There are 2 reasons I love this place: 1. Weekend brunch. 2. Great joint for kicking back with some friends and ordering tasty pitchers of beer. For brunch I LOVE love love their crab cake & asparagus eggs benedict. Although last time I had it the asparagus was overcooked and they slopped too much hollandaise on everything. The crab cakes, however, are always DEEEELISH! Also can't beat the drink deal they have with the breakfast items - only $1 for a full sized bloody mary?? Yes please! read more

This is a great place to grab breakfast after a LONG night of drinking. The perfect place to grab breakfast and a morning cocktail (or beer). read more

Omg cheese curds are amazing still waiting on my food but I know it'll be good and server was so nice and accommodating definitely coming back!! read more

Surprisingly this is a great place for weekend brunch, especially if you are a fan of eggs Benedict. I think they also have a brunch drink special where you can get a beer or a mimosa real cheap with breakfast. Also a great place for happy hour and maybe throwing back a boot with friends. (If you are unfamiliar with the boot, its a giant glass boot filled with beer that you pass around the table. popular at essen haus next door but you can also get them here) read more

I've always thought that the 'Come Back In' should be called the 'Come Back Inn'...it was a missed pun opportunity in my opinion. Anyway, I've been to the Come Back In approximately 20 times in the four or so years since I discovered it. Lots of times, I came to drink. It's a fun bar, especially when you're looking to go out in an "off" time, like a Sunday night. The place usually always has people inside, which lends a fun vibe! The food at the Come Back In is solid. I've had a few things that I haven't loved, and it's not fancy, different, or creative. However, most of the food that I've tried has been in the 3 or 4 star range...especially their breakfast! If you go for breakfast/brunch, try the Crabcakes and Asparagus Eggs Benedict. It's so rich, that I've never been able to finish them, despite their high taste coefficient. The Huevos Rancheros are really just a breakfast burrito, but they're also fab. The prices are really affordable at the Come Back In, and I think the quality of the food that you get is much better than you would expect. It's a good value, and I don't think that's true for every restaurant. Take their late night special of $3 for a burger and fries. It's a small burger, yes, but you can choose from a variety of toppings for the burger, and several different kinds of fries (Parmesan, cajun, regular). It's a fantastic deal, and nothing tastes quite as good as a burger when drunk, IMO. Even if you're not drinking, it's a good deal for a late dinner, and I think the special starts at 10:00pm. Cheaper than McDonald's, and far better. Unlike some other nearby restaurants (ahem...I'm looking at you, Great Dane), the Come Back In is a great place to go with a group. They are accommodating, respectful, more than willing to split checks, and big enough that usually there is little to no wait. Real life story: One Sunday last summer we had a group of ~10 people for brunch and El Dorado Grill next door wanted us to wait for an hour. After an hour had passed, El Dorado wanted us to wait for 30 minutes more. Instead, we walked down the road to the Come Back In and were seated immediately. We sat outside and had cheap and delicious Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, and excellent food. Perhaps my favorite thing about the Come Back Inn though, is the service. Now, the service itself isn't necessarily perfect. Sometimes the waiters can be a little rough around the edges...most are college kids, after all. They might forget to bring your drink until you remind them, or they might not know the answer to a question you have about the menu. However the *attitude* of the majority of the staff at the Come Back In is what makes it different. Even though they screw up occasionally, they always try to make it better. One time we stopped in right before they stopped serving dinner, which was kind of a dick move on our part, but they sat us and said, "no problem! we can totally still serve you" and were cheerful and great about the whole thing. Another time, I went for dinner/drinks with a big group and the food was taking awhile to come out. The waiter arrived with several baskets of complimentary popcorn and peanuts without being asked, because he anticipated we might be getting hungry. It's refreshing not to have waiters who roll their eyes when you ask for a refill of your drink or an additional side or condiment for your meal. It happens to me in Madison more often than you'd expect, but this sort of thing has never happened to me at the Come Back In. The Come Back In is not fancy, and it's not perfect, but I really like it, and I'd pick it over many other "nicer" and more popular restaurants on the near East side any day! read more

This review should be said with a caveat. The sand volley ball court outside and summer volleyball program is awesome. The only reason I regularly come to this place is to play volleyball with friends and would likely not return if not for this. I have been there several times. The food is mediocre but the late night menu is a good deal. This place might warrant three stars it not for the unprofessional and disorganized service (and many of my friends reporting having had their credit cards stolen after using it there). I have gone there multiple times and had more success walking to the bar to get a drink then get something served at the table by a waiter. Waiters forget orders, do not return in a timely manner, and have not known the menu or special when asked. I wonder if they are trained and think simple things would dramatically improve this restaurant. Case in point: A prior time I ordered a pitcher of beer. The waiter returned with the pitcher but no cups. After waiting 10-15 minutes I walked into the restaurant to find her talking to someone and had to go to the bar myself to get cups for the pitcher. I honestly haven't had such poor service anywhere else I can think of DO NOT PAY WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN CASH here!! read more

So, this is our place for a Sunday brunch. The service staff is great (big ups to Chloe!) and the atmosphere is pretty much exactly what I am looking for on a Sunday morning (i.e.-dim lighting and good beer!) I will say that the food is about average (although, if you learn tactics like making sure to order bacon crispy and things like that, things get a lot better.) Basically, if you are looking for a no-nonsense place to grab some grub on a weekend morning, this is a pretty good bet. Plus, they have great prices on drinks and bigger beers (for cheaper) than any place else I have found in town. Add to that a beer and food card club (get so many, get one free), and you have a winning place. Also, if you go and get Chloe for a server, tell her Brent and Tina say hi! ;) read more

Great breakfast! Great deals on mimosas and bloodys. Bartender Todd customer service outstanding. Nice casual place - cant wait to "come back in" ! read more

I've been here before to go out drinking but I had their great greasy-spoon-style Sunday brunch today. I tried the lemon pancakes special, which was definitely lemony! The half-order size was more than enough (three large pancakes). I liked the pan fried potatoes and side of ham. None of it seemed frozen or reheated. The ham was juicy, not dry. My mom ordered her bacon crispy and no ice in her drink and the waitress got them both right. The mimosas looked delicious. My husband ordered the St. Patty's Day Shepherd's Pie special, which was yummy and loaded with meat, potatoes and some veggies, not overstuffed with corn or other fillers. Their beer selection is fantastic, there are plenty of tvs but they're not the only focal point unlike some sports bars - it would be a much different story if it were football season though! The price point is great, especially for the quality. My one complaint is the noise level. I wore ear plus because I'm extra sensitive but our waitress could barely hear us order because it was so loud. We could hear each other ok around the table though. I would definitely Come Back In! read more

Great for large groups and breakfast. Soon to be demolished and rebuilt, I'd love to see them keep the great beer selection, keep the big tables, and keep the breakfast menu and drink specials. Free peanuts and popcorn don't suck. Good prices. read more

I go there for the free popcorn. But be aware. If you order a "double" drink (Friday night) , that's $10 - - and I didn't think it was worth it. read more

I will say that the one server I interacted with was very nice and that was really the only redeeming quality about Come Back In. I was staying at the hotel next door and when I called to place a take out order the first thing the host said, yelled really, was, "You have to PROMISE you're going to come pick it up!" I assured him and I started to order, he cut me off and said, "You know what, I don't know why I'm trying to take an order I don't know anything about the menu let me get you a server." Fine and well, she was far more pleasant anyway. I ordered the nachos and maybe half of the stuff that's listed on the description actually came on the nachos and they were pretty bad. I realize now that there's a lot that can go wrong with nachos from a bar, my mistake? Definitely will not be going back but will remember the nice server and the heart burn. read more

Vegetarian eggs benedict! Only $7 - and add a bloody mary for $1. You heard me, $8 breakfast that I couldn't finish, a half liter drink that of course I finished, and a great way to start out a long day of trekking the hills and valleys of Madison. The tap beers are also a buck if you order brunch on a Sunday, and the list is extensive and interesting. Luckily this was the first stop, otherwise the low low price of twenty bucks for breakfast would have been soured by the twenty pounds of hollandaise weight I gained. read more

26 beers on tap, cheap ass drinks, and all sorts of crazy steins and boots from which to drink your beer. Didn't try their food but it's pretty cool that you can go back and forth between this place, Essen Haus, and Up North. It's the most convenient mini-bar hop I've ever done. read more

Although this isn't my favorite place for drinking at night, it's definitely rising to the top of my favorites for brunch. And the reason for this is largely because pretty much everything you order comes with a side of meat or hollandaise. I also recommend the bloody marys, the old Madison photos on the wall, and the baskets of unshelled peanuts. read more

Come back inn is a great place to play volleyball during the summer. The boot specials are large and a lot of fun with a group, live music at night makes it a fun atmosphere, and service is pretty decent. Different story on a Sunday afternoon. The beer was lukewarm and the service was slow. We hear the brunch is good, and are willing to go back to try it based on the popcorn being decent. Seems like a better place to visit at "busy" times when the service is ready for you. Very cool atmosphere inside, fun decorations, and very clean both during busy times and slower times. Decent bar overall in downtown Madison! read more

We were here for the free breakfast from Ruby marie. Overall it was a really cool spot and the breakfast was totally solid. The inside decor was very cool, being a bunch of old-school beer memorabilia. The breakfast, for being free, was an honest to god solid breakfast, complete with decent coffee. I'd love to stop by and have a brew some day. read more

there's sunday night karaoke there's a stuffed spotted cow on the tap of said beer the place is called the "come back inn" the staff takes about 3 and a half hours to take your order read more

A Madison institution. Beer list? Beer List! Great food, and part of the Essen Haus empire when it comes to beer.

One time the food was really good, another time it was questionable. Has the ambience of a cheap bar. Not really my thing.

I really wanted to like the Come Back because of its cool decor and classic bar feel. They also play excellent music most of the time. The one thing that ruined this place was the outrageous prices! One night a pitcher of Schlitz cost $18! Of Schlitz! You do get some free popcorn so maybe if you eat enough of that you can get your moneys worth. It is kind of a joke when you can go next store to the Essen Haus and find delicious German beer for a comparable price. read more

Had a great breakfast of walleye and eggs after my football team (Oregon State Beavers) got murdered the day before at camp Randall. Bloody mary was good too! read more

This was my first time in Madison and I am so happy that my friends brought me to this joint for breakfast. Not only was the waitress funny, but the food is amazing! I tried their crab benedict and let me tell you I have been craving the rosemary hollandaise sauce for days ever since. read more

Had the stuffed French toast. Pathetic. A full order 8 bites. Unbelievable. Used to be a meal and now it's barely an appetizer.

The best go-to breakfast spot in Madison! The food is always delicious and consistent. Over the years, it has been reliable as a great place to eat. The pancakes and the potatoes are the best ever! read more

We stayed at Hotel Maria and got breakfast on Saturday and Sunday at Come Back In for free. All food had a German flare to it. Coffee was decent, but I'm a coffee snob that likes a strong dark smooth brew. The first morning I got an omelet with a rosemary hollandaise sauce, it was good but not amazing. The second morning I got potato pancakes with goat cheese...should be called hash browns with green onion (lots) and goat cheese. read more

The food is delicious the service is great and the food come about 5 minutes after you actually order! I would totally recommend this! This place is located in Madison WI. read more

Good breakfast...good peanuts...sorta like Essen Hause (which is connected), but different.

Excellent and variable beer selection. Outdoor seating in good weather. Friendly staff. Huge breakfasts (and if you love rosemary hollandaise sauce, heaven), and pretty darn good lunch and dinner food. I recently had fish fry there, and tried the fried perch. I'm not happy that they cut back on the rye bread and cole slaw, but the fish was about the best I've ever had. It was moist, tender, and with a light non-greasy batter. Another great thing about the place: It's good lots of huge family-style tables, so it's excellent for group dining and hanging out. read more

We are regulars for weekend breakfast at the CBI so I won't be reviewing the food. This 5-star review is for our server, Nancy. So professional, accommodating, and extremely nice and pleasant!!!! CBI is lucky to have her on their staff!!!!! read more

I've been there before for drinks but was surprised to find that they have some fantastic brunch with even better drink specials!! The curry hollandaise sauce is absolutely amazing! I definitely will be returning. read more

This used to be a really nice bar, but the service has become terrible. They cater to their old regulars who think they run the place. We tried to play darts, just to be harassed by someone who seemed to feel he owned the board. Also... please don't ever eat the food here, I was unlucky enough to see the kitchen and I will never eat something cooked here again. (They share their kitchen with the Essen Haus, so stay away from the food there too) read more

We had breakfast 9-Sept-2012, while our service was fine, the food was not what it has been in the past. We ordered the big breakfast and huevos rancheros. We substituted french toast for 2 pancakes with the big breakfast, we go one v. small piece of french toast ~3"x1.5" and so ordered an additional piece ala carte for $2.75, ouch. Also to be avoided, the huevos rancheros (which used to be excellent) is barely mediocre, and is not huevos rancheros at all - but is now a burrito! Previously this was a great place, but I will think twice before returning read more

Great drinks, great atmosphere, great service and one of the few places in Madison that has PBS on television! I've long sought out places where I can sip on a beer and enjoy my favorite PBS programming but I finally found my Shangri-La in the Come Back In. read more

For restaurants in its category, four stars. Always a friendly and relaxed place to go for breakfast. Never had a bad meal and had s good mix of traditional and unique dishes. Their blood Mary is spicy! read more

The managers are the worst I have ever seen. I literally witnessed a manager tell a group of employees that they were all idiots (on the floor mind you) and then watched as a waitress burst into tears. Money is literally all they care about and they are even inept in that regard. They don't do regular business during Badger games or Packer games, which is unbelievable, and the food is sloppily prepared and greasy and the kitchen is dirty.The only reason you should ever go to the come back in is if your looking for a cheap beer and want to get so hammered you don't notice the truly awful human beings running the show. read more

This place has the best breakfast in Madison!! Tastes great, way too much food but that's ok! Make sure you get the $1 Bloody Mary with your meal....they have a special with breakfast entrees ... $1 Bloody Mary or Mimosa when you order a breakfast entree. I took my very difficult in-laws for breakfast over 4th of July weekend and they had a great time! MIL actually wanted to say thanks to the chef but he was too busy to come out before we had to leave. Great kids menu too. They have TVs everywhere....I will definately be a regular once football season starts (my wife thanks the Come Back In for that)! read more

Utterly disappointing. A few months ago I went to the Come Back In for dinner and drinks around 8-9pm with a friend since it is the main hang out place for some of friends. When we went in to eat, the food was cold and extremely salty and the place was filthy with popcorn all over the floor. The last time we went we visited primarily for drinks and free popcorn as well as to meet up with friends. We went outside for a break and I was approached by an inebriated guest of the bar that started with harassing me verbally and proceeded to sexually harass me in front of my husband. Since it was close to bar time, my husband grabbed the bouncer to remove the guest without calling the cops or handling the situation ourselves. The bouncer came out, took our full drinks and locked us outside with the fool who continued to push against my friends and me. Not only did the bouncer create a threatening environment for us, but also threw away $20 of our money worth of drinks. It was a nightmare. Who I presume was the owner or bar manager (man in his 70's) eventually came out as we screamed to have the bouncer let us back in and finally settled the situation where the bouncer left, again, and hid back inside. I have never been so scared in my life. Won't be going back. read more

To add to a previous review on the Come Back Inn...I also enjoy playing volleyball at the Come Back. The location is great. The beer is great. BUT. Many things need improvement: Service. I don't solely blame the servers, some of them are great. I believe management is the core source of the issues. Example: Two weeks ago...I arrived at 5PM to play volleyball. Sat at one of the many empty tables outside and waited 10-15 minutes for a server to finally come and help me. Once I was helped...I was then asked by multiple other servers at different times through out the evening if I needed help...one of them being the manager! Aren't the servers talking to each other or have their own designated areas?! Two servers actually started to bicker with one another because we had two servers helping us...primarily because our first server had disappeared. All in all, place would be more enjoyable with some new management and direction. read more

Awesome historic brick architecture. Great beer selection. Super friendly and engaging staff. Check out the salt/pepper saker selection.