The service was fast and they were nice but the food wasn't the best and they serve big potatoes in…read morea seafood boil but I've seen pictures of them serving the regular potatoes so idk

Now we all know this is not a fine dining experience with beautiful ambience in the hottest…read morelocation in town, so I'm not going to review it as if it's comparable to that. But if you're going to the restaurant, expecting flavorful and fresh tasting seafood with good service and without Frills, then I think it earns at least 4 (the deduction is just that my table wasn't as clean as I would've liked it when we were seated, and I didn't love the taste of the corn included in the meal, but my partner loved it so maybe it's just a personal preference). I'd say this is a good casual spot and one bag is enough to share for at least 2 to 3 people.

Great food and amazing atmosphere. Staff is always pleasant and helpful. The old fashions are great.read more

Serviceable is what comes to mind. We had appetizers and dessert at the bar with drinks…read more I wouldn't order a mixed drink here again. The drinks are not well crafted tempura were not. The Manhattan was served on the rocks and simply was rye poured out of the bottle into the glass with a splash of vermouth. The old fashioned prepared in the same way. Bourbon on the rocks with a splash of some sort of premade mix. Oysters were ok, a bit fishy smelling but we ate in the Midwest. Desserts were definitely the highlight although pretty small, not suitable for sharing.

This restaurant immediately catches your eye with its vibrant and playful decor, both outside and…read morein. It's clearly designed with groups in mind, offering plenty of spacious seating that makes it perfect for gatherings and fun. Arrived right at opening (4:00 PM). While I wish someone had welcomed me when I first walked in and was looking for my party, the staff overall were very kind. Our server was especially helpful in guiding us through the menu. The flavors were fantastic across the board. The gumbo had a great taste, though I personally prefer a bit more body to it. The chimichanga was beautifully presented, like all their dishes, which easily score a 10/10 for visual appeal. It was tasty, but a bit heavy on the rice and could've used a touch more meat. Despite a few small critiques, the overall experience was enjoyable. Great ambiance, friendly service, and flavorful food make this a spot worth visiting--especially with a group!

We came to North of the Bayou recently using a pub pass and had a chance to try a few of their…read moreappetizers. What a great mix! Everything we tried was flavorful and well‑prepared, and the portions were generous. The atmosphere really stands out -- lively but relaxed, with that Cajun‑inspired charm that makes it feel special without being pretentious. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which added to the overall experience. Drinks are solid, and the setting is perfect for a casual night out with friends or a laid-back evening on the deck. Definitely a spot worth visiting if you're looking for good food, great vibes, and a little taste of the South in Madison. We came on a mid afternoon Saturday so pretty slow and chill!

Ordered the combo A with crawfish! 1/2 snow…read morecrab,shrimp,crawfish + potatoes +rice. Cajun butter mild Excellent service and amazing flavor! Seemed pretty slow and eerie but food came fast and hot !!

Kind of a weird empty gray vibe when you walk in. Service was good - they don't check on you too…read moremuch cuz nobody wants to be interrupted while bib'd up! FOOD IS SOOOO GOOD!

Their Thai Tea tasted like it had cleaning chemicals, multiple people who tried my drink said the…read moresame.. not sure if they didn't fully clean out whatever they're storing it in or if something accidentally happened, besides that the lady who works the front is nice and the chicken is yummy, maybe avoid the Thai tea!!

Their white rice is just complete mush. Really wasn't good at all. Got it to go and ate in my car -…read moreand wish I didn't. Their chicken isn't crispy either. Big waste of money.

The food was EXCELLENT. I had the Blackened Blues. Wonderful combination of brisket, bacon and…read moreblue cheese crumbles. Host greeted us with smile and welcoming voice. We felt like we belonged. Server was amazing. Great balance of friendliness and checking in without feeling overbearing. It was our first time but definitely won't be our last.

Went here for lunch on a Saturday for a birthday meal since the birthday girl wanted fish and…read moreshrimp. The place had a decent lunch crowd, but was by no means packed, so we figured it would be quick to get food for the kids. Our waitress came to get our drink order pretty quick, but then service slowed for receiving our drinks, ordering food, getting our food, and getting her attention for a to-go box and our bill. As for the food, we ordered the Bangor, which had shrimp and haddock and choice of two sides where we chose the corn muffins and beans. We also got the Nashville hot chicken sliders with sweet potato fries, kids chicken tenders, and kids burger with fries. The kids meals were both quite generous portions, especially the chicken tenders. The tenders were nice and juicy with a crisp exterior and one of the best things ordered. The kids burger was overly charred and had a little burnt taste, so the child wouldn't eat it and ended up eating the shrimp from the other meal instead. The Nashville hot sliders were decent sandwiches and quite large, but were by no means Nashville hot, more like somewhere between mild to medium spice. The sweet potato fries were great though and went well with their bbq sauces. The fish and shrimp received mixed reviews from the two people that ordered it. The corn muffins were definitely something that we would get again and also worked great with the bbq sauces. Overall, it was fine with some good and some not so good. The price is a little higher than some restaurants with similar offerings, but the portions are quite large, so maybe that's the tradeoff. Not sure if this is going to get added to our rotation, but they did seem to have some good happy hour deals, so maybe for that.

Small place with a very busy kitchen. They also sell fresh food products and ingredients for ppl…read morewanting to cook at home. I'm partial toward the crab cakes though - especially since that's the only thing I've actually had here . They are BOMB! They guy behind the counter also put me on to the boom boom sauce and I'll never forget it. Can't wait to visit again.

The lake perch dinner is amazing! I always ask for two extra pieces because I eat at least two…read morepieces before I pull out of the parking lot! The staff are knowledgeable, personable and professional.

Fantastic food, fantastic prices, and easy accessibility make this food truck a winner! YUM -- this…read morewarm and flavorful crayfish étouffée is perfect on a cool fall day!! I'm glad I found this place. Cups are $4, bowls are $6, and either is more than filling for a great lunch.

tempest Oyster Bar has quickly become one of my favorite spots in Madison, and I can't recommend it…read moreenough. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is perfectly sophisticated yet welcoming, with a classy, nautical vibe that feels upscale without being stuffy. The historic building (with its cool backstory) adds a unique charm, and whether you're at the bar, in the Boat Room, or on the patio during happy hour, it just feels special. The drinks are top-notch. Their cocktail menu is creative and well-executed think perfectly balanced classics and inventive options that pair beautifully with seafood. The wine and beer selection is solid too, with plenty of crisp whites that complement the menu. But the real stars are the oysters and crab legs. The oysters are incredibly fresh (they boast daily shipments), briny, and perfectly shucked some of the best I've had anywhere. We ordered a mix from the raw bar and couldn't stop. The crab legs? Outstanding huge, sweet, and steamed to perfection, with just the right amount of seasoning so the natural flavor shines through. Paired with their drawn butter, it was pure indulgence. Service was attentive and knowledgeable, the portions generous, and everything felt thoughtfully prepared. If you're craving excellent seafood in a great setting, make a reservation at Tempest you won't be disappointed!

This spot has decent food and a nice wine menu but the quality doesn't quite meet fine dining…read morestandards for the prices they charge (better seafood at Sardine). They have bread baskets but that service is inconsistent. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.