On a thrifting and antiquing girls' weekend, we "Three Amigas" sifted our way through Madison's underbelly of used and reused treasures, and found ourselves down the block from Alchemy...just when the need arose to replenish our vintage-seeking tummies. Here's the noshing lowdown: 1. Summer special salad: mixed greens with beets, candies walnuts and goat cheese. One Amiga added brined chicken as the pièce de résistance, while one Amiga kept it simple. 2. Maize salad: mixed greens spicy garbanzo beans and cilantro, lime and chile with red onion. Me Amiga requested brined chicken as well, because treasure hunting requires protein. Overwhelming murmurs of "oh this is so good" seasoned our conversation, as we plotted our afternoon. Our menu choices were fabulous...Alchemy conjured delicious transformations of individual ingredients into culinary deliciousness. Merlin would approve, as do the Three Amigas. read more

Fantastic staff and service. Amazing food and stellar drinks at a fair price. The place looks really cool and stylish! Favorite bar in Madison. Get the beef brisket!!!! read more

Alchemy - Beef brisket and garlic mashed potatoes at Alchemy in Madison. Excellent!!! - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

Came here before a play at the Overture theatre. Great place, with a great neighborhood feel to it. Great selection of sandwiches. I had the chicken breast, and my date had the bison burger. We ended up sharing both, and they both were great. Highly recommend. read more

Food was tasty inside this little cozy restaurant. Most of the options on their menu were unique and original but they were missing the Madison staple of cheese curds! It was cash only - but they did have an atm inside for a fee. read more

I can't wait to go here again. Unique beer selection, cozy environment and fantastic food! I had the stuffed grilled cheese which was nothing short of heaven on a plate. Whoever came up with that combo needs an award of some sort. The wasabi green beans I picked as a side were good, but I'd opt for a salad next time. My significant other had the fish fry which was probably my third favorite fish fry ever. (Behind The Fireside and Old Fashioned). I am aware that these statements are bold, but this place is good. If you're nearby give it a try. read more

My friends from Madison took me here promising good food and a great beer. Alchemy did not disappoint. I had the stuffed grilled cheese that was wonderful and unique. I had the house salad on the side, which was just ok- the dressing was a little off- but the sandwich made up for it. One friend had the ravioli special and the other had a great burger. We were all completely satisfied with our meal. Beers were great too. I'll definitely make a trip back here on my next stop in Madison! Cash only- but they have an ATM on site if needed. read more

Our favorite place for the year that we lived in the neighborhood. Just a hint of experimentation and imagination to go along with the super-typical pub burger menu that is so prevalent in Madison combined with a top-notch execution and a very hip atmosphere means a solid four star review. read more

Pricey! But the food was sooooooo good!!!!!! Again another one of those places in Madison which are good to go once in a while. Update: We went here again last weekend and yet again the food was YUMMMM!!!! Pricey as usual but delicious delicious food! Different menu than the first time we went. When asked for previous items waitress mentioned menu changed for Friday because of small kitchen and small fryer (I am surprised by the fast service with a small kitchen!) Well, we got to try new items on their menu. Very crowded and very very loud and dim lighting but it was lovely ambience. I didn't mind the noise. I wish the staff smiled more. Both times staff rarely smiled but the service was good. Only setback they accept only cash. read more

If you are reading this review it means you probably haven't been to the Alchemy yet. Quit reading and get over there! The Alchemy is a great place to try a new heady micro brew and to get a delicious meal filled with locally sourced ingredients. The tap list is always changing and there is always a special to try. The Alchemy is also a good spot for late night music. The groups they book are phenomenal. The only downside is because of their strange, multi-teered floor plan, its not much fun when it is really busy. Still, the Alchemy is 5 stars and the sweet potato fries are a must! "Hey Alchemy, what you cookin in the back? Sweet potato fries with no trans-fat!" ~The Mustache read more

Sweet Potato fries were absolutely delicious and they easily were able to accommodate my food sensitivities. Bison burger was good but nothing that blew me away. read more

Three star if you don't care for bar food, four if you do. I tried several items ... The soups are thick, the sandwiches are huge (same with the pasta)... But in the end this is fancy bar food. I have to say the brisket sandwich was really, really good if you loose half the bread! read more

Alchemy - Brisket sandwich big time! - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Small menu but everything on it is great! Music every night and some outdoor seating in front

I have frequented the Alchemy for about 4 years now and have tried at least half the menu, as well as various specials they've offered. I've never had a bad dish. The sweet potato fries with tarragon mayo and jalapeno blackberry jam are an absolute must. The wasabi beans are the perfect amount of spicy-hot. They always have a fresh selection of microbrews on tap and every server we've had has been knowledgeable about them all. The muddled cranberry mojito and the Philospher's Stone (somewhat similar to a moscow mule) are my favorite cocktails they offer. The one item I have not explored much are the desserts they offer. However, I can speak on the rest of their menu, and every dish we've had has been delicious and prepared with care. Some things to note - Alchemy often has live music starting at around 9 or 10 at night. It tends to get quite busy by about 7 o clock. They are cash-only; they do have an ATM which charges a nominal $1 fee, but sometimes it's out of order. The ATM across the street at the Stop-N-Go charges $2.25, so it pays to hit up a cheaper ATM beforehand! read more

Awesome food! I've had the Walleye Po' Boy and Beer Brined Chicken sandwich and both were excellent. The walleye was tender, crispy and well seasoned to accentuate the fish as opposed to over power it. And the chicken was flavorful, grilled well (not over cooked) and both of the buns for each sandwich were excellent and complimented the flavors well. With both I had the Brutus salad- also very good, a little crouton heavy for my liking but they help absorb the kalamata dressing which is the true star, very very tasty! My only compliant is that both times I've been there, which was for lunch, it was pretty chilly in there. Dress warm with layers or perhaps have a beer or a glass of wine... not with lunch though unless your boss is cool with that sort of thing! read more

I love to frequent the Alchemy. They have a solid beer selection and an interesting menu. Solid stop in the Atwood area. Also - the interior has an aura of mystique to it at night. Also features rotating artwork which keeps it fresh. I'd give it the thumbs up. read more

Went to alchemy tonight. Had the baby back ribs. Dry tough burnt. There really was nothing redeeming about the meal. I don't think I've had such poor food in a long time. read more

I have passed by this bar numerous times and would say "we need to stop here sometime for date night" to my hubby. Well, we finally did and it did not disappoint!! This place was PACKED on a Sunday night. We found two seats at the bar and ordered ourselves some drinks. Now if you have ever been to NOLA you know the drinks are cheap and stiff and Alchemy reminded me of the cocktails there. I was good with my one drink. We ordered the sweet potato fries and batch bake house bread for apps. The "fries" were more like soft baked sweet potato wedges. Served with an aioli and jalapeño blackberry jam. We LOVED this!! Sweet potatoes are my favorite starchy vegetable and these were prepared so well. The dipping sauces were fabulous. I could have bought a jar of both to take home. For our main course we got the stuffed grilled cheese with their seasonal salad as a side. We decided to split this. The portion was very generous and they really do stuff that grilled cheese. It had broccoli, carrots, tomatoes not your usual run of the mill grilled cheese. The only thing that's a bummer about this place - CASH ONLY and really small dining area and they always seem to be packed (I guess that's a good thing too). read more

So effing good. I've been here a handful of times for various reasons. Once it was along my bike ride and I stopped for some drinks, another time for dinner, and again for a late snack. Their drink specials are great. I've been lucky to enjoy two different Mule specials and haven't been let down yet. My most favorite dish is the portobello sandwich. Sometimes these sandwiches can be too wet or mushy or very one note. This is probably the best sandwich I've ever had. I don't think I set it down once after my first bite, I inhaled it, and contemplated getting a second one. The sammy was fresh, flavorful, juicy, and texturally appealing. I absolutely loved everything about it. The alchemy fries are a must. I don't know what they put on them but it's a delicious blend of seasoning. If you get there before the dinner rush, you have a chance to see all their food specials before they run out. There's usually a soup, sandwich, appetizer and a few desserts. Super chill atmosphere that's warm and inviting. read more

Thoughtful drinks, and great sandwiches at refreshingly affordable prices. They could probably charge nearly twice as much if they wanted to. House boat and stuffed grilled cheese are personal favorites. Cash only. read more

This was a cute place to go on a Wednesday night for date night. It wasn't too busy, but busy enough that you know people enjoy it here. They have a nice selection of craft beer on tap that many places in town don't have. I got a lavender honey ale and it was good. My partner had a buffalo Mac and cheese that he loved--I think they undersold how spicy it was though! If you like spice I recommend! I had a stuffed grilled cheese, which wasn't really stuffed it was more just bread with cheese and a pile of raw vegetables on top. I had fries with it but their fries were nothing special. I think this place was good, but I wasn't blown away by their food. I like to go to a place where they make something I couldn't make or I wouldn't have thought of and this did not impress me in that regard. read more

I'm afraid that I must write a negative review of Alchemy's food, although I'm reluctant to do so. I have lived a block from Alchemy for nearly 27 years, before there was an Alchemy, and first off, let me say that the place is--generally--a very good and comfortable compliment to a rapidly changing (maybe even "gentrifying") neighborhood. They offer many beers which is great, but I must disagree with many reviewers here. They should concentrate on the beer and offer "good bar food," food like Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, perhaps. Instead, they take simple dishes and absolutely torture the hell out of them! I would eat there more often because of this, and tonight's experience will demonstrate my point. One of the specials on the menu was mac and cheese with sliced chicken thigh meat. I love mac and cheese and dark meat chicken so I ordered it. I knew I was in for trouble the moment it arrived. It was a huge vat of slippery pink goo, dusted with bacon bits. The chicken was in there "somewhere," but pretty well hidden, although it really didn't matter as the first bite was just about enough. The pink may have come from cayenne pepper, or maybe a quart of Tabasco. I may be partially Norwegian, but I can handle some heat, but heat was all there was, heat and salt. The dish was utterly tasteless. I don't know what the body of the goo was, but it just couldn't have been cheese as it was too runny. And this is the problem here. Alchemy's menu has changed little over the years, and it's always been a combination of relatively simple dishes which have been over elaborated, over flavored, overdone, It's like the little car that's been "pimped up" with spinners, chrome everywhere, shag headliner and velour seat covers. For all the stuff, it's still just a little car. Stop trying to be who you aren't! Alchemy can manage good ribs and a decent burger--if you can get them to leave off the excesses. The other reviews may not show it, but the menu needs the same sort of periodic revitalization that their offering of craft beers receives on a regular basis. Either do that or stay concentrated on the beers. Remember that old Bill Clinton election motto? "KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid." I'd be delighted to see Alchemy stick with just the first three words. There's nothing wrong with good simple food, well prepared. Stop trying to make it what it isn't. The folks who own and run the place are terrific and I have to say that when I complained about the food, the item was immediately and politely removed from my bill. I'll be back, of course, but not as often as I might if I really liked the food. read more

Just tried the Alchemy Cafe this weekend after reading about it. I was pleasantly surprised the minute we stepped in - all the wood and windows make it feel very cozy and cheery. Our waitress was very pleasant and friendly. I ordered the fish fry and was very happy. The batter is nicely seasoned and the cole slaw was what I always hope I'll get (crunchy, lightly dressed) and never seem to. My fiance had a burger and thought it was delish. Seems like a place you can really rely on to have a good experience. read more

Excellent drinks, even better food. Highly recommended. Starts to get busier around 6 or 6:30 so come early to get seated quickly. Very nice and respectable wait staff. An awesome atmosphere in general. I give 5 solid stars!!! read more

Wow! I have to say this is one of my favorite restaurants in Madison. Don't sleep on their wings! Ridiculously flavorful and spicy. Also they might seem pricey but you could easily split them between four. The sauce tastes like a mix between mole and buffalo sauce and it tastes like spicy heaven. As far as other dishes I have explored most of the sandwich options. Personal favorite is the kimchi Reuben... amazing. Also I love the cucumber quinoa salad as a side mmmmm. Excellent tap list as well and cocktails. Can't wait to return! read more

One of my favorites in Madison. Went recently and got the grilled cheese and butternut squash soup. Both quite tasty. Would recommend either if you go. Service was prompt and friendly. The bartender was extra friendly. I got a mimosa and they gave me the tiny bottle as a sidecar! I was a little weary about going hear knowing how much I love the Owl next door, but this place was just as great! read more

I love spending the evening here with good friends and good beer. It is lively but laid back and the food is delicious. Get the Matilda. It's sooo good. The first time I went to Alchemy, I got the salmon and immediately experienced order regret after I tasted the Matilda. The side veggies and salads are always really good as well. The bison burger is similarly on point. It's a good time, as long as you're willing to get a drink an wait at the bar if its a weekend night. read more

I'd actually give Alchemy a 3.5 with a nod to sourcing locally. I always find the service to between so so and OK. The quality of the food is great, but the portion size can be pretty modest on some of the menu items for the price. I had the Bison Bacon Burger today. I'm a big fan of bison. I ordered rare and it came out a solid medium. This is a hazard of almost every Madison kitchen - over cooking burgers. This is especially important with bison. The patty could also have been more aggressively seasoned. At $10.50 with a choice of sides, it's a top end burger, given that the Alchemy is right across the street from Player's, which is perhaps the best burger joint in town (albeit no bison at Player's). I'm sure I'll be back - I'm interested I trying the fried green tomato BLT. read more

Hands down: one of the best restaurants in Madison. Their food is sourced locally, the chef's creations are delectable, the beer selection is top notch, and the ambiance is one of a kind. To be honest, I've never not liked anything I've tried, but here are some of my faves: the "batch bread with Pâté" is ALWAYS yummy, wasabi green beans are my fave side dish, the wings are the perfect amount of spicy, and their stuffed grilled cheese is delicious! read more

Alchemy - Season salad! - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Best restaurant in Madison, IMO. The food is locally sourced and really good. The sweet potato fries are the best in the city. There is a rotating beer menu that always has something new and interesting every week. All of this comes at an affordable price. We have taken out-of-towners there who have been shocked at how low the check is for everything you get. read more

Not much to complain about here. Good food on the east side of Madison with a good beer and drinks menu. I had the bison burger which was fantastic and got the side of cucumber cilantro quinoa. People I was with had skirt steak (again delicious) with garlic mashed potatoes (you guessed it....delicious). Very nice wait staff and good homey kind of place. If I lived in Madison I would definitely come back to this place as a staple. read more

I can't even bring myself to describe the Alchemy menu as "bar food." Yes, it's a bar and yes, they have food...BUT the menu is so much more than burgers and fries. The Farmers Plate with portabella pate is a terrific starter as are the awesome sweet potato fries (none of those faux sweet potato fries, these are the real thing). They menu changes often, though they always keep stalwart favorites such as the Arboretum Burger. Definitely try the Wasabi Green Beans for a side! One of the best things is Alchemy's commitment to local, organic. Oh, did I mention the beer list AMAZING! The tap beer is ever-changing and always features some of the best beer available. read more

I tend to overlook Alchemy sometimes, due to it's proximity to my house. That is a huge mistake because it is awesome! Last night, my sister and I sat outside (blissful) and split their specialty mac n' cheese and a salad. We are STILL raving about that mac....omg...so amazing. The salad was good, as usual. Our server was personable, knowledgeable and efficient. I generally have a good experience there with service, however the only reason I knock off one star is due to the fact that a few times, I went in there just for beers and I felt like the server was annoyed with me for not ordering food. In general, I love this place and I'm so glad it exists in the 'hood. read more

Nice atmosphere. Friendly service. There's a bar, but it has a restaurant feel to it. Skylights and plenty of windows keep it well lit. Pleasant outside seating. Delicious and unique foods. read more

Alchemy - Nice mural outside of Alchemy in Madison. - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

We love this spot. They really should open a second location. Food and drinks are great and their fish fry is the BEST in town.

The Alchemy was highly recommended from Madison locals, and now I know why. Maize salad = read more

Alchemy - Maize salad with blackened chicken - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

extraordinary pub. food is innovative and delicious, while still hitting all the touchstones you'd want on a pub menu. Tap list is extraordinary, particularly given that they only have 8. Nice vibe and friendly servers. This is Madison, Wisconsin at its best. read more

decent food, wish the portions were a bit more, but good service and atmosphere! loved the mashed potatos

I am surprised that a lot of people did not like the decor. It is a nice, dark, wood-based bar and I am always a fan of that. I didn't have the soup, but one of the people that I was with knows the woman who makes them and he said they are very good. I had the stuffed grilled cheese which I have to say didn't do much for me. The filling was delicious, but the bread was cut so thickly that I felt like I had eaten an entire loaf by the end of the meal. One of my friends had a burger, the other the hangar steak, and they both raved over them. The garlic mashed potatoes were very good. This is a lovely place to just hang out and have a beer and sandwich. read more

Really enjoyed Alchemy. Went with my girlfriend and thought it was a great spot for a date but I think it would be great for groups. We were seated right away on a Saturday night and the service was really good. Beer selection was good, cocktails were really good, and the wings are incredible. Loved the cheese on them and they had the right amount of heat. Will definitely be back. read more

The food i had was very well prepared. The negative I have is actual menu itself. The offerings seem limited and not as healthy / veggie friendly. read more