The Old Fashioned is a true Madison staple. The food and service are consistently reliable, and it’s one of the best places to experience classic Midwestern comfort food. The cheese curds are some of the best in town—crispy, melty, and always satisfying. Portion sizes are generous, making it a great spot whether you're sharing with friends or looking for a hearty solo meal. It’s the kind of place that feels familiar, even on your first visit.
Nathan Rhodes
Great food and service. They had a BLT special with heirloom tomatoes that was beyond incredible.
Nasim Eshgarf
Nice place in a great location with perfect, friendly staff. They were very helpful when we ordered. I had an amazing Old Fashioned, and honestly, I think I got the best onion rings of my life here!
It’s a must-try spot if you visit Madison. I highly recommend it!
Patrice Lewis
Breakfast was tasty! Service was great. We got there when they first opened. They were pretty full by the time we left.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Jade Schleif
I've been here twice now and will always make a stop when coming through Madison! The service from everyone we met was outstanding, the food and drinks were delicious and reasonably priced. I'm in love with the cheese curds, Reuben, and Patty melt! The only thing I'll be skipping is the beer cheese soup, both times the texture has been off for some reason. Overall, highly recommend this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Alec Finn
Had to see what the old fashioned "Korbel" capital of the world was all about. Great drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bruce Chaput
Cozy place with great food. Of course their cheese curds are spectacular, but everything we had was great. If they are a bit full, you can get the whole menu sitting at the bar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hao Yuan
Had an enjoyable lunch here and was impressed by how large the portions were. We had to cut slices out of my wife’s tenderloin sandwich like a pie to eat it due to its sheer size. My sloppy Joe was surprisingly good and was also quite large, and both of us got their onion strings which were delicious. Definitely also understand why so many people rank their cheese curds as one of the best, but we did feel the batter they use was a bit too salty for our liking. Our server was friendly but was a bit in the weeds due to how busy they were, and yes, they’re always busy, so be prepared to wait if you plan on dining here.
I had walleye fish and salad which I never have tried before It was delicious Fairly priced Staff was really nice And the best cheese curds I have ever had. I will go back for sure
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Mike Brisbin Jr
Cool atmosphere. Great value.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Amy Britton
Charming decor. Irish pub feel. A place you want to be with friends. A place to share your food with friends and laugh the evening through. The food was good bar food. A few unique items but mostly sandwich vibes. Great desserts and ice cream drinks!
Dietary restrictions: They have gluten-free buns!!! They even toasted them for my sloppy joes!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Leighton Buchanan-Cates
Literally the best cheese curds you'll find in Madison. Great food, excellent location. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Chicken Sandwich, The Old Fashioned House Burger, Bacon Mac & Cheese, Door County Cherry Salad
Great bartenders.
The Old Fashioned is a true Madison staple. The food and service are consistently reliable, and it’s one of the best places to experience classic Midwestern comfort food. The cheese curds are some of the best in town—crispy, melty, and always satisfying. Portion sizes are generous, making it a great spot whether you're sharing with friends or looking for a hearty solo meal. It’s the kind of place that feels familiar, even on your first visit.
Great food and service. They had a BLT special with heirloom tomatoes that was beyond incredible.
Nice place in a great location with perfect, friendly staff. They were very helpful when we ordered. I had an amazing Old Fashioned, and honestly, I think I got the best onion rings of my life here!
It’s a must-try spot if you visit Madison. I highly recommend it!
Breakfast was tasty! Service was great. We got there when they first opened. They were pretty full by the time we left.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
I've been here twice now and will always make a stop when coming through Madison! The service from everyone we met was outstanding, the food and drinks were delicious and reasonably priced. I'm in love with the cheese curds, Reuben, and Patty melt! The only thing I'll be skipping is the beer cheese soup, both times the texture has been off for some reason. Overall, highly recommend this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Had to see what the old fashioned "Korbel" capital of the world was all about. Great drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cozy place with great food. Of course their cheese curds are spectacular, but everything we had was great. If they are a bit full, you can get the whole menu sitting at the bar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had an enjoyable lunch here and was impressed by how large the portions were. We had to cut slices out of my wife’s tenderloin sandwich like a pie to eat it due to its sheer size. My sloppy Joe was surprisingly good and was also quite large, and both of us got their onion strings which were delicious. Definitely also understand why so many people rank their cheese curds as one of the best, but we did feel the batter they use was a bit too salty for our liking. Our server was friendly but was a bit in the weeds due to how busy they were, and yes, they’re always busy, so be prepared to wait if you plan on dining here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Great Madison bar with good pub food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I had walleye fish and salad which I never have tried before
It was delicious
Fairly priced
Staff was really nice
And the best cheese curds I have ever had.
I will go back for sure
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Cool atmosphere. Great value.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Charming decor. Irish pub feel. A place you want to be with friends. A place to share your food with friends and laugh the evening through. The food was good bar food. A few unique items but mostly sandwich vibes. Great desserts and ice cream drinks!
Dietary restrictions: They have gluten-free buns!!! They even toasted them for my sloppy joes!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Literally the best cheese curds you'll find in Madison. Great food, excellent location. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Chicken Sandwich, The Old Fashioned House Burger, Bacon Mac & Cheese, Door County Cherry Salad
Great food and service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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