What a great college town bar and restaurant!!! The food and service were both great!!! It was wonderful to find this establishment that appears to be well regarded by UW Alumni. read more

Loved this place!! The atmosphere was so welcoming; sat at the bar. Nate was our bartender and he was great! We each had an IPA draft and we ordered the Lazy Susan #7 and added a side of sausage. When the food came, we laughed out loud because it was A LOT!! It definitely would have been more appropriate for a group of 4-6 people but we had plenty to take home!! Definitely think this is a spot to add to your travels if you're ever in Madison! read more

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Very good food . Cheese curds are must have . Bergers are good. Staff are friendly and nice. We went with our sleeping baby and they made sure we get a corner so that baby wasn't disturbed. Ambience was good. read more

Prime rib was chewy and salty. Drinks were good. Place is crowded. Service was good, too. Just wish food was better. read more

If you're looking for a decent drink at a decent price. Decent bar food at a decent bar. This is the spot for you. The Old Fashioned Burger was tasty, admittedly smaller than one would prefer for the paying price. Great atmosphere, often with a busy crowd. Cheese curds are as advertised. Service was pleasant. A must stop when visiting Madison. read more

Great spot on the square. I'm in Madison every few weeks and it's always a pit stop for a bite and and Old Fashion. Great people working the bar and waitstaff is on point. read more

We've been here twice. It's an icon on the square in Madison and supposedly the best cheese curds in Wisconsin. I will tell you that at one time, I'm sure it was an icon, but it's horrible service and mediocre food has me not wanting to ever go back. We've had the tenderloin, it was overcooked. We've had the cheese curds, they are ok. We've had their burgers, they ask how you would like them cooked, but they don't really mean it. I've ordered 2 different burgers at 2 different times and both times they were cooked to hockey puck status. I can say I've been there, but no need to ever go again. read more

Great place to take your out-of-state dad. Didn't understand what 'Wisconsin' food was until I went here

I really wanted to like this place especially after reading the reviews and a fellow Yelper recommending this spot. Let me start off with the positives. The beer selection is on point with over 150 Wisconsin beers. That part was by far the best part for me especially when the featured beer is $3 for a pint and mostly all the others are about $4-5 a pint. You can definitely get boxed at a place like that. Oh and the cheese curds with ranch was very good. I also really liked the turn of century interior with the original floors and bar but the Asian lamps got to go over the bar. Edison bulbs would be much better. Now on to the stuff I didn't care for...the server was very nice but slow to get bottled beer for my friend. But I'll just chalk that up to it being Sunday during brunch. The other thing was my grilled cheese sounded great but the cheese was not melted at all... My wife ordered the burger which she said was bland and my daughter did not like her kids chicken meal. But on the other hand our friend Tina loved the brat; I also had a small bite and enjoyed it. So I would like to give this place one more try especially for the beer. read more

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Great Service, skilled workers great food and from what I hear a good company. no wonder they have been here for decades.

Great Wisconsin bar, a dizzying array of beers, and by far the best cheese curds and lake perch dinner I've ever had!

This seems to be a popular place in the Madison downtown area with plenty of seating (at least on the weekdays). They have a large menu with something for everyone. Of course you will need to order some cheese curds as an appetizer. The food and service was good --- with a short wait time (even when they are busy). read more

Cheese curds are excellent. Crispy outside but stretchy and yummy inside. Tried others but these were up there on list. The salad was also excellent. Large enough to share. The fish sandwich was also very good. This is a great stop in Downtown Madison. read more

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Food Network says they have the best cheese curds in Wisconsin. I think they were right. Excellent food, great service, and the heavy wood bar is gorgeous. read more

My Husband, me, our daughter and a friend took a road trip to Madison we decided to have lunch at Old Fashioned because of all the great reviews. Maybe we had really high expectations but we were not very impressed. It wasn't bad but it was not spectacular either. The outside of the restaurant is very cool looking and eye catching. The inside has the original hardwood floors which adds to aesthetics. Most of the decor fits with their theme but one thing that threw me off when we entered was the Chinese lanterns above the bar which were a little weird made me feel like I was in a Chinese restaurant. The place was packed which was expected for a Sunday at brunch time but seeing little kids sitting at the Bar to eat is a little off putting I think the bar should be for adults only. We did not wait very long for seating which was nice. All of the staff was super friendly and they all had a smile. They have a great beer list and their menu has a lot of options which. We ordered 2 bottled beers and a mimosa it took a while to get our drinks which was a little annoying. But we just let that one slide since it was so busy and our waiter was very nice. My husband ordered the grilled cheese and the cheese curds. The cheese curds were very good but the grilled cheese was lacking because the cheese was not even fully melted. My daughter got the Chicken tenders from the kids menu. Let me tell you she loves chicken tenders but she barely ate them. She said she didn't really like them but she loved the fries. I got the old fashioned Burger and it was ok it's supposed to be their signature burger but it wasn't bursting with flavor which I had expected, the fries were very good they were crispy and fried perfectly. Our friend order the sausage and for her side she got the homemade potato salads which I tried a bit of and it was spiced just right and had a lot of flavor. She said her sausage sandwich was good I didn't try it. Overall not super impressed with their food it was average in my opinion. They have the sides down pat but their main components are lacking. Not sure we would return. read more

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I just love their Old Fashioneds, I'll keep coming back for those regardless of food. read more

The Old Fashioned - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Epic bloody's, salmon salad and cheese soup. Great service and a fun atmosphere. First come first serve.

Came here Friday night for dinner but the wait was like 1.5 hours so we decided to go elsewhere. We then came back on Saturday around 2pm for a late lunch and got a table right away. I'll be honest, we were tailgating all morning and I was a little bit drunk. I ended up getting their mac and cheese with their side salad. Both were awesome! I've never ordered mac and cheese at a restaurant before and the crust on top was delicious! We also go the cheese curds because I was told that Old Fashioned had the best in town, but honestly I thought they were a little bit too salty, the ones at Tipsy Cow were much better! read more

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I have heard only good things about this place and it did not disappoint! Be prepared for a wait if you come during dinner but it's worth it. The cheese curds are amazing and are my favorite cheese curds in the area! They were cheesy, soft and lightly fried. The old fashioned with cherry is also very nice and I highly recommend. The staff was also so nice! I had ordered something to share with someone and the waitress split the dishes without us asking. I will certainly be coming back! read more

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! read more

The Old Fashioned - Pork Sammy. - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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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. read more

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It's really about a 3 1/2 star. Uo walked in, and it was just starting to get into their evening rush, so I sat at the bar. I was told to try the fried cheese curds, and they were surprisingly good with the spanish paprika sauce. I ordered the spicy burger medium, it came out well done and hardly any jalapenos on it. Very disappointing, I don't know how a cook could get that oh so wrong. Not the worst burger I've had, but barely even a "good" burger. Coming from the south, maybe we just make them better. The bartender suggested a really good amber style beer, wish I could remember the name. Then I switched to the old fashioned. Got a regular one first, which was surprisingly sweet. Then got one with rye and told the bartender not to make it so sweet, it was a little better. It was nice seeing whom I suspect was a manager helping out the staff. I was, however, surprised that he did not go around and see how the customers are doing. If I'm ever in town again, I may give it another try. read more

The Old Fashioned - Fried cheese curds with Spanish paprika sauce and amber beer - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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OMGsh cheese curds are pieces of heaven! The beer-cheese soup is way too good And I have the Wednesday special trout fish - awesome Of course had to have an Old Fashioned! Everything was great. Service, price and quality of food. What else can you ask for? Definitely coming back next time I come to Wisconsin!!! read more

The Old Fashioned - Bourbon Old Fashioned. 5 stars - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Always a great place to gather with friends for an Old Fashioned and some cheese curds! Pure Wisconsin girl here, so of course this place is at the top of my list when showing around out of town guests. Their burgers are delicious and the salads tasty, with just the right amount of ingredients to make you forget you are eating something healthy. I really like that you have the option to build your own old fashioned. I'm not a huge brandy person so that is a plus for me! Just beware that if you aren't stopping in on a Sunday afternoon, this place is likely packed to the brim, and there isn't much waiting room. read more

My favorite restaurant for out of towners. A true Sconnie experience with food like my Milwaukee grandma used to make. Not any vegetarian choices but a few. The booze is off the hook, especially the mixed drinks. Desserts all have ice cream with them - and why not? Our dairy is the best. Crowded - come early. Surprisingly cheap for downtown. Lots to love. read more

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great food and drinks , great service. hate the no reservation policy long waits on weekends check in early and hang at bar or walk the square read more

Good, solid food like the old days but updated. Recommend the onion strings, best I've had. Cabbage and potatoes that come with the Schnitzel were also delish. Loved the grapefruit juice, even if there aren't free refills read more

Loved the lazy Susan #7 and the wurst platter. Cheese curds were fresh. Had the grilled eggplant sandwich but the eggplant was a bit tough. The onion strings were addictive. Service was friendly. read more

I came here with my colleagues and a Wisconsinite friend. It was the local's favorite. This place has a beautiful view of the capitol and it is popping. We waited for 15 -20min or so for our table and it was on a Wednesday night. Can you imagine the wait on Thursday and Friday? We hang out at the bar while we waited. I guess if you were visiting Madison, you should order their local beers. The food here is awesome too. We had fried cheese curd, onion rings, and haystack fries for appetizers. I got beer-battered walleye with shredded cabbage as the main course. Others ordered: Prime Rib Sandwich, Sheboygan's Grand Champion Miesfeld Market double bratwurst, and wood-grilled breast of chicken with Bavaria's hickory-smoked bacon, melted Swiss. They were all very good. The portion size is HUGE! My colleagues joked that I ordered a whale. The walleye larger than my palm. What should I say, come hungry? We loved the ambiance there and we had a great time. It was my first time having fried cheese curds. I think I ate a little too much in one setting but I would love to go back and have more. read more

I'll never understand the hype around The Old Fashioned. Service is at best, decent. The brunch menu is sparse and the wait for a table does not match the quality of the food. If you want good cheese curds or a satisfying Friday Fish Fry, go to The Cooper's Tavern - it won't be soggy. read more

Gonna keep this short and simple. The burger (No. 30) is one of the best tasting burgers I have ever had. You can taste the "live fire grill" in the burger! It was so good that I added nothing to it! Please get it and some cheese curds. You won't regret it! read more

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I think the best summation of The Old Fashioned is Welcome to Madison, Wisconsin! Anybody who visits me must go here, because it is the number one iconic restaurant/bar of Madison. Incredible variety of beer selection (and all from Wisco), great root beer, great mixed drinks (it is called the Old Fashioned, after all...), great food. A personal favorite is the good ole Turkey Sandwich #33 and/or the #20 Salad (especially if they're willing to sub the bleu cheese with goat cheese!). They're cheese curds are also some of the best in Madison. The place gets very busy on weekend (and often weekday) evenings and for lunch. I have never been to a weekend brunch but very frequently go for the weekday breakfast. They have rotating egg scramblers which are to die for and when you order a mimosa, they ask you if you want it in a pint glass! Need I say more?! (fear not, you can get a boring old champagne flute if you prefer). The bar staff is always very friendly and I love coming here to sit at the bar and hang out and chat when they are not super busy. I imagine most Madisonians already know how great the Old Fashioned is, but in case anyone didn't... IT IS! A must do for Madison. read more

Came here with some friends and had a great time. It was a busy place on a Saturday night in downtown Madison, Wisconsin right on Capital square. We waited just shy of an hour for a table with no reservations. That was ok with us though because we got an opportunity to have a few drinks at the bar and conversate. Food was great as always, place was jamming, had a beautiful window seat looking up at the capital. We will be back! read more

The Old Fashioned - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I little overrated. It is what it is. Good American style food, but service could have been better, the dining area was a little crammed, and some of the cheese dishes were sometimes too much. Would eat there again but not really worth the lines wait and crowd. read more

Extremely noisy!!! Food good as well as service. Not a place to go if you want to have a conversation with your dining partner.

food was good but service was extremely rude. The hipster-want-to-be waitress was extremely judgemmental and rude! She scolded us for messing up tables and standing at the bar. Customer service was obsolete. read more

Food and drinks are delicious. The menu has a lot of choices without it being overwhelming. Prices are reasonable and portions are large.

Amazing food, great ambiance and perfect service. Will go back anytime I'm in the area

What's not to like about the Old Fashioned, it has an up north like layed back atmosphere when it's not busy and it's right across from the state Capitol, with a handful of old fashioned and Bloody Mary options for brunch.Try the Summer sausage sandwich and the Northern Wisconsin bar snacks, I just wish they had Blind Robin's, does anybody remember them? read more

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This place is one big "cheers!" to the State of Wisconsin and I am here for that. Honestly, what more could you want? There's phenomenal cheese curds, beer cheese soup, and Rhinelander Shorties! And, that is what I think you should order because it's wonderful every time. If you're eating a salad here, you're simply doing it wrong. I prefer to go here during the in-between times as it is almost always busy during the usual meal times. But, they are organized about seating folks and there's plenty of good spots nearby to grab a drink while you wait. It can also be quite loud, so not a great place for an intimate catch-up or to bring your grandma who is hard of hearing. read more