My family and I have been coming to The Old Fashioned for years… since my wife went to college here, and every trip back to Madison, this spot is usually a must-visit for us.
Unfortunately, this visit was by far the most disappointing, and it all came down to basic customer service.
My daughter pulled a long hair out of her macaroni, which was obviously unsettling. I understand things happen in restaurants, and I wasn’t looking for a dramatic reaction. But when I mentioned it to our waitress, she simply said, “Oh, I’m sorry.” No follow-up, no acknowledgment beyond that, no offer to make it right. Just a passive shrug-off moment.
Then, when my food arrived, the server dropping it off asked if there was anything else I needed. I asked if they had anything else for the fries besides ketchup and mustard. He seemed annoyed and replied, “There’s ketchup and mustard in front of you.” I clarified that I meant something else for the fries, and he again repeated, “There’s ketchup and mustard,” while acting irritated… only then mentioning that anything else costs extra. I had no issue paying extra, but it was the attitude that was surprising.
The one bright spot was that when I brought the situation to a manager’s attention at the end, she did remove the macaroni from the bill, and I appreciated that. But the overall experience felt ignored, brushed aside, and far below the standard we’ve always known this place for.
The location is great, the history is special, and the food has always been solid… but the service we received on this visit was night and day from what we’ve come to expect. If I’m being honest… seems like it’s gotten worse over the years.
Hopefully this was just an off day, because I’d love to see The Old Fashioned get back to the level of hospitality that made it a favorite for so many years.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 1
Brian Pfeiffer
Great service, drink selection, and you won’t leave hungry.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam Melchior
Great food. Fun place. Good for family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ralph Sordyl
Great bartenders.
Nicholas Sinn
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!
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.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Chris P.
Great Madison bar with good pub food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shanilka
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
My family and I have been coming to The Old Fashioned for years… since my wife went to college here, and every trip back to Madison, this spot is usually a must-visit for us.
Unfortunately, this visit was by far the most disappointing, and it all came down to basic customer service.
My daughter pulled a long hair out of her macaroni, which was obviously unsettling. I understand things happen in restaurants, and I wasn’t looking for a dramatic reaction. But when I mentioned it to our waitress, she simply said, “Oh, I’m sorry.” No follow-up, no acknowledgment beyond that, no offer to make it right. Just a passive shrug-off moment.
Then, when my food arrived, the server dropping it off asked if there was anything else I needed. I asked if they had anything else for the fries besides ketchup and mustard. He seemed annoyed and replied, “There’s ketchup and mustard in front of you.” I clarified that I meant something else for the fries, and he again repeated, “There’s ketchup and mustard,” while acting irritated… only then mentioning that anything else costs extra. I had no issue paying extra, but it was the attitude that was surprising.
The one bright spot was that when I brought the situation to a manager’s attention at the end, she did remove the macaroni from the bill, and I appreciated that. But the overall experience felt ignored, brushed aside, and far below the standard we’ve always known this place for.
The location is great, the history is special, and the food has always been solid… but the service we received on this visit was night and day from what we’ve come to expect. If I’m being honest… seems like it’s gotten worse over the years.
Hopefully this was just an off day, because I’d love to see The Old Fashioned get back to the level of hospitality that made it a favorite for so many years.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 1
Great service, drink selection, and you won’t leave hungry.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food. Fun place. Good for family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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
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
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