The Scrambler A layer of hash browns, a layer of your choice of filling, eggs and cheese. It's enough to feed an army. You have a choice of toast and gravy (unnecessary in my opinion). It's an intimidating plate full of food. I usually cut it down the middle and take half home. It's fantastic. Read my review on Food Coma: http://foodiecoma.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/mickies-dairy-bar/ read more

The positive about this place is that it's a time machine. The decor was modern in the 50s and they never changed it. Very cool to walk in there and imagine you were at an old soda fountain. I'm sure that is the appeal since so many in Madison went to the University of Wisconsin and come back to visit. That said, the pancakes are big but not that good. The specials are not that great and the place is noisy and it's not very comfortable. Often times there are lines with tourists cramming their way in and the service is so so. The paintings on the wall are.....interesting.... The owner seems like a nice guy and he works hard and I give him big props for all the work he's put into it over the last 15 years. That said they need a menu overhaul. read more

After always hearing about having to eat here, I left with an omelette in a to-go box and a lost appetite. It's not a bad place if you like seeing mice running around in the open while you eat. read more

Really nice service but the food is pretty awful. Eggs didn't even have salt and pepper. Pancakes tasted weirdly sour and just gross. strawberry sauce was underwhelming. Overall just not good food and good wouldn't recommend at least for breakfast. read more

Fantastic old school diner. Huge portions an extremely friendly staff. My go to spot in Madison for breakfast.

milkshakes are phenomenal even by Wisconsin standards. Portion sizes are beyond generous and prices are incredibly fair. give it a try!

This awesome diner is full of the college atmosphere that truly makes the city of Madison feel special. I always come here and tell myself I'll try something new, but I always go back for the scrambler, the diner's signature dish. The food is delicious and the portions are very generous. That alone makes it worth it to eat here. It's great to know Mickies doesn't resort to to just quantity when they serve their meals, but the quality is there as well. Come here for fantastic food and an experience that is a staple of Mad-town. read more

Best breakfast place in town hands down. You may have to wait 10-15 min max but is entirely worth the wait.

As a UW alum, I really do understand the appeal for this place. In the shadow of Camp Randall. Decor unchanged since like...the 50s or something. Legendary scramblers. Stand in line on Saturday mornings. All that good stuff means you do have to try this place at least once. But honestly, the food is not that great at all. I went here for breakfast a couple days ago for the first time since I was a student, because a friend wanted to check it out. I was hoping I was remembering things wrong, but I really wasn't. My pancakes were dry, and blueberries pretty yucky. I also wish restaurants would stop serving that gross high fructose corn syrup instead of the real maple stuff. But you get what you pay for I suppose...and you do get GIANT proportions for what you pay for. Honestly, those scramblers are a greasy heart attack waiting to happen. Pretty sickening to think of someone eating the whole thing. Overall, it's not terrible food-wise and the atmosphere is fun, but Madison is blessed with dozens of awesome breakfast places...and I would not include Mickies on that list. read more

They had decent food, maybe 3* worthy, but I also go out to eat for the convenience factor, service, and atmosphere. Food - Like I said, decent. I would not go across town in search of this menu. Atmosphere - What atmosphere? The place has a giant menu board written in red sharpie marker on the back wall. People with poor vision-make sure you sit close to the back! Service - Ok. They seem to busy, but they managed to refill drinks and coffee. Not overly friendly or attentive. Which for the most part works out for me. Convenience - Here is where I have the biggest problem. The year is 2015, and if you're not taking credit card payment, then you need to go by the wayside. Oh, and if you want to know the nearest ATM is like 4,000,000 miles away from the diner. read more

To be honest I have never heard of this place in my 21 years of living here in madison but for my birthday I wanted to try out something new and my friends said this was was good but they all had gone there years back and I saw the pictures of people out the door so I was excited to try it out! Sadly this place was not at all what i thought it would be, the waiter was rude and pushy I will admit one of the people with us was being loud but nothing super crazy just got loud telling a part of his story but I quickly calmed him down the waiter was just ignoring us and then just rushing everyone I didnt know what Yanks were and no one could explain it but I was last to order and this guy was just going quick being weird when people stopped to make sure they were ordering what they wanted so when it came to me last I just looked at him directly and straight to the point not knowing what I was ordering spit everything out and he still was rude when I did what he wanted and just spit my order out to the point becuase he was in such a rush. The food came and come on when I go to a place that's supposed to me good classic American food I expect it to be something I cant cook at home or at least close to it so I dont feel like I waited my time, I got a oriental omelette and my oh my was that far from an omelette the only thing that was oriental about it was the baby corn and the only reason you can call it an omelette is because it had egg which was brown like come on I can make better more fluffy eggs at my house instead you want to call you brown egg blanket an omelette? Get out of here and yanks? If I put a pile of mashed potatoes with dog food in them that's what it would be.... sorry actually that was have flavor thats giving them to mush credit. I got a pancake on the side which was hard as a rock what ever happened to fluffy pancakes? Or warm or something this was just flower and corn with water and put in an oven to become rock hard. All in all my friends philly cheese steak looked amazing and the fries looked bomb so only get that everything blows. Maybe they have good burgers but who knows and who cares. Get the philly play it safe. Oh sorry I forgot to add the cashier was on his phone and when it came time to pay he forgot how to read and tried saying we didnt pay for one of the meals at least that I didnt pay, it was my birthday my friends were nice enough to offer to pay so maybe he thought well everyone paid for there stuff and this guy didn't even though I clearly heard my friend say he was paying for the other omelette. read more

Very old fashioned restaurant and so cute! Very cheap food but very busy atmosphere for Saturday at noon. I got the chocolate chip pancakes which were unlike any pancakes I've had before. I personally didn't like them because they were almost like cake batter. The chocolate malt is definitely the best malt I've had and very filling!y boyfriend got a ham and sausage scrambler and that was so good! The gravy is very good with the potatoes. Definitely will be back to try out more stuff!!! read more

Fun and Funky!! Huge portions! Right social setting! Good food at lower prices! Love this place! Especially before a Badger function!

I have 1 word for you: Scrambler! This place is great. A tucked in little "old time" cafe. some of the best big plate breakfast choices you will find in the Madison area. I always get the signature breakfast item, the Scrambler. It is multiple eggs combined with your choice of 1 item (or more for extra) including but not limited to, sausage, bacon, peppers, onion, mushroom....you name it pretty much and they will throw it in this fantastic concoction. All this on top of yanks (sliced soft potato's) covered is brown breakfast gravy and a ton of cheese!!!!!!!!! With bread. A ton of cheese, yes please!!!!!!!!!! A word to the wise, prepare yourself for a wait to sit down on the weekend, and football season is mad crazy since this little cafe is next to Camp Randall. On the week day, you should be just fine getting a decent booth seat. Fast service all the time, even when they are packed full. If your in Madison, you have to hit this place up for Breakfast! read more

Had friends in from out of town last weekend, had to take them to Mickies. Can't come to Madison without at least one meal here. Food and atmosphere is great. Breakfast is the best. Only drawback can be wait, but worth it. read more

After being advised by my son to NOT eat at Mickey's, I thought, "well, how bad could it be for breakfast?" The answer: very bad. This is a sleazy, greasy, dirty dinner frequented by people who are looking for only quantity because there is no quality. The place, on a Thursday morning, was packed. I ordered a cheese and bacon sandwich on toast. The bacon had an "off" flavor. I don't know if it was rancid, but the bacon was awful. I was done after one bite. My sister ordered French Toast which means "bread dipped in an egg/milk wash and fried on a griddle. When it came, it looked like well-done scrambled eggs; no discernible pieces of bread found. The "mass" covered the entire plate. She said there was something wrong with the French toast; it had cinnamon and the bread was lumpy. Then she tasted the raisin. The waitress said this was "Mickey's take on French toast." She should have said, "This was yesterday's cinnamon raisin roll that was recycled for the poor souls who want french toast." After noting my sister was not happy with the cinnamon/raisin/egg much, she brought some regular toast as requested. If you like a quality breakfast in a clean restaurant, this is NOT the place for you. A Waffle House is much, much better. I should have listened to my son. Never again will I pass though this dump. read more

Cash only. Nicest wait-staff ever. The Scrambler is the best breakfast invention in the history of breakfast. Super charming atmosphere. Come early on weekends, as lines can be long. Every time we're in Madison, it's the only place we'll eat breakfast/lunch. LOVE IT. read more

I've been reading the past reviews and there's always the occasional comment that the food is mediocre at best. The fact is, Mickey's (in my personal opinion) is not really for everyone. If you're looking for a refined breakfast that offers healthy options, look somewhere else. This is a place for the hungry, the sloppy eaters and people (college students=myelf) who will not find a better deal for a hearty american breakfast at 7 bucks. At the end of the day, it is what it is, a classic all american diner, and i'm hoping it stays that way even when i come back to visit in the future! read more

It IS as good as everyone says! Especially those heavenly pancakes! There's more to this place than just the tradition, the food really is great. I have had the red fish sandwich, BLT, corned beef, Reuben, burger, strawberry pancakes, banana pancakes and cheese curds. Everything is delicious and you get your food FAST. read more

So I had heard great things. I think the love of this place is largely related to college nostalgia and the death grip some use to try and hang on to their youth. I get it. My college town of Orono, Maine had a handful of restaurants that he a special place in my heart. They were dark, small, not so clean and If I went back and ate the food now... I'm not sure it would be as good as I remember. I ordered the coffee, pancakes and a side of potatoes. Weirdly the potatoes were amazing... I have since thought of ordering just the potatoes to go. The pancake was a disaster, the inside consistency was paste. It was browned and golden looking on the outside but very dense and had an awful texture. I will say the waitress was a saint. I have worked in diners in a previous life and would dread the complains that would trickle in. She took my pancake away/ took it off the bill as I enjoyed my mountain of delicious potatoes and before I left she brought me a cinnamon bun to take with me at no charge. She assured me I would love it. "Warm it up in the microwave for 20 seconds" she said. She was right. I will be back and will order more cautiously. I will likely get my meal To go. read more

Always must stop in for Sunday breakfast on our Madison visits to the Arboretum. Everything the prepare is amazing & the ambiance is the best experience read more

Banana nut pancakes were huge...should have ordered just one (and I am a big man - 6'4"). Loved the cinnamon rolls, which had the perfect amount of frosting and were fresh and warm. ..perfect with the cup of joe. My wife had an omelette made to order...not too bad. The home fries were a bit heavy and "mealy" - I like mine crispy on the outside. Overall, a great amount of good food for the dollar. read more

This place is legend....dairy. Maybe it's nostalgic college memories, but it is still home to my all time favorite breakfast, the scrambler. I have mine with sausage, gravy and cheese on top. I still make it a point to go back whenever in Madison. Last time in town I brought my wife for the first time. We ordered a scrambler and an order of hot cakes to share. She liked it so much she didn't share. I got stuck with the pancakes (not a bad consolation prize). The only solution was to go back the next day and get 2 scramblers. True story. read more

AMAZING! The pancake is the size as your head, but hardly takes a dent out of your wallet. Get there early, otherwise you'll wait for a table. Wish the place was a little bigger, but I also love that it's a small diner. read more

Great brunch spot! I had the reuben omelette and it really tasted like a reuben sandwich in between eggs! The portions are huge and the prices are low. It's the perfect place to come to with some friends after a big night out. Only disappointment - the chocolate chip pancakes. read more

Mickies is a Madison classic. There's a reason this place has a line outside of it any given weekend morning. Mickies is a nice classic dinner vibe in the middle of a city with a food culture that is sometimes too trendy and too pricy. It's the perfect place for a game day breakfast or to nurse your hangover after a fun night out. Mickies is a classic dinner with affordable food and huge portions. For example, their delicious milkshakes come in the metal mixing cup, so you really get the full serving! However, considering the amount of leftovers customers have to box up, I do wish Mickies offered to-go boxes that weren't made of styrofoam. read more

Huge portions!!! Their scramblerd are extremely big! I can usually take some to go. their milkshakes are tasty as well. There's usually a line of you go at brunch time, but anytime after 1 there's no wait. Remember its cash only read more

Old school diner that is usually busy. If you want a milkshake for breakfast, this is the place. I've always had friendly and quick service. Huge portion sizes to fill you up for most of the day. read more

I went here for breakfast/brunch in autumn of 08. It was very good! I loved my blueberry shake, it was super delicious. The breakfast food was satisfying, but wasn't knock your socks off insanely awesome or special. I'd definitely go here again, it's a very homey, comfort food kind of place. Try the shakes! read more

My experience with this place was it was a helluva good deal, tasty and greasy, but a TAD (just a tad) overrated. But they called their hash browns "yanks", or at least they used to, which gives them bonus points. read more

If Mickies was not on campus I am not sure if it would make it like it does but it fits perfectly into student world. Huge mounds of food for cheap and seat yourself atmosphere that makes this place feel perfect for any poor college student or alum who wants to pretend they are still in school. The fact that they do not take credit cards is a pain but only adds to the feel of the place. Somehow it all feels right at Mickies. read more

Great burgers, cheap beer, friendly staff, and a relaxed dive-ish atmosphere. What else could you want?

Great atmosphere but get there early to beat the crowds. The Scrambler is iconic. Worth the wait.

I love Mickie's! The place is a bit cramped and you will probably have to wait a while before being seated. The food is definitively worth the wait, though! The pancakes are like little pillows! A visit to Mickie's makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and brings me back to my days as a student at UW. :-) read more

Easily one of the best restaurants in Wisconsin and hands down the best breakfast place around here. You can order anything off the menu and you can know for sure it's gonna be absolutely delicious. If I have to complain about something, it has to be the bacon. The cut is too thin. But everything else... Mmmm Hmmm! read more

Worth the lines. Try the scrambler--remember to share it with another person, it's nearly impossible to finish yourself. Can't go wrong with anything off their menu here. Cash only, tip well! read more

Hmm, wasn't quite a fan. Perhaps it was the fact that my Reuben omelette was not altogether tasty and neither was my boyfriend's corned beef. Still, I appreciate the ginormous portions and the cute setting. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE. Such good food. Seating is crowded but the staff are incredibly friendly. Favorite place for breakfast. Would recommend it to anyone! read more

The most unhealthy place I have ever eaten. The scrambler is insane! Eggs + meat + cheese. Oh my lord it's huge. If you can handle the cholesterol spike, go. read more

the french toast should be called "egg bread"- as it's more an omelet with a little bread. definitely has a traditional diner feel, but I would not recommend. cool view of camp randall, but that's about all it has going for it. read more

Mickies Dairy Bar - french toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin