The steak was the best our whole table ever had. Simply marvelous flavor. We ordered the blue cheese dip but we loved the flavor so much we didn't want to use it. Service was impeccable. It's expensive, but worth it for a splurge event IMO. Only downside was we had a noisy table of college frat boys next to us. They weren't obnoxious but a bit loud at times. All in good fun, but my mom is elderly and she was having a hard time hearing over them at times. Still we are all planning our return visit next time we are in Madison. Outstanding.
jones
The food was excellent, No fault of theirs we went for King Crab but they had taken them off the menu due to crazy prices on them. The service was excellent however our table was situated in what i would call the path to all things (Bathroom, Kitchen, wait staff service counter. So we were constantly surrounded by many many people.
Shawn Fey
We attended the happy hour. It was wonderful! We started with a charcuterie board that boasted a bunch of wonderful flavors with a beautiful presentation. The shrimp cocktail was delicious! Also, beautifully presented. The rare sliders were delicious with housemaid fries and some delicious dipping sauces. Our server, Brady was extremely attentive with an amazing attention to detail. Finished with the chocolate tart and thought about it for quite some time after. Nice work on that! Bon appetit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jesus Sanz
Made a reservation for our aniversary. Staff great us grat; really friendy. Had a reservation, we got seated, but we wanted a different table, they were kind to let us choose a different table. Service was amazing, food...no words to explain how good the food was, amazing...from the Starters, to the main dish, all good. Recommend 100%
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Reese
Tldr: If you are looking for the best available steak at a restaurant, Rare is the place to go.
Let's get the elephant out of the way right away, Rare is expensive. But with that price you have a restaurant with generally amazing food, great ambiance, and the ability to actually hold a conversation with your date or the people at the table. Service has always been top notch. I've never had a visit with issues with my server, nor have I had table service where at least one manager didn't stop by to check in on everything.
The steaks are the obvious reason to go (hello ribeye and Delmonico), but the rest of the entrees are all really good. I'd personally recommend the scallops. Loaded hashbrowns arenthe king of the sides for me, but I've never had one that I disliked.
Special shout-out to the steak frites during happy hour. It's half off
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer
We recently visited Rare Steakhouse for the first time, and while our server was absolutely fantastic, the experience left us feeling underwhelmed. We ordered a ribeye and a filet, and unfortunately, both steaks fell short of expectations. The ribeye, priced at $106, was tough and lacked the tenderness we hoped for, with noticeable char marks that didn't add to the flavor. For that price, we expected a much more impressive steak. On a positive note, the dessert was a standout. The Bananas Foster was absolutely outstanding, and it was the highlight of our meal. It's clear the kitchen knows how to deliver on sweets. Overall, the meal didn't live up to the hype or the price point. While the service was excellent, I'd hesitate to return given the quality of the steaks. The dessert, though, was definitely worth a mention!
Angella
This was my first time there so I wasn't sure what to expect. This definitely is an upscale/fancy steakhouse, with over the top service and professional staff. It has a very cool dark intimate atmosphere and while the prices might be a bit of a sticker shock to some it's well worth it.
Alyce
Delicious food, excellent service. Love the booth for the two of us. Large loud groups nearby was very distracting
Kyle Meise
We had a fantastic 4 course dinner with 2 perfectly paired J Henry bourbon neats, and 2 specialy curated cocktails. Was a great atmosphere, staff was extremely accommodating, and the chef prepared a wonderful meal to pull it all together. The food was very well balanced, delectable, and displayed in a simple elegance. Not often do I spend 4 hours at a restaurant and walk away wishing it lasted longer. Highly recommend anyones special event to be hosted here if you want an intimate and perfectly executed evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Becca Peterson
Our experience was really special. Cynthia really brought an attentive caring attitude especially with a gluten intolerant need, she was extremely aware of the ingredients. The steak was done perfectly with a nice char and very well seasoned. Top class experience. Only suggestions would be a little more dressing on the Caesar salad :) A++
I have been to steakhouses (“upscale restaurants”) all over this country & in over 20 countries. This place, by far, was the loudest, most-overpriced-for-the-value, & biggest waste of money yet. The service was great! The atmosphere was nice. The food was subpar & needed more seasoning. The food was incredibly overpriced for what you get! And the noise level was so bad that my husband & I couldn't hear what each other was saying. I understand it was the night after a big football game, but still... Not worth it!!
Diane
Genevieve was gracious, knowledgeable and hospitable. Food delivered as always. Love coming here when we are in town.
Griffin
Although my server was very kind, the service felt incredibly rushed. My appetizer arrived almost immediately, and I felt like I had to speed through it as my steak came out in an impossibly short amount of time. From entering to leaving the restaurant, the entire experience lasted only 41 minutes. Again, the server was kind, but this is clearly a “churn and burn” restaurant that prioritizes turning tables over providing an enjoyable dining experience. As for the food, the crab cake was decent but slightly overpriced for what you get. The bone-in ribeye was cooked to the correct temperature and had a nice flavor, though it was slightly underseasoned (perhaps just a matter of personal preference). The lobster mac and cheese, however, was disappointing, essentially a lukewarm bowl of mushy soup. The bread service was also the weakest I've had among steakhouses in the area. All in all, I really wanted to like this restaurant, but it fell flat in almost every category.
Daryl
Food and service was excellent! Our waiter was excellent and explained the menu to perfection!
chris
Oh my gosh, the steak!!! And our server was fun and rattled off the menu options like a pro!!!
The steak was the best our whole table ever had. Simply marvelous flavor. We ordered the blue cheese dip but we loved the flavor so much we didn't want to use it. Service was impeccable. It's expensive, but worth it for a splurge event IMO. Only downside was we had a noisy table of college frat boys next to us. They weren't obnoxious but a bit loud at times. All in good fun, but my mom is elderly and she was having a hard time hearing over them at times. Still we are all planning our return visit next time we are in Madison. Outstanding.
The food was excellent, No fault of theirs we went for King Crab but they had taken them off the menu due to crazy prices on them. The service was excellent however our table was situated in what i would call the path to all things (Bathroom, Kitchen, wait staff service counter. So we were constantly surrounded by many many people.
We attended the happy hour. It was wonderful! We started with a charcuterie board that boasted a bunch of wonderful flavors with a beautiful presentation. The shrimp cocktail was delicious! Also, beautifully presented. The rare sliders were delicious with housemaid fries and some delicious dipping sauces. Our server, Brady was extremely attentive with an amazing attention to detail. Finished with the chocolate tart and thought about it for quite some time after. Nice work on that! Bon appetit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Made a reservation for our aniversary. Staff great us grat; really friendy. Had a reservation, we got seated, but we wanted a different table, they were kind to let us choose a different table. Service was amazing, food...no words to explain how good the food was, amazing...from the Starters, to the main dish, all good. Recommend 100%
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tldr: If you are looking for the best available steak at a restaurant, Rare is the place to go.
Let's get the elephant out of the way right away, Rare is expensive. But with that price you have a restaurant with generally amazing food, great ambiance, and the ability to actually hold a conversation with your date or the people at the table. Service has always been top notch. I've never had a visit with issues with my server, nor have I had table service where at least one manager didn't stop by to check in on everything.
The steaks are the obvious reason to go (hello ribeye and Delmonico), but the rest of the entrees are all really good. I'd personally recommend the scallops. Loaded hashbrowns arenthe king of the sides for me, but I've never had one that I disliked.
Special shout-out to the steak frites during happy hour. It's half off
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We recently visited Rare Steakhouse for the first time, and while our server was absolutely fantastic, the experience left us feeling underwhelmed. We ordered a ribeye and a filet, and unfortunately, both steaks fell short of expectations. The ribeye, priced at $106, was tough and lacked the tenderness we hoped for, with noticeable char marks that didn't add to the flavor. For that price, we expected a much more impressive steak. On a positive note, the dessert was a standout. The Bananas Foster was absolutely outstanding, and it was the highlight of our meal. It's clear the kitchen knows how to deliver on sweets. Overall, the meal didn't live up to the hype or the price point. While the service was excellent, I'd hesitate to return given the quality of the steaks. The dessert, though, was definitely worth a mention!
This was my first time there so I wasn't sure what to expect. This definitely is an upscale/fancy steakhouse, with over the top service and professional staff. It has a very cool dark intimate atmosphere and while the prices might be a bit of a sticker shock to some it's well worth it.
Delicious food, excellent service. Love the booth for the two of us. Large loud groups nearby was very distracting
We had a fantastic 4 course dinner with 2 perfectly paired J Henry bourbon neats, and 2 specialy curated cocktails. Was a great atmosphere, staff was extremely accommodating, and the chef prepared a wonderful meal to pull it all together. The food was very well balanced, delectable, and displayed in a simple elegance. Not often do I spend 4 hours at a restaurant and walk away wishing it lasted longer. Highly recommend anyones special event to be hosted here if you want an intimate and perfectly executed evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our experience was really special. Cynthia really brought an attentive caring attitude especially with a gluten intolerant need, she was extremely aware of the ingredients. The steak was done perfectly with a nice char and very well seasoned. Top class experience. Only suggestions would be a little more dressing on the Caesar salad :)
A++
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I have been to steakhouses (“upscale restaurants”) all over this country & in over 20 countries. This place, by far, was the loudest, most-overpriced-for-the-value, & biggest waste of money yet. The service was great! The atmosphere was nice. The food was subpar & needed more seasoning. The food was incredibly overpriced for what you get! And the noise level was so bad that my husband & I couldn't hear what each other was saying. I understand it was the night after a big football game, but still... Not worth it!!
Genevieve was gracious, knowledgeable and hospitable. Food delivered as always. Love coming here when we are in town.
Although my server was very kind, the service felt incredibly rushed. My appetizer arrived almost immediately, and I felt like I had to speed through it as my steak came out in an impossibly short amount of time. From entering to leaving the restaurant, the entire experience lasted only 41 minutes. Again, the server was kind, but this is clearly a “churn and burn” restaurant that prioritizes turning tables over providing an enjoyable dining experience. As for the food, the crab cake was decent but slightly overpriced for what you get. The bone-in ribeye was cooked to the correct temperature and had a nice flavor, though it was slightly underseasoned (perhaps just a matter of personal preference). The lobster mac and cheese, however, was disappointing, essentially a lukewarm bowl of mushy soup. The bread service was also the weakest I've had among steakhouses in the area. All in all, I really wanted to like this restaurant, but it fell flat in almost every category.
Food and service was excellent! Our waiter was excellent and explained the menu to perfection!
Oh my gosh, the steak!!! And our server was fun and rattled off the menu options like a pro!!!
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