the acoustics. Location is great, right on the capitol.

Emma K.

696 reviews cannot be wrong. Get the fried cheese curds and a beer flight, and you will not have any complaints. Not that fried cheese curds are ever bad, but these were phenomenal. Your choice of sauce comes on the side, or you can get them as a side to your sandwich. Personally I chose to get them as a meal with a side salad. When in Wisconsin! The beer choices are amazing. You can get flights of 4, 8, or 12 I believe. Plus they come in little boards shaped like Wisconsin. Tons of options from breweries all over Wisconsin, and a handy little map on the back of the menu shows you where each brewery is located. We went on a Thursday night and were seated in about 10-15 minutes despite an initiate estimate of 20-25. They text you so you don't have to hover and wait for your name to be called, plus they introduced me to the app called 'The List.' I wish more restaurants used it because it shows you where you are on the list. Less guesswork for you and less hassle for the hostess. Don't think this is an overrated tourist stop; it was definitely one of our faves of Madison!

Cody R.

These are the best cheese curds I've ever had. I literally will dream about them. Their burgers are also top notch. I ate every bite. The only thing they don't have that I wanted was a milkshake. They should really consider adding them to the lineup.

Asheley B.

Melty, gooey, amazing cheese curds. The lemonade bourbon slush was delicious. Burger and fries were simply delicious. I loved the pennant flags on the second floor. Great restaurant, I'll be back. Maybe the only thing would be to have a martini special. The next door restaurant had patrons drinking amazing looking martinis at the outdoor seating, and I had a craving walking in. But, the slush made me forget all about that craving ;) Thanks for the memories!!!

Brian M.

Cheese Curds was at the top of my list while visiting Madison, so when I searched them out on Yelp I came across The Old Fashioned and I am glad that I did. It was so good that I had to make a second visit on my short trip to town. I first arrived for a late lunch with another co-worker, we were promptly seated and the friendly waitress took our orders. We both ordered burgers with a side of cheese curds. For my burger, I went with The Old Fashioned House Burger which was served with hickory-smoked bacon, Cheddar, garlic sauce and a soft-cooked egg all on top of a delicious buttered and toasted roll. Everything about this burger was a hit, the egg, the cheese and garlic sauce all come together for an amazing taste. However I have to admit that the burger took a backseat to the cheese curds, which were clearly made in house. After trying the cheese curds at another place in town, I quickly realized that The Old Fashioned has the best! I returned to The Old Fashioned again one evening after dinner at a local brew pub, the food was good however the cheese curds were lacking and I needed another fix before leaving Madison so it was back to the Old Fashioned for a side of cheese curds and a beer. There are nearly 150 Wisconsin beers available here to, so that makes a stop at The Old Fashioned a must on any visit!

Scott G.

I had my first certified grass fed beef burger here and I must say it does taste different though I would not say it tastes better, just different. I have sampled the old fashioned burger and cheese curds with varying dipping sauces. The food was good. Hefty portions. This is definitely one of the better burger joints in town. The place itself is a pretty small establishment so they really pack everyone so its not the best place to bring many children at the heavier trafficked times of the day but don't let that deter you. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

Mark P.

A classic joint with a great beer selection and the best of Wisconsin bar/supper club food. Try their walleye sandwich!

Katherine M.

A little pricey and their menu isn't the most extensive, but everything is tasty. Just be warned you WILL wait for a table pretty much every night, which is kind of annoying, but overall it's a Madison staple so everyone should try it once.

Bridget S.

Let me start by saying that if you're looking for authentic, hearty, quality "Midwesterner" food (or what I've dubbed a combination of lumberjack-style eats and German cookin') , The Old Fashioned is the place to go! It seems that most (if not all) of their food and beverage distributors are Wisconsin-based, which is nice for someone visiting the state's capitol. It has the look and feel of a Door County pub, without the bad cell reception and northern accents. The food was tasty--the burger came out hot and the salad came out chilled. My husband claims that the old fashioned classic burger was one of the best burgers he's had in a long time (although he drowns pretty much everything in tabasco, so....your opinion may vary). I got a mixed greens salad which was basically like a salad you could get at any restaurant. I gave the restaurant only four stars, however, because of a couple of things: 1. Very (VERY) poor selection for vegetarian and/or vegan patrons. Since the place isn't at all advertised as being vegetarian or vegan friendly, I guess we should have expected this, but usually you can find at least a few things that (with slight modificafions) are safe. Not the case here. All of the appetizers are meat or cheese based, and only a few entree selections (all salads) can really be considered a substantial entree after removing the chicken, fish, or beef. Seriously, vegans BEWARE. in the land of cheese, this place really makes no exceptions. 2. As a former waitress and bartender at multiple sports bars, I know how annoying it can be when people complain about the noise level in a restaurant (if you wanted a quiet evening, you should've STAYED AT HOME)! However, this was hands down the loudest restaurant I have ever been in. The place was almost full (but no wait list), and the tables were fairly close together, which wouldn't have been a problem if the music wasn't blaring in the background. My husband and I couldn't even have a constructive conversation because we couldn't hear each other over the sounds of our neighbors yelling across their tables trying to be heard over the noise. That DEFINITELY took away from the backwoods, mom-and-pop atmosphere of this place. All in all, I wouldn't personally care to go back, but if I had guests in town looking to experience "Real Wisconsin," this would definitely be a contender.

John H.

The burgers are the bomb. I felt like eating my burger with a bun was a misdemeanor, and adding any condiments would be a serious felony. Really, the burgers are so amazing. We also ordered onion strings and cheese curds, which were good...but I will be thinking about that burger for a long time.

Rene S.

The food is too salty. The menu is boring. The service is terrible.

Stephanie W.

Loved it!! Wisconsin Benedict was very flavorful, usually I add salt, pepper and hot sauce to dishes didn't need that for this dish. My daughter had the chicken fried steak also very good. We shared a 1/4 apple fritter, it was good but would've been better warmed up. Coffee was weak. Be forewarned, Portions are huge!! Service and ambiance perfect!!! Definitely recommend to anyone visiting Madison!!

Scott M.

All the other reviews are correct. This place has great food. The spicy burger is VERY well named. The cheese curds are fantastic. Don't forget to grab a giant cookie from the bar for $1. Glad we stopped there.

Katy B.

I loved going to the Old Fashioned. We went on a Friday night and of course it was packed. We were lucky to get seated right way even in a large group. Another group we were with had a little wait for their table but not terrible. However, for arriving at almost the same time we had drastically different service. They said it took over an hour to get their food and we did not have to wait that long AT ALL, about the time it took to get through a beer. I had heard they had the best deep fried cheese curds in town and after trying a couple other places I would have to agree. Someone else at our table ordered the brat plate which wasn't too bad, not mind blowing. We probably should have gone with the fish fry since it was Friday night, but I will have to save that for the next visit to Madison!

Ryan P.

Everytime I go here I always get their Prime Rib Sandwich. I have to say its one of my favorite things on the menu. Their lazy Suzannes are excellent and a total wisconsin thing to get. Enough food for two people but also a great app for a table full of people. The cheese curds are great and will melt in your mouth. You will have to wait for a table on any night here, but there are spots at the bar and a great tap selection. I love this place every time I go.

A H.

One of my favorites in the State St. area. Good drinks. Above average pub food (with a wider range of alternatives). And the cheese curds are basically the best in the city. If you want to know what a fried cheese curd is supposed to taste like, this is the place to be.

Christoph J.

Overrated. Incredibly greasy and underwhelming. I've had multiple bad visits that included a walleye sandwich (No. 36) that was full of bones. Not just one or two bones, but FULL of bones. A complete choking hazard. I did email them and they did refund my meal, but it was still a terrible experience. I usually end up going there only when other people insist. And recently it was as greasy and unsatisfying as ever. Even when you try and make one of the sandwiches healthy by skipping the bacon, it's still a greasy mess. Even the salads have bacon! The beer selection is stellar and the service is usually fine. There are some great bartenders, but here are also a couple annoying ones. It's usually way too busy for what they offer, and wait times can be long. The food will clog your arteries like no other, and there is often a wait for a table. There are plenty of other places in Madison that offer better food and a better experience.

matt w.

Def the best place you will find near the confines of the Capitol building. Great beer selection. Lively place. The wait was going to be 25mins but we were texted ( I like the text feature ) by the hostess in just a few minutes. The cheese curds were really amazing, some of the best curds I have in dairy land. Service was great. The only reason for the 4 instead of 5 is I wasnt crazy about the Walleye sandwich. It was good but maybe just too much batter and bread or me, I ended up taking it apart to pick at the meat. That said, everything else looked great around us and I would definitely come back to try other menu items. Great place!

Rebecca O.

This is a great place to eat if you're visiting Madison. There's an extensive beer list, and Madison-specific menu items, like the beer and cheese soup and of course, cheese curds. Both were delicious. In fact I have no complaints about the food. The service was fast and friendly. Just be prepared to wait if you're going on the weekend - we waited 45 minutes for two people on a Sunday afternoon.

Cindy R.

Love their salads! Friendly environment. Love it.

Art B.

A must first stop in Madison, WI. The staff was great and fun. Food was amazing and inexpensive. Sit at the bar.

Cory P.

I've eaten here twice, and it was OK but both times the food was really greasy. If you like that type of food, then it's a great restaurant. It has two great bars (with fantastic Old Fashioneds, of course), a wonderful atmosphere, friendly hostesses and wait staff, and pretty good prices. It has a great location on the capital square as well. The downsides were the long wait, greasy food, and loud dining area, but overall it is a really good restaurant.

Erica M.

Usually very busy on weekend, wait until at least 9 if you want a table. Good food, great drinks. I reccomend getting an order of cheese curds, they have a few good vegetarian options but the burgers are amazing!

Izzy D.

You know about the cheese curds yadda yadda yadda. Let me reiterate thevdeals and steals you *need* to be acting on: Double bubble: two for one taps and rails Mon-Thurs 3-5 pm and 10:30-midnight. This means you can grab two of their famous old fashioneds or 2x any of the gazillion beers for around $5. ALSO, they feature a Wisconsin beer of the month (we're talking nice ones, people) for $2.50 all day every day. In August it was Wisconsinite from Lakefront Brewery. Grrrreat deal.

Megan G.

Came in from out of town, in the mood for brunch. Had the daily special of a morel mushroom scramble with rosemary potatoes and toast with homemade jam. Everything was fabulous, the portions were extremely generous and the prices are very great for what you get. Definitely coming back next time I'm in town!

Jake I.

Simply one of Madison's best and a classic! Cheese curds are top 3 in the city. I always have to talk myself out of ordering one of my two staples: the summer sausage sandwich or the basic salad of greens, candied walnuts, and the yummy dressing (this salad is huge!). TOF is great for groups or a late night, last minute meet up. They even have karaoke once a week.

E. E.

great cocktails..great appetizers. this place is definitely a must go to in madison

Kelly R.

I always love stopping here when I'm in Mad-town. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks; they got it. Lots of great local flavor here with Wisconsin influences all over the menu. From brats to mac & cheese to piled high green salads to those tasty deep fried curds...there's a bit of something for everyone, and lots of local ingredients. And yes, they have fish fry! Like other reviewers have mentioned, there's an amazing drink selection here, including a super yummy root beer option (served in a frosty glass for good measure). Warm and inviting on the interior, quick and friendly service, right off the square...solid!

Beau A.

A little overhyped in my opinion. Good burgers but not the greatest I've had. Fun atmosphere and solid experience but could do work a little on diversification of their menu items.

Anna K.

I do love this place. It's the classic bar to bring out-of-towners - the perfect place to get cheese curds and an old fashioned. It can get pretty busy since this is in such a great location (right on the capitol square) so be prepared to wait if you want to get dinner. Tasty food, too!

Lydia G.

One of the best places to go in Wisconsin do not be intimidated by the fact that it's on the square. Great beer specials, they had two women for $2.50 today heirloom blt for a special with the fresh mozzarella was absolutely delicious. Best cheese curds and ranch around!

Katie H.

Hey hey whadda say, it's a great place for a drink today!

Grace H.

The day I moved to Madison I asked three different people that I saw walking around where I should eat and unanimously I received the Old Fashioned as the destination of choice. What I wasn't warned of was that no matter when you go there you're going to end up with over an hour wait, even for just two people. And something that shouldn't come as a shock to anyone trying to eat out in Madison, they don't take reservations. So if you want to eat here you're going to have to suck it up and wait. Luckily for me the few times that I've gone, there have been concerts on the square so I was able to put down my name and they will text you when your table is ready. So the waiting is inevitable, but this is also a classic Madison destination if that is what you're looking for. In terms of the ambiance of the restaurant, all of the tables/chairs/bars have a dark wood finish that get natural light from the front wall of windows during the day or become dimly lit by candles during the evening. No matter what the time of day, the restaurant is always bustling with people and has an exciting atmosphere. Every waiter/waitress that I have had here was perfectly cordial and social, with more than enough recommendations if you can't decide what you want. Everyone will recommend this place for its cheese curds, the Classic Wisconsin dish, and they most certainly do not disappoint. Every bite is just a cheesy and fried as the last. So getting them as an appetizer or as a side for your meal is a must. The actual entree/sandwich dishes I wasn't as impressed with. They have some strange combinations of foods that weren't really to my liking, but maybe that's just me. I'm sure others have had more luck than me in their choices (it is always packed so they must be doing something right in this department), but most of my meals here have come up a bit short in the quality factor. On the order hand, the drink options have never disappointed. They have numerous beers on tap or in bottles that are found locally if that's what you want. I am more of a cocktail person and if you fall under that category too then you should most certainly get one of the many old fashioneds that they have. They all have a great combination of fresh fruit and/or spices that you will definitely enjoy. So on the drinks side of things I say A+, but the food was more of an A- or B+ in my opinion. For the record I have not been for brunch yet (I've never been willing to wait that long for brunch) but the menu looks awesome and you should certainly give that a try if you can stand waiting.

Jessica Y.

This is the first place I recommend to people coming to Madison for the first time! Beer menu is extensive and features about 50 on tap and even more in bottles. Cheese curds are fantastic. Get them with tiger sauce on the side. One of my favorite places in town to get Mac and Cheese (and if you ask, they'll add it as a side to your entree even though it's not an option on the menu). The service has always been great each time I've been here. The restaurant does not take reservations and is first-come, first-served, so prepare to wait if you come during a busy time.

Stephanie B.

I love The Old Fashioned! The fried cheese curds are probably my favorite in the entire city of Madison. The drinks are really great and I love the environment. I've been coming to The Old Fashioned for 8 years now and it never gets old.

Aileen M.

Definitely worth a stop for anyone visiting the downtown area. Great food and atmosphere that seems to capture true Madison spirit. Also, great price for HUGE portions. Items I would recommend! - (1) cheese curds seem to be the obvious favorite. My sister tried about a dozen places in town and claimed this to be among the best, especially for the price (2) old fashioned house burger (3) prime rib sandwich The following were alright - (1) pork shoulder sandwich - not bad but it was a little dry for my taste and I thought it could definitely use more sauce and relish. (2) Norwegian salmon salad - huge heap of salad was great but the salmon was definitely overcooked Service was wonderful! Everyone seemed to work as a team and staff were friendly despite a busy night.

Sandy S.

Great food and great service. I recommend the breakfast old fashioned with orange juice. Yum!

Kelsey B.

I love this place for brunch, but am not very impressed with their dinner menu.. They only have a few entrees and the rest is mostly sandwiches, which isn't ideal for dinner. They have really great cheese curds though. DO NOT get the chili, it is absolutely disgusting and basically just meat sauce/sloppy joe. Very disappointing.. And it was served cold.

Katrina B.

This seems to be the place one would have to go to if visiting Madison for the first time. Tried the roasted pork sandwich with cheese curds and the prime rib with onion strings. Food was very good. If anything we were starting to feel stuffed and couldn't finish all of the food. We also split the beer cheese soup. They put popcorn in it. It felt more like a sauce than a hearty soup but we both still loved it. The wait was long but they took our number to text us when we were ready. Unfortunately, there was a race going on and we were so caught up in exploring the city so it took us longer to get back to the restaurant when we received our text. They still accommodated us which was and is much appreciated.

R M.

I heard that this place had good burgers so that was enticing enough for my husband to come along and of course, for the beer too. The wait wasn't long and I like the atmosphere. I ordered some chicken tortilla soup and the fish taco special. My husband ordered a burger with bacon and hot pepper. Someone in the kitchen had a heavy hand with the salt because my soup was salty. My fish was not great either. In fact, it had a chewy texture and may have been possibly freezer burned. I could tell already my husband didn't like his burger since he only took a few bites and ate only the bacon. I tried the burger myself and it wasn't anything special about it. oh, well. Service was good though and lots of beers to choose from.

Jason F.

Excellent cheese curds, good menu of burgers and great drink selection. The service can be good, but the way of ordering at the bar can be a hassle with larger parties and/or kids. Worth checking out.

Michelle K.

I specifically chose Madison, WI as a cross country road trip pit stop and I could not have found a better place to satiate my appetite for some tasty Midwestern grub. The restaurant is located across from the capitol which concerned me over wait time for dinner on a breezy summer weeknight but we were able to get a table right when we walked in. The cheese curds were lovely (the dipping sauce was my favorite part) and I helped myself to an Old Fashioned, because obviously. I had the fish fry, my mom the roast beef sandy with a large helping of salad greens. My fish was lightly battered and there was no mushiness of the fries or fish typical of this kind of dish. We both thought are meals were delightful & plentiful (we both finished ~1/2 of our plates). I would recommend to anyone for a pleasant overall experience! We also stumbled upon concerts in the square across the street which only added to our enjoyment of the evening.

Anthony L.

Stopped in the other night for dinner with a few friends from out of town. The Old Fashioned is one of the "go to" places for dinner with folks that have never been. It's supper club roots are something that many people are not accustomed to, that and a drink selection this extensive. Great menu! My two favorites, being The Old Fashioned Burger (No. 30 - with the added braunschweiger) and the Walleye Sandwich (No. 36), are always difficult to choose between. I try to alternate my selection between visits. The cheese curds are easily within my Top 5 ever. They are a tad greasy, but not in an awful way. My wife is a huge fan of the salads as well. We lucked out by beating the rush by minutes. It is always a gamble as they do not take reservations. I was surprised at the speed and quality of the service given how busy it was. With a complete package like this, topped with a delicious brandy old fashioned, it will not be difficult to return time and time again.

Jackie B.

Very popular and does not take reservations. Tried for lunch yesterday (90 minute wait), dinner (ditto) before finally getting in today for breakfast. Food was good and different. I had walleye and eggs! Vegetarian options available. Service was really slow despite the restaurant not being that busy.

Donna M.

The typical Wisconsin fare is available. The cheese curds were great. The Mac and Cheese was amazing as well.

Steve M.

Came here on a Saturday afternoon and was pretty packed. Sat at the bar and was greeted within minutes. Decided to try this place out because of their beer battered fresh cheese curds. They were absolutely amazing, especially with the paprika sauce! Plus they have a great beer selection of mainly Wisconsin beers! Would highly recommend this place! Awesome service and awesome cheese curds!

Alicia J.

Allen R.

Take into account I am not from WI so I've never had fried cheese curds before but heard all the buzz so I had to try some. Got the cheese curds with an ice cold root beer and it was perfection. The cheese curds really are amazing. They have a great cheesy, salty, flavor and it really paired well with my ice cold root beer. I can see why everyone talks about them. On a side note, I just don't understand how this can't be the fattest state in the nation with fried cheese everything here, greasy hamburgers loaded with cheese, dairy and ice cream everywhere and last but not least breweries EVERYWHERE. The second I got home, it was exercise time to pay for being in this state. Enjoy!

Brendan T.

Other than ordering from the bar being a bit of a pain for a full sized restaurant we had a great lunch here! Super beef jerky, yummy greens and tuna salad. Great Bloody Mary with tasty pickles! Walleye sandwich so-so, good kids meals.

M M.

Food is yummy, but NO LONGER MAKE HOT MINI DONUTS :( came for the deep fried cheese curds, Meat scrambler with gruyere, hash and eggs, pancakes, farm fresh sunny side eggs meal, and sour cherry or berry jam.... Will come back next time in town.

Bill E.

I ventured to The Old Fashioned a few weeks ago for dinner after the Badgers game, the place was hopping and I found a seat at the bar to get a beverage. The beer of the month when I came was the Oktoberfest from New Glarus and for only 2.25 a steal. I also ordered the infamous cheese curds and thought they were a bit small, not the best I have had in Wisconsin. For dinner I had a brat sandwich, it was good, but not mind blowing. Service was good. I will be back to try an Old Fashioned at The Old Fashioned.

Leep D.

I really don't get all the hype about this place. Food is mediocre at best and service is nothing to crow about. Every time I have gone here with friends, the wait time is way too long for this kind of food. There are five restaurants on the surrounding three blocks that have really incredible food. Don't waste your time. It doesn't live up to the hype, unless maybe, you have had so much to drink that you don't even know what you are eating.

Dani T.

My husband and I stopped in for a late lunch on our long drive from Louisville, KY back home to Fargo. All I can say is YUM!! He is a fan of Shinerbock but tried the house Huber Bock and really liked it. I'm a bourbon barrel stout girl and tried the pumpkin spice bourbon barrel stout. Not a fan. Not because it wasn't presented well, I just didn't expect such a strong citrus flavor. Husband ordered the house burger and was excited to find they serve an excellent dusseldorf mustard. He said the burger was very good but I'm thinking it could have been terrible and he'd have said he liked it because of the mustard! I chose the roasted eggplant, Portobello , etc. sandwich and I have to say it's one of the better veggie sandwiches I've ever eaten. I could only get through half of it and it was still tasty the next day when I reheated it in a skillet at home! We both had cheese curds on the side of our sandwiches and needless to say, they were fantastic! Good service, great atmosphere and food at a decent price. Definitely recommend.

Kelly F.

Decent food. Seems to be a popular place to take out of town guests for a burger and cheese curds. Great beer selection. Can get very crowded and loud.

Melani M.

The good, atmosphere, menu & service was great. I had the fried cheese curds, which were excellent. Next visit I'll try some brats or a Wisconsin cheese plate.

Steven M.

Great location and energetic atmosphere, but really just average for food. Too much of their menu is fried and nothing really stands out for me. People do rave about the cheese curds, but they are often on the greasy side for me. Good selection of beers and better than average for bar food, but they are just average compared to many other places downtown.

Steve L.

It's been nearly 4 years since the last review. I've visited here 6 or 7 times (maybe more) since the last review, usually with people from out of town who want to check it out. + The expanded area has helped a bit with seating problems + Can usually find a place at the bar, with just a little luck + Excellent beer menu; somewhere near 50-brews on tap + Beer of the month is a steal at $2.50 - There's always a wait for a table - Seating is cramped - The place is cold, especially in the winter - Service is usually a miss; servers generally aloof & absent + Some of the bartenders are decent - Food continues to underwhelm - Expensive food - The curds still suck; sooooooooo greasy and overcooked - everydamntime! - "Tiger sauce" doesn't make a cheese curd "amazing" If I were rating the place for beers and atmosphere alone, I'd give it 4-stars. Combine all of the parts, and it's barely a 2. smh - I just don't get it.

Sherry L.

The Old Fashioned is the place I go when I am entertaining out-of-town guests, otherwise I tend to shy away from it (and most of the other establishments on the square). However, this past week, after dinner with some friends on the square, we decided to stop by The Old Fashioned to have a drink and to try the cheese curds (so that we could settle the old debate of who had the better cheese curds: Graze or The Old Fashioned?) The wait was long because they were clearing out tables and setting up for karaoke ( FYI: Wednesday night is apparently karaoke night, for those of you wanting to indulge in some drunken classics), but we were told that we could order from the kitchen at the bar, and we were welcome to any spots that we could find. Luckily, we found a row of chairs enough to fit our party at the back of the bar! The bartenders are friendly and attentive, always managing to somehow fill our water cups even on a very busy evening. Impressive! My friend had the original Old Fashioned (of course), and I had the House Brew. We all shared a basket of cheese curds. The House Brew was much darker and heavier than I expected. I thought the house brew would be a pale ale, but it was almost dark enough to be a lager. It was delicious though - really rich and nutty, almost like Guinness. I also thought the Old Fashioned was pretty good, although sweeter than I would have expected. Finally, the verdict on the cheese curds? (Drum rollllllllll) We had to give Graze the crown. Although the cheese curds at The Old Fashioned are great, they aren't as battered or as crunchy as the ones at Graze, which we all agreed was what really made them shine. Til next time!

David S.

Being from the Midwest, the Old Fashioned is legitimately one of my favorite pubs to visit. Great food (cheese curds + #30 burger) and great beers. No complaints at all. Don't miss it when you are in Madison!

Sara M.

My favorite restaurant in the city. Whenever someone comes to town I say this restaurant is a must as it's quintessential Madison. The prices are good and the food is GOOD. You can't go without ordering the cheese curds; they're the best in town. I really like the summer sausage sandwich. Obviously their old fashioneds are awesome. One of the downsides is the long wait, but it's just a sign of how damn good this place is. Go before you're hungry and have a drink at the bar. It's worth it and often times the wait is much shorter than they say it'll be.

Josh S.

The cheese curds were to die for. Best I've ever had! If you don't order them, you are definitely missing out. The prime rib sandwich was also great! I split it with my fiancé and they served it to is on separate plates with our own fries. Amazing!!

C J.

One of my favorite restaurants in Madison. Old fashions and cheese curds will always taste like home.

Alexandra N.

Probably Madison's most famous restaurant and with good reason. If I have a friend coming to visit me, I will always take them here, and they will always be pleased. The menu is all-american with a Wisconsin twist (lots of cheese, brats, and pretzels). While I think they could do a little better as far as offering healthy options, this is also Wisconsin. Lastly, every time I have been here, the staff has been very friendly and given great service. Which is no surprise because they have such an intense vetting process for prospect employees. They have two callback interviews and have their candidates to work one shift before they know if they were hired!. Overall, I love this place.

Mallory E.

We decided that we wanted to see the concert that was at the capital and got downtown around 7:45, put our name on a list (they text you when your table is read!) and were seated outside around 8:30. We were able to enjoy each other's company and the live concert! We went to The Old Fashioned because we saw an article stating that we needed to try the fried cheese curds at this location. While in town, we had tried a couple of different places for cheese curds but this really took the cake! Since we were traveling for business the waiter said he could get us all the sauces to try (which I recommend doing) because they are all so tasty! After the cheese curds, I opted for the Fatty Boombalatty which went well with my Spicy Burger. The spice burger was delicious, it had local grass-fed beef (love it!) with pepperjack cheese, jalapenos, fried onions, bacon and paprika! As a New Orleans lady, spicy stuff does not impress me but something on this burger made my eyes water! They know how to use their spices. The cheese curds were so good, my coworker ordered some as a side for her prime rib sammy! If I didn't want to try a new restaurant for every meal, I would return!

Jaime C.

Great place to get a burger and cold beer.. Calm, laid back environment, Staff is very attentive and quick. My gf and I both ordered burgers and oh man!! they did not disappoint us! The burgers were big and juicy and flavorful! gianormous beer selection on tap and bottled. (Thats pretty much a piece of heaven if you're a beer snob like me :D ) If you're in down town madison looking for a great meal and a cold beer I definitely recommend this place.

Brock H.

Had dinner here while passing through Madison. Unsurprisingly, the old fashioned's here are quite good and very reasonably priced for a city. We had the fried cheese curds, beer and cheese soup, a sausage platter, and a bacon grilled cheese. Entirely too much food for a couple of people. The beer and cheese soup was our favorite. The cheese curds were also good, but the order is so large you may not be able to eat anything else if you finish it.

Timothy L.

So....the atmosphere is great. They have plenty of bar space (a front room and back room bar area/seating). But there is always a wait to be seated. A lack of seating in my opinion (or just very popular). I usually opt for the standard Old Fashioned Burger. Really nothing special. A standard burger. As for the other food options, I just have not had something yet to say "wow, this is something special! ". It's standard food options you would expect from a Wisconsin Pub/Bar eatery. I did order a Brandy Slush the last time I was there on a very hot day. I thought it was a awesome bar item that you just don't see too often. It was great, but was a bit expensive considering I was getting Brandy/OJ/and ice. Other than this, they do have a nice list of other drinks and beers to choose from, so you definitely will have plenty of drink choices. This is one place that I just don't have spectacular glowing thoughts about. It's standard good Wisconsin food. I would agree about the cheese curd debate that seems to be happening on Yelp, whether they are awesome or just subpar. I'm obviously leading toward the subpar people. They are good.....but again like the burgers, nothing to write home about. Excellent beer/drink specials on certain nights!

Meghan M.

I am so glad we decided to wait for a table during busy lunchtime. They said 45 minutes, but it was more like 25. The tables are a little close together, so not much privacy. Their kids menu is actual food, my kids loved the Wisconsin beef hotdogs. My slow roast pork sandwich was FANTASTIC. My husbands green salad with chicken was generous and not over dressed. The beer selection is overwhelming, but our server provided some great suggestions. The service was quick and accommodated our kids (brought their food first, asked what kind of cups to bring). Waiter Ben V. was great.

Jeffrey G.

From the moment you walk in the door, you begin to understand Pavlov's theory. The aroma from the wood fired grill is fantastic, and a precursor of what is to come. Large open restaurant with a relaxed feel to it. Fantastic selection of WI beers. Devote following of locals, and plenty of tourists fill the restaurant. I decided I wanted to skip the infamous cheese curds, and go with a selection of WI's finest cheeses. Cheeses were delicious. Part way though my board I noticed some landjaegers. Dried hanging meat at a bar.....must have. Not sure exactly what they were, and falling somewhere in between not caring and not wanting to know what they are made of, they were delicious and are a welcome pairing with the cheese board. With the name Old Fashioned, I had to have one. How could you not? I didn't realize the variety of Old Fashioned's that they had. I started traditional, but after seeing a sign on the wall I had to try a Korbel Old Fashioned. How could more than 575,000 people be wrong. They weren't - Bartender was a bit of a dud, seeming to have more of a desire for the night to end, than to serve, Hoping it was just an off night. I would gladly return for one of their specialties, especially their fish fry.

Erin U.

Give me an O! Give me a V! Give me an E! Ok, fine, whatever. I'm spelling overrated. This place is soooo overrated. The food is...you guessed it...overrated. You want good cheese curds? Go to the numerous other places on the Square that have curds. For instance, Graze, Tipsy Cow or the Merchant. The curds here were in a pool of oil and not to mention small and chewy. Also, for a place called The Old Fashioned, they don't have the best old fashioned. Service here has always been mediocre at best. When I think about the Old Fashioned I just shrug my shoulders and think meh. I truly don't think waiting for a table here is worth the food and drinks (wait times can be up to an hour and a half). There are so many other places to go to in Madison that have similar menus with much better food, service and atmosphere.

Cathy R.

I really wanted to love this place - but decided it came out to yelp's A-OK. We ordered the No. 30 (burger with egg) with cheese curds and the No. 36 (beer battered wall-eye sandwich). The burger was a bit overcooked. The cheese curds were too oily for me. We noticed that the guys sitting beside us barely touched their cheese curds, and I'm guessing that may have been the reason. Every time you take a bite, your mouth fills with oil. I'm such a cheese lover, so you can imagine how disappointed I was. My favorite part of the meal was my fish sandwich - although I think using a softer bread for contrast would have worked better than the crunchy toast they used. Flavors were good, maybe they were off on the cheese curds that day (needed to drain the oil longer?)...unfortunately, I won't have the chance to return (out of towner) to give them another chance.

Longhan L.

No as fashioned as the name. The food is so salty. But the environment is good. So many people went there.

Andrea B.

Best Wisconsin beer-battered cheese curds! The wait on a Saturday was over an hour so we chose to get our food to go.

Matt M.

Definitely one of the places to take a friend that visits Madison for the first time. Great beer list. Above average food. Atmosphere is always better on weeknights. Go for 2-for-1 burger night on Mondays.

Andrea D.

Visiting Madison for the first time and my husband and I heard this place was a Madison staple. We were not disappointed. Food was great, server was really nice, and the beer selection was great. If you're in Madison check it out!

Kristine Z.

Love the old fashioned! Could use a few more vegetarian options, but the food and service is always great.

Emma S.

Cheese curds, Tiger sauce, burgers with an egg on it: the Wisconsin college town trifecta. I don't quite know what's in the Tiger sauce (I think it's a bleu cheese/ranch mixture, but who knows or cares... It's amazing), but you need to get it on everything. I used to frequent this hotspot every time I visited my sister at UW, and this was always our post-bar stop. Whether your night ends at 11 p.m. (no judgements) or 2 a.m., Old Fashioned's cheese curds are awaiting you with open arms. Whether you're there for the beer or a mixed drink (brandy slushes are a must-have in the summer), Old Fashioned is your one-stop-shop for Capital fun.

Rose V.

The old fashioned can be ordered in many variations, and is delicious. The beer cheese soup was really good, and the salad with door county cherries was tasty too. Great service even though it was super busy. Great Madison ambience.

Caroline C.

Pretty good gastropub. They have a good beer selection and great heart inducing food. It's busy, even on a Tuesday night. I tried fried cheese curds here for the first time in my life and it was delicious. My burger was cooked just right and the mac and cheese noodles were cooked al dente. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful. Definitely a very Wisconsin-y bar to visit.

Nick F.

SOLID 4 STARS. I attempted to come here last fall and much to my surprise it was closed for a business party, I was pretty bummed, Today i was passing through Madison and needed to have some lunch, so i took the drive off the freeway right up the the capitol square. drove around attmepted to find parking and didn't have much luck, Till i spotted a parking garage about a block away off Webster and Miffin. Everyone RAVES about the cheese curds, so that was a no brainer i'll have to try it. I also got the house old fashioned burger topped Bavaria's hickory-smoked bacon, aged Cheddar, garlic sauce and a soft-cooked egg on a buttered and toasted roll (It also comes with fried onions but i asked for those to be left off) My fiance ordered the Chilli Cheese dog. Quickly after ordering our cheese curds came out, And let me tell you They are AWESOME. From someone who has gone to many "famous cheese curd spots" and had a large variety of deep fried cheese, These are easily in the top 3 or 4 of best i've ever had. Well worth an order or two or maybe three? Butter Milk ranch dipping sauce was a great addition. The main course came soon after the egg on the burger was just as described with the "soft cooked" as soon as i grabbed the burger the egg yolk burst all over, AWESOME. I typically HATE egg yolks unless the yolk is running over something like an great cheeseburger, and that's just what this place has. the meat was good, the bacon was really good. the garlic sauce was different but a good addition to the burger. My 1 complaint on the burger is they must use a sharp or extra sharp chedder for the burger as it was quite strong, atleast for my liking, then again i'm not a fan of sharp chedder. The French fries are also very good, My Fiance also enjoyed the Chili cheese dog, The pricing was fair for what we got, If you're in the Madison area you should REALLY make it a point to come to the Old Fashioned!

Marie H.

They get 5 stars for their cheese curds and beer list alone! We went on some what of a curd crawl and their's definitely stole the show! They had a perfect crust, a gooey center, and a dip sauce that didn't remind you that they are really just glorified mozzarella sticks, like marinara sauce. They're beer list was praise worthy! It was really hard not to get an old fashioned like the rest of my group but the beer list had too many good looking sours, which happen to be one of my favorite styles! I settled my sour fix with Dave's Funk IV. I did try a taste of an old fashioned and loved the use of brandy in it. We also tried the lazy Susan because it sounded different but after a night of drinking and curds, the pickled herring, eggs, and liverwurst were probably not the best mix! I only wish I could have taken this bar home with me! So many beers I still wanted to try and cheese curds to later binge on!

Dustin M.

One of the places you have to try in Madison. The old fashioneds are fantastic and the cheese curds are the best.

Carolyn L.

This place is awesome. The service can be slow. But the fact that pretty much all of the beers are $5 or less and they're all local makes up for the slow service. I had no idea there were so many local breweries in Wisconsin and I wanted to try them all! I had some great IPAs that I'll probably never find anywhere in Chicago. We also had the cheese curds and they are heart attack happiness! The pint of American IPA was delicious, probably my favorite pick of the night. And the bartendress was really helpful in my choice for the right IPA to try. I can't wait to go back the next time I'm in Madison!

Saira L.

I know- I know--- its blasphemy to be in madison, and not LOVE the old fashioned. But I don't. It's not that I think they are not good, or their cheese curd not awesome. Mostly it comes down to this- they are just not the wait, and the hype. Plus I have had some questionable experiences service wise. So here is my suggestion to most people go here ONCE (wait for a REALLY long time), TRY: - Summer Sausage Sandwich or Old Fashioned Burger - Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup - Number 13. Cheese Curds - Old Fashioned This almost 2 hour experience will capture all the essentials, and you won't need to return here for a while.

Marciana G.

This place was a flavor explosion in my mouth! The cheese curds were a gooey testament to the state's greatest product. I could have just eaten those. I also ordered the House Old Fashioned burger. The egg on top was cooked to perfection. The perfection of the gooey flavors is impossible to describe. If I am ever in Madison again, I would try to swing in here.

Julie M.

Been here probably 20 times and they never disappoint. Great Wisconsin atmosphere. Food is always fresh and consistent. Service is great! Overall my fiance and I are big fans!

Carrie O.

Busy place! A BIG drink menu with lots of interesting beer choices... Our group of four felt in the way at the bar but were rewarded with a GREAT table by the windows overlooking the Capitol. Food was hearty Midwestern fare that was tasty & priced really well. Will be back on my next trip to Madison.

Jimmy G.

I've heard for a while that this was the spot to go in Madison but hadn't been there until now. It definitely doesn't disappoint. It was primetime on a Saturday when we stopped in so we were perfectly okay waiting for close to an hour. Both sides of the bar were absolutely packed but we were able to find a little elbowroom and grab some drinks and an order of cheese curds--which were scrumptiously chewy. They have a massive selection of taps but I decided to drink their house beer for some reason. When we were seated our waitress was clearly knowledgeable and super generous. She directed me towards the house burger, which was topped with bacon and onion rings. From the greasy food to the awesome beer to the friendly environment, this place is a slice of Wisconsin and anybody looking for a good meal in Madison should check this place out.

Daniella M.

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Calvin W.

Came to Madison on a business trip and Yelped this place. Ate here myself. Restaurant is warm and cozy, compared to cold outside. Restaurant has a bar in each of the 2 main rooms, can eat at the bar. Not too noisy, dim lighting. Put in my name and gave my phone number. I was very intrigued by their texting system that lets you know when your phone number was entered into the system and when your table was ready. I ordered the Old Fashioned House Burger with salad, and a pint of Klisch. Klisch beer - light beer, not a strong flavor. I'll stick with my Stellas and Coronas. Old Fashioned House Burger - pretzel bun, meat cooked medium rare as I asked for, small piece of lettuce, tomato, egg! I was excited to try a burger with a sunny-side egg, and it was a perfect match. Lots of good matching tasting protein. Size of burger looks small but perfect size with sides. I would definitely try this burger if it is your first time here. I ordered a side of salad with my burger but got fries. I let the waitress know and they brought me a side of salad. Fries - almost shoe string. Average tasting, goes well with Burger. Salad - average salad, side was more than I was expecting. I was not expecting a full side. Dressing was good. Garden salad. Great burger! Not expensive. Service did not live up to the restaurant's rating for food. It took 10min for the server to come to my table to order my food, and I was sitting right by the entrance to the second room. I was looking around and also saw that quite a few tables were waiting for the server to bring a check or take their orders. I had to ask for my water to be filled twice. Waitress was not engaging.

SanMan S.

Large selection of beer and good food. Problem is that this place is very popular and you always have to wait for a while before you can get seated.

Jeff R.

The old fashioned is a great place for a good burger and beer

Sarah Z.

It has been years since I actually ate at the Old Fashioned. Every time I attempt to go there (usually around dinner on a Friday or Saturday evening), the wait is well over an hour and my group doesn't want to wait. I'm sure it's easier to get a table on a week night. I did have a chance to have some drinks at the Old Fashioned one night and was reminded of how much I enjoy stopping there. They've got a pretty impressive beer selection. The evening we went they even had a 3 Sheeps beer - one of my favorite microbrews! They have a good selection of cocktails and of course, make a great old fashioned! My brandy-sour rivaled the ones my husband and I make at home. So no worries, if your dinner plans to eat at the Old Fashioned are thwarted by a long wait, stop back after dinner for drinks!

Amber C.

The "best cheese curds in Madison"are good, but I do think this whole thing is overhyped. It doesn't help that the cheddar is dyed orange (why do companies still do this?), but it is a good snack to go with your beer when you're look for something superheavy. I'm sure the Wisconsin weather helps with that a bit. The Old-Fashioned borders the capital which makes it convenient, and the menu is very approachable emphasizing Wisconsin specialities. It's pretty big so you probably won't have to wait long for a seat at their long bar or at a table. I think the best part might be the build-your-own old fashioned menu. I'm not usually one to order an old-fashioned, but I have to say that theirs were amazing.

Thuy P.

I read Meghan Horvarth's review and I told myself that I would order the House Burger. It was a good decision. It has one of my favorite combination in the world: Bacon and sunny side up egg, both on top of a beautifully seasoned burger. Nicely toasted buns, it was pretty darn awesome! However, I would not recommend the Brats platter on their menu, it doesn't worth it in my opinion. My friend and I ordered that because we were having Spotted Cow at the time, the delicious beer tried to trick us into thinking that the dish was worth it, but I was sober, so no chance of deceiving me on that. The Cheese curd is pretty good, but a little bit greasy in my opinion. One thing that was off about the restaurant was the flies. I waited for 20 mins or so to be seated right next to the window, I was congratulating myself on getting a good seat, then i heard buzzing. I thought it was my stomach, but it turned out to be a bunch of flies. Do not sit near the window. It's a trap!!!

John C.

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Jared W.

Good strong drinks and hearty portions are features of this downtown favorite. The only reason the Old Fashioned does not get 5 stars from me is that I am a big guy, and I feel like a bull in a china shop here when it is busy. If you are the least bit claustrophobic, this might not be the place for you. That said, the food is good and reasonably priced, and the drinks (especially the brandy old fashioned) are strong and well mixed. I've had various burgers and sandwiches here, my favorite being the beer battered walleye sandwich. The broiled walleye sandwich at the Weary Traveler is better overall, but this is a close second. The fillet is substantial, if a little hard to eat on the sourdough. The cheese curds are, from what I understand, one of the best things on the menu. I am not much of a cheese curd guy, and a friend and I ordered them one night. They are gooey and a bit too greasy for my tastes (even though I think that is why people love them). We had gut rot the rest of the night and ended up cutting our night short because of it.

Ashleigh C.

This place is amazing, Wisconsin at its best! If you want delicious not overly greasy cheese curds please come here ! The beer is place has a great Wisconsin burger and steak sandwich ! Two thumbs up along the way around !

Will H.

I've been here twice now on visits to Madison and each experience was awesome. Never that long of a wait, great location next to the capitol building, and a varied menu of 'wisconsin fare'. Based on my limited exploration of the menu, I can confidently recommend the house burger and the brandy old fashioned. The house burger has bacon, cheese, and an egg on it... so it was almost a guaranteed winner. Add a few adjectives in front of those ingredients (e.g. berkshire or aged) and you've got yourself a slamdunk dish. The Old Fashioned's are surprisingly strong and sweet without being coyingly so, I had two and needed an afternoon nap. (an admission you probably shouldn't make around Wisconsin folk, they will judge your lack of alcohol tolerance as a sort of moral failing.)

Keshar N.

YES! Just all around YES! I lived in Madison for a few years before moving up north and the Old Fashioned was one of my absolutely favorite places. So when Bob and I returned to Madison after years of being away, it was the one place that I absolutely had to return to. This is the place, after all, that gave me my favorite drink - the Old Fashioned. We arrived on a Saturday and the place was PACKED! Not unusual, we were prepared. We put our names down and they have a neat new system where they text you when your table is almost ready. So you are able to leave and grab a drink somewhere else (I would strongly recommend Merchant) while you are waiting. We waited for about 45 minutes and were quickly seated near the window in the main front room. Our server was fast and friendly and brought us our drinks lickety split. I (of course) had the Old Fashioned and it was just as good as I remembered - but different than I drink them now. They use Korbel Brandy and Sprite, I am used to having Bookers and water. They are sweeter than what I am used to - but still really good. We had the cheese curds, which are far and away the best cheese curds in the Midwest... maybe tied with the ones at the MN State Fair. There is less breading and more cheese than other places and they are SO good. Bob got the slow roasted pork shoulder and I got the house burger. They were both SO SO SOOOOO good! The burger was a sloppy, messy, drippy concoction of deliciousness and the sandwich was the perfect balance of spicy, sour and sweet. The food has an "upscale down home" quality to it. It's not super traditional fare, there are some surprises with the food but it's still familiar enough that it's really approachable. Everything about the place felt familiar and awesome! My only (TINY) complaint is that the tables near the host stand are subject to the door opening and closing, so during the winter it can get a little chilly there. If you are in Madison and really want to experience some exceptional Wisconsin food, then you NEED to come here. As Nick Offerman said, "It's the only place where you can get a Bratwurst in the form of a burger, and to me -- there is no finer comestible than a deep-fried cheese curd." And who can argue with Ron Swanson?

Jennie S.

My friends say these are the best fried cheese curds in Madison. It was my first time trying fried curds, but I have to say...they were incredible! We got the delish paprika dipping sauce. (Tip: eat the big curds first while they're hot, otherwise they get weird when they're cold.) It's a good thing that the lighting is so dim in here, and they come out with your entrees quickly, so you don't have to see the little pool of grease that your curds were soaking in....ignorance is bliss. Went on a Monday and they have BOGO burgers a la carte. Random, but awesome! Tons of veggie options. They have other specials every night of the week. Great selection of beers on tap, most are $4 or less. I had a Downtown Brown and some cherry beer that tasted like cherry pop (I cannot remember the name, but it came served in a snifter). I just wanted a big straw to suck it down! We snuck in just before the dinner crowd at 6:30, snagged a table, but after that, the place got packed! I would love to come back to this place. This week is a tribute to mac and cheese and I gotta say, I'm tempted to go back to get some...they really know how to do flavor pairings!

Yanyao N.

Should I chalk this up to a night of mishaps? - Gave name at host stand. Quoted 15-20 minutes. Given buzzer. Went to bar for drinks. 45 minutes later, check back at host stand to see what's going on, and hey, our names have been accidentally crossed off the list. - Due to the mishap, we were offered the next table that became available. One by the door on a cold and drafty night. And yes, I understand this place has double doors, but that doesn't mean people understand how to use them. - Ordered food. It was decent. I wasn't screaming "OH MY GOD THESE CHEESE CURDS". (Try Bad Apple in Chicago). The Lazy Susan with the herring was mostly great, but the deviled eggs were terrible. Beer cheese soup was overly salty too. - Lastly, all I really wanted to try was the chocolate milk...which was forgotten (obviously, to go with the theme of the night). Actually, chalk it up to inattentive service due to the crowds of people that want to eat here. Next time, I will go elsewhere.

Maggie S.

Very good place but had a long wait. Walked around the town square with my boyfriend and then had a nice dinner. We got the cheese curds and cheese soup for appetizers. The curds were a bit soggy and a bit disappointing for WI. The soup was great. I also got the Spotted Cow beer on tap and it was great! Dinner was burgers which were large portioned and really good.

Tim F.

food is delicious, especially the cheese curds. not sure i am a fan of the up charge for the tiger sauce. also asked the bar keep to put ESPN on, but instead he left casino royale (which was muted of course) on

Richard H.

The Old Fashioned is the first place everyone in Madison will tell a Madison-neophyte to go for one simple rule: it's Wisconsin with the volume turned up to 11. The menu is large, but not nearly as large as the portions. I recommend sharing the lazy-Suzanne starters, or maybe just having them as your meal. They also have good cheese-curds and salads (ironically enough). I always leave with left-overs and, with the exception of the usually long wait-time for a table, I have never been disappointed. The tap-list is extensive and I think exclusively Wisconsinite, as well. Their brunch isn't bad either!

Logan M.

I've come here for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. First off, it's almost always a wait to get a table here. They don't usually take reservations, so you kind of have to take your chances. Typically, there aren't even bar seats available to sit at while you wait for a table, which sometimes means you'll need to wait outside. Obviously the crowds are a testament to how good this place is. It's the kind of place where you'd want to take someone who is visiting for the weekend. They have a huge selection of Wisconsin beers (and they offer tasting flights!) and hands down, the best cheese curds in Madison. For lunch, I've had the burger with the fried egg, and for brunch, I had a special with corned beef hash. For the rave reviews this place gets, I would have thought there would be a bit more to the menu, but I guess it's about quality and not quantity. I wouldn't mind if there were a few more choices, though.

Jenny M.

Well worth the 5 hour drive !! Are here last year during the Art on the Square and had to come back. Love the orange old fashion and the pickled lazy Susan is great ! Will come back every year !

Joanna R.

We got there early enough on a Sunday (around 5p), that we didn't have to wait for a table for 6 people. Greeted in a very warm and friendly manner but the waiter and host. The tables outside were already starting to fill in. Table was a round booth/chair set-up, comfortable and roomy. Plenty of room on the table for condiments, ambiance, menus and table settings. Specials both food and drink were presented to us right away. They had a pitcher of Wisconsinite Beer on special, of course, local beer special - BRING IT! It was about 5 min and the pitcher and glasses were on the table. It was good and very easy to drink. I had to limit my beer intake to leave room for the food that was going down at this table. First up FRIED CHEESE CURDS...wow, creamy, steamy and delicious. We got a couple of different dipping sauces. Didn't really need sauce, but towards the end when you struggling to try to finish every last one, the change up of flavor does help. The baskets look small for sharing, but 1 basket is PLENTY for two people, a little goes a long way with these little fried pillows of cheesy heaven. The entrees were quite sizeable, I had the Old Fashioned Bucky Burger, because it had bacon and egg, of course I had to get it. It was well balanced and prepared. I ate EVERY last bit of it! Using the rest of the buttered bun to clean up the broken yoke from the plate :) mmmmm my favorite. You could order different types of sides, french fries, potatoes and if you dare...more cheese curds... During the feeding frenzy, the waiter, was quick and sly, not intrusive, even some points you realized your glass had been refilled...but How? I didn't even seem him. Everything so prompt, we didn't feel like we were waiting for anything at anytime. I wish that I lived in Madison, because I wanted to try breakfast. I will definitely be back.

Clinton B.

Oh The Old Fash... how I love thee, even on those nights that you have to wait a bit for a table, WORTH IT. This restaurant is as the name would suggest a throwback to all that is Wisconsin and our love for food and beer! (And cheese curds, haha.) While they don't brew on site as some pubs, this gem of the Capitol Square has one of the larger selections of microbrews that is sure to hit the spot. Oh and make sure you have them make one of their namesake drinks... The old fashioned. The food is very Wisco and a great blend of variety that you want from a downtown restaurant but with the flair and flavor of what small town Wisconsinites have enjoyed for years. The atmosphere is a bit eclectic and busy but it fits the mood of the restaurant, a place to come hang with your friends and family while taking in Wisconsin. The one downfall is that this place is almost too popular for its own good, especially during tourist season. They DO NOT take reservations, btw. Wait times can get pretty high but one nice perk is that their seating cue pagers allow you to go hang out on the square and not in the doorway. (just don't go too far, as the pagers won't work if you get busy shopping.) I love this restaurant and am glad that we have it here in the Capital City of WI to be a beacon for visitors that don't have time to explore the small cities and little intricacies that make Wisconsin WISCONSIN!

Karen S.

For someone trying to get into shape the old fashioned isn't the place to be.... scrap that Wisconsin and Chicago... or really the United States isn't the place to be! Darn this country and it's delicious food!! As usual going to a new city as an Aussie with a local entering the old fashioned was the same... have you had cheese curds before? Oh you've never had cheese curds?? Well we HAVE to get cheese curds, Wisconsin's the dairy capital and this place is famous for them!! What are they I ask... well essentially they are balls of cheese scooped off the top of the cheese making process and battered and deep fried....well what can I say... when in rome!! (All my brain could do was plead with my body to say that this would help my body stay warm during the winter months!!). Gotta say they are pretty darn good. The cheesy was striggy and the fried tasted pretty good (almost like fried chicken fried... which is a complement coming from a fried chicken aholic) Then I was informed the burgers are famous her as well. As someone who has recently become intolerant to gluten I have to pick my battles and burgers are not usually my favorite choice of food to warrant being sick after (unlike fried chicken... I'll battle through to be able to eat amazing fried goodness). I have found a surprisingly small number of places that have gluten free burgers in Chicago and was happy to see that they had gluten fee buns here so I thought I should take the opportunity to have a burger as I haven't had one in so long. I got the spicy burger and the bun looked exactly like my friends non gluten free bun which was a good sign (usually they are smashed and thinner and soggier). The bun was good and the burger was great... it had jalapenos, pickles, onions and a spicy sauce). Mmm mmm and I couldn't even finish everything and I am usually a clean plate club member! Only reason this place didn't get 5 stars was the service was a little off... firstly we got the window seat so was a bit chilly (but we got a great view of the amazing capitol building!), then they forgot to get us our drinks and finally a mishap with the bill splitting. Not big issues but not 5 star service.

Sarah K.

The Old Fashioned is a Madison classic. Good food, sometimes overrated but definitely tasty food. One thing that isn't overrated, however are the cheese curds. They are exceptional and come with your choice of unique sauces. The place is always packed and sometimes it's a long wait for seating and is definitely always loud. Still, it's a must for visiting Madison.

Samantha R.

This place is too cool! It is a bar and a diner. Their drink staple is obviously The Old Fashion. My friend got it and loved it. I got a cocktail with elder flower vodka in it-it was delicious. The bartenders were attentive and took the time to chat for a short while when they could.

Anita H.

Fantastic day!! Food and service were awesome! AND NO LINES!!!!

Bryan P.

One of my favorite places in Madison. A solid selection of WI beer on tap (usually about 30-40 available), complemented by an array of bottled craft beer. The food is also excellent - can't pass on the cheese curds and Old Fashioned burger!

Kim U.

went here for lunch on a weekday. It's counter-service only, so you order form the bar. I ordered the buffalo chili and the beet salad. Both were delicious! My kids had the mac n cheese and they scarfed it down. And obviously we had to order some cheese curds.

Sunny X.

Great cheese curds and custom service! I also love the setting.

Eric O.

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Charlie B.

So, you thought you'd try Heritage Tavern but you don't want to spend $40 a person? Go right around the corner to a Madison institution to The Old Fashioned and make sure you order their synonymous drink or one of the specialty versions they offer. The cheese curds are among the best in the city (I personally prefer the curds at Essenhaus but that's just me) and are not to be missed. Get a double order right off the bat! You can't go wrong with an order of the Fish & Chips, the Old Fashioned Burger, or the really tasty Grilled Cheese sandwich. The mac & cheese is also a delicious coronary waiting to happen. You don't go to the Old Fashioned to eat light - you go for the comfort food and the incredible beer selection. There's a great bar and lots of seating (a lot of corner booths) so this is a great spot for larger groups. Use the Bartell Theatre next door as an excuse to get out and make the Old Fashioned your before, after, and if it's a crappy show- during, performance drinking and eating spot.

Paul H.

There's a summer sausage sandwich here that, while it's probably terrible for you, is one of the food items that I strongly associate with Madison.

Jessica S.

Great food, I had the old fashioned burger, hands down the best burger I have ever eaten. If you visit Madison this is a must on your places to eat. Over 100 beers dozens of local beers on tap all only $2.25-$4 a pint. Cheese curds are a must have as well. Good local atmosphere, good service. Small dining areas so it gets crowded, but 2 very large bars.

Jwd F.

I have only been to the Old Fashioned for breakfast, but Oh! what a breakfast it was! I ordered the veggie scramble that had the freshest and most flavorful soft cheese mixed in. The toast came with a cherry preserve that, had I not been dining with workmates, I would have asked if there was a vat I could go plunge into! I t was heavenly, and from what I hear it is a local staple. he eggs and toast came with roasted potato slices that were savory and cooked to perfection. If you are ordering this breakfast, make sure you have your comfy pants on because it is a huge plate of food! The atmosphere is very cozy despite the 15' ceilings and the dining room was very clean. Our server was sweet, speedy and responsive. All in all, a great first visit.

Dylan K.

It really pains me to downgrade them to three stars, but this morning's experience was so awful that I think it's mandatory. We went there for breakfast around 9:30 and sat at the bar. P. Jones, whoever that is, was the incompetent bartender taking orders. It took him 15 minutes to take our order. Yeah...15 minutes. Then, we didn't get our actual food until 10:15--after waiting over half an hour! Normally, 30 minutes' wait for food would be tolerable, but it was cold...which means it was sitting out. Sigh. So, either the fault goes to the expediters or our bartender, but it's totally unacceptable service. My favorite bar in Madison delivering a sub-par experience? That's just wrong. 3 stars.

angie h.

It gets one star because the waitress was sweet. We start with cheese curds! We went there because everyone said they're sooo good!! WRONG!!! I am a lover of deep fried cheese curds and have indulged in them at many establishments. Never before have I experienced anything like this!! They came delivered to the table in a pool of grease! It was ridiculous so I asked the waitress she could send them back to have them cooked a little better she said they would give us a fresh batch. So she comes back shortly after with a new batch; however, they were just as greasy! I used my napkin to blot the grease off of 3 and my napkin was full. (ps- I had a total of 10 and was sick the rest of the afternoon) The wurst platter came served lukewarm?! I thought that kind of meat supposed to be served warm or hot!!!! We also ordered two drinks the Mamosa was made with what appeared to be high pulp orange juice!!! It was gloppy and awful!! The Cosmopolitan was the worst Cosmo I've ever had in my life. It tasted nothing like what it was supposed to. At the end the manager was kind enough to comp the curds from the bill. The place wasn't busy, we sat down at 11am, plenty of open tables and an empty bar. I'm not sure how the four things we ordered all came out so awful, but it was truly a bad experience!!

Vanessa S.

Hands down the best cheese curds in Madison. Awesome food and great beer selection too. A Madison must.

Kristine N.

30 minute wait for a table of 8 so we got some drinks at the bar. Plenty of beers on tap, friendly bartenders, and yummy manmosas (a mimosa x's 3!) We got sat at a table that should have only sat 6, but we got cozy and made it work. Everything at the table was good but nothing memorable or outstanding. I had the walleye sandwich with a salad. The walleye was huge and crispy but pretty flavorless. I hate having to put a ton of tarter sauce on it. My bf ordered the grilled cheese and wasn't too thrilled about it. We're in Wisconsin! How do you mess up cheese??? The table had a variety of mini donuts, chili, beer and cheese soup (which I guess is the best thing to order), omelets, and corn beef hash. Again, no complaints but nothing to rave about.

Chelsea S.

Had the egg hamburger...pretty awesome. They're cheese curds are pretty delish!!! The old fashioned I had was excellent...maybe the best in WI...Pricey, but worth it and the location is amazeballs.

Kim K.

In Madison on business & read about this place. I arrived around 5:30 or so on a Thursday night & it was packed! Both bars were full, but I managed to find one seat. The service was very good and the food was ok. I heard about their curds, and I must admit, I have had better. I am sure their food is great, otherwise, they wouldn't have such a turn out on a regular basis. The ambiance is very nice & you can tell the locals meet here and it is a regular hangout. I enjoyed chatting with some local students & learned some neat things about Madison. I would return if I get the chance to visit Madison again. Next time, I will order an Old Fashioned & some steak!

Melissa S.

It has taken a few years and moving away from Madison to make me a believer in the Old Fashioned. But I do really feel that this iconic tavern/supper club deserves all the hype that it gets and that it has redeemed itself after my average review of it a few years ago. First of all, I agree with Steve L. that the cheese curds can be massively greasy... but with that grease comes a ton of flavor. I've had cheese curds that are technically better--crispier, bigger curd, etc. but there's something about the ones at the Old Fashioned that are so addictive. That being said, I think that the Old Fashioned has a lot of items that they do well and cause less controversy. Their signature burger: a thick, local, medium-cooked beef patty on a toasted roll with bacon, cheese, grilled onions, and topped with a soft cooked fried egg can be mind-blowing when done right (I've ordered it a number of times and once or twice the meat was overcooked and made me very sad). Their fish frys are amazing, too, as well as the Wurst platter, featuring Fitchburg's Bavaria kitchen's sausages as well as some tasty pickles, sauerkraut, and buttery toast points. And, of course, their signature drink, the Old Fashioned made the Wisconsin way--with brandy--is a great drink to go with your meal. The Old Fashioned is kid-friendly, though it can be a little dark and loud for the kids. They have a kid's menu with tasty dishes (like the aforementioned macaroni and cheese from my first review), offer broccoli as a side for some dishes, and have regular and chocolate milk from Sassy Cow Creamery. Like so many other places in Madison, the Old Fashioned celebrates local products, but this place takes its Wisconsin pride to another level. In addition to using local meat and cheese in many of their items, as well as having many dishes that are Wisconsin favorites, they have over 100 (I believe around 150) Wisconsin beers on tap and in bottles. And we have never ordered a beer here that we haven't liked. I feel bad giving the Old Fashioned a so-so review a few years ago. But I've really come to appreciate the food and philosophy behind this place. It's usually very hard finding a seat at the Old Fashioned at dinnertime, even with its expansion a few years ago, which is great because this is truly an amazing establishment in Madison.

Burger Guide D.

The Old Fashioned is a popular college bar in Madison, Wisconsin. Well-known for their food (especially their cheese curds) it is a popular place amongst the students. The Wisconsin Burger consists of local grass-fed beef grilled over a live fire, cheddar cheese, olive oil mayonnaise, raw onion, and is served on a buttered and toasted bun. I added bacon to my burger for a little something extra. The Wisconsin cheddar, bacon, and two slices of beef made an amazing combination. Add in the mayonnaise and a little ketchup and I had a creamy, cheesy, salty, and beefy burger on my hands. The burger was quite manageable and everything was well portioned. The stand out ingredients were definitely the cheese and bacon (which I am assuming are some of the Midwest's finest). Old Fashioned has the best burger I've eaten in Madison to date. High quality ingredients, a well-known blend of flavors, and the option to add-on some very tasty bacon. Compared to the best burger I have eaten the bun and beef fell a little short, but at the price point it's sold at I wouldn't expect it to compare. If you're looking for the best burger in Madison The Old Fashioned is a good bet.

Robert G.

Drinking a Brandy old-fashioned at the Old Fashioned? Check that off the bucket list! Living outside of Wisconsin for almost a decade, in a state devoid of Friday fish frys, this restaurant sure brings back the nostalgia of 'Sconnie. Even though it wasn't Friday, I ordered a Friday Fish Fry-ish meal- the fried walleye sandwich, and it was fabulous. I knocked it back with 7oz Rhinelander shorties (only $1) because its all about looking cool. If you don't come for the food or drink come to stare at all the shit on the walls. They had a plethora of Blatz, Schlitz, Hamm's and Pabst collectibles on the walls. There was one, either Schlitz or Blatz that had a Hispanic dude on it saying "Te Gusta..." - I tried to take a picture (it didn't take due to the glare), but its gotta be one of the earliest examples of an ethnic pandering advertisement from a Wisconsin brewery. Bonus: they sell postcards for $1, with postage included. Buy them and send them to your friends, after all the post office could use the money.

C R.

Overrated on the square. Good if you want something deep fried down. Huge portions for brunch.

Christen g.

Be still my midwestern traveling heart! Cheese plate #1 with white cheddar, truffle sheep and Gouda. #idie Build your own Old Fashion -- had this not been a lunch stop, I would stayed the night! Great service, cool spot.

Kara S.

I love the Old Fashioned. They've got the best deep fried cheese curds in town. The only problem is the wait. At peak times, the wait can be more than an hour. I try to go on Sundays after the lunch rush (around 2:30PM). Their beer-cheese soup is also spectacular, if a little salty.

Molly O.

I always mean to write a review here, and always forget. Love this joint. Two words CHEESE CURDS mmm mmm mmm also great selection of beers with awesome prices. When my family comes from out of state this is a first stop. I think cheese curds are just a wisco staple. Great place to eat and clean and wait staff super friendly.

Janelle M.

I only stopped by for bloody marys and mini donuts, but oh boy. It was the best damn bloody mary that has ever graced my lips. You can choose the vodka, and no I don't mean Smirnoff or SKYY. The Old Fashioned hosts about eight different varieties of vodkas infused with different peppers and flavors. A few that I remember are Serrano Pepper, Poblano Pepper, Dill, and Garlic. My bloody was garnished with a pickled egg, cheese curds, a giant piece of beef jerky, and a pickle. We enjoyed them with mini donuts, and It was an outstanding mini brunch. I'd like to return to try more of the brunch items or even dinner. It was a very convenient location after shopping at the Farmer's Market all morning.

Kelly W.

As a first time visitor to the lovely city of Madison, WI my tour guides took us to all the classics. Which of course included The Old Fashioned. We were not able to eat and get a table here due to the enormous wait, but we did get to sit at the bar and have a few bloody marys (That included jerky, pickle spears, cheese curds, pickled eggs....) so it was basically a full and salty meal. Their cocktail menu for the non-bloody lovers did not seem as thought out or as good brunch options. They also infuse their own vodka with a variety of hot peppers. After a round of shots with the bartender -- can't remember his name but he was fantastic -- we were ready to go seize the day!

Doris D.

Cheese curds and Spotted Cow. Welcome to Wisconsin! I love comfort food, and this place hits the spot! Excellent beer specials!

Nick A.

What can I say? The cheese curds rock and the prices are ultra reasonable. It's a simple as that.

Chad F.

The Old Fashioned is one of those places I always forget about and then think "man, I need to come here more often" every time I go back. I can't recall having been disappointed in anything I have eaten here. The brunch specials are top notch. Now, that being said, there are two things people need to do when they come here. 1. Eat the cheese curds. 2. Get an old fashioned (Brandy, Sweet..always) Everyone else has already said, so just do it. I don't think you will regret it, and more than likely you will thank all of us for the awful stomach ache you have from eating way too many curds and drinking that 3rd old fashioned you probably didn't need.

Rebecca F.

I was lucky enough to experience the Old Fashioned while in town for the IRONMAN Wisconsin. A woman standing near me heard me say "I just have to try fried cheese curds while I'm here" and she immediately turned around and replied "the best are at Old Fashioned." So off we went to eat fried food while people outside were working out for the entire day..... The beer selection is pretty good. I wish I could have tried more Wisconsin brews! BF got an old fashioned and said they lived up to the name. On to the cheese curds....SO GOOD!! I agree with previous reviews in that they are a bit greasy, but the size and flavor is perfect. I also had the mac n' cheese which was amazing--really creamy, cheesy, and perfectly cooked pasta. The brats had good flavor, but didn't come out as hot as we would have liked. The #20 salad was perfectly dressed and delicious. I highly recommend you finish your meal at Old Fashioned off with root beer float, it's one of the best I've had!

Lori R.

Saw this restaurant on the Cooking Channel where they were doing a half hour show on the best Mac and Cheese. The Old Fashioned was the first stop. I happened to be in Madison, WI for work and had to try it. I sat at the bar and Billy helped me out. He made a great suggestion for the Mac and Chesse and it was fabulous. I highly recommend the Mac and Chesse here.

Brittany S.

Before you start throwing an assortment of stones and tomatoes at me, the cheese curds deserve 5 stars- hands down. They are amazing - there's no denying. Grease never tasted so good and well, anything with a good cheese involved typically wins my heart over. It was a Friday night and this place was hopping. Eating can often serve as the entertainment of the evening for my friends and I, so The Old Fashioned was stop number two of three for our evening of grazing. "Nothing in moderation" is our group motto. Our game plan was drinks and rounds upon rounds of their infamous curds and dips like garlic and ranch. We weren't planning on hanging around too, too long because we'd heard the food beyond the curds was meh, meh. As soon as we took our order of curds and booze, the waitress seemed ticked - like, that's it? I've been to Europe, I get the cupierto, fret not, you're going to get a fair and hefty tip - especially if you don't seem pissed at our simple order. In the end, the oozing and flavorful curds outweighed our a-okay service. This is probably more of a 3.5.

Carl F.

We kept it simple... a cheese plate & the Wurst Plate. All of it was outstanding, great cheeses & the various meats went well with the cheese. The service here is surprising good considering how jammed packed it was during a Sunday Brunch. Our drink glasses never came close to being empty and when we did need something, the wait staff was on top of it. If you happen to get a window seat, it's actually a nice view of the Capitol Square!

Shruti W.

Definitely a Madison institution, but so overrated! The wait is always ridiculous, and you can't make reservations. They have a ton of space, so I don't get why the wait is so long (minimum wait is 1hr regardless of when you go or how small your group is). It must be a scheme to make you so hungry that you over-order and give them more money or spend your wait at the bar drinking more than you would have, also giving them more money. Yes, they have a great beer selection, and the food is very Wisconsin. Honestly, though, the food doesn't blow me away, and I can go elsewhere for good beer without waiting forever. The space is nice, but very loud and always crowded.

Corey D.

Taco Tuesday isn't a Mexican adventure of delicious sorts but its 1.50/taco so there's that.

Jaime G.

Ok. Super good Wisconsin fair here. 150 local brews and great local food. Try the Gorgonzola salad with grilled salmon, the grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, or why grass feed beer burger. Best here. Add some Wisconsin fried cheese curds and we're in business!p

Heather S.

Everyone seems to love this place but it's pretty average in my opinion. Brunch was even less than average. I'm not a huge drinker so maybe that is what I'm missing. There is always wait. The service is good. The food is just ok though.

Elizabeth R.

Ok - so I have lived in Madison a year and the Old Fashioned has been on my list of places to try. Then it happens twice in one weekend! Thank goodness they live up to their name. Any kind of old fashioned drink done anyway with any kind of booze. They also have Brandy slush. This drink is amazing. My only complaint? The large is only the size of a pint and $7.50. Really? There are other nearly all booze drinks for 2-3 dollars less. They are famous for their mac and cheese, sadly I did not order it. I was at a Bachelorette party and felt grease was better to start my night. I ordered their Wisconsin Burger. Yes. It was awesome. What do they put in it? It was cooked well but still juicy and flavorful. The burger is large. I like the option that you can have fries or a green salad without any additional charge. One of my dinnermates ordered the mac and cheese. I was constantly starting at it. I had no self control. I was being an eye voyeur on everyone else's plate. Ok - I intend to go back. I am trying to find an excuse...give me a reason Yelp! The prices and the wait are the only thing holding you back from 5 stars. Add reservations please! I was in a party of 11 and we still had to wait.

Allyson U.

I really wanted to like this place more than I did. I love that is it like a classic WI supper club- complete with pickled eggs and pork hocks. We sat at the bar, and although the service was friendly, I felt it was really slow- it took a very long time for them to initially acknowledge us or for us to receive our food or be checked on, but at least they nice! They do beer flights for $1/beer sample in increments of 4, 8, or 12- what a good deal! And you can choose any of their over 40 beers on tap. Of course we ordered the cheese curds, which were greasy and delicious. Otherwise I was kind of disappointed in the food. I ordered the Wurst platter, two of my sausages were under cooked, and they all were just overall bland. My boyfriend ordered the chili cheese dog- the hot dog was very good, but the chili was the worst chili I have ever had- literally no seasoning at all (and I have very low chili standards) There was also barely any cheese on it at all. I think that maybe they were just having an off day, or we just ordered the wrong items of the menu, but based off their food alone I would not come back. A great place to try some WI beers and cheese curds, but maybe go elsewhere to eat.

Lindsey L.

We sat by the window and had a nighttime view of the Capitol! Pub food is easy to come by in Madison, so we didn't feel like we were getting anything special here. We had no complaints though.

Bob D.

My first restuarant I visted while in Madison. I ordered some cheese curds which were amazing and The Old Fashioned House Burger-grilled over a live fire and topped with fried onions, Bavaria's hickory-smoked bacon, aged Cheddar, garlic sauce and a soft-cooked egg on a buttered and toasted roll and fries.. The burger and Cheese Curds were phenomenal. Wasn't really impressed with the fries.. They could have been seasoned better.. Defintelly get a beer (Spotted Cow) and cheese curds if visting!

Rebecca S.

Love this place! The warm mini donuts, mimosas and bloody mary's are delicious for breakfast/brunch.

Christine N.

The hipster's guide to Wisconsin supper clubs. But seriously, this place is awesome. Meat and cheese platters, hamburgers with eggs, apple pie with sharp cheddar cheese, the most delicious salmon salad and wood-grilled chicken sandwich, and an award winning old fashioned (or so I've been told). Expect to wait for brunch and dinner (especially on Friday night or the weekends). There have been many a time we've walked away because we need to eat now, not wait 30 minutes to be seated. The staff have always been professional and friendly. The restaurant is well kept and keeping busy having expanded their size over the last couple of years. When co-workers, friends or family travel to Madison, The Old Fashioned is one place I always recommend.

Jes L.

Bratwurst sandwich & Cheese curds were amazing. I ordered the (8) local beer sampler.

Corey K.

I went there once for Trivia. I found their drinks to be watered down and quite expensive. My wife and I ordered some apps as well, and I was not impressed at all. I don't see what all the hype is about.

Nathalie L.

The Wisconsin burger and cheese curds were so delicious! My burger had this yummy mayo and olive oil sauce that combined with the cheese and onions really made it an outstanding burger. The cheese curds were hot, crispy and full of goodness! The beer selection was solid too, as was the service. I tried the Magic Strawberry cider. Overall, a great place to grab a beer and a bite!

Austin S.

This is my kind of place and with some of the best drink prices for a nicer place I have seen. Get aged cheese curds...they're worth the price. Enjoy more than one old fashioned brandy (sweet) as you cannot drink enough of these while in Madison. Brandy old fashioned has completely raised the bar on how good a cocktail can taste.

Kurls T.

Good service, basic WI/American food. You can get a great old fashioned here. Almost always a longer than desired wait to be seated. This restaurant is located on the square. It's a convenient pit stop after the famers's market on the square (Saturdays)

Mimi L.

The best cheese curds! The service is great and family friendly. The old fashioned burger was delicious. The beer cheddar soup was great as well.

Melody G.

Best burger, cheese curds and pint! Try the #30 burger (Old Fashioned Burger with crispy thick bacon, grilled onions, cheese, and a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg that gives up the ghost as you press the top bun down onto the burger-yum!). The onion strings are also delicious. Their French fries are crisp yet soft inside, much like a McDonalds fry. Situated across the street from the Capitol, busy and bustling, yet welcoming and friendly. Give it a try! For non-burger wishes, try their grilled chicken sandwich or pulled pork. I also noticed vegetarian options on the menu that looked appealing. New favorite!

Jedd J.

Richard L.

Shawn S.

Kate E.

Sam H.

Kim V.

Elizabeth H.

Dylan E.

I was told that this was this was the place to go in Madison, and that the fried cheese curds and Old Fashioned burger were the two menu options that were must-order items. I would confidently repeat that advice to anybody asking. My trio made it in here around 7 on a foul-weathered June Saturday night, and we weren't the only people who had the idea to do so. It is a pretty large place, but we had about a 45 minute wait for a table. Conveniently, the hostess can take your phone number so their system will send you a text message when your table is ready, leaving you free to wander around the other nearby establishments, hang out around the capitol building, or find a few beers at the bar. There isn't a convenient place to hang out inside if the bar area is packed, which it likely will be, so maybe hanging out somewhere different until our table was ready would have been a better option than getting a beer from the bar and constantly moving around to get out of the way for other people who were going in and out. The place definitely has a loud and busy atmosphere, but it feels more fun than overwhelming and everybody in the place is smiling and having a good time. There aren't as many TVs inside as I would have expected, but that probably keeps it a little more of a restaurant feel than a sports bar type place. There are at least a couple TVs over the bar, and there might be more around that I didn't see, but if you wanted to watch a game here you'd need to request a table within viewing range. They did have some cool sports memorabilia on the walls, including a lot of Wisconsin focused items. Almost right at 45 minutes after out estimated wait time was given, my phone buzzed and we were seated. Our waiter was fantastic, although he was a little hard to hear in the more-noisy-than-average setting. We got a round of beers ordered, which was made easy by their $3 pint special of a local Wisconsin brew of which the name escapes me. Aside from that special, they had a very long list of fantastic Wisconsin offerings both on tap and in the bottle, and of course they offered their namesake along with a few unique iterations of the drink. The menu is actually a little tough to read, since you are basically reading a description of each item in order to figure out what it is, but it is mostly filled with offerings of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches/burgers. They offer some charcuterie boards as appetizers that sounded delicious, but we went straight for the fried cheese curds. The smoked paprika sauce that we ordered with the curds put them over the top and made the year that I surely knocked off my lifespan for eating them well worth it. Just as the 3 of us were starting to slow down on the cheese curds, our entrees came out and I swear the lights dimmed and my Old Fashioned Burger had rays of light emanating from it. Maybe that was just my tunnel vision focusing on the glorious burger piled high with toppings that was now in front of me. It's hard to mess up anything made with flame-grilled beef, fried onions, smoked bacon, aged cheddar, garlic sauce, and a fried egg, but they definitely made sure the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. The meat was cooked perfectly as ordered, and everything tasted like it was top quality, especially the 2 different meats between the buns. I don't think anything beats a runny yolk on top of a burger, and they nailed it. I got fries as my side instead of upgrading to one of the other offerings, and they were good but just standard fries. I would definitely recommend this burger to anyone that wasn't vegetarian, and I'd even go so far as to suggest those who are to make an exception just this one time. We were offered a dessert menu at the end of the meal, but not one of us had any extra room for any more food. You certainly don't have to worry about leaving here hungry. When I make it back here again, I might stray from their popular burgers and instead get the mac and cheese, since I was eyeing it all night as they were constantly bringing it out to other tables It looked delicious and packed with cheese, but that will have to wait for another day. Hands down one of my favorite places I've ever been in the upscale burger and beer category of restaurant, and that is in a list that includes a lot of other places.

Laura C.

Stellar local beer list, with flights a plenty! There are two pages of beers with a bizarre rule that flights can only be ordered from one page or the other. Not to worry, just order a flight from each. Served on WI shaped wood trays, they add a nice amount of kitsch. Being in the cheesehead state, we had to go big or go home on the dairy, so we started with the Glacial plate, a tasty trio paired with a cherry jam, walnuts and crackers. The pickled egg was super spicy and super rubbery. Do not attempt. Next up was the prime rib sandwich, which we mistakenly thought was going to be an actual piece of prime rib versus the mish mash of leftover, loose meat pieces of last night's roast. Housemade cheese curds exploded into a slightly soggy mess, but fried cheese is fried cheese, and pretty good regardless. Then, the Norwegian salmon salad, which smelled too fishy for my taste. Served with an overcooked, rubbery, deviled egg and a tarragon vinaigrette, it left more to be desired. Going back to another flight for dessert, we rolled out of Madison with full bellies. The Old Fashioned is a place for cheese and beer, but dinner can be had elsewhere.

Maxim L.

Came here while vising Madison for Great Taste. We came for lunch, so it was hybrid waiter/counter service which was thoroughly explained to us. I don't generally care to tip before I eat my meal, but I'll try not to hold that against them. They had an excellent beer menu. Ordered a local brew and they obviously have clean tap lines (a concern of mine with places with large draft lifts). The food was tasty bar food- I had a steak sandwich with cheese curds and a side salad. Definitely go for the tiger sauce for the curds (horseradish based). Overall: Great service, great bar, and good food.

Blake B.

the burgers are absolutely wonderful... filled with flavor, cooked just right... the fried cheese curd is another incredible thing worth ordering - the atmosphere was great, service was impeccable... absolutely recommend to both visitors and locals --

Tony L.

My friend that lives in Wisconsin took me to this place telling me that it's very famous in madison. I ordered the bucky burger, which was juicy and had a lot of flavor. We also had a side of cheese curds and mac and cheese, oh man if there's only one thing you get from here make sure you get those cheese curds! Tip: there was a little wait, so be prepared! they have a system in place where they will text you when your table is ready so you can walk around downtown.

Rebekah L.

Maybe we just got the wrong things... But the chili I would NOT recommend. And the veggie sandwich was only ok. Great beer though with an amazing selection. Would definitely come back for the beer.

Christina P.

Must start off with saying that I love their cheese curds. However, I'm here to write about their weekday breakfast. I've gone for breakfast twice and both times I have gotten the "Huevos Rancheros." The dish consists of two over easy eggs atop beef chili and a tortilla. This also comes with delicious roasted potatoes. The eggs are topped off with two sauces. One is a red sauce and the other a green tomatillo sauce. Very flavorful and filling. By the way, the eggs I eat here always have a gigantic healthy looking yolk! Must be because they are organic! I definitely plan on returning yet again for this breakfast dish. Service is always great too. I never have to ask for a coffee refill because before I know it, the server is already at my table asking me if I would like more!

Todd G.

The Old Fashioned, totally rocks for its bar, restaurant, and awesome location at the epicenter of Madison. It goes without saying that their Old Fashions are awesome, every food item I've ever tried in my 3 visits to the place has been delicious (especially the cheese curds). A kick butt selection of Beers from Sconee to boot!!! Great place to come to meet friends or with the family. I'll be back the next time I'm in MadTown for a game or a visit.

Michelle N.

Great Old Fashioned (obviously) I like mine as a brandy sweet. I really like the cheese curds, best I've had in the area. They do a great job at the Taste of Madison, good burgers and mac n cheese. My husband loves their burgers, local ingredients make the difference.

Brendan K.

Very good food, lot of beer selection. Got the old fashioned house burger. Only downside to this place is it can be crowded and loud.

Kasey O.

Was up in Madison apartment searching and went to the old fashioned with my family. Great food and beer selections. The cheese trays are also a must try. The only real bummer about this place is that you can't call ahead for a reservation. However, if you're 21 you can go to the bar and try some of the wide variety of beers they have on tap.

Eric E.

Excellent chili and cheesecurds, not that great of service. Burger was well done when I ordered medium.

Veronica A.

My experience here was really good, but unfortunately my friend's was not in the same visit. Cheese curds and onion rings were awesome for first-timers. Loved the cheese, but definitely too heavy for 1-2 people. I ordered the Wisconsin burger and although the meat wasn't seasoned as much as I prefer, I could definitely taste the difference in quality in the local grass-fed beef. Pretty good, not dynamite. My friend ordered the Prime rib Sandwich and so unfortunate that the meat was overcooked. It really was way beyond where good prime rib should be cooked. She ended up not eating it hardly at all. Big bummer. It seems sacrilegious to visit the land of breweries and not have beer. I would have loved to partake in some local brew but a business trip did not permit. I would love to go back again some time and will return to The Old Fashioned.

Vanessa P.

One of my (and many other people's) favorite places in Madison! I'm a huge fan of a good old fashioned and true to their name & claim - they make a great one. Great beer selection as well and I have seen them run night specials on specific craft beers a few times already, which is a nice way to try something new. I've only dined here 2 or 3 times and every time I get a burger but I've never been disappointed and I think the beef is local which is always nice. Of course, the cheese curds are highly recommended but we all already know that ;P. Oh, I have yet to not have seen them be super busy, even on a weeknight evening & they do not take reservations. Something to keep in mind if you would like to sit down and eat dinner here!

Courtney C.

The food is very wonderful! By far the best cheese curds in Madison! They even serve food well into the evening (i work in a restaurant and it's often hard to find a place to eat after ten)The only warning would be that if you go there on a Friday or Saturday night after ten o'clock, the server can be very very slow. But during normal hours, the service is very attentive! Love this place!

Angela N.

Okay....if you're into Old Fashioned drinks then this is the place to go! They have various Old Fashioned drinks and you can even create you're own! You can have it sweet or sour. Also, the food is pretty tasty. Since it's summer we went with the Summer Sausage sandwich with shoestring onions. It was yummy! The service was also excellent! We will definitely come back again!!

Zack H.

A good place for burgers and fries. Try the old fashioned burger if you're ready for a mess. The cheese curds with paprika dipping sauce are addicting. The Tom's Porter on Draft was a great choice, and the beer selection is pretty extensive, if you're looking for a local brew.

NunYa B.

This place was packed with no sitting at the bar and a typical vague wait time for a table. Managed to find a bar stool after 20 min and ordered food. Based on yelp reviews, I ordered the infamous cheese curds. You get to chose between several dipping sauces for the curds. I dont see what is so enticing about this "specialty." Yeah they were fresh and straight out of the fryer as noted by the glistening basket. But the taste was....tofu-ish? = no flavor. Pretty much it was a waste of calories. Their salad was a complete contrast to the appetizer. Super fresh greens with beautiful pared add ons. The grilled fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The bar tender customer service was superb. That poor guy amazingly and effectively managed that entire packed bar. Kudos! I would probably come back to try more dishes/salads. Just avoid the empty calories (i.e. cheese curds).

felicia b.

Stopped in for a Spotted Cow and some cheese curds. I am now in a greasy-fingered Wisconsin coma. Go Badgers!!!

William A.

I'm a filthy worthless tourist, but I thought this place was incredible. The bartender was amazing. I'm basically a drooling idiot when it comes to beer, so I asked him to give me a flight of whatever he would recommend. I asked him not to give me any IPAs, and he looked me in my face and said "No." Then he poured my flight and took the time out to explain every beer including where it was from, the local history, and what I was supposed to be tasting. It was unsolicited and TOTALLY AWESOME. This selection included an IPA that made me totally rethink my stance on IPAs. The food was also great. I'm a gourmet burger hound and this one is in my all-time top 10. I could not get enough of the fried cheese curds, and they were still great several hours later when I was sleeping in my car in the woods.

Mike A.

Do you want to be surrounded by tourists whose hotel told them that this is the place for a "real Wisconsin experience"? Are you in the mood for a sandwich since there are startlingly few non-sandwich items on the menu? Then the Old Fashioned is just the place for you. This is very much a beer and sandwich place. There are a grand total of THREE non-sandwich entrees on the entire menu: steak, mac n cheese, and trout. That's it. Four if you include the rotating nightly special. Everything else is sandwiches and some salads thrown in for good measure. You can get good beer and cheese curds anywhere in this town. Sure, the sandwiches here are pretty good. But there's more to comfort food than Schlitz beer signs on the wall, and a bunch of freaking sandwiches.

Mark S.

Cheese curds were very good, extremely friendly bartender. Also got the pork shoulder and it was delicious.

Mystery L.

There is a reason there is a line around the block when you get there~ Best Fish fry anywhere!

J V.

Oh. My. Gosh. Soooo delicious! I'm visiting Madison and went here on my hotel's rec, and I truly couldn't be more pleased! Amazing on all fronts. The wait was a bit long, but I was able to find a place at the bar and was served promptly. Terrific beer selection! It's October so I opted for a pumpkin ale, but they had tons of craft and local beers on tap so I might go back and get a flight to sample more. I ordered the house burger and cheese curds (OBVIOUSLY, when in Wisconsin...) and I cannot even explain how de-freaking-licious it all was! I'm originally from Iowa so I know some good burgers and cheese when I see them, but this was totally out of the park. The cheese curds were heavenly and the local beef burger (complete with bacon, aged cheddar, and egg) sooo hit the spot. Major added perk: this is the Midwest. And the Midwest is a magical place where people are just nice. Really, truly nice. The staff was so friendly, but in that amazing way where they don't even know they're being so friendly because it's so genuine. AND it's the Midwest which means a top notch meal is actually affordable! I left totally stuffed and felt that the price was more than reasonable. Seriously cannot say enough good things about this place. Loved the supper club roots, stellar menu, overall awesome vibe. Highly recommended!!

Alyssa H.

We were told to try an old fashioned here. Go figure! We arrived on Friday for a late lunch and we're glad we did. They got busy quick! Packed with a wait by 5pm. Had a whiskey sweet Old fashioned and decided to try their house burger and cheese curds. Delicious!

Becky H.

Stopped here for dinner on my hubby's business trip. We waited for 45 min for our seat, but it was well worth it! Mondays they have bogo free burger night, so that's what we did. Also tried both soups, he beer cheese and the creamy tomato. The beer cheese was a bit rich for our liking, but the tomato was to DIE for!! I could have had a few extra bowls! Overall a great place. The only down side was the volume level! Very noisy and not a quiet booth to sneak off too.

Katie K.

I love the Old Fashioned. It has a great atmosphere, and they serve up comfort food at its finest. My favorite sandwich is the pulled pork. It's a huge pile of pork on big soft bread topped with relish and muenster cheese. I have never been disappointed by this delicious thing. I recently had the Friday cod fish fry for the first time and I thought it was great! Well seasoned, crispy, and served with a heap of fries, rye bread, and coleslaw. And of course, you can't go wrong with the Apple Jack Old Fashioned!

Nicole O.

Love their cheese curds. The tiger sauce is BOMB. they also have great burgers. I take any Madison visitors here! Obviously you have to order an old fashioned

Dale C.

I had to try deep fried cheese curds...it was my first visit to Madison, after all. I asked for the best in town and went where I was told. Parking was not easy ...but that's a Madison thing...and the cheese curds were even more awesome than I'd expected. Like mac 'n cheese without the mac. Yummy enough to join the Badger brats n' curds bandwagon.

Kellie J.

AMAZING food! Got super crowded as soon as we ordered and once we got our food we could totally understand why! The fried cheese curds blew my mind with deliciousness!!! Highly recommend this place. Will for sure be back on our next trip to Madison! It was perfect and the service was great.

Anna T.

Had an early dinner here on a Friday night, promptly seated on the second floor, where the ceiling is strung with brightly colored pennants. Our server was polite and prompt but seemed a little down. Not a complaint, I just felt kinda bad for her. Anyway, knowing I was about to eat my way through our Madison weekend, I ordered something on the lighter side - No. 35, the grilled eggplant and portabella sandwich. But I got it with cheese curds. Because it's Wisconsin, and I had to. Anyway, the sandwich was filling and good, although the eggplant was on the chewy side. My husband was very pleased with his No. 27 prime rib sandwich - note that you can't get it without onions though. I think he got it with a cup of the clam chowder soup of the day instead of the usual fries. A bit of an odd combination but that was tasty too. A good place to stop if you're near the Capitol and want well done, local fare but without the fuss of some of the fancier spots around the square.

Ross K.

I just moved here from out of state (grew up near nyc), and after living here for a few months I've decided this is one of my favorite restaurants in Madison. There's a few reasons why: 1. I'll start off with the fact that this place has far-and-away the best cheese curds I've tasted yet. Granted I'm not a Wisconsin native, but I can appreciate good food when I see it. The Old Fashioned's curds are the tastiest, gooiest, squeakiest, and have the best texture of anywhere else I've been. They're a must-have, hands down. 2. The atmosphere is perfect. It's the kind of place where you can feel comfortable in anything from a shirt and tie to a t-shirt and shorts. It has this rustic, busy feeling that feels both modern and, well, old fashioned. The energy in the place is always happy, probably attributable to point #1. 3. The beer. I hear their cocktails are great too, but I haven't actually had them. I have, on the other hand, had several 12-snit beer flights there and I can safely say I've tasted everything they have on tap. The biggest thing is that their selection is almost entirely Wisconsin-local beers. I love that, even though (and maybe especially because) I'm from out of state. Their presentation (on giant slabs of wood) for the beer flights is pretty awesome, too. 4. The food I've had there is the only thing I might hesitate on for the 5-star rating (I'd have preferred to give a 4.5). I love their Wurst Platter (which can easily feed 3 people for about $15), and some of their burgers are very good, but I've found the food to be extremely rich and hard to take more than a few bites of. If you're into that, right on. I have a little trouble getting through meals, though. Lots of food for relatively inexpensive cost. 5. Everything else, like the service and the outdoor seating and the text system for getting a table. All outstanding.

Luke P.

The Old Fashioned is a Madison staple. It's usually my go to spot to bring visiting guests to. I have been there more times than I can remember and always find it enjoyable. The old fashioned burger is one of the best in Madison, the spicy burger is just as good and highly underrated. The pulled pork sandwhich is also very good. Another one of my favorite things about the OF is their sauces. The tiger sauce has a horseradishy kick to it. You can't get more Wisconsin than this place.

Micky S.

I usually get salads as I'm not a huge fan of sandwiches in general, and I've loved all the ones I've tried. The service is good. The only downside is that there is almost always a long wait, and the bar area is not big enough to accommodate everyone who is waiting. They do have breakfast, but I don't think it's all that good, and they stop serving breakfast way too early.

Brandon S.

I was in town in business and I told a guy who works for me that I wanted to go to a local joint and he brought me here. I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The location is great right by the Capitol and the restaurants has a great feel to it. We had an appetizer of cheese platter and a sausage platter and they were excellent. I had the burger with egg on it and the meat was full of flavor and cooked perfectly. Of course the drinks were great especially the apple old fashioned. If you are in town looking for something that is not a chain give this place a shot

Blair A.

First time in Madison. Stopped here for dinner based on the reviews. Wasn't disappointed. Cheese curds were great and one of the best burgers I've had. The brat was amazing also. Really liked the onion strings. Shocked how reasonably priced everything was. NOT a fan of the cheese spread platter

Spencer P.

One of my favorite restaurants in the Midwest. Always make it a point to visit whenever I'm in Madison. And, like most excellent restaurants, there is often and almost always a wait. It's just great comfort food and hands down the best deep fried cheese curds I've had. Here, too, I've brought many a coworker and customer and everyone has been a fan. All the food has been decent from the salads to the burgers, brats, BBQ pork and turkey sandwiches to the tuna salad and fish. Nothing that blew me away, but all good and all consistent. My favorite part of the place is the bar. Just a really cool, old school/antique bar that runs 30 feet or so towards the back of the place. An amazing beer selection as well as an outstanding selection of very original "WI foods" like beef jerky and pickled eggs. Great location as well with a view of the Capitol building across the street along with being in the middle of a bustling area of other restaurants and bars.

Sara F.

This is a Madison/Wisconsin must try. If your visiting, it's a great place to try Wisconsin food. From beer cheese soup to cheese curds to Mac & cheese. Pair your food with an Old Fashioned cocktail. If your not up for some fried food or cheese, their salads are delish as well.

Pamela K.

Homey brew pub right across from the Capitol! Right in the square, what a nice place to get feel the WI L.O.V.E. They've got a good variety of local and belgiums on tap and lots of bottles of the same. I mean, it's WI after all. And, it's a college town. Oh, and they've got some creative Old Fashioned's! Dark woods, a long bar, and friendly smiles great ya once you walk in. The menu's simple - sandwiches, burgers, and salads. It's all pretty fresh and healthier sides and options are offered. But, healthy, shmealthy, you have to try the fried cheese curds and paprika potato chips! Metered 2 hour parking is a bit limited but be sure to find it vs. the 25 min. parking! You will quickly get towed if you're not careful. Prices aren't bad for the drinks but would say that it's a bit high for the food. The portions are big though so they make up for it that way. After your done, walk across the street to the Capitol building for a self-tour!

Joshua C.

Really cool view of the capitol building but the only thing that wowed were the cheese curds.

Justin M.

I've never had a bad meal here and we've been here lots of times. This is THE place to bring visitors for a true Wisconsin experience. Best cheese curds in town. They also have a burger that has an egg on top that my wife loves. I usually try something new duo I've been all over the menu and hasn't been disappointed. Great drinks. They don't take reservations so larger groups can take a while to seat on the weekends, but couples won't have a problem getting in whenever. They do have a room upstairs that can be rented out for larger parties, wedding dinners, business dinners, etc.

Jeremy Y.

From the atmosphere to the waiter, and of course the food, this place was perfect! We had the Lazy Susan - literally they bring out a Lazy Susan with about 10 different homemade items on it: ours had pickled beets and peas, potato salad, deviled eggs, coleslaw, and a few wonderful cheese spreads and bread. For the main course we had the Friday Fish Fry: Lake Perch, Walleye, and Cod. The food comes fast and it is amazing! We washed it down with a pitcher of Spotted Cow; one of 60 some beers on tap. Our server Zach was attentive and did a fantastic job. The whole meal was $65 without tip - really not bad. The portion sizes are very large. Many friends who have been here recommend the cheese curds as well. We will have to try these next time!

Kyle M.

The fish fry and clam chowder are to die for. Think of it is a old classic supper club in Upstate Wisconsin mixed in with pure urban flair.

Marissa M.

Good food, great beer, reasonable prices, chill atmosphere. Great place to take parents!

Jacob P.

Good over all taste burger was more done than I asked for. The price was appropriate for the flavor profile. The meat was very tasty but didn't add anything to the flavor of the burger. The waiter was fast yet friendly.

Ethan H.

A friend told me that this place had the best fried cheese curds in wisconsin, and he was pretty darn close. This things were by far the best I have had to date. I also had the summer sausage sandwich which I also thought was fantastic. This is a great casual dinning restaurant right in view of the capitol building. Fantastic place!

Janet M.

Maybe it's because I live here but I can't see what the big deal is about The Old Fashioned. The food IS good but is it really two-hour-wait good? Cheese curds: tasty but soaked in oil. I can't eat more than a few before I get a stomachache. The specials are meh, the beer list is awesome and the service is touch-and-go. Verdict: Come here if you've got a few hours to kill.

Chet S.

Food is pretty darn good....

Brenda D.

We visited in a Saturday night. A table for three an were told it would be a 20 minute wait. Not bad, but we didn't even wait that long. Our server was very attentive and nice. Out a appetizer arrives very quickly. We ordered the beer battered cheese curds. They were good, but a bit greasy & could have cooked a bit longer. Our entree's were cherry salad, brat sandwich & turkey sandwich. All were wonderful! This was our first time here & definitely would return!! Great food, quick service!

Krista K.

Classic Wisconsin food - cheese & sausage plate, cheese curds, local brews,etc. Love to take my out-of-town guests here.

Kelly G.

I like The Old Fashioned for its atmosphere-Its busy, the servers are friendly and you can catch some good local conversation as well as meet people who are traveling through Madison. My first visit was to just check it out and have a beer on the 4th of July. My second visit consisted of a beer and the Wisconsin Burger. Although the burgers are not huge, they are still pretty tasty. Buns are soft, buttered and fresh. Meat is thick and juicy-done just right to my medium well request. The fries are thin, which are not my favorite, but they were nice and hot. The place has about 150 beers on tap AND serves the traditional Midwest cocktail: The Old Fashioned. They mash theirs by hand here so if you want to get a little entertainment while the bartender serves up your drink, this is the place to be. The prices here are awesome too! $7.95 for my burger and $3 for the bottle of Miller Lite. I heard the cheese curds were off the hook. This is for sure my go-to spot when I am down around the Capital Square!!

Jennifer L.

This is a restaurant you recommend to Madison tourists who want to eat "Wisconsin" food. This is also a good spot to eat, drink, and repeat. I can't count the number of times I've stopped at the Ol' Fash for a drink and dinner only to stay for an hour longer for just "one more drink" and a plate of cheese curds (with tiger sauce!) to share with friends. Servers are fast and to the point, and there's a whole lot of comfort food. Whether it's their low-key isthmus famous cheese curds, Friday fish fry, or a burger, I'm a BIG stickler for their Walleye sandwich. It is probably my FAVORITE thing to eat when I am hungry and my bank account tells me I can't afford to get dinner over $10. I probably get it 95% of the time when I'm here because it's so gosh darn good. Beer battered walleye with shredded cabbage, shaved radish, and house-made lemon-caper tartar sauce on toasted country bread. The crispy deep fried fish, tart and creamy tartar sauce, and thick toasted bread combination is delicious. It's the best. I pretty much rave about it anytime The Old Fashioned comes up in conversation. That and their mini donuts at breakfast which are just...so warm and sweet and and perfect to share while you're waiting for the rest of your breakfast to get there. At the end of the day, The Old Fashioned is what you want for an easy going dinner experience. Good comfort food for an affordable price, and a nice old fashioned to go along with it, of course.

Gautam T.

Cheese Curds, Brats and Beer!!! Hell yeah and all for a very reasonable price. I don't live in Madison, so I don't know the nuances of cheese curds and brats but damn this place was good!

Matt W.

I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart! This review is a really tough one to write. I used love the Old Fashioned. Hunka hunka burnin' love sort of love But then you changed and broke my heart (sob). In the beginning, it was oh so magical. In the days before 45 minutes wait times, the service was impeccable, the food sublime and ambiance alluring. You were great at so many things: lunch with a co-worker, dinner with the kids, a late night bite with my better half. But as you became more popular, things stated to slip. The servers became less attentive as they dealt with the never ending throng of customers. Not only did it take longer to be seated, but it was taking longer and longer to get the food I ordered, get refills on drinks or get the check when I needed to rush out to get to a show. Then here was that time when my table was plagued by a swarm of flies (think Amityville Horror). When the server joked about the problems instead of taking care of it, I knew the time had come for The Old Fashioned to sleep with the fishes. And about the food...it has slipped as well. Back in the day, the allure of those piping hot fried cheese curds could have launched a 1,000 ships. Now, more ofthen than not, the arrive at the table greasy and lukewarm. Ditto for the haystack onion rings. The allure of the grilled cheese sandwich also faded as the bacon would show up undercooked or they chef would skimp on the roasted red peppers (horror of horrors) While nearby restaurant like Graze, Nostrano and Osteria Papavero continue to innovate and improve, you seem content to rest on your laurels. So I hate to say it, but Fredo, you're nothing to me now. You're not a brother, you're not a friend. I don't want to know you or what you do.

Barney C.

I see what all the fuss is about. Loved this place. The Old Fashioned was packed so we ate at the bar. The traditional old fashioneds were really delicious. The deep fried cheese curds were some of the best I've ever had. We split a burger and a fish sandwich; both were prepared with care and skill. Nom! Known as a place that is always busy. It's noisy, busy, and frenetic. Not good for a quiet dinner or a first date. Service wasn't super slow, but it's wasn't fast either.

Sarrut O.

I found myself here again on a Friday looking for something that'll satisfy my belly after a long week at work and on a cold gloomy day. New England Clam Chowder...I think yes. I also went for the spicy burger this time needing to turn up the heat. And the it did the trickn with jalapenos, papperjack cheese and whatever else was causing the fire in my mouth had me asking for refills. Almost everything on their menu is delish. You can't go wrong. getnmahbelly.com/2012/03…

Brandy L.

Man I love this place. The food is magnificent. My husband and I love their burgers. I like the bacon burger and my husband get a friend egg burger. Not sure the exact name. I order the cheese curds and my husband gets the homemade chips. Both of which come with a dipping sauce. We have tried ranch, BBQ and garlic. The service is great. The food is priced very well. It's a great experience.

Loic C.

I love cheese! I mean real cheese. I love beer! I mean good microbrews. After taking the tour of the beautiful Wisconsin Capitol, we stumbled upon the menu of this great american classic restaurants. The menu is typical american bar food but... They use Wisconsin cheeses and serve tons of microbrews. The special on tap is so inexpensive! Just awesome. We wanted to try everything that add the combo Cheese + Beer so... In winter, it is a great place to get your calories up after loosing them all in the cold. We tried: House-made fresh Wisconsin beer battered cheese curds: Great curds. The batter is crunchy and tasty. There are a little oily but you know it is fried food. Challenge achieved the dish had Cheese and Beer. Wisconsin beer cheese soup garnished with popcorn: We just had to have it as it is a specialty of the region. It was heavy but really good. Challenge achieved the dish had Cheese and Beer. (Obviously) The Old Fashioned House Burger: It is a grilled over fire and topped with fried onions, Bavaria's hickory-smoked bacon, aged Cheddar, garlic sauce and a soft-cooked egg on a buttered and toasted roll. It is a massive burger. I love eggs on burger! The meat was good, the cheese great. The flavors were bold and strong. The egg could have been a it better. Overall a great burger. So this dish did not have beer in it but we drank beers with it so it kind of counts. Cheese and Beer for every course: Mission Accomplished. In Wisconsin bars, you receive a card with 100 microbrews listed. You get a stamp every time you try a different beer. Too bad I was just visiting.

Josh M.

In a town where museum exhibits are dedicated to cocktail of the same name, this is clearly the bar of record, and sets a high standard for Madisonian drinking. It lives on prime real estate on Pinckney that's of ample size, but not quite ample enough on weekends. I live in an area blessed with both a wide beer selection and quality old fashioneds -- though not always of the Wisconsin variety. Here were fifty taps' worth of wisconsin beers, most of them crafty and unheard of out west and all ludicrously cheap. For sampling I dove in on the $1 samples in 4-beer flights to quickly get the lay of the land. My favorite menu items were the fried curds (no surprise I imagine; these were fresh and squeaky, with just enough batter to coat. Other establishments often went much further with the breading than needed) I liked the wedge salad -- and the Wisconsin variation that places french dressing on wedges -- but my favorite salad was the #20(blue cheese, cherries, almonds; perfectly complementary). For mains I stuck with sandwiches, pulled pork and later the turkey, both on the large side with the big flavor needed for alcohol offset.

Dylan C.

The Old Fashioned is far from its name. It's full of energy and in the midst of a college town in Michigan. They offer great mixed drinks at a decent price and their food is fantastic. The one item I will suggest, no matter what your pallet, is the cheese curds. They are one of the best appetizers I've had in any restaurant and come with a multitude of sauces for dipping (provided you pay a little extra for each). Well worth it.

Kristene C.

Since their remodel by expanding their dining room it is one of our favorite places to eat when we visit Madison. Nice & relaxing atmosphere and great menu. I would recommend it!

Heather L.

Came here for lunch on a recent Friday and the place was hopping. Love the atmosphere. We got there early, good thing too. The goofy system of having to order and pay at the bar is a pain in the butt and confusing. But I loved my beer battered walleye. And the staff is exceptionally friendly. Will be back.

Sarah P.

Inspired by the traditions of Wisconsin taverns and supper clubs, The Old Fashioned was created to pay tribute to the foods and spirits that make Wisconsin famous. They are open weekdays for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, dinner and late night. They serve traditional local fare and during the summer they are literally at the doorstep of the huge farmers market that Madison has become famous for. It is a great complement as Old Fashioned strives to use all locally purchased ingredients from the farms to our tables. Everything here is fresh and tasty. This is the perfect place to take guests from out of town and show them what Wisconsin food is all about. It is also an excellent place to go yourself, if you want to know about the traditional food favorites of the state you live in.

Kathi G.

Loved this place. Excellent service by all the bartenders. We were waited on right away in this busy place. Excellent beer selections andthe bartenders make a mean old fashioned. Our food (the fish fry and the pork shoulder sandwich) were both very tasty. Makes me sad that I don't live near Madison.

Christopher A.

As a vegan, I can't honestly review the food here since it is very "meat and potatoes"--think classic Wisconsin Supper Club food but dressed up for the hip Madison Crowd who would otherwise look down their nose at this style of cuisine. I'm rating this as a bar. Their beer selection is solid--not as good as say, the Malthouse--but pretty good. And the pours are affordable. I recommend coming here and doing a couple of sampler rounds with friends, ordering a big plate of fries and just people-watching on the square. It gets really crowded though, which is lame, and suffers from a really bad faux-smoke smell that might bother you.

Madison W.

Underwhelmed I have heard many positive things about this restaurant over the years, and unfortunately it did not live up to the hype. We ordered cheese curds and two burgers. The cheese curds were pretty greasy. I think this is due mostly to a very thin layer of breading that doesn't hold the oil in. I prefer cheese curds with more substantial breading, so these were not my favorite. Our burgers were also greasier than I am accustomed to. After cutting mine in half, I had pink grease sliding around my plate. The flavor of the burger was disappointing--an overpowering amount of pepper masked the flavor of the meat. The fries, though hot and crispy, were nothing special. Overall, I wouldn't go back to eat. It's probably a better place to meet for drinks.

Marinela M.

been there few times, just love it, makes my night all good

Ray D.

Solid food, solid service, a wide selection of local beers, and reasonable prices. The "spicey burger" comes with a side dish of jalopeños so you can heat it up to your taste. Worth a visit.

Eli G.

Burger #205: Form follows function (or does it) I honestly love Wisconsin. Rather, I love spending a couple days in Madison for cheese curds and pizza. On my last trip out there, I decided that I needed to try a burger and the one at the Old Fashioned looked the best. Located plop in the middle of the capitol building square, the Old Fashioned offered up some pretty homely treats; deep fried cheese curds and tall cans of PBR. Along with both of the aforementioned, I got the house burger, medium-rare. My grin was ear to ear when this masterpiece of burgertecture arrived; yelp.com/biz_photos/RJNA… The bed of golden fried cheese curds surrounded the pristine tower of beef, pork, and expelled avian egg. The monolith was not without its faults; the bacon had to be double tucked under the egg-cheese mass to ensure even distribution, and the burger patty itself lacked seasoning. But the bacon, yolk, cheese, and added cheese curds added back the missing salt. Overall, a very tasty burger that I'd be happy to try again.

Helen S.

I came here for a networking/informational dinner. We started with cheese curds because this was my first and only time in Wisconsin, and I heard that you can't visit without trying the cheese. We told the waitress to surprise us, so I don't know which ones she surprised us with, but they were decent. A girl in the group said that they were the best she has ever tried, but I don't really have a standard to compare this with so I have no clue. I ordered the scandinavian style chicken dinner, which was a half chicken rubbed with cinnamon/cardamom/juniper, with mashed potatoes and stuffing on the side. Everything was decent but nothing about my meal stood out to me. Lovely decorations

Dustin F.

If you are a Madison visitor, this is a must stop before you go. After dinner a group of colleagues and I hit this bar to get, what else, an Old Fashioned Sweet and some CHEESE!!!! The waiter was awesome and the drinks were phenomenal. Here's where it got a bit fun - think a cross between Fear Factor and Fraternity Hazing. A senior leader at the company decided to test the meddle of the group and ordered the following (all out of a jar, mind you): -Turkey Gizzard -Pickled Egg -Ham Hock -Beef Jerkey -15 Year old cheddar -Weird other cheese -Cheese curds Well the beef jerkey, curds, and 15 year old cheddar were outstanding. As for my eating of the gizzard, hock, and others - let's just say this, I DESERVE A PROMOTION! Definitely check this bar/restaurant out - good vibe, good drinks, and a good menu.

Molly P.

Get the brat plate. And the cheese curds. Its crowded! Leave plenty of time for a standing room only wait.

Shannon S.

The Old Fashioned is so Wisconsin. The food is great and so is the beer! They are known for their cheese curds, so if you love cheese and you love anything fried, try them! This is the go-to place for when you're visiting Madison, or you have friends in town - great atmosphere (can get loud) and it's right on the Cap Square. They also offer a rewards card, though I always forget to use mine. Ha! One warning, no matter the time or day of the week, expect a lengthy line - people are always waiting to get in. Regardless of the wait, it's worth it!

Paula S.

Love their bar. The best cheese curds I had in Madison. (I'm from SF, and I tried... blush... three different places while I was there.) Freaking great Spicy Burger. Love this place, good eats!

Slim K.

This is my favorite restaurant in Madison, by far. Go early to be sure you can get a table; if you try getting in at prime time on a Friday or Saturday, you're SOL. But once you're in, you're definitely in for a treat. They have the best cheese curds in town, hands down. For an entree, you can't go wrong with a burger, salmon salad or the mac and cheese.

Carly C.

Delicious food, but do not expect to run a mile after enjoying a buttery sandwich with cheese curds on the side. The name describes the ambiance, especially in regards to the bar. Expect it to be fairly busy, as it is on "the square". They also serve breakfast, but I find the lunch/dinner menu more unique.

Peter K.

The Old Fashioned is a great place for groups. They have a variety of sandwiches and daily specials that cater to whatever need you have. Our table ordered a side of cheese and crackers (came with three types of cheeses that were all fantastic), and a variety of sausage that came was also awesome. They make some very soft macaroni and cheese that is topped with bread crumbs. It comes in a mini boat style plate that comes with a large quantity of macaroni and cheese. Their prime rib sandwich is average (the meat is fairly tender but doesn't go too well with the bread and it also comes out extremely juicy which makes the bread a bit soggy). They also have a wide range of drinks. Their hard apple cider shot is really good. It balances that cider taste with a slight bit of alcohol.

Meghan H.

In planning a trip to visit Madison, I wanted to make sure we got to The Old Fashioned. I had heard so many great things about it from friends who've been there, and I had read so many great reviews online on the restaurant. It seemed like a prime location--right across the street from the capital building. After waiting for an hour (this place was PACKED!), we finally got to our table, and we were flipping through their menu and loving it--so many unique sandwich options! The atmosphere is nice in there--casual, kind of classy/trendy. Service here was awesome. Depite how busy they were and how stressed out they must have felt, the staff still had welcoming smiles on their faces the whole time and was so attentive. The food came surprisingly quickly and was very yummy. Can't wait to come back here when I'm in the area again!

Renee E.

Our second night in Madison, after we'd passed The Old Fashioned several times, we decided to check them out for dinner. We each started out with an Old Fashioned (so appropriate, right?) and one of the cheese plates. I'm a HUGE cheese lover, but I wasn't entirely impressed with the selection. The camembert was served cold, which doesn't do it justice at all. The other 2 were just fine, but nothing outstanding. We also both ordered the Old Fashioned Burger. Seriously delicious stuff, but so incredibly messy! Make sure, if you can get your servers attention, that you ask for a few napkins. This is not first date food. I would love to have tried a few other items on the menu, as everything looked fantastic, but alas, it was our last night in town. Next time, Old Fashioned!

Olivia Y.

Great ambiance, a little bit nosy,nice food~the service is good as well~good for friends union

Tom L.

My favorite place to grab breakfast when in Madison. Over 50 taps...so many offerings from breweries within driving distance. I always opt for one of the scramble specials....two slices of lightly toasted artisan bread and rosemary potatoes. Hungry yet? The other day I had the basil/pesto with heirloom tomato which was delicious. They offer flights in 4, 8 and 12 3oz. pours I believe. Basically $1 per sample which can't be beat IMO. Expect a wait if you show up after 9:30 on the weekend. I can't speak for the weekday, as I have only visited on a weekend.

Audrey L.

Terrible service and snotty people! The food is average but for some reason Madison people go crazy for it. Their cheese curds are supposed to be the best but maybe people are only saying that because the rest of the menu is nothing to write home about.

Aletta J.

We had a great time here, but waited almost an hour on a Thursday night. Time to maybe expand?? The outdoor seating is only four tables and the patrons sat and sat and sat as we were waiting on a beautiful night. No eating, no drinking... frustrating. BUT, we finally were seated. It's loud in there so be prepared. Ordered drinks. My Klisch (which I have had numerous times at the brewery and at home) had lemon in it which it does not normally. But my brother's hard lemonade was good. They have tons of beers on tap and will make whatever you'd like. Hubs is gluten-free and they were out of New Grist, but offered cider or something else. On to dinner. Ordered the tuna salad on heirloom tomatoes w./ fried cheese curds. Fantastic and not at all breaded -- lightly floured so the buttery goodness was melting in the mouth. Brother dear had a wedge salad and hubs had a salmon salad w./ tarragon dressing to die for. They had signature old fashioned and i had a perfect manhattan (too dry, but that's ok). Parking was interesting... but we'll be back w/ my folks in the middle of the day to avoid the noise (they are old) and easier parking.

auburn b.

Totally amazing breakfast. Not crowded, awesome service. Sat at the bar. Cool old cafe style coffee cups and saucers....the best corn beef hash I've had in Madison. The jam was phenomenal as well. And as if the food wasn't good enough, they had Bob Wills playing at a modest volume on the speakers and espn and cable news on the flat screen TVs. I'm coming back for another breakfast very soon Update: Had breakfast here again this week - and it was just as good.

Ben S.

The Good: beer and food selection, menu prices overall, cheese curd appetizer The Bad: house burger was just ok, bloody marys were a house "veg mix" that tasted like clamato and horseradish/cocktail sauce - personally did not care for

Faheem B.

Amazing Burgers!!!!...... Enough said.

Becky L.

This place has an impressive selection of beers, perhaps overwhelmingly so. Our waitress was very accommodating, though, and explained the menu for us. We also were able to sample our beer before deciding to get a pitcher. We decided on the 2 Women Lager, which was pretty good: nice and light. As for the food I had the Old Fashioned Burger and shared a No. 6 appetizer platter with some friends. Needless to say we came out very full, but the food was quite delicious. I loved the soft cooked egg that topped my burger. It was a bit crowded though, even at 4pm on a Saturday. We had to wait about 20 minutes to get seated, and by the time we were done eating the restaurant was pretty much to full capacity with all the people hovering around the bar.

Jeff W.

Where to start? As the name implies, the Old Fashioned has a wide assortment of mixed drinks that are all flavorful and unique. They're easily one of the most fun bars in Madison. The food is underrated though. That is where you will find some simple modifications to standard bar favorites that will have your head swirling. Garlic Aioli dipping sauce for fries, Old Fashioned Burger with a fried egg, and Cheese Curds with tiger dipping sauce are just a few examples of their simple modifications to tasty favorites. They execute them to great effect! A great place for a Friday night dinner and start to the bar hopping.

Tammy H.

This is the perfect place to get acquainted with Wisconsin's pride: Beer and Cheese. Their tap selection is nearly intimidating for a non-local that's just diving into the wide array of charmingly named microbrews. My husband and I each had a flight of four snits and each one was more delicious than the last. But what nearly had me making inappropriate noises in my seat was the Mac and Cheese. I wondered, "How good can a NINE dollar Mac and Cheese be?" I think I would have paid nineteen dollars for it...the creamy, buttery crunchy topped dish was incomparable.

Barbara B.

This place is happening! Packed at 5 pm, good mix of young and old. We got a beer sampler to share, priced at $8 for 8 of them (cheap). Ordered a basket of deep fried cheese curds, awesome paired with the blue cheese horseradish sauce. Also got one of the lazy susan appetizers. It had herring, trout, salami, pickles, deviled eggs, pate. A nice variety of food. We left incredibly satisfied and very very full.

Jessi I.

The place to go in Madison, if you want a tour of WI beers and good cheese curds. There on-tap list is impressive. It can get very noisy. Not a good place to go if anyone in your party has a gluten allergy.

Nicole L.

Wow, I was really not impressed with the food here. Maybe I made a mistake of coming here for lunch instead of dinner and for ordering a burger, because it was one of the worst burgers I've ever had. Interestingly enough, what it shares with the other terrible burgers I can recall is that they were all made from grass-fed beef. I thought that would taste better, not worse! The warm chips that come with the burger were pretty good, but they could have served a third of the amount and been fine. There's no way any human being could consume that much grease in one sitting. Based on my experience I really don't understand the appeal of this place. Visited: May 17, 2012

Jennifer M.

If you're a breakfast fan, and I think that most people are, then look no further! The Old Fashioned in Madison is a fantastic restaurant! With a charming nostalgic atmosphere, and delicious food, this place is "The Place" to be. Located right within eyesight of the beautiful capitol, this restaurant offers some beautiful views in the summer, and even better food and service. The food was quick, and delicious! I ordered the Eggs Benedict which was perfectly concocted, and a great portion size as well! While eating at a nearby restaurant the night before, the evening fare also looked delicious! If you are in the area, I would highly recommend this place! Great food, service and prices!

Vannezsa S.

Friday fish fry and cheese curds! GO NOW! Large, large selection of craft beers in bottle. And good selection on tap, too. My only complaint is that Friday is so crowded, I was irritated that people were bumping my arms. And, not to mention I felt as though I was in everyone's way. Our table wasn't ready and we were instructed to wait outside. In the f'n heat way, NO! Check the second bar for seating while you wait for your table.

Jorge V.

How do I love the Old Fashioned? Let me count the ways... The burgers kick so much ass, especially the one with the fried egg on top. I even really dig the jalapeño one as well. An absolutely perfect burger, not to be missed. An ever changing, evolving, extensive beer selection and not to mention the different varieties of old fashions. Cheese curds with tiger sauce, I mean come on. Its just a really great place to enjoy a real nice time.

Mallory P.

Old Fashioned was the first restaurant I visited when I moved to Madison - and after a year of touring all of the tastiness that this city has to offer - Old Fashioned is still my favorite. Maybe it's the cheese curds, which are hands-down my favorite curds on the isthmus. That paprika dipping sauce is pure YUM. Maybe it's the atmosphere. Old Fashioned is always bustling - making for a heck of wait for a Friday/Saturday dinner - but it's a worthwhile wait. Old Fashioned has this sort of "laidback energy" I've come to associate with the city. Maybe it's the food. From the Mac and Cheese to the Fish Fry and for every burger and brunch item in between, the food is just good. All of it. All the time. Maybe it's the drinks. My first time at Old Fashioned, the bartender let us sample a whole flight of local microbrews. This is where my love affair with Lake Louie's Scotch Ale began. But maybe I like Old Fashioned so much because it's the kind of place I can take out-of-town guests for a slice of the Madison experience. Or at least my Madison experience: Good food. Good people. Good drinks. And most importantly, good cheese.

Ariel W.

You must get a Old Fashion, Lazy Susan, Cheese Curds and No. 30 at some point. We were left alone for long periods of time and they did mess up one thing on our order but the manager came out and fixed it (just gave us the wrong burger). Place is loud. Put the food is excellent.

Jack H.

It's hard to be mad at the world when you're walking through the farmers' market near the capitol on a beautiful morning in Madison - even if you've got a hangover. But a Bloody Mary from the Old Fashioned still helps. Our group of four put our name down, were quoted a 45 minute wait (hey, it was game day), and grabbed a couple of Bloody Mary's (Maries?) from the bar. The excellent cocktail came with pickled asparagus, Brussels sprout, and olive, with a shot on the side. At first we thought we were meant to drop in our own vodka, but no, it was a beer chaser. I guess that's just how they roll in Wisconsin. They weren't quite spicy enough for us Texans, but the bartender recommended we add a dash of Sriracha - which I had never done before - and it worked. Really well. That's a trick I'll remember for the future. After waiting for awhile outside in the glorious weather, watching people peruse the market, our name was called and we sat down at a spacious table. We ordered the fried cheese curds for an appetizer, and finally "got" the whole Wisconsin cheese curd thing. These were perfectly golden fried, and orders of magnitude better than our previous experience. I then ordered a Wisconsin Bloody Mary, which was a virtual breakfast in a glass: pickle, cheese curds (not fried), a spicy pickled egg, and a slab of beef jerky, with the de rigueur beer chaser on the side. Excellent, and highly recommended. For our entree, we were each drawn to the No. 1, Wisconsin Benedict, and ordered a round. I love Eggs Benedict in theory, but don't generally like Hollandaise sauce, so I prefer them at places like Mama's Cafe back in Texas, where the Mexicana version uses queso, or at the Old Fashioned here in Madison, where the Wisconsin version uses a tangy mustard blend. The eggs were actually sunny side up rather than poached, runny, and set atop an English muffin, and of course, this being Wisconsin, a Bratwurst patty. The rosemary potatoes that came on the side had a crispy fried exterior, and were a delicious accompaniment to the Benedict. Though I love a big diner breakfast on Saturdays before a big game, I can't really call this "diner" food, more like "upscale comfort food," but it was nevertheless a fantastic start to the day, and I would be eager to try any number of their other dishes. Guess I'll just have to make another trip back to Madison.

Jason H.

BEER, BEER, and more beer..... This place is top notch - the beer selection alone should allow for the five star rating but then you couple the food choices on top of it and PRESTO!!! Right on the Capital Square, this beautiful little restaurant has options for everyone including some excellent vegetarian choices!! Charming, cozy, atmosphere - two huge bars - you may have to wait a few minutes to get a seat but it's well worth it. Stay classy my friends!

Chrissy S.

Thanks to multiple suggestions, The Old Fashioned was one of the first restaurants I tried after moving to Madison and it certainly set the bar high. Any beer your heart desires, ridiculously delicious fried cheese curds, heart-warmingly friendly service, and a sweet view of the Capitol to boot...Isn't that what Madison is all about? I overdid it on the cheese curds and beer ("nothing in moderation" was my motto that night), but judging from the little bit I could manage, the dinner fare was also delicious. If you're going to eat at one place in Madison, this should be it. It's a classic!

Jason N.

We went to the old fashioned for the first time on Friday for dinner. It was busy and loud, but the service was really good. We started off with the cheese curds (they are a must have) I had the walleye dinner which was just alright (but pricey). The frys that came with it were good.

T. D.

Lox should not have left it's mother. Music I enjoyed.

David J.

Impressed! Normally, I will not wait half an hour for a table at a restaurant but based on the recommendation that The Old Fashioned received, I decided to give it a go. Once we were seated, the service was excellent. The waiter knew the menu and made good suggestions. The beverage selection is huge and they have a lot of local items i.e. local root beer. The food is where they shined though. I had a ribeye and my wife had prime rib. both were exceptional, especially for the price. My son got a burger made with local ground beef and Wisconsin cheese and he devoured it. He gave it two thumbs up. There are definitely pricier places to go but the bang for the buck here is quite high.

McKenzie S.

Like the hundreds of reviews before me, this place is awesome. And there's very little to add that hasn't already been said. But I'll try to add something new. Location: Right on the square. It's perfect for people watching and very near parking. They have recently expanded, from what I was told, so there's more room and less waiting. Happy Hour!!: from 3-5pm nightly all Beers are half off! And with most being around $4/pint (reg price) that's pretty sweet. Their beer list is also pretty expansive. Food: Cheese Curds are out of this world yummy. They aren't heavily coated or fried. Burgers, Brats, Pulled Pork...I don't think there's a bad thing on the menu. Service: Attentive, friendly, prompt. No complaints whatsoever! One last thing...this place has a fantastic smell. It's that wood burning oven, smoky, brewhouse, with a hint of cheese curd kind of smell. It's amazing. I wish they could bottle it for men as a cologne.

Kimberly T.

Amazing breakfast, deserves 5 stars!! I had the corn beef and hash. This was amazing! My husband had a omelet and it was also delicious! We started with the fresh made donuts with powered sugar. I could have eaten 3 plates of these. Server was great as well. We will be back for sure!!

Milissa P.

What the F is in the ranch sauce with fried cheese curds??? That is some nasty, yummy stuff!!!! At lunch I had the bloody mary and it was also the sh**! I am not from the area, so, to see a bloody done right like this is a treat, and almost a meal! I had the prime rib sandwich, and although tasty, I thought it could have been trimmed a bit better so it wasn't so chewy. I wish I could come back more often to experience the rest of the menu and the large tap selection.

Ashley H.

First thing I want to say "HOLY CRAP AMAZING CHEESECURDS LIFECHANGER" Actually, my first introduction to the cheese curds was at Taste of Madison. After trying a friends', I went back the second day to get a full serving for myself. The curds are unlike any fried cheese curds I've had before as they are fresh curds that are breaded at the restaurant. I'm not even normally into fried cheese curds. As for the rest of the food, it is also good. My parents from out of town commented that they thought it was exceptionally good and also reasonably priced as well.

Steve T.

Yeah just not feelin' the love here. The Old Fashioned is a crowded, pretty noisy pub with a dizzying array of local beers on tap. Burger was good but nothing special. Definately a good watering hole if you want to engage in Wisconsin's state sport, beer drinking.

Adrienne M.

We came here with my sister--in-law and her bf after her graduation, since she indicated this was one of the most popular restaurants in Madison. The 4 stars is for food, and because I agree this is a must-visit to get the classic Wisconsin experience, but the service was definitely 2 stars (or less). On weekdays at lunch, you order at the counter and then they bring your food out to you. But they don't let you pay when you order, so you have to wait in a long line to order and then in another long line to pay. They screwed up my sister-in-law's bf's order (they forgot the bacon on the burger but charged him for it) and so he asked if they could take the bacon off the bill - instead they brought out two sad-looking strips of bacon for him to eat on the side, which was not really what he wanted. Then when all went to pay for our meals, they thought we had left the booth and began clearing it, including taking my fiance's sweatshirt and putting it in the lost-and-found. When he realized he didn't have the sweatshirt, we asked about it and recovered it, but it just seems so weird to take it and put it in lost-and-found before people have left. So why 4 stars? Well the food was really good and definitely a unique experience. I had the grilled cheese with a side of cheese curds (cheese with a side of cheese - when in WIsconsin, right?) The cheese curds were fantastic and the sandwich was pretty good as well. It came on really buttery Texas toast. My fiance really enjoyed his prime rib sandwich as well and it came with decent, but not great, fries. Portions were pretty hearty, although a bit pricey - most sandwiches were in the $9-$10 range, and adding cheese curds to them was $3. I doubt I would be here regularly if I lived in Madison, but I do think it's a cool place to stop as an out of town guest.

Ryan B.

The Old Fashioned is a gorgeous environment to admire the spectacular ceiling and unwind with a plate of the best Mac & Cheese I've ever had the only bologna I've ever truly enjoyed. Highly recommended if in Madison, and plan to go back next time I'm by the capitol.

Samuel M.

Great tap selection! Love the local brews. Food looks really good!

Sharon R.

I love this place mostly for the spicy pickled egg, other bar appetizers, and their beer specials. But the old fashioned burger is loved by my friends, and I have to agree it isn't too shabby.

Triphena W.

Interested in trying cheese curds, friends and I stopped here for lunch. Ordered a variety of items: green bay chili ($4.95), Sheboygan brat sandwich ($7.95), grilled vegetable sandwich ($7.95), Jim's Blue Ribbon summer sausage sandwich ($6.95), slow-roasted pork shoulder sandwich ($7.95). Food tasted ok but nothing better than what you'd get at restaurant chains Chilis, TGI Friday's, etc. We didn't finish our food and weren't interested in doggy bags. The beer-battered cheese curds (additional $3 if you choose them as your side) were reminiscent of mozzarella sticks but orange colored instead of white and chewier. Meh...nothing spectacular. Service was fine. I'd try a different restaurant next time I'm in Madison.

Kevin S.

if you go no where else in madison. go here. great food. great service great beer.

Alicia J.

The first place I ate when visiting Madison was the Old Fashioned, right down the street from our hotel and at the corner of the capital building. I liked it enough to go a second time for drinks and snacks in the evening. This review encompasses both trips. Obviously, as a burger connoisseur, I had to try the Old Fashioned's rendition. For lunch we ordered at the bar, a typical burger and beer combo. The beers available are all local to the area, which was nice. You can get the burger with onion rings, fries or cheese curds -- I chose the curds. The burger itself was overcooked (I ordered medium, but what came out was almost well done). Still, for being overcooked, it was still a tasty burger. Combined with the beer and curds, it was a fine lunch in a nice location. Later I went back for a cheese plate and drinks. The cheeses were also all local, and there were several combinations to be ordered. Honestly, the selections offered seemed like nice pairings, and it was very nice to try some local dairy considering I am not from Wisconsin. The drink was, of course, the Old Fashioned. Warning, here an old fashioned is made with brandy, and also had crushed cherries in the bottom. The result was a drink overly fruity and sweet, though the staff gets points for warning me about the brandy. Overall, Its a good establishment that offers local food and drink, but the burger was overcooked and the cocktail mediocre.

Kathleen M.

First Cheese curd I have ever eaten. It was absolutely delicious. Was in Milwaukee a few days after my trip to the Old Fashioned and insisted a friend try the cheese curds. They were not from the Old Fashioned and were nowhere near as good. Will only have cheese curds if I am here! Had a great burger here as well.

Erik M.

Coming to Madison from Chicago, I figured I'd find a good burger spot. This place delivered. Plus they have $9 pitchers of beer! That's pretty awesome in my book. The service was also excellent.

Carol K.

Now this place says Wisconsin, with a capital W! Seriously folks, The Old Fashioned (named after that drink that every drinks up here, the brandy old fashioned, I'm sure) will bring you back to your Wisconsin heritage or make you wish you had been brought up here! Fashioned like the old supper clubs that populate Wisconsin towns, the Old Fashioned serves only the food and spirits that made Wisconsin famous. The extensive beer list both in bottles and on tap- are all brewed in Wisconsin. There are at least 30 beers on tap and countless others in bottles. And the prices on some things made me giddy with joy. How about Blatz for $1 a can? Or Hamm's at the same price? $2 will buy you a horny goat (hey- what can I say? I didn't name them!) And $3.25 will get you a Stickey McDoogle. Like cheese? They have a variety of cheese flights with all the cheese from the BelGioioso dairy in Denmark, WI. Check out their Burrata- it's mozzarella wrapped around cream and mozzarella pieces amazing! Or try their Mac and cheese . . it comes with a piece of ring bologna . . . .now when was the last time you had that except at your grandma's house? They also have nightly specials. On the Monday that we were there- all burgers were buy one get one for $5.95. The place was packed and everyone was eating burgers. We took a different path and went with the walleye sandwich served with your choice of fries, potato salad or salad and the grilled cheese with bacon (no tomatoes as they grow their own and only have them in house in August according to our server . . . .interesting) We also started with a Wisconsin tradition of deep fried cheese curds that were so fresh and good- I thought for a moment that I had died and gone to heaven! All the food was quite good- but what can be wrong with fried, cheesy food? Our server was great- patient as we looked over the large menu and allowing us to customize a few things. I haven't lived in Wisconsin for years. But with one push of a door- all those years came flooding back to mind. Now if I could only find my bowling shoes and Green Bay Packer jersey, I'd be all set!

Christine L.

This bar was packed when my bf and I walked in! The wait was supposed to be 2 hours, but luckily, we were able to snag some seats by the bar fairly quickly. We immediately ordered cheese curds and the cheese spread sampler (when in Wisconsin...) The cheese curds were like little fried pieces of crack! I still think about them every so often. And the cheese spread was equally appetizing. The beef jerky we later ordered came as a generous slice that covered half of the plate it came on. It was the perfect salty snack to go with our beer. The beer selection at this place is great and is bound to have something for everyone. Big thumbs up to Madison after visiting this place!

Jason K.

Mmm. Where else can you get fried cheese curds, cheese beer soup, a spotted cow (beer) and a bratwurst sandwich all at once? Here! And that's what I got. Food was amazing. Just a warning if you get the cheese curds, they are so rich and filling you may not even feel like eating your entree. We came for a "brunch" around 11:30am, and I wasn't hungry again until 10pm. I'd come back in a heartbeat if I am ever here again.

Katie R.

brunch only until 1PM on sunday and noon on Saturday? is it just my spoiled Chicago self, or does that seem a little early to stop serving brunch?

Shawn R.

Must stop when in Madison. Awesome local beer selection and of course the best Old Fashions Iv ever had. The thing to order is the Old Fashioned Burger with one if their many drink selections.

Stacey L.

I've been going to the Old Fashioned almost weekly for the last two years or so. The combination of Double Bubble (2-for-1 taps & rails) and karaoke is a lethal one - Wednesday is the new Friday. Great service, amazing food (No. 33 is my standby, and the cheese curds are generally regarded as the best in town), and an inviting, cozy atmosphere. The only downside is they're often packed (even with the new expansion), but you can always enjoy the unofficial state drink and namesake while you wait.

Chad H.

Best beer selection on the square and amazingly affordable for the location. Any person new to the Madison area needs to add this place to their "places to go" list. Keep in mind, you have to order an old fashioned at the Old Fashioned. When they ask, you want it brandy and sweet.

Bobby C.

So I was just going through my bank statements preparing for my IRS audit tomorrow and remembered this place from winter of 2008. Best Wisconsin deep fried cheese curds I've ever had...and I've had many. Great Old Fashioned drinks as well. Quality spot for ambiance. Had a great catch up dinner with a friend here as it was snowing. Warm and cozy wood interior. A must go to if you're in Mad Town.

Kevin L.

Here for dinner and drinks on a busy Saturday afternoon/night. If there is another establishment in Madison with a better Wisconsin beer list, I haven't found it. Hundreds of beers to choose from with prices that are phenomenal (Average price $4 for a regular bottle and a 750 ml bottle of New Glarus Belgian Red was just $11!) and a very solid combination menu for crafting your own Old Fashioned (complete with Ginger Beer for an extra $0.50 - nicely done) and that pretty much concludes the highlights from our visit. Unfortunately, it seems that every time I visit the area, every decent bar/restaurant downtown is packed, and this place is no exception. We had an hour and a half wait before getting a drafty table by the window and the server appeared to be having a rather bad night as I don't believe she said more than 10 words to us while we were there (and that includes "good evening" upon her first coming to the table). Food arrived quickly though, drinks a short time later (it would have been nice to have the drinks first, but the bar was absolutely jammed). Overall, the food is ok, not great, not terrible, but the overall combination of the great Old Fashioned drinks and the beer selection/prices make up for the other inconveniences of coming to this place. We would likely come back if it weren't so busy, but if there is a wait, this place wouldn't be on our list of places that we have to come back to check out.

Sophie P.

We stopped here for lunch two weeks ago with my in-laws who were visiting from New York. My father-in-law enjoyed his rueben and our burgers were great. The place was really crowded for a weekday and loud. The service was great...the waiter kept our water glasses full which was great because it was a hot day. My husband enjoyed the wide selection of beer. The only thing that wasn't good was my cheese curds....they were really greasy.

M. E.

Pretty much a must-do if you're visiting beautiful Madison. I love that this place celebrates the state's culture, food and history. We got the sampler plate-- a lazy susan-- and my only regret was that we didn't have nearly enough room to finish that delicious, delicious cheese. Don't make my mistake: come hungry! The namesake drink was reasonably good and affordably priced, especially given how much I have paid for old fashioneds in trendier bars and in larger cities. I stuck around for two or three. Definitely worth a meal if you're visiting Madison and want to tourist it up!

Justin L.

BEST FRIED CHEESE CURDS. I mean, you can only (or should only) eat a couple little nuggets at a time, so you might as well go for the gold. The Mac n' Cheese was yummy, too, but not particularly special or distinctive.

Monica M.

My husband and I were passing through from Cleveland. This place had the greatest beer selection, fantastic service and awesome cheese curd. I highly recommend this place!

Lissy M.

A Madison staple, and a fantastic place to bring people from out of town. The staff is very accommodating of groups. Old Fashioned cheese curds are as good as it gets, they are so perfectly done. Anything you point to on the menu will most likely be satisfying and delicious. I've had all of the available sides, and they are all fantastic. Given the menu options, I have never had a salad here, so I have nothing to contribute in the vegetable department. On the other hand, the mac and cheese (with or without bologna) is a beautiful thing, and the burgers are wonderful as well. I've said all of this, and haven't even mentioned the tap list! I'll keep it short and sweet - the selection WILL NOT disappoint!

mimi r.

Fun place, liked the atmosphere, good location right across from the Capitol building. Place was hopping at 830 on a Tues but got seated right away. Features Wisc cheese. Had mixed greens salad with Door county cherries and a very tasty blue cheese (they said it was local). Poblano chili soup (it was mexican night). Cheese curds (very tasty) with a paprika sauce. Gives off a nice local vibe-- not touristy. Our server was excellent. My dinner partner had the burger, which he liked.

Connie L.

I loved this placed! The beer selection was awesome. 150 beers on draft and most of them local. That's almost unheard of. The menu selection was varied with lots of local fair. My husband got a brat which was a large portion with a good price. I got a large salad with salmon. It was good, but it had almost too much lettuce in comparison to the other ingredients. My daughter got a hot dog that included fresh fruit which usually I feel as though I have to ask for it when we go out to eat at other places. We came for lunch, it was a little different process. You order at the bar then have the food delivered out by a expediter Still they were very efficient and attentive, despite not having one server.. I was also impressed with the decor. It is still old school with lots of old pictures and ads on the walls, but very clean and well taken care of. Bravo Old Fashioned! Good Your establishment was the best meal I had in Wisconsin while I vacation and the best lunch I have had in quite a while!

Ashley N.

I've been to The Old Fashioned a couple of times and I really love it!Once after the farmers market at the capitol and more recently last weekend for date night. The Old Fashioned is a wonderful showcase of everything local to Wisconsin. It would be a great place to take someone from out of town. They have an extensive beer list which I appreciate and obviously a nice selection of old fashioned drinks. I'm not a liquor drinker normally but my boyfriend likes the old fashions here. I had the #19 salad and added salmon. I'm glad I did because without a meat the salad would have been pretty plain. It was about 85% mixed greens (which were soooooo good) onions, a deviled egg (nice touch), and an awesome warm bacon dressing. Really yummy! Everything on the menu is incredibly reasonable price wise especially when you consider the quality of the food. The beers are around $4 (they always have a $2.50 special - mine was Kiss the Lips IPA, Lake Louie Brewing Co) and the Old Fashions were $5-$7 unless you wanted to get really fancy. Most of the menu items are under $10 but they always have a special which is more expensive but well worth it. Be prepared to wait at the bar for a table. Both times Ive been here was during peak hours and we waited well over an hour so pack a granola bar in your purse or order some cheese curds!

Ashe D.

Not a ton of vegetarian options. All the food is very heavy. I ordered an omelet for breakfast one morning and their was so much boursin that it made me sick :(

Christopher Thomas B.

What a pleasant introduction to Madison, WI. Cut your way through the political tension and grab a seat at the bar to avoid the wait. Take your time ordering through over a hundred beers. Sample all the old fashioneds. Just remember that, no matter what, you are not Don Draper. As nice as folks from Wisconsin are, they will still snicker if you come in stunting a fedora with a Lucky Strike dangling from your lips.

Mzz. Julia X.

Overrated. I had a few beers and some fries here, and sat at the bar. I would never even try to sit at a table here; the way they are arranged maximizes tables but sacrifices a good flow of people in and out. It seems crowded. They have a redonkulous variety of beers on tap, which is good. Service was mediocre. The bar staff seemed overextended and were bland--no greeting when I sat down, no smile, no "how is everything" at any point. My order of fries, while huge, were undercooked, bland (much like the staff), and freezer burned. No amount of mayonnaise or hot sauce could rescue them. I ended up throwing most of them away later--and I HATE wasting food. I didn't try the cheese curds... just how special can frozen cheese curds be? I will return sometime to try them and find out, but... jeez, tons of bars in Madison serve fried cheese curds. What, are they deep-fried in unicorn fat or something? There was interesting people-watching to be had, but there was a... how shall I say... "conservative" vibe to the place. The TV was turned to Fox News, which did dampen my appetite a bit. I may stop back in for a few pints and try some of those fabled curds, but I'd never make a habit of the Old Fashioned.

J S.

Three star reviews are probably the least exciting reviews to read. The place is okay Cheese curds are good. Sausage plate is good. The Old Fashioned are surprisingly *meh*. If you like standing in line for a long time waiting for a place to sit in a hot and crowded place, you'll love The Old Fashioned. Also if you're fan of noisy place where you'll have to scream in order for your table mates to hear you - you'll likely rate this place 5+ stars. Personally, I like to converse. i like it when my chair isn't slammed into by other patrons trying to get in and out of their chairs... so 3 stars feels generous. If you go, try going during "off hours." You'll have a better time.

Ping N.

Philip C.

Ashley J.

Let me preface my review with "I am not a native Wisconsinite". I don't even drink Bloody Marys. The food is pretty good. You have to be in the mood for sandwiches or a greasy food. The cheese curds are good, but not my favorite in town. The bar food menu is interesting and I do love their popcorn.

Mary Lynne H.

Cheese curds, Bloody Mary's, Old Fashioned's, Burgers...If these are what you're looking for, I highly recommend this place. The cheese curds are excellent, beer battered, and fried perfectly. Blood Mary's are like a breakfast in a jar with a pickled egg, big piece of jerky, cheese curd, etc. The Old Fashioned isn't too sweet. Burgers, like the Wisconsin burger are great. The cheese plates leave a bit to be desired, and are a bit on the pricey side, so start with something else if you want a starter. Service is a bit slow, and you have to flag down a bartender, even if you're sitting at the bar, and right in front of them. It's like they aren't in tune with what their guests are there for. It's not a place I'll frequent, but when friends are in town, I'll take them for the "Wisconsin Experience."

Elizabeth C.

The first few times I went to the Old Fashioned, I absolutely loved it. The cheese curds were fresh and at the perfect temperature and coupled with the smoked paprika sauce... Let's just say I still dream about them sometimes. The burger with the egg is also hands down my favorite burger in the world. You just can't beat it. I've also gotten the salmon salad and another salad that had a warm, bacon dressing as well as other things that made it really unhealthy. The exact names of both escape me but seeing as there are only like 4 salad entrees on the menu, they're not hard to find. I would definitely recommend both. But I do have to dock a star. They don't take reservations which can lead to a frustrating 30-40 minute wait and I feel that as the restaurant has gotten more popular, the quality has gone down. The last time I went the cheese curds were super oily and soggy. I know that cheese curds aren't healthy by any means, but at least in the past I wasn't reminded of that fact with the (small) pockets of oil lingering on the curds and how the pieces were all stuck together.

Kelly T.

I was honestly expecting more given the mostly positive reviews. It's good food at a reasonable price. It seems like a more refined version of a WI/MN supper club, especially the Old Fashioned Burger with the fried egg as a topping. I didn't try the beer or the curds - those are for another time.

John M.

Idk, but I feel this place is more hype than legit. Curds were avg as was the burger I had. Not bad but not great. Idk if it is worth the wait.

Tunaidi A.

If you live near or in Madison, there is no way you have not heard of The Old Fashioned before. It's one of the most popular hangout and food places in the area and it's always on my list of restaurants to bring friends that visit from out of town to. I love their specials and my favorite is the Monday special -- buy one burger, get one free. You could always share the second burger with a friend. Or if you're like me, you'd eat both of them and feel super stuffed. My go-to items at The Old Fashioned are the Old Fashioned burger and the double bratwurst sandwich. The fried cheese curds here are to die for and if you go here, you cannot leave without having tried this Wisconsin delicacy. The dipping sauces add to its greatness. Finally, be aware that reservations are not taken and that weekends require super long waits. It'll be worth it though if you have the time to spare.

Jessica W.

Yum. I wish there was an equivalent of The Old Fashioned in Ann Arbor, but perhaps it is best that there isn't, because my disposable income isn't as flexible as I'd like. Their drink menu is massive. Out of the few I tried, I enjoyed the hard lemonade the most, though the raspberry beer wasn't bad either. I'm not huge on fried food, but the garlic cheese curds were sufficiently tasty. The pork shoulder sandwich probably wasn't the best choice for me, as I prefer salads, but it was also above average, as far as sandwiches go. Not too shabby, Madison.

Melanie S.

The Old Fashioned is an absolute must when in Madison, as the throngs of folks lining up to eat here will attest. Seriously, this place is NEVER not busy. Like, never ever. One reason is the food is terrific (especially the fried cheese curds, beer cheese soup, or any of the Lazy Susans). Another is the extensive beer list. Any WI beer can be found here. Being here actually made me sad that I don't drink beer because it all looked so damn appealing. Service is extremely efficient and personable, and the patrons are friendly too. It's pretty easy to be cheerful in a place like The Old Fashioned. Prices are right too. We had a bowel-binding lunch of the afore-mentioned cheese curds, soup, and a Lazy Susan tray of garlic salami, smoked lake trout, deviled eggs, creamed herring, braunschweiger, sharp cheddar cheese spread, as well as beer and cider to wash it all down. All for a reasonable $50 including tip. And it's the kind of filling food that allows you to skip dinner (not that we did) thereby saving you more money! And whatever you do, get some dusseldorf mustard. It's the best mustard I've ever had. It literally got slathered on everything. It just wouldn't feel like a proper trip to Madison without at least one meal at The Old Fashioned, and preferably several.

Carly T.

Best cheese curds of my life. Same goes for beer cheese soup. Basically, if you're into cheese, run don't walk to this restaurant. Things to note: -Fairly large portion sizes, so keep that in mind when you order. -Cheese curds -They have gluten-free bread, and 3 choices of it at that! -Prices are amazing. We had a FILLING meal for 4 people for under 70 bucks. -Did I mention cheese curds?

Valerie K.

Good selection of beers and the food is great too. If I wanted to have a conversation with friends, I would try and arrange to go during an off time, as 11:30 to 1 pm and 5 until late, every table is taken or spoken for and it is LOUD!!

Elizabeth A.

Best cheese curds in town! The rest of the menu is lack luster, IMO. Great place for an Old Fashioned, and some curds.

Reuben H.

While a slightly more upscale, supper club inspired concept would typically perk up the skeptic inside of me (he's a hulking beast with a sinister villain-esque handlebar mustache with his head eternally cocked to the side and one eye brow raised higher than the other), this place does it right on pretty much every level. A wonderful ode to the state, their focus is simple: respect the rich traditions of the food that makes Wisconsin unique, in an environment that is equal parts welcoming and casual, and put it all together with a high level of service. The menu, while large, was basically broken down mainly into some appetizers, sandwiches, and a few nightly specials. What was impressive was the care taken to ensure that every menu item highlighted something that was Sconnie-specific. The beer list alone makes me want to head on back to try a few that aren't distributed here in Illinois yet. A great setting right across from the capital building, with a nice concept to pay homage to the great state of Wisconsin, The Old Fashioned is a must visit when in Madison.

Holly C.

The food/drinks at the Old Fashioned deserves a bit better than the 2 stars I'm giving. The food would probably get 3.5 stars. It's got a good selection of your standard pub fare, and let's face it, who wouldn't love a burger with a fried egg on top. The cheese curds are what you'd expect from WI, fried goodness. Beware of the onion straws, they are delicious, but they give you such big portions and don't take the time to let the grease drain from them, it ends up making you want to throw up. So make sure you have someone to share these with, maybe more than one 'someone's would be even better. The drinks are ok. Not my favorite place to grab drinks, but if someone suggested to go there, I wouldn't object too much. So, the reasons why this place lost stars for me. First off, I have no idea why this place is constantly packed. it's not that special, but hey, not everything has to make sense. But the wait time is not worth it in my opinion. When you finally get seated, things generally go pretty well for the rest of the evening. However, if you're here just for drinks, good luck. I swear, the bartenders ignore you on purpose! The last time I was there, my friends and I were empty glassed and staring, hoping to just even make eye contact with a bartender for about 15 minutes before anything happened!!! That is absolutely RIDICULOUS! We were right up on the bar, not standing behind other people waiting for drinks and it took 15 minutes for someone to just make EYE CONTACT with any of us! I don't care how great the food/drinks are at a place, waiting that long for just eye contact is unacceptable. Not to mention, nothing there has ever knocked my socks off. They are a nice establishment with a good selection of drinks and competently prepared food items. But the service could definitely use an upgrade.

Kelsey P.

This place gets 5 stars just for the cheese curds. I've eaten many a cheese curd in my life - these were the best. My bourbon old fashioned was tasty. The burger was awesome. The bacon on the burger was even more awesome.

Louis B.

We had a large group on a busy Friday night and the staff were very accommodating and helpful with getting us a table. Our server was great and very knowledgeable on the special brews being offered. It was Friday and we were entertaining friends from Seattle who have only heard of Wisconsin Friday night fish fry. We heard it was good at the Old Fashioned. Most of us ordered the combo fish fry with cod perch and walleye. It tasted good but the fish serving size was not adequate for the price. The walleye was just as big as the little perch fillets. Very small portions of fish. Was anything but representing Friday fish fry in Wisconsin. I will stick to burgers and curds here from now on.

Michelle H.

If you go anytime between 5 and 8 you will wait an hour minimum for a table. You can get drinks while you wait and they are very reasonably priced. The cheese curds are the best I've ever had. The food never disappoints.

Liz B.

The Old Fashioned is a wonderful place to familiarize yourself with all things Wisconsin. Everything the Old Fashioned offers epitomizes Wisconsin inside and out. It's more than beer, cheese, and brats!!! However, that being said, what's the best way to start a typical Wisconsin meal? Beer and cheese! The Old Fashioned offers over 100 Wisconsin beers and always have one seasonal variety for $2.50! The specialty cocktails (namely, the Old Fashioned!) are tasty. And as other Yelpers have claimed, they DO have the best fried cheese curds ever! Light batter, delicious paprika sauce. Eat them while they're hot! The Lazy Susans are a unique way to try a number of Wisconsin foods (sausage, smoked fish, cheese, salads, pickled veggies) and serve as a great starter for a large group. As far as entrees are concerned, the fried fish is delish! The burgers are tasty. Even the vegetarian sandwich is good. The Old Fashioned never disappoints! Great place to take out of town visitors. One thing to consider, however, is that there's almost always a wait for dinner, so get there before 6-6:30pm if you don't want to wait an hour.

A.D. M.

I finally broke down and went for lunch. All in all, I liked it. Their fried cheese curds were excellent. The burger I had wasn't any better than anything I could make at home, so I wasn't overly impressed with that. We went at lunch on a Friday. Big mistake. There was a line out the door and we ended up having to wait, huddled in the freezing entry, for almost twenty minutes to get a table. The tables themselves are practically on top of the next table over. There's almost zero privacy, so don't use this place for top secret business luncheons or to break up with someone. Prices could be a bit better, but I'm not going to complain. The odd system of ordering could be refined. I found it frustrating to finally get a seat and then be told by a waitress who showed up tableside that I had to go stand around by the bartender for ten minutes until I could place an order. The waitress was RIGHT THERE! Why couldn't she help a dude out? I'll go back, but I'm not in any hurry to do so.

Jenn S.

Very good. I like that I know exactly what to expect when I go. Love the atmosphere of the place and I never really mind waiting for up to 45 minutes to be seated. I've had brunch, dinner, and drinks/cheese curds here. I want to try new places and come here less... but I just end up here all the time especially when there are visitors because I know they won't disappoint. Protocol for me is to put my name down, go to the back bar, drink a beer and hang out, and time flies~ Dinner is served pretty quickly. Food and drink menu is extensive. I've seen ~20 of the food items (I've eaten like.. 5...) and no one was ever disappointed. Their old-fashioned drink is pretty tasty too.. and I'm not that big on old fashioneds usually...

James N.

Cheese curds are the best I've ever had. The #29 burger is great as well. Huge beer and liquor selection. Always a long wait and is loud but worth it.

Molly F.

One of my all time favorite places to eat!! Delicious food and excellent service every time I've been there! And the cheese curds...nothing compares! Will return as often as I can!

Shea S.

If you love beer, you've got to come here. This is especially true if you're not living in WI and want to try some delicious WI-made brews. They had 52 of them on tap when I was here, many form breweries I haven't heard of (and I try to stay on top of such things from my home state). They also had many in bottles, including bombers. And the prices are crazy cheap for such awesome beer. My brother and I were there on a Thursday night and they were doing 2-for-1 pints of anything...anything! Plus you can do tasting flights in case you feel like a kid in a candy store (that would be me). Want to see what WI has to offer in the form of craft beer, and hang out in a cool dark wood tavern? The Old Fashioned is your place. Plus, how can you not go to a place with the name "The Old Fashioned"? I rest my case.

Jeff Z.

After many times of missing this place finally had to give it a try. Started out with the $3 pint of the month which was local IPA. Then had the number 30 burger with cheese curds and tiger blue on the side. The burger was flat out solid as were the curds. Sat up by the bar right away so had no issues getting a spot. Would differently recommend and go back without hesitation.

Amanda S.

This is a must have restaurant for your Madison bucket list. Easily one of my favorite places, and not just because my friend used to work here. They have the greatest cheese curds you will ever eat. Soft but fried, they go great with the ranch or tiger sauce. The beer selection is phenomenal. As is their seasonal infused vodka. My personal favorite is their House Burger. I'd recommend it with blue cheese. It's quite massive, so if you are able to split it with someone or have a large appetite, it's worth it.

Angie K.

Outstanding customer service from every staff person that even walked past me while picking up my take-out order. The veggie sandwich (with cheddar instead of goat cheese) was very good but quite greasy. The haystack onion strings were delicious. The cheese curds are very overrated in my opinion. They were greasy and a flatten, squished-together mess. I felt like I could get a better order of cheese curds at a hundred other Wisconsin restaurants. Even Culver's (regional fast food chain) has better curds.

Peter P.

Man I have to say that the burger is really good, but later found out that almost all of the beef in the Midwest is really good compared to California. That being said, the fried cheese curds are totally disgusting. I don't know who established that cheese curds are a "wisconsiner thing", but if you like a damn salt bomb in your mouth, then by all means. Let's see here: cheese curds themselves are salty, then you bread and salt them again, and finally deep fry them in fats. This should be illegal, and ruined my meal :(

Anthony M.

From the minute you walk in the door...this place has a great BBQ hickory smell. It also feels like home. Many people complain about the crowd. I seem to always come in here by myself and always find one lonely spot at the bar. The bar also has a ton of beers too...in fact 150 Wisconsin beers in the house...which makes for a long beer picking process. Personally I trust them and go for the beer of the month, which is only 2.50 for a pint...nice...June 2011 is the Fatty Boombalatty beer of the month. Not only is it good but it is fun to say when you order it!!! I also had the Sheboygan's Grand Champion Miesfeld Market Double Bratwurst with raw onion , pickles and brown mustard in a buttered Highway Bakery hard roll. $7.95 or as it is listed in the menu the No.32. The brats are amazing...so good!!! I was not happy with the hard roll...it seemed like the thing that was wrong with the sandwich. Maybe a soft roll like they serve in Sheboygan would be better? Just maybe. There are also great bar eats too...I tried the spicy pickled egg for a buck...it was okay. I've had a better one in a small bar north of Sheboygan years ago. I need to find that place again!!! Always a lively spot. Also at 10:30 on Tuesday night happy hour started as I was getting my bill...I was totally tempted but could not see myself drinking anymore beer...2 for 1 pints...great deal but I needed to go to sleep for a busy day at work...maybe next time!!!

Demetrius S.

Love this bar. The food is always incredible. While the waits for a table can sometimes be a little long, it only speaks for the demand that their quality food and drinks bring in. Bar service is fast and friendly.

Anne C.

I was in town on business and, being my first trip to Madison (and to Wisconsin) I was on a mission to eat like the locals during my one night there: beer and cheese curds for me! The cheese curds here were awesome-- definitely the best I have had. They are available with several different dipping sauces. I chose the smoke paprika aioli and it was delicious. Coming from Chicago, I was so shocked at the prices here-- a craft beer, cheese curd appetizer, and a very large salad came out to be less than $20... they have a HUGE beer selection and most were priced at $3-$5. Sign me up! Service here is friendly, the atmosphere is fun, and a great location downtown with a view of the capitol building. I'll certainly pop in on my next visit to Madison!

BluesMan M.

I went with some Friends from Appleton There was a line out the Door we went in and got a table right away so that was cool Service was ok for how busy they were. We had 2 appetizer's Potato Chips they were very Good. Cheese Curds they were Good. Brian had the #30 Burger he said it was Good, Sue had the Grilled Cheese and they used so much Butter her hand was greasy, I had the #33 i think it was a turkey sandwich with lettuce and pickles the bread too had so much butter my hand was greasy, Both Her and I Could not finish our Sandwich's because of all the greasy Butter it started to make me not feel good. I figured mine would be good and Healthy as I need low Cholesterol and Salt Foods Seeing how I did have the Potato Chips. It Was NOT worth the $47.00 we had to pay! Would I go back I doubt it!

Joshua H.

On a Saturday evening my 4 dining companions and I made a visit (first time my myself) to the Old Fashioned at 5pm. The place was not too busy yet but a decent crowed had begun to make its way in by this time. We were seated upstairs where its a bit more quiet. I was not aware they had an upstairs until this visit. Our waiter was very informative and knowledgeable of the menu items and the preparation of the foods and sauces, and the way several drinks were made and how they taste. The others in my group all got either beer or an Old Fashioned of their choosing, I passed on drinks to save room for what I had been reading reviews on over the past week. Yelp gave the menu overwhelming positive reviews across the board so I was pretty sure I was going to have an easy time finding something both filling, tasty and affordable on this visit. Lets take a quick walk through this visit so prep your senses for some teasing because that's just what your in for! My appetizer was the soup of the day($3). I got the bowl sized serving of spicy black bean and pork with corn. This was a beef broth based soup with a slight peppery note to it. The pork was shaved and very tasty. The black beans could have been cooked a little bit softer but a great soup none the less. My main course was the No 30. Old Fashioned House Burger. ($9.95) A 6 oz burger (ordered mine medium) with fried onions, hickory smoked bacon, aged cheddar, garlic sauce, a soft cooked egg and a buttered, toasted roll. I upgraded my side item to the very highly recommended (yelp) beer battered cheese curds ($3 extra). The burger was absolutely phenomenal! Messy but not like sloppy-joe messy, simply so much substance to the burger that it becomes hard to handle. But worth it of course! My only comment here is that my burger was cooked well done (I checked after a couple bites in) vs the medium I had asked for. Outside of that, a hit for sure! The cheese curds were so good I could feel myself becoming more and more connected with all things Wisconsin on every bite I took I swear! Like small peaces of golden softness that melted in your mouth. The nice part about them is that they use a very light and thin breading leaving mostly pure Wisconsin cheese to hit your pallet! These are a must if you have not had cheese curds before or have not had them in a long time (such as my case). If that was not enough read on.....I did go and ask to see a dessert menu (the only one in my party with room to dare ask for more). The waiter told me that the Fruit Crisp with Vanilla Spice Ice Cream ($4.95) was currently stawberry-rhubarb. That sold me right there! The ice cream was spiced with cinnamon and was good but not amazing. I was expecting a cold ice cream topping with a warm pie underneath and perhaps a crust at the bottom. Instead the fruit portion of the pie was also cold as well. Not a bad thing just not the contrast I expected. Nor did I find the crusty top or bottom I would have liked either but still, a very sweet, fruity and satisfying end to a great meal indeed! My bill which came to just under $24 was a fair price to pay for the portions, quality and service my group and I received on this visit. I will be looking to make a return to The Old Fashioned soon to try several of their other burger listing but also to try what looks to be (and has been reviewed as) a fantastic brunch menu which for this food blogger always gets my attention!

Tyler G.

The old fashioned is aptly named. I was slightly upset that I went for lunch since I previously had my hopes on trying their old fashioned. I got the meatloaf sandwich on texas toast and upgraded to fried cheese curds for a side. I was thoroughly embarrassed that I could only eat about a third of the meal . . . . yeah its heavy stuff. Lunch was an interesting format; order at the bar and pay right away. Food came quick and people checked on us a few times. Location: Great (literally next to the capitol and very accessible by about a million buses). Feel: Old-world-wisco-pub with a touch of new world flair. Staff: little interactions due to the lunch format, but everyone was nice. Food: Portioning was super heavy and the meatloaf was basic. Food was good for what it was, although I had hopes for something a little more thought out.

Jenny R.

Great food. They're known for their cheese curds and burgers - because they are pretty awesome, after all. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, expect to wait awhile to get a table.

Gabby Z.

safe menu with a lot of variety. can get very busy during dinner hours. great beer selection and tasty appetizers

Pete A.

Food, beverages, prices, service.....all awesome! Double brat with side salad was perfect. Side of braunschweiger for $1.50 was so good. Would have been 5-stars but it is incredibly loud (wasn't even a busy time of day) but you can barely hear the person next to you it's so loud. This place is a must for anyone in Madison!

Charlie R.

Awesome! Love this place, and yes, what took me so long? As a Madison resident, many friends were surprised that I had never been here. I am too. Crowded Saturday night a couple of weeks ago. Told about a 30 minute wait. No problem, we found a spot at the bar and ordered, of course a couple of old fashioneds. Delicious and made quickly and expertly in front of us. Barely had time to settle up and we were buzzed via text messge(fancy) that a table was ready. Sat in the newer part, and I need to start bringing my reader-cheaters, as I struggled to read the menu. However, not a problem as Yelp reviews had let me know what to order; and we were NOT disappointed. Starter, of course with the cheese curds. Amazing! Light(possible?) for curds and perfectly melty. We both had burgers. She the Wisconsin and greatly enjoyed it and I the Old fashioned burger. Both stood up to previous reviews, and I'm excited to go back; but not sure if stay with burger, or try many of the other wonderful looking items. Enjoyed a couple of beers, from their broad selection. A new favorite!

Brian C.

A huge beer selection ( more than 100), and all local. That alone makes this place fantastic and worth a visit. Awesome atmosphere. A great post-work stop off. Or a perfect place to get drunk with your friends while experimenting with weird Wisconsin brews or delicious flights. Ok I should probably stop talking about the beer. The food is great, very Wisconsin (read: terrible for your health but amazing for your appetite). AND THE CHEESE CURDS ARE AMAZING. Seriously, best in town.

Liza G.

I'm not a beer connoisseur, but I have loved everything I've tried here. And the burgers...guys, they are unreal. I've had dreams (good ones) about the Old Fashioned House Burger. That fried egg really does it. Service is great and very Wisconsin-friendly. Even at 7pm on a Saturday night, when you're told the wait will be an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, you're usually seated within 45 max. And in the meantime, drinking delicious beer at the bar is definitely not a bad alternative.

Luke F.

LOVE this place. Kurt makes the best Old Fashioned I've ever had and knows everything there is to know about that wondrous cocktail. The cheese curds are amazing, and I'm working my way through the menu and have yet to be disappointed.

Beth P.

If I suggest one place to visitors from out of town, it is The Old Fashioned. This is a uniquely Wisconsin deal with good food and an excellent beer selection. Their menu selection is fair. The sandwiches are decent, salads are only ok, cheese curds are good. The beer selection, however, doesn't disappoint. They boast around 50 taps. You can take your pick of some great Wisconsin beers that are hard to come by elsewhere in Madison (O'so, Pearl Street, Steven's Point, etc). It is busy on Friday and Saturday nights so plan ahead! Sometimes waits are 1 hour + at these peak times. This isn't a bad place to stop after getting dinner elsewhere. Just arrive after 9pm on weekends.

Michael M.

Good food (perch fish fry and a wedge salad) and great service. The wedge was presented beautifully with French dressing (never seen it served with French) and the fish fry had a very light batter (pretty good). The thing that resonated most was the service, everyone knew the beers and the menu items flawlessly. Thanks for playing host to an out of towner.

B S.

Based on word of mouth and some reviews, I had sky-high expectations for this establishment. It was OK. The setting is nice, right next to the capitol building. But form a food and service perspective it was average to above average. The draft and bottle beer selection is legit, but mostly focused on regional selections which was disappointing. The server was helpful and the food came out fast and was tasty - especially the cheese curds and the sandwich platters. But it just seemed like.....a classy deli. From an ambiance perspective I didnt get the sense we could settle in and enjoy several drinks without taking a table away from the next touristy group. Perhaps it may be different in another section of the establishment, as we sat near the entrance and hostess booth. I'll go back, but my hopes of this being the go-to eatery with amazing drinks is dwindling...

Jonathan S.

Great Wisconsin local beer selection. If you're looking for anything else beer wise, you're gonna be disappointed. Definitely more of the college scene.

Shanda W.

Meh. I don't understand the draw. Yeah, they have good cheese curds. But they also have lots of greasy, uninspired food. And it is ALWAYS incredibly busy. I don't particularly like waiting in line for over an hour to have an ok burger. There are too many other great place on the square. Go to Coopers Tavern or Graze.

Erin H.

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Dorise G.

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Amanda O.

I visited The Old Fashioned in Madison with my mom and my son after a long day exploring the nearby children's museum. There was a long wait at the door (which tells me that it would be good), so I grabbed a pager and waited outside. After about 25 minutes (not too bad) we were paged and took a sit across from the bar in the back. I liked that this tavern had a coloring sheet for my son which he liked, but not as much as he loved the mirrors behind the booth. He watched himself and had his own little "buddy" for the longest time. As for the food, it's great. We couldn't visit WI without ordering some delicious cheese curds and I had an Old Fashioned Burger - so good! All kids menu items are served with fresh fruit and my son also had yogurt - definite plusses for moms coming in with kids. In my opinion, The Old Fashioned is a MUST in Madison.

Kate M.

I'm only kinda a fan of The Old Fashioned. The food was delicious. The drinks were meh. And the service was snotty. The food was delicious. We had the cheese curds because what else do you eat when you're in Wisconsin and we hadn't had any since dinner the night before. They were very good. I had a BLT with either fresh mozzarella or burrata (I don't remember which) on it and it was fantastic. It may have been the highlight of my trip. Actually, I was so focused on my sandwich I don't even remember what anyone else had. The service when we sat down was great. They were there when you wanted something but not annoying. We did have to wait for about 30 minutes for a table, which isn't a problem when there's a bar to grab a drink at. The Old Fashioned is definitely a Wisconsin treasure. I'm pretty sure everyone in Madison was there for dinner that night. The décor just screams "WISCONSIN" which could be a bad thing, but they've done it just right here. Now, sadly, the service and drinks that mad me think "meh"... We showed up around 7 on a Tuesday night and there was a 30 minute wait, so of course we decided to get a drink while we waited. Being an old fashioned lover I figured I should order one of the namesake drinks. The bartender who looked about 23 asked if I wanted it sweet or sour or with brandy. I looked at him like he had two heads. I said "An old fashioned please". Aaaannnd we repeated the same process. The other bartender recognized this look of confusion and started to explain that in Wisconsin things are done stupidly, I mean, scratch that, "differently". Bartender #1 said "Ok, just tell me what you want and I'll make it" So I gave him the ingredients for how the rest of the world makes an old fashioned. Bartender #2 acknowledged that the rest of the world makes them one way; then explained how they make them in Wisconsin is the original recipe, which changed around 1880. I replied "I was barely drinking age in 1880 so maybe that's why I've never had one like that". He did not find that as humorous as I did. The drink was how it would be if I made it at home: Meh. I'm sure we'll be back at The Old Fashioned next time we're in Madison. I will not be ordering an Old Fashioned though. Maybe I'll try the Spotted Cow...

Cara F.

The Old Fash as I refer to it, is that reliable friend that you can always count on. Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, I'm never disappointed. My biggest problem when I eat here is I always want to order everything off the menu because I'm starving and it's all oh so good. The cheese curds are a must order and you get your choice of dipping sauces. Where you go from there is up to you, but you'll surely enjoy whichever it is you choose. This is not only a great meal place, but also somewhere to stop in for drinks or appetizers. I've always had great service here whether it's sitting at a table or at the bar. It's pretty typical for the Old Fashioned to be busy. It's in a prime location, popular with both locals and visitors to the city. But, if you have to wait it's worth it. As always, my recommendation if you can is to grab a seat at the bar if it's a long wait. But, those spots can be full as well. If you're going for lunch, during the week they don't serve to the tables and you do need to go up to the bar to order. Just as heads up so you're not waiting at a table. It's quick and efficient. If eating here in the middle of winter and sitting by the front doors, you may need to keep your coat on as it stays pretty chilly with people coming in and out. :) My only not so favorite thing here are the Tuesday Taco Nights. I'm just more of a fan of the regular menu, but it's a great deal that they offer if you want to go out for cheap tacos. And, I wouldn't steer you wrong with their Bloody Mary. Fully loaded with a huge piece of beef jerky, cheese curds, a pickle and a pickled egg. As a local, I can say this place lives up to the hype and you won't be disappointed!

Kelly R.

Kelly E.

Ariel M.

Matthew Z.

Chrissy R.

Autumn H.

Annie K.

Randall G.

Grabbed a beer post-farmers market. Great spot with Wisconsin roots and solid service.

Helen C.

What is there to say about The Old Fashioned that hasn't been said before? The cheese curds are really good. The fish fry is pretty nice as well. The haystack onion strings are also salty and delish. However, I'll have to say that my experience at The Old Fashioned was forever changed when I got their No. 50. Oh yes. It is a "wood-grilled 16 oz. Rib-eye of beef topped with a pat of Wisconsin sweet-cream butter and served with matchstick fries, tiger sauce and grilled Texas toast" for $27.95. But wait. The rib-eye sits atop the fries, which means the fries taste like meaty goodness. The Texas toast is so buttery and delicious. And that pat of Wisconsin sweet-cream butter? That really makes the meat melt in your mouth. Also, if you're going for a drink or two, hit up the bar in the second room (not the first bar you see when you walk in). The bartenders there are great! Oh, since they don't take reservations, try to get there early and put in your name. They'll take down your phone number and text you when a table is ready. That means you can walk around the Square or go grab a drink elsewhere before meandering back.

Reb A.

Gotta love the cheese curds! The Walleye fish sandwich was delicious and after cheese curds, I had the salad instead of fries. Huge portions of both. In a word, delicious.

Julie O.

We were in Madison when the Blackhawks were in the playoffs. Who knew that every bar in Madison did not have the hockey game on?! Well, everyone in Wisconsin knows that. It is Chicago folks do not. In any case, we found the Old Fashioned and they had the Hawks game on. We were lucky and got seats at the bar and did not have to wait for a table. Solid beer list. I has a local Wisconsin beer. Someone in our group had an Old Fashioned and it was good. Food was basic but good. Cheese curd appetizer was crazy good. Saturday night prime rib sandwich, burgers, chicken sandwiches all made for good choices. Bartender was helpful, attentive and friendly. Prices were reasonable.

Aaron H.

Definitely one of the best places in Madison! I love coming here for breakfast or brunch. Their brunch menu is delicious and surprisingly affordable. They serve a great old fashioned (obviously) but my favorite is definitely the Wisconsin bloody mary.

Scott K.

What can I say? This place is a madison classic for a reason. Dinner items and beers are excellent. Appetizers are great. I am however not terribly impressed with the breakfast. One thing to keep in mind is that during peak hours the wait can be an hour or more in order to get a table. Therefore the off-peak hours are a good time to slip in. One complaint that I've heard from a number of people is that due to the tin ceilings the place is very loud when packed.

Ariana F.

Most importantly- the cheese curds are entirely unparalleled. I have literally had dreams about eating them. More than once. Less importantly but still important- I recently had unfortunate experience with the service. Went there with 14 friends for my birthday this year, and we ALL ordered several drinks each, several rounds of their holy cheese curds, and we all got entrees. Fine service through the meal, but AFTER my friend picked up the check + tipped handsomely (again, probably upwards of 30 drinks and 15 entrees- NOT a cheap endeavor) the server comes back to our table and said passive aggressively that someone in our party had offended a hostess at the BEGINNING of the evening and needed to apologize. I asked him what happened but he just walked away sneering, so I went to the host stand to figure out what we possibly could have done. Neither of the hosts would tell me who said what. I was really disappointed that the server brought this to our attention so unprofessionally and AFTER we spent like $600 and 4 hours in this place- and that no one would tell us what happened. No one in my party has any idea what we could have possibly said to offend the hosts. I left two messages for the general manager to call me and never heard back. Weird, right?

J.W. H.

Second time visiting while in town for the week. Food is amazing! Atmosphere is fantastic! Beer is great! Location is perfect! Both times I went I had the old fashioned burger, it is one of the best burgers ever. Side salad was good and fries were really good too. For appetizers we had the cheese curds! Best we have had while in Wisconsin. Only thing I wasn't a fan of was the Beer Cheese soup. Just wasn't great. Wife had the prime rib dinner on Saturday special. Best prime rib ever. Shame I didn't get it :(. Next thing we had was the Mac n cheese with Bologna sausages. It was very rich but very good! Favorite beer on tap is the local cherry wheat, awesome! Tip... The paprika dipping sauce is awesome!

Judy L.

The food is very very bland. I ordered the Fried Walleye Sandwich and the Cheese Curds. Not great. The fish was fried very well but had no flavor. There was cole slaw in the sandwich to balance it out, but it needed more acid to balance out the greasiness of the sandwich. Tthe cheese curds were ok. The garlic aoli sauce that came with it was underwhelming and didn't complement the cheese curds well. The best part of this restaurant was the nice view of the Capitol building. The service was also very average.

Rachel R.

I've never had a bad meal at The Old Fashioned. I travel to Madison a lot for work and always come to The Old Fashioned when I'm in town. They are the BEST cheese curds that I've ever had (although my only experiences have been at various Madison restaurants). The sarvecchio salad is delicious as well. The bacon mac and cheese is also a must have (if you can handle that much cheese- but it is Wisconsin, after all!). Drinks are also on point! There's pretty much always a wait though. If you go in the evenings, you can expect to usually wait about an hour (and that's on weeknights, not much experience with the weekends).

Chris T.

Great food when you can get in.

Jeremy S.

Maybe I'm grade inflating here. After a five-day experiment with veganism, which is probably not advisable on a two-day Amtrak ride or for the ensuing visit to a state that names its beers after cows, maybe I was just really hangry and sick of tofu and fried mushrooms. But the Old Fashioned treated us right, and after a lot of mediocre pub and food truck fare in Madison, this place seemed about as good as it gets. Situated right on Capitol Square and ideal for general people/tourist watching, OF has a small sidewalk seating area in front and a bar and dining are inside. It's, well, old and woody looking, but in a classy way and not a divey way, and it's a good atmosphere to eat in, sans trendy music and with the sole TV over the bar turned down. The giant front windows allow for fun staring at the square and its goings-on. Because everything is about goddamned free in the Midwest, something I forget when I've been away for a while, I bought a giant, table-share appetizer plate (pickled beets, sliced pickles, pickled green beans, two cheese spreads, deviled eggs, potato salad and crackers); three pints of local craft brew (two West-Coast-style and an English-ish IPA--all very good) and a whole freakin' rainbow trout with sides for $50. I sometimes recycle my oh-so-pithy aphorism that "I've paid much less for much more," but this one's the inverse: I've paid a lot more for food, drink, and service not this good. So, the menu scorecard says that the legendary fried cheese curds dipped in cheese are damned cheesy, in the best way. Mac-n'-cheese (in case you missed the "we're in Wisconsin" bit) with asparagus: shizzle, man, I don't even like macaroni and cheese, and this was magical. And my whole trout was the whole haul for my hole. Sometimes, some thyme and some spinach and some more beets really hit the spot, and, awwww yeah: it was awwn. (Okay, I will stop doing this review in 1997 faux-urban slang. I'm old and have been drinking and sometimes I can't help it.) Our server (Steve, I think?) was cool and gave good beer advice. The staff collaborate and run each other's food and bus and refill water, the way that brothas and sistas oughtta. Okay, I promised to stop that. Anyway, this is a low five, but still a five. If you're in Madison, or live in Madison, for that matter, you should come here.

Alan H.

The food is good for visiting relatives and out of towners. Mostly its just decent greasy spoon food with nothing horrible but also not stellar. It is a good place for drinks though as they offer a large beer selection and are right off the square.

Funk D.

A long weekend to the Mad City for a family wedding brought us to the place we love to find any reason to show up. The model for bike friendly, great food, great beer, interesting art, fine beer, thoughtful thearter, lots-o-beer, The Onion, really good beer, great education... and beer on the Terrace at the Union! Madison, WI! The 7 hour drive full of blues and jazz and folk and indie and country took us to a hotel check-in and a dinner time conundrum. So many gnosh-eries, so little time! With three smartphones blazing up the data highway, a consensus was quickly apparent... "The Old Fashioned!" But woe is us....Yelpers say wait times can be Rip Van Winkle like, historic, folkloric especially on sat nights during dinner hours... and yes, it's sat night during dinner hours So the parking gods are smiling on us and we find a spot right on Capital square with the first pass. Looks like the Yelpers hit the wait-list nail on the head. A crowd milling about the front door. We excuse our way inside to the host stand. 30 minutes... what?!?... who the heck are all these people... and what are they waiting for?!? Who cares...hell we can do 30 minutes standing on our heads. We begin. And very way-cool is the phone app that keeps you up-to-date on where you are in line. 30 minutes turned into 20, the app gave its electronic "you're up" and we were in, in short time! The joint buzzes with talk and laughs and hoots and whispers. Excuse me's and sorry's. It's deceivingly large and comfortably full! Looks like it could have been an old hardware store from decades ago. Long and narrow. Wood everywhere. Tables up front, looong bar to the left and booths opposite the bar. We're led to the left just in front of the bar through a opening and down a step. Same thing over here just kinda backwards but with one long bench down the wall opposite the bar. Leaves lots of options for table/group arrangements. Our walk continues to the back of the room and up a long flight to even more tables on a second floor and more relaxed hustle and bustle. We are politely deposited, menus left with decisions to be decided. Eric or Bradley or was it Matt stopped with welcomes, nightly specials and drink orders to take. The draught taps were extensive, maybe 30 or more and mostly Wisconsin. But we are in "The Old Fashioned", so the namesake it had to be. Be notified that this establishment lets you build your own with choice of booze, mix, bitters, and garnish. We went original recipe, $5 per if memory serves. For us, the old fashion cocktail "bar" (no pun intended) is set high (see "The Friendly Tavern", Zionsville, IN). "The Old Fashioned" old fashioned did not disappoint. Maybe a tad sweet for our taste, but the evening cocktail math progressed with 5 into 3 so the sweet was not a deal breaker. On to the gnoshing. As we had a late lunch in the city of the Illini U, we decided against full on dinner and went with an order of cheese curds and one of the "Lazy Susan" options for our triad: Lazy Susan No. 6 (our collective thoughts parenthetically): Miesfeld market holiday garlic salami (garlicky, buttery smooth and a peppery end), Bavaria Sausage Kitchen's Braunschweiger (pure liver sausage with just the right amount of bitter finish), smoked lake trout (perfectly smoked and not over-dried), creamed herring (in a delightfully dill creamed sauce), Dusseldorf mustard (a brown mustard tang), dill pickles (house made, cold, juicy and crunchy), deviled eggs (with a dust of paprika), Widmer's Brick spread (sweet and soft with a slightly sharp finish), Vern's Sharp Cheddar spread (sharp and tangy from start to end), plenty-o crackers & rye bread...$15.95 Lightly beer battered cheese curds... $6.95: OK, so's every Yelpers review raves about the deep fried cheese curds - hot, soft, melty and oh so tasty especially after a dip in one of The Old Fashioned signature sauces. That's what they all say. And now for a sharp left turn. We love cheese. Must be four or five high end cheeses in the frig at home right now. Been in Wisconsin on many occasions but have never tried the cheese curds. Until now. Well, we all went for it. Tried the deep fried cheese curds and to a person we decided, don't think less of us now, cheese does not need to be battered and fried to be enjoyed. Cheese is just fine enough as is. We promise to say five Hail Mary's each and attend Confession on every other Sunday for a month. As we sat and enjoyed our lazy susan offerings we commented on plates that passed us on their way to other diners. Steaks, fish, burgers and sides all looked well prepared and overflowing but for us, left for another night. The Old Fashioned is Old School and Old Cool. It's menu is an homage to the true supper clubs of Wisconsin, the north woods and days gone by. You should not let another day go by without stopping in. The decision to curd or not to curd is yours and yours alone. Gnosh on!

Vicki T.

Seems like the food and drinks never disappoint me! They also have a huge list of beer selection. The must try is their cheese curds and old fashioned burger. Fish fry is good as well. Make potato chips as your side. They impressed me a lot. And I also like the brandy slush very much! The only thing is that they usually have a long wait line during dinner hours. But the food and atmosphere is totally worth it :)

Emily D.

A real Wisconsin classic. This is where I like to take anyone who is visiting me from out of town. They do not take reservations, so if you go after 5 pm on a weekend, be prepared for a 45 minuet wait. Things you must order: Cheese curds- I like them with the Smoked paprika dip (fried cheese dipped in mayonnaise= amazing) Cheese plate- any will do, they are really fun for a big group The Old Fashioned House Burger- It has bacon and an egg on it! Win! Wisconsin Benedict- if you find yourself here for brunch this is a must, especially if you are a mustard and bratwurst fan. The mustard hollandaise is magical! I've been here numerous times and have liked everything I've tried. It's all pretty classic fare, not too adventurous, but good quality.

Alicia O.

Pros : *Cheese curds *Bar (extensive tap selection, great old fashioneds, cherry bounce) *Walleye sandwich *Atmosphere Cons: *ALWAYS over an hour wait no matter the time of day *Really bland tacos *Everything else on the menu is either mediocre at best or covered in horseradish *No reservations (ever. While they did remedy it with some free drink tokens our friends wanted to have their rehearsal dinner here and they would NOT take a reservation for this. The couple even offered to pay to rent the upstairs, etc) *We had a going away dinner / drinks here awhile ago and the staff could not have made it any more clear how annoyed they were that we had to add a few chairs through the course of our stay

Ashley N.

Me and my husband came here after a long and annoying flight, and we were tired, hungry and annoyed. First, we were impressed by the beer selection, they had lots! I wanted a wheat beer so I asked the waiter what kind I should get (were from the east coast so some of the beers didn't look familiar). He recommended something that was hoppy and disgusting, so clearly the waiters need to step up their game in knowing their beers. I had to trade beers with my partner. Then is when the magic happened, the cheese curds came out. I know we're not used to them but holy mackerel they were delicious, cheesy and hot. They were paired with a horseradish blue cheese, which was beyond delicious and light. I got the old fashioned burger with the egg- lots of great flavors. The bun was buttery and nicely toasted. I didn't love the pound of onions on top and the many spoonfuls of garlic sauce on it. Next time, I would order it without those two. The egg was delicious thiugh. Hubby ordered the hot dog with sauerkraut, land he seemed to like it. I wasn't a fan at all. It tasted more like a maple sausage and it was bright red meat. Who knows, I'm just a tourist but I ain't never seen a beef hot dog like that befoe'! The service was very quick and the people were friendly. Cute little spot to grab a bite, especially if you like beer!

Ellen C.

Excellent place to take anyone visiting Madison, food- and location-wise. Great selection of everything great in locally influenced food, but up a few notches in quality from usual bar food. Tends to get quite loud, however, so iffy if you really want to catch up with a visitor without perfect hearing.

Erin L.

Yes just yes This has to be the ONE place you eat in Madison if you are only there for a short time. This place is the state of Wisconsin all in one compact package. Since moving to this state I am of course on the search for the perfect cheese curd, and my friends I think I have found it. In addition to there yummy cheesy goodness they are offered with like 6 different dipping sauces, and I do like my sauces. Their beer selection is fantastic and they even have a grilled summer sausage sandwich on the menu. I didn't even know that was a thing here! exciting times! Be warned they do not take reservations, and because they are so awesome it can be busy so expect a wait during the usual times.

Andrew C.

Dropped by for breakfast on a weekday. Needed a place to catch up on email and enjoy some good coffee. Service was great, interior was very dark. Menu is good with lots of locally sourced ingredients and the "cheese curds" that one finds on seemingly every Wisconsin menu.

Meg D.

This is a great place for to bring out of town guests to introduce them to Madison and Wisconsin. Food & Drinks: The cheese curds are the best in Madison (upon a random taste test of places) and the dipping sauces make it even better. The beer cheese soup is another great item, for a side or as a meal. I really like the popcorn which gives it a little bit of a crunch. Other than the favorites, I've found the food to be consistently good, regardless of whether it's a fish sandwich, French dip, or a burger. The beer menu is out of this world, with a significant amount of beers in bottles and on tap. They have a special that gives you a good chance to try to the beer of the week for cheap. Atmosphere: Right off the Capital, it's a great place to grab a drink, watch a game, or have brunch after the Farmer's Market. They don't take reservations so it can be a long wait, but grab a buzzer and take a walk around the Capital! Overall, great Madison staple!

Dani B.

Absolutely loved this place. Very nice inside and a great atmosphere. We stopped in for drinks and dinner around 10pm on a Saturday and it didn't feel too crowded. The food was great. I had the Wisconsin burger and warm potato chips. Absolutely best chips I've ever had. My husband was in heaven eating his beer battered cheese curds as he is from Wisconsin and misses them dearly. The classic old fashioned is a must try drink as is their root beer! Great staff and great evening of fun.

Pete B.

I mean, I don't really have anything new to add. It's such a great "Wisconsin" place i.e. great cheese curds and beers. Old fashions were cheap too, so that's even better. The wait might be a little long, but just grab a beer and hang out. Would totally recommend!

Brian G.

This was all it was hyped to be. A friend from the area had given me the recommendation and I'm glad that I took him up on it. Just a great meal from the start and the service there was good. You have to realize that you don't order at your table -- so if you are seated at the bar you can order from a bar tender, but if you are at a table with your group, you will go up to the counter and order that way. Food was excellent and plenty of folks were having bloody marys' or other beverages during lunch time on a Tuesday. I enjoyed it enough to go back a second time later in the trip.

Cris D.

We arrived for dinner to find a 45 minute wait. The place was packed out the door but they were very nice and even took our phone number to text us when the table was ready. Once we sat we were greeted promptly and we ordered drinks. I had an apple old fashion which was amazing. You could really taste the apple brandy. I also had a java porter beer they were featuring. Equally delicious. We started with the cheese curds. I am from Michigan so I'm not to knowledgeable on good cheese but you could tell right away these were not your average GFS cheese curds. Not a lot of breading and very gooey cheese. They were amazing and you can choose what kind of dipping sauce you get. We got the paprika ranch and it had a lot of flavor. For entrees I got the old fashion burger, medium rare with fries. The burger was perfectly cooked, something you don't really see these days. The runny egg on top made it all the better. My date got a salad. I don't remember which kind but as far as salads go the taste and portions were great! The service was amazing and well worth the wait. I will be back for sure.

Jeff F.

This place didn't disappoint. Had the old fashion without the egg and was happy with the outcome. Juicy and well cooked burger. I'm from Florida and came here because of the yelpers. Thank you for the recommendation.

Jonathan B.

You'll hear a lot about The Old Fashioned's cheese curds. They absolutely live up to the hype. Their beer selection is excellent as well.

Christine L.

My first time at Old Fashioned was on a date. I ordered the Old Fashioned House Burger per my date's recommendation. It came with a choice of a side - either fries or a side salad. I went with the fries, which were thinly cut, nicely salted and crisp. The fries were delicious, but they were not the star of my plate. The burger came with a beautifully fried egg precariously balanced atop a patty smeared with garlic sauce, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon. It was a beautiful sight. I added lettuce and tomato and then gently placed the top toasted bun, and with slow and steady pressure smushed and watched that egg yolk dribble down the side of my burger. My first bite was amazing - the saltiness of the bacon, the creaminess of that egg yolk, and the cheese and onions, so good. It was a messy burger, and I surely looked a mess halfway through it, yolk and garlic sauce dribbling down my chin. Did I mention I was on a first date? At some point, the thought that maybe I should put this burger down and try to be attractive on this date occurred to me, but it was fleeting. This was a delicious burger and my date paled in comparison. There was no second date, but I will forever be in his debt for introducing me to this burger. I've since been to the Old Fashioned many times, and often times just for drinks as well. They have a crazy selection of craft brews (50 some on tap, and another 100 bottled), and there's always a tap that's on special for really cheap. It's a great way to sample craft brews. And of course, they serve their namesake, the Old Fashioned. Here, you get to fashion your own Old Fashioned, making choices for the kind of liquor, bitters, mixer and garnish. If you prefer customizations to be done by the bartender, there is also a variety of Old Fashioneds like Apple Jack and Orange Rum. And if you happen to not be a burger person, they do offer many other kinds of sandwiches and Fish Fry Wednesdays and Fridays.

J J.

The wait was only 45 minutes for lunch and they had a nice texting system where we could go anywhere while we waited and we would just get a text when our table was ready. They gave us an excellent table with a view of the capitol and service was friendly, although the waitress seemed a bit frazzled because it was the "farmer's market" lunch rush on a summer Saturday afternoon. We definitely did not feel rushed while eating, though, and we all had satisfying and relaxing meals. The cheese curds totally lived up to the hype. Some of the best I've ever had. They also had a great special on New Glarus Totally Naked. Only $2.50/pint! The mac n cheese looked good, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the flavor, which is why this isn't a 5 star review.

Jamie L.

I came here on a Saturday night with a friend. We ordered a cheese plate (no. 3), the Old Fashioned Burger with cheese curds and two cocktails. First off, it was a hour and a half wait. Not surprised given that it was dinner time on a Saturday night. Was not in a rush to eat so we decided to wait it out. Now, the cool thing (that is very new to me) was that the establishment utilizes an app, called "The List," which tells you exactly where you are on the waiting list. Then they text you when your table is ready. Technology these days! Next, the food is superb. Everything was so yummy in my tummy. The staff are attentive and quick. Lastly, the cocktails were disgusting. I got a Berry Seabreeze and my friend got a Hummingbird Nectar, but they were both very strong and all we tasted was the alcohol. Apparently, Madison has a very high rate of drinkers so I guess my taste buds are different than the locals here. However, I will be forgiving and still rate it five stars because I had a good experience overall.

Alyssa K.

This place was close by to where we were staying while in town for the Ironman and had great reviews so we decided to check it out. It was a little busy so we couldn't get a table immediately, but they have a great system for waiting where they will text you when your table is ready. No waiting close by with that stupid vibrator, red light clunky thing. We were free to explore more of the area while we waited. The beer menu is vast and they have a good choice for a sampling tray. Since I was doing the big ole Ironman the next day I limited myself to one beer. Then I proceeded to carb up with the mac'n'cheese. You can't beat a good Wisconsin cheddar and this stuff was awesome. I also tried some of the chips and everything was delicious. This place was packed but our server did a good job of keeping up with the rush.

Sonia B.

This place is like a legend as we heard about it in Milwaukee and it was recommended to us separately by a few other folks. Two friends and I dropped in for drinks and what turned out to be a late dinner. Service was ok (not great, not bad)...but the "old fashioned" drink was the best my friend had ever had and I loved the cheese curds! Mac and cheese was a little disappointing, but the burger and grilled cheese rounded the order out. Fun environment. Youngish (20-30's) crowd. A MUST stop for an "old fashioned".

Joshua M.

This place is always packed. The food is always amazing and the portions are on the heavy side. The staff and bartenders are very friendly and knowledgeable. They seem to do a good job of retaining good quality staff. This establishment is also gay owned and very gay friendly. The Old Fashioned is always packed and you should expect a (worth while) wait most nights. You cannot make reservations but they do have a high tech waiting list that will text you when your table is ready and tell you how many people are ahead of you. I've never waited more than 45 minutes even with larger groups.

Deb S.

Not sure what I can add that will convince you to visit but here goes. Great beers on tap - huge selection of all-Wisconsin beers. I wish I could have had a few more, but loved the Spotted Cow. The beer cheese soup with crunch popcorn tidbits was amazing, as was the fish and chips. Delicately battered and served with crunch fries. The cole slaw was perfectly seasoned with little celery seed bits - loved it. Service is fairly attentive but it's so darn busy, you won't be disappointed. This is a can't miss place in Mad-Town.

Tiffany K.

During my recent trip visiting friends in Wisconsin, we spent one of our days in Madison. The first place we went to was The Old Fashioned to have lunch. I liked the interior decor - bar restaurant feel and they had lanterns strung across the top of the bar. Not sure the reasoning behind it, but I loved it. The food and drinks were good here. I had Cheese Curds for the very first time here - and I was told this is the place to get them. Well, they were delicious and I'm sure it was apparent after I ate an entire side order to myself. For lunch I had the No. 24 salad with one of their Pilsner Beers and Strawberry Apple Cider. All of the food here was good as well as their drinks. Service was a bit slow at times but not bad. A good lunch/drinks spot to gather with friends.

Allie K.

The old fashioned was the first real downtown restaurant my fiancé and I ate at since moving here last week and we were not disappointed! We got there around 6:15 on a Saturday and there was about a 45 minute wait. The nice part was that they took your phone number to text you when your table was ready, and even were hooked up with an app where you could check your place in line - super helpful for being able to kill some time on capital square or state street without losing your table. Wait time was as predicted, and the indoor decor was awesome. Lots of signs and decorations that were specific to Wisconsin. Inside of restaurant was clean and crowded but well organized. Beer list was awesome - all Wisconsin beers on tap, and a full bar that specialized in Wisconsin old fashions. I got the old fashioned burger and loved it! The meat was good and it wasn't so big that you wanted to die after. My fiancé got the regular burger and cheese curds and was very satisfied with his meal. Service was decent especially given how busy they were, and prices were outstanding given how good the food and atmosphere was! We will be back!

Tony A.

8/10 Cheeseeeeeeeeeeeee curds. OMG. They are amazing. Make sure to get the paprika dipping sauce. I recommend getting one of their great burgers and substituting fries for cheese curds for an extra fee. They are absolutely amazing. First time trying cheese curds and Old fashioned did not disappoint. I was just so shocked as to how it maintains its chewy texture even at the end of the burger :) Also their beer draft list is extensive.... Great burger and beer joint. I will come back again Madison!

Julie H.

Love this place for drinks and cheese curds. The fish is pretty great too!

Brian D.

If you are looking for the Wisconsin classics, and aren't worried about feeling terrible and slow after you consume a ton of calories, then this is the spot for you. The girlfriend and I were passing through Madison after attending a wedding way upstate, so we decided to pop in and stop for a late lunch. The cheese curds here were some bring OUT OF THIS WORLD. Oh man... Living and growing up in New England, I had never experienced anything like them before. Just amazing texture and taste, so unreal how good these were. I also had the burger and the lady got the grilled cheese, both quite good. Only reason why I knock 1 star off is the aftermath. I'm not used to the Wisconsin cheese overload so I felt real lazy and slow afterwards. Overall a really great meal, but if you have a heart condition or are on a diet, you may want to look elsewhere due to the succulent nature of all the food here!

Tony M.

Probably one of the best restaurants in Madison. Loved every bite till the last. The old fashions are amazing, a little overpriced, but well worth the money. If you're visiting Madison this is the one place you need to be.

Maggie H.

Went here on a weekend game day and got a seat right away for two. Ordered a flight of beer and a cheese plate. Cheese was decent and the beer was amazing! I would go again. My partner has been for drinks more than me and he's always enjoyed it. Very family oriented

Eric S.

Not bad - lunch is easy. Beer is cold-ish. It's a place that doesn't vary in quality much - that is to say, the quality is high and consistent. That's worth a lot in my book. You can count on good food, drinks.

Shani A.

My favorite restaurant in Madison, hands down! It's a good place to go with a big group. I take everyone who visits Madison here. I think the cheese curds here are the best in Madison. They also have really good cheese plates. I generally order the chilli, which can be hit or miss depending on who makes it (generally it's pretty chunky, but sometimes it can taste watered down with too much tomato sauce). On Wednesday nights, they also have karaoke, which just adds to the experience. On weekends, there can be a pretty long wait to get seats.

Frank A.

Great Place for lunch! Of course we tried the cheese curds that were written about in every review on here! They are good - not sure if they are the worlds best, but they def are good! Had a great lunch, sat outside, enyjoyed the views.

Alex K.

Well that's just about the best experience anyone could ever have anywhere... ever. As you can see from my picture, I got the No. 30 with cheese curds, and it was one of the better burgers I've ever eaten. The description of it isn't especially innovative, legendary, or "YOU-CAN-ONLY-GET-IT-HERE", but it tasted absolutely awesome... I don't even know what else to say. The best part about it had to be the bacon. I don't know if they smoke it themselves or where they get it from, but it was some of the most flavorful bacon I've ever had. As a side, I got the cheese curds, and I thought they were also very good. You kind of sort of can't go to Wisconsin without having cheese curds, soooo yeah. Cheese curds can sometimes be bland, but these ones are just artery clogging deliciousness. Please, don't waste your time dipping them in ketchup... they don't deserve that sacrilege. The beer selection at The Old Fashioned is also insane with I forget how many dozens of taps, as well as an extensive bottled list. Considering I came in a little before 11am, I didn't find it very appropriate to order a beer. Of course, there were plenty of Mimosas and Bloody Mary's being ordered around the place. The prices for these seemed a little high, but it didn't stop them from being ordered at seemingly every other table. What else is there to do in Madison but drink, though? Alright, that was uncalled for. No complaints from me... everything was perfectly good and perfect. The place was busy, but we didn't have to wait, there was a nice aesthetic, and the food came out surprisingly quickly. I haven't been to any other restaurants in Madison, but good luck in finding a place that'd be more appealing than The Old Fashioned.

Liz H.

YUM - the food was excellent, light and delicious, generous portions and beautifully plated. AAAH- the drinks were poured to perfection and our bartenders all worked to make a good presentation while serving a delicious cocktail or pour. YAY - we stopped in during Art Fair on the Square and were pleasantly surprised to get seated immediately, to relax as long as we needed as we took shelter from the heat and the crowds to relax and enjoy our much needed drinks and savory lunch. We will definitely return and always recommend The Old Fashioned

Shannon S.

Stopped in Madison on our way through to Wasau for a softball tournament. Delicious. I had the grilled vegetable sandwich which was outstanding. Bread and vegetables grilled to perfection and the black olive spread was the perfect condiment. I got the tossed salad as my side and it was perfectly dressed. Not too much, not too little. My daughter had the grilled chicken, bacon, and Swiss cheese. It came on the same grilled bread as my sandwich. She, too, thought it was tasty. My husband had the tacos since that was the Tuesday night special. We were all pleased with our food. We were shocked at how busy the restaurant was for a random Tuesday night. This place was hoppin'. Well priced for the amount of food served. Roughly $8 per meal.

Leslie W.

I had heard a lot of good things about this restaurant and I really wanted to like it. I am still searching for a reason to give it at least four stars. Alas, I cannot justify more than three. It was really busy post Badger game. They have a pretty good system where they take your number and text you when a table becomes available. The table became available sooner than the hour and a half they first quoted us, so we were about a block and a half away and hustled over. There was a little eye rolling from the host when we arrived, the sort of "Where have you been we texted you 10 minutes ago" sort of look. They gave us a nice table by the window, though. Our server was very good in terms of knowledge of the menu, food recommendations, and speed. He didn't look happy to be serving on such a busy night and I felt bad that he had to keep squeezing through the masses of people near the entrance to get to his tables. He did a commendable job given how busy it was. The food was okay. Just okay. The best thing was the salad -- greens were very fresh and the vinaigrette was lovely. The beer battered fried cheese curds were pretty good. The grilled summer sausage sandwich was also pretty good. Everything else we had was so-so. The chili was fairly mediocre, not very spicy or tasty. Prime rib sandwich was average. Eggplant/portabella sandwich similar. We didn't bother with dessert. The Northern Exposure Old Fashioned was pretty decent. Still looking for a reason to give this place more stars ... but no dice.

Phillip C.

The Old Fashioned is a modern take on a couple Wisconsin staples: the eponymous cocktail and the supper club. In my book, the Old Fashioned gets 5 stars for it's beverage service, 5 stars for it's food and also 5 stars for service. For beer aficionados, they have a huge assortment of beers, but note they only serve beer made in Wisconsin. You're in luck, beer drinker. Wisconsin makes a lot of awesome beer. For cocktail drinkers, you must order an Old Fashioned. The Wisconsin way is with brandy. [Wisconsin consumption of brandy dwarfs any other part of the world, stemming back to the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 where Korbel's Brandy had its coming out party of sorts.] Of course, there are many ways to have an Old Fashioned, and they have a customized menu so you can have them craft a perfect one for you. Most reviews mention the cheese curds for a good reason. They have some of the best hand made fried cheese curds on the planet. I lived in Wisconsin for 23 years and consider myself an authority on the subject. These things are outstanding. As for food, I don't have specific recommendations, but I've never had a bad dish, and I've never left even remotely hungry. I try to fit The Old Fashioned into my schedule whenever I'm back in Madison. It's truly an Isthmus Icon.

Shifa T.

I loved the cheese platter, it was so amazing. I got the burger and it was very good, however I think it was just like any other burger I had. Service was decent but it was so busy that it was hard to get the waitress to come give us more water etc. I would go again but not during busy periods.

Dora Y.

5 stars for the cheese curds, 3 stars for the hours. Closes a little early Sunday-Tuesday (which are prime days when you are in town for a week long conference) But come for the curds. They are amazing! Bonus: get yourself an Old Fashioned with brandy sweet, thank me later.

Ally S.

Top highlights/lowlights 1) gluten free friendly 2) Wisconsin style restaurant bar is a must for visitors from out of town 3) friendly service If you live in Madison or are just visiting the Old Fashioned is a must! The Wisconsin supper club feel paired with Wisco food, beers and drinks creates the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. We just had brunch at Old Fashioned on a Sunday and while I have had to wait up to 40mins in the past, (Old Fashioned does not take reservations) we did not have to wait at all today. Outside seating is available but we ate inside. The breakfast menu includes dishes like chicken fried steak, ham and eggs, daily scramblers (veggie and meat with eggs that changes based on the day), and yogurt with granola and Door County cherries - YUM! There are a variety of side dishes including pickled eggs and bratwurst. There is also a variety of specialty breakfast cocktails available as well as the full bar. Gluten free toast is available for an additional charge. We all tried something different but agreed that the food and service was great. Great food, great drinks and a great atmosphere make this a 5 star Madison stop!

Renee P.

Amazing burgers and craft cocktails. Had the Old Fashioned burger which included finely aged Wisconsin cheddar, perfectly crisped bacon, and a soft-cooked egg. Had mine with a gluten free bun and it was perfect. Had the house potato salad on the side which was okay - fairly dry with mushy potatoes. Brandy old-fashioned sour was perfectly made but served with a cherry and orange instead of green olives. They do not take reservations, even for a large group. We had a group of 14 on a Sunday afternoon at 3pm and still had to wait about 45 minutes for a table. However, service was quick albeit the server was a bit unfriendly and a made a couple rude side comments about having to serve a group. Aside from that, everyone's food came out perfect, hot, and all at the same time.

Lexie V.

This place is a tourist trap, be warned. Everyone tells you have to go here so you go. You can expect to be given a 1-3 hour wait time no matter when you go, even if you go solo. So, this is where the fun comes in-- hang out at the bar for a bit and drink! It's a fun bar scene with very little seating, so standing is to be expected. They have tons of great brews on tap for a decent pint price. This place is always packed, so standing in a tiny bar with people all around you can feel stressful, especially when the kitchen is on the other side so the servers are forced to wade through a crowded bar area with trays of food constantly. That being said, we had fun drinking here. Once we finally sat, we all got cheese curds and BBQ plates with our beers. The food is 100% average, exactly what one would expect at a tourist destination. I would never return here for food. I feel like once you experience this place, there's no reason to ever return really. The BBQ was generic. Nothing to write home about. The cheese curds were good not great. This place is hugely overrated and probably not worth the wait honestly, but if you need to experience it because people talked it up as THE place to try, don't go into it with high expectations.

Lindsay P.

Being that this restaurant is so close to work and I've repeatedly heard glowing reviews on their food, I've given them three tries. Thus, I've had three disappointing experiences. My first time there, the food was okay. The service was okay. Just okay. The atmosphere is kind of weird. Everyone orders from the bar (which can bottleneck things) and it's so loud it's sometimes hard to accomplish that feat. The seating is crowded and uncomfortable. The place is dim and dreary. Admittedly, my second trip was with a larger group (7 people) during lunch rush. I don't expect the fastest of service under these conditions, but not getting our food for an hour and a half was a little extreme. The food was cold but tasted well enough. Nothing mind blowing. My sandwich was haphazardly thrown on a plate and I had to put it together myself when my server brought it out. Other members of my party had food that was inedible. Charred beyond recognition or raw. My final trip, I showed up a little before 11:00 am. Thankfully, it was not busy yet because it took over an hour to get my salad... Which was greasy. I can't even ponder how you go about making a salad greasy. We had waited so long to get our food yet again, I just left without asking for the situation to be fixed. So I guess if you drink beer, go have a blast trying to talk to your friends by screaming at the top of your lungs. If you want lunch? Go somewhere else.

Bill H.

I'm always glad when I chose a local favorite. Great food, reasonable prices and a real classic. Ate at the bar. Walleye and BLT with heirloom tomatoes. Would definitely return.

Samantha S.

I love old fashioned for their cheese curds and list of beers on tap. Those two things they do an amazing job at! And if I have guests in town I will take them here for those two things. But their food has always been a little mediocre in my opinion. They do flights of their beer on tap which I enjoy to try new beers. They usually want you to pick a flight from the same line of taps. (Half of them are at one bar and the half at another) I believe they are color coded on the tap list. I got their lake perch fish fry Wednesday special. The fish tasted fresh...I'm assuming it's not from lake monona. The fish came out a little cold. The French fries were good though. I've also gotten a brat there which again nothing amazing comes to mind about it.

Margaret M.

If you're in the mood for traditional Midwestern fare, you're coming to the right place. The draft selection is extensive and features many different Wisconsin breweries. To go with your quintessential Wisconsin beer you MUST get the cheese curds. I recommend paring those golden, perfectly fried curds with tiger sauce, smoked paprika or even the garlic aioli. You really can't go wrong. I've also tried their Mac and cheese, chili, beer cheese soup, and spicy burger. Trust The old fashioned. They know what they're doing. If there's a long wait, it's totally worth it.

Seth M.

Andrew W.

Been on several trips to Madison and The Old Fashioned has the best cheese curds I've had. They have an awesome beer selection, the environment is nice, and it's right on the Capitol. This seems like the logical spot for both tourists and locals to enjoy a great meal. I'm sure I'll be back.

Tabitha T.

Came for a late lunch and left extremely happy. The cheese curds with tiger sauce were the best I've ever had. I loved the New England clam chowder, which I normally don't care for. The Old Fashioned burger is something I wish I could bring back home. It was perfectly seasoned, and the complement of the garlic sauce and yolk of the soft egg made me fall in love with this burger. A seat next to the window also provides an amazing view of the Capitol building.

Kelly M.

we popped in here for pre-dinner drinks. I'm not an "old fashioned" drinker, but my husband is. I had a glass of wine, which was nice, and my husband really enjoyed his Old Fashioned. Very friendly here! Our bartender was awesome.

Marissa B.

How could I resist the $1.50 beer of the month - mind you, it was served in a 8oz snifter, but still! It provided a fun opportunity to sample something I might not otherwise have tried. Their beer list was quite extensive, with lots of tempting options. I liked the setting and friendly atmosphere of The Old Fashioned. Our server was quite personable and knowledgeable. One downside is that there really are not a lot of vegetarian options on the menu. You're really limited to a couple of salad choices or one sandwich. The sandwich was good - Grilled eggplant, portabella mushroom, wood-roasted red pepper and zucchini, with goat cheese and black olive tapenade on toasted country bread, served with a generous portion of either fries or a salad. The house burger (which no, Mom, I didn't try, I'm still a vegetarian, quit getting your hopes up) got good reviews from our table, after the surprise passed of it being served with an egg, bacon, and cheese. BOTTOM LINE: A fun, casual spot downtown. Huge selection of great beer options along with good service and reasonable prices. Add a few more vegetarian-friendly options to the menu and I think we'd have a hit!

Kevin T.

You know how some bars have an odd assortment of appetizers for people to munch on? Things like picked eggs, turkey gizzards, etc... Things you might not eat if you hadn't just put a few beers down? My buddy ordered the turkey gizzard one night. Expecting a horrible slimy taste, it was actually a chewy, salty, a unique taste that can be described as similar to a strong chicken broth. Then our friend brought some back to our house and tried to make our high-school aged babysitter eat them. She won't babysit for us anymore. True story. Seriously, though. This place is awesome. The cheese curds are the best in Wisconsin. I still haven't found a better draft beer selection in Madison. That said, cheap PBR on tap? Count me in. I still haven't found a bad thing on the menu. Only downside is unless you're an early bird special type, prepare for a wait. This is where that huge draft beer selection plays in their favor. There's not much else to say that other reviewers haven't said. Other than you need to be here. And eat turkey gizzard. Just don't push your babysitter to eat them later.

Elizabeth P.

Good cheese curds but not as great as some of the mom and pop places farther north. Nice bar atmosphere and right on the square.

Julie G.

Marc G.

Kate S.

One of my favorite restaurants in Madison. Great food, great drinks, great fun! One great thing about the Old Fashioned is it's location. It's on the Capitol Square so it doesn't draw too many college kids. Another great thing are drink specials. Every month, they feature a different beer for glass or pitcher which are often pretty cheap. The bar has most Wisconsin beers on tap or bottle, too. The bloody mary's are spectacular, especially if you get it with the peppered infused vodka. The food is great. Cheese curds are an obvious must. I usually end up getting the build-your-own burger with extra pickles (FANTASTIC pickles) and fries. Fries are also amazing. I've also tried the mac n cheese (it was good, but I wouldn't get it again) and the grilled cheese sandwich (pretty good). The chili is good, but because it's Green Bay chili it's more meaty than bean-y and has noodles in it. The breakfast is also delicious. I've had one of the scramblers and the waffles and both were spectacular. The Old Fashioned is a great place to bring in out-of-towners for a great Wisconsin experience or a great place to just enjoy great food.

drew k.

I used to think that there was no where out there that could possibly match or surpass how awesome Michigan beer is. I like to think that it has everything to do with fresh water and the Great Lakes. The Old Fashioned makes me reevaluate my choice. Great selection of taps, killer happy hour (bogo), and piles of cheese and sausage inspired foods followed by nectar like rye whiskey drinks. Take me drunk I'm home! I need one of these places in my neighborhood. I tip my hat to you Madison. Yet another amazing watering hole filled with new and previously undiscovered delights. Count me in for happy hour next time Glassroots Tradeshow is in town.

Jae C.

I'm from LA, so the House Burger isn't exactly a menu item I would normally go crazy for considering I've seen (and tasted) ones just like it. But, I do have to say that it was fairly tasty. The pork shoulder, though, was pretty damn good. I don't normally order pork sandwiches EVER...but I thought I'd try this one because of a picture a Yelper posted up and I even gave it a chance regardless of the texas toast (I hate that stuff!)...and it didn't disappoint! The bread got soggy pretty quickly but the flavors were very satisfying. Oh, and dipping it in their house ranch made it even better. I had cheese curds for the first time and I found that the larger sized ones were less salty than the smaller cuts. Still yummy though. Especially dipped in ranch! (I love ranch). Will DEFINITELY come back here again!

John G.

The Old Fashioned. It's a true classic Madison restaurant no matter how you slice it. Located on the square allows it to be removed from the busy campus, and when you walk in there is a comfortable environment there waiting to have you. The music is at an appropriate level, the food is delicious with many choices that will have you and your friends trying different things from week to week, and it's a great place to have a few beers. The food here is not only classic Wisconsin roots (from refined Brats, to cheese curds, to heritage dishes you can barely pronounce), but also unique. The menu hosts some 20-30 odd items (if not more) that all sound like a must-try. This is also one of those places where I'd suggest an appetizer, which I usually do not. A friend of mine speaks volumes of their cheese plate, but there's a lot of other choices that are perfectly reasonable as well. As for entrees, my personal favorites are the mac and cheese (yes it's not for 5 year olds here) and the double-brat (or whatever fancy name they give it). The old fashioned is not perfect though. The service people I've had in the past have almost assuredly been rude. From long waits to forgotten orders to unpleasant attitudes; you name it. AND, speaking of long waits, this establishment almost always has a really long wait. So go early, put your name in, and find another downtown bar to have a few drinks while you wait. But be sure to wait, because it's worth it. Lastly, The Old Fashioned is the perfect bar to get cosy and relax with a group of old friends. It extends its appeal beyond that of a restaurant by being one of those places that you actually want to stay another hour or two afterwards and either drink at your table or drink at the bar. The place never gets so loud that you can't converse, and with the variety of drinks most of your party should be able to find something they enjoy.

Lissette M.

I came to visit the Old Fashion with a group of people I met from EPIC training. Staff and service is very good. I ordered the Trout and OMG!!!! it was amazingly delicious!!! The drinks are reasonably priced as well. I really enjoyed my dinner.

Fallon S.

Get the fish fry every time, whether it's Friday or on the sandwich any other day. It's simply the best there is!

Janel J.

Weary from studying all day, searching for the truest of true Wisconsin experiences, my friends and I (self-aware pretentious visitors from Chicago) were lured to The Old Fashioned by tales of fried cheese curds, cheese, cream, burgers, more fried things, and bountiful Wisconsin natives. We waited for a bit over an hour for a table for 3 at 7PM on a Saturday night. It was worth it. I'll never forget about my first bite into the burger I had. I could do nothing but exclaim, "This is the best burger I've ever had!" and promptly fall into a rapturous food coma. The bun is blissfully soft, but sturdy enough to keep the burger together, rather than deteriorate as some other hefty burgers are wont to. The fried cheese curds are also delightfully squeaky - as we were promised - and were served with some kind of interesting sauce. My friend sampled the eponymous drink and was pleased. But, let's be honest, the burger stole the show.

Brooke B.

We were passing through Madison on our way from Minneapolis to Milwaukee and decided to use our trusty Yelp app to find some lunch. The old fashioned came highly recommended. There was a few comments made about their lunch counter service. I honestly think it made it quicker and easier to get out during lunch, so no problems here. We were still waited on as If there had been table service. We were excited to try their homemade jerky! It was excellent and only $1 a piece. We also tried the chili...different but very good. The meals are all very fairly priced and a lot of food for the money. I had the spinach salad. I highly recommend it. The hot bacon dressing was awesome. My husband had the shaved prime rib special. There was not a crumb left. This place was definitely worth going out of the way for. Great view of the state Capital.

Diane K.

I went here with a girlfriend on a Friday evening. We had a 45 minute wait for a table for two. The bar area was pretty crowded, but to be expected during that time of day. My friend enjoyed her Old Fashioned, and I got some summery concoction that was just the ticket. The bar staff was prompt and helpful. Once seated we ordered a cheese tray and a lazy susan. The cheeses were delightful! I would order this again. The lazy susan was fun, but a little disappointing--the pickles, potato salad, and deviled eggs were good, but the other items were forgettable. Our waiter was aloof. He'd ask if we had questions, but didn't really want to answer any. He wasn't incredibly attentive--although was timely with the bill and beverage refills.

Michele B.

Love it! Whenever we have visitors from out of town, we take them here. Love the beer cheese soup and the cheese curds! Also their burgers are delicious. If someone is looking for a good "Wisconsin" eating experience, The Old Fashioned does not disappoint...

Bridget K.

My family and I took a weekend trip to Madison from Chicago. It also happened to be a Saturday when the Badgers were playing basketball and hockey games. After spending the day at the basketball game and walking around Madison we were ready for a nice dinner. We waited about an hour for a table of 6. We arrived around 6 so waited until 7. The one annoying thing is that you can't put your name in and walk away so we waited outside for a bit. When we were seated we ordered our food. We got the cheese curds with the different dipping sauces for an appetizer. They were amazing! I got the Mac and Cheese...I mean when in Wisconsin. It was decent, but I've had better. One of the highlights of our trip to The Old Fashioned besides the location and atmosphere was the draft root beer. I'm sure I'll visit again the next time I visit Madison, hopefully over the summer when it's warm.

Michele W.

We stopped in here for a late lunch after touring the Capitol. They had a 51 beers on tap (!!) and close to 100 in bottles. We tried a local beer and ordered some grub. The food (salad for me), was fine but nothing special. The location of the restaurant and all the beers on tap (along with the ambience) definitely makes up for the food.

Brian L.

Third time may be the charm. The last two visits were a disaster - 30 minute wait for my food or my meal was served uncooked. The staff is friendly and apologetic but management don't listen. Good luck!

Kelli S.

Fantastic service with a complete menu of delicious food! The beer selection is very large and the server was very helpful to find us all beers that we would enjoy. The beer battered cheese curds were the best I have had... ever! Great atmosphere- would definitely return!

Josh E.

Nelly M.

the best waffle!

J M.

Danica M.

Went here twice on a trip to Madison, ate at the bar both times. Service is friendly and helpful. The fried cheese curds are amazing - eat them hot for the ultimate in delicious gooeyness. Their burgers are also great. The food prices are reasonable, particularly given their location and tourist appeal. With 150 beers available and many of them local made, this is a great place to familiarize yourself with the local brews. Bartenders are happy to advise you and let you sample before ordering a pint. I'd recommend this to anyone coming to Madison. Has a family-friendly vibe during the day but turns into a cool night spot.

B B.

Kirsten H.

Laura Kate S.

This place opened a few years back while I was making my exodus from the Madison area and then from the country. While making the occasional visit to family over the past couple years, I'd heard good things. And being back in WI for a few months, I thought it was time to check it out. The other reviews are spot-on: this place is great. Although a bit fancy-looking to really live up to its supper club heritage, the food is absolutely great. Even my Scottish fiance was enamoured. Great food (try the beer cheese soup!), an amazing beverage selection, and very attentive & friendly service. We're recommending this place to friends coming to town for our wedding. Especially the foreigners - it'll give them an amazing taste of the best state. :)

Dan S.

Went here a while back while visiting my girlfriend, loved it, then came here again a different time. It seems like this place is always busy, but if you don't mind waiting a half hour or so, then you can partake in the awesomeness that is The Old Fashioned. The first time, during our wait we referenced a menu online and planned out what we were going to get, so that we could order immediately. Once we were seated we started off with some delicious cheese curds as an appetizer. After that, I had the old fashioned burger, which was awesome (except for the cold egg on top, but I'm pretty easy to satisfy). My girlfriend had a chicken sandwich with bacon, which she also loved. If that wasn't enough, both of our plates came with a ridiculous amount of fries (which were even good cold hours later). The atmosphere is pretty fun. Very busy, with a bar and sports on the TVs. It was a little noisy because of how many people there are, but it didn't really bother us at all. In addition, the staff was very friendly both times, handling the constant flow of customers very well. Probably my favorite restaurant in Madison. The Old Fashioned left us craving some of their food at all times on the rest of my visits. It's odd, over the course of writing this review I've gotten progressively hungrier...I wonder why.

Christopher B.

We had another place in mind but when we walked by we noticed it was packed solid. I was pleasantly surprised to walk in and find that it was a classic place, sort of like the name implied. We sat at the bar and I immediately noticed all the beers came from Wisconsin, period! How cool is that! Not being in Wisconsin for a while, I was leaning towards getting some cheese curds and brats. Instead, I found myself sipping on some Sassy Cow Chocolate Milk, which is probably about as amazing as amazing gets! I couldn't resist the idea of fish n chips when the bartender told us they had walleye and perch. Sold! I got that on a bed of curds and I was set. Absolutely amazing and some of the best I've had in a long, long time!! No disappointment here. It was cool to reminisce looking at all the old Schlitz signs and they even had the beer on tap! Whoa! I just loved the feel of the place, everyone was so nice, and, of course, the food was excellent!

chris h.

I had heard really good things about the old fashioned. I arrives there five minutes before the rest of my party for breakfast and they refused to seat me until they arrived. I understand that policy for busy times, however, there was only two other tables sitting at that time. So they make me stand there while there are 20 empty tables around me. Then our bloodymarys arrived, with tons of horseradish(which they had insisted did not have). I asked them to remake it and caught huge attitude from the bartender and he even rolled his eyes at me. I do believe it is a bartenders job to make drinks. to top it off, I told him someone at the table would drink it and to just charge me for a new one. This was one of my worst breakfast experiences in a long time.

Kathleen C.

I realized that I forgot to review this spot! I visited in the summer for brunch (I was very excited to slightly divert from a somewhat in the middle of nowhere location for food!). We started off sitting inside, but the air conditioning was overwhelming and so we moved outside to the patio. We tried the cheese spreads and a bunch of food since everything sounded delicious. I also tried one of the specialty mimosas. The food was ok, definitely delicious, and I enjoyed the cheese spreads. I wasn't overly impressed, though. It could be my lackluster love for Ritz crackers, or just that I ordered incorrectly. So, while it was tasty, I don't know if I'd drive the hour again to eat there (though I think I'd like to stop by for lunch as the menu looked delish). Service was really friendly and people watching was fun on the patio. Good for a stop if you're in Madison and I would expect that it would be fun for a drink in the summer as the bar area was cute. Go for lunch/dinner and I think you may be more wowed by the food.

Simian S.

I have been a huge fan of this restaurant for several years, but after our most recent two trips there, I'm starting to think it's lost it's appeal. We were there on a Saturday night last summer and surprisingly it was not crowded. However, the service was terrible- the waitress never brought the cheese curds we ordered (we'd ordered them right away with our drinks) and then went on break after taking our order, so another server brought our entrees. I had the spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, which I have had before and really enjoyed, however this time it was terrible. The chicken was extremely dry and overcooked- inedible actually. When we finally flagged down another server to ask where our curds were, they insisted they'd already gone out to our table (um...no they didn't) and then finally brought us some, but at that point it was the end of the meal and we didn't want them anymore. I thought it was poor form that they didn't at least offer to take them off our bill. We made another trip there today for lunch, and once again had mediocre service and food. We got stuck sitting in the main dining room, so we were freezing because of the draft from the door being constantly opened (always a problem there). As usual, the tables are really close together, so we were uncomfortably close to a couple next to us and could hear their entire conversation. Very awkward- especially since they appeared to be on a first or second date! And the worst part of the whole meal, was that THE CHEESE CURDS HAVE CHANGED! The curds were the best part of the whole restaurant! Today when they arrived they had a distinctly orange look- like the batter is totally different- and they were disgustingly greasy and heavy. We didn't even finish ours. Soooo disappointing!!! I think it might be time for me to start looking for a new favorite restaurant :(

David E.

Wow, this place has a great Wisconsin beer selection. The Ale Asylum was very smooth. The cheese curds where some of the best I have had and were perfect with the brats! Well worth checking out. There are several parking garages were close by!

Lauren M.

The burgers are delicious. Went here with a few couples, and the atmosphere was great for everyone. Will definitely be going back here next time we are in Madison.

Eric E.

If 0 was available it would apply here. I don't like to base my ratings on service at restaurants, but this one is necessary. First, there was an hour wait to get in, early on a Saturday night. The wait is no biggie to me but I've dined at downtown Madison restaurants 10x better and sat when I entered. Enough said there. Our service here was beyond hideous. Our party was 7 people, two families ranging from 5yrs old to 65yrs old. When our waitress finally came to our table after sitting for 15 minutes, she proceeded to take two drink orders before trying to walk away. Each person in turn had to say 'excuse me, I'd like a drink too' as she attempted to walk away. By the time she got to me she had turned to walk away before I asked to order a drink myself. When I asked for my drink she snottily replied "what" in the rudest possible way, as if I had insulted and bothered her by asking for a drink. Those drinks, by the way, took another 15 minutes to receive, and were served by someone else. Service taking our food orders sucked as well. Our waitress didn't ask what side anyone wanted and just assumed and wrote down what she wanted. On to the food..which was badly overrated. I ordered a common sandwich which I tend to order everywhere I go. It was bland and the fries on the side weren't worthy for one of the pigeons on the sidewalk. Do yourself a favor and try any one of the other fine restaurants in the downtown Madison area, but stay clear of this DUMP.

Mr. G.

There is just soooo much here....the menu is vast, the beer and liquor is vaster. But since I've been coming here on the regular for the last six years, the singular item I have come to appreciate is the $1.50 beef jerky. This has got to be the most under appreciated item on any menu in any Madison restaurant. The saltiness revives your palette for the next craft beer. The protein sates you. The leathery texture builds jaw strength. So while I could ramble on about the curds, the burgers, the fish-fry, the whiskey, the lazy susans - I am just going to leave you with two words: bar meat.

B C.

My food was way oversalted when it came out, cheese curds were good though.

Rich W.

The hype about the cheese curds is true. They are that good. The place would get a 5-star from me on them alone if not for all of the other great meals they served up. They're all about being Wisconsin, and I can't imagine anyone else doing it better. Get there early, but get there somehow. This place is a real treat. Also, if you don't get to Wisconsin often, make certain that you get a flight of Wisconsin beers. Your server will select them for you if you give a little direction. Oh, and don't forget the fried pickle spears--crispy on the outside, pickley good on the inside.

Amnon F.

Outstanding food and service, enjoyed every minute and bite.

Huyen L.

Excellent Corned beef hash!

Ali S.

The cheese curds were incredibly flavorful but were way too greasy (and I don't mind some grease).

Dan H.

Brianne C.

Nic B.

Kevin S.

Erin H.

Kate N.

Dan W.

Krystal P.

Eric T.

Lora S.

Went with a group of 8-10 coworkers after work. Food was good but the service was odd, at best. One of said coworkers was being loud and joking around, and apparently said something that upset a hostess. We found this out when our server, after we paid our bill mind you, told us that we should apologize to the hostesses because they were upset about what was said, and then he quickly walked away. Two people from our party went to the stand to apologize, not knowing exactly what was said that was offensive, and both hostesses were then rude to them when they tried to apologize and still wouldn't say what was offensive. Like I said, odd.

Tamra K.

Beautiful bar. Not a great option for gluten free dining. Music wasn't really my style and bartender kept it really loud.

Micah M.

This is a great place to get some regional beers. I'm from out of town and I was hankering to try something from the area. Thankfully, I got off the bus near the Old Fashioned. They have a huge range of beers and some cheap tasting flight options as well. The wait staff is friendly, attentive and has lots of suggestions as well. I would recommend anything by Lake Louie, especially the Warped Speed Scotch Ale. I haven't tried any of the cocktails, but they have a number of options there as well. You can even "make your own old fashion" with a range of bitters and whiskeys. The food is alright. I would come here more for the drinks.

Julie H.

I love their cheese curds. This is our first stop when we get into Madison. We order curds and a pint of Furthermore Knotstock (black pepper pale ale). I dream about these curds. The beer lists here are enviable. They have New Glarus on tap (and not just Spotted Cow). I was served a full pint of the Strawberry Rubarb... and it was a little much for such a sweet beer. I'M NOT COMPLAINING. Then we move onto the old fashioned... this drink is a concept. Pick your preferences (the menu walks you through) and enjoy! I love that the food menu has items I do not see often. Its got local fare mixed with the bar staples. The portions are large so either come very hungry, share or be prepared to need a togo box. TOF has everything needed for a solid 5 stars. The food, the drink, great staff, diverse crowd and perfect location.

Dale H.

Google walleye sandwich and this is the place that tops the results. I'm not a walleye sandwich expert, but if there's a better one than this, I want to eat it. Good bread grilled only on one side, so the inside of the sandwich soaks up the tartar sauce and coleslaw. I ordered it with the wedge salad with lovely stinky blue cheese. I'm not really sure what their lunch ordering system is all about - it just seemed like an attempt to be extra quirky.

Elisabeth S.

Went for Breakfast on a Tuesday morning. Great service and great breakfast. Their Bloody Mary's are fantastic!!

Margaret B.

Drinks are cheap, food is better than great pub food. Happy hour is the best. Can be crowded, so if you have a chance to get there early, do so.

Melinda P.

Lazy susans of yum!

Robert J.

The Old Fashioned is one of my favorite places to eat and drink in Madison. I even took my fiancée here the night I proposed to her. The food is good, the drinks are good. There's a reason it's one of my go-tos in Madison. Two things bring it down for me and I'd give it a 4.5 if I could. Those things are that it's usually pretty noisy and they don't take reservations so on busy nights it's nothing to wait for an hour.