Anticipating a wonderful night out with our group of 8 on 01/06/2024, we had drinks at the bar before being seated. My Reuben rolls and my wife's onion soup were "acceptable". My wife's Portabella Napolean entree, as well as another of the same dish at our table, however, was inedible due to a foul taste right away. My Beef & Mushroom Strudel also had a strange taste, and a texture that I would compare politely to Hamburger Helper. I haven't returned a dish to the kitchen in more than a DECADE, and tried several bites before returning 3/4 of it uneaten. There seemed to be something wrong with the mushrooms that night, and I'm usually a big fan of them! As our group had time obligations, we refused replacement dishes. When our bill came, I noted that the 20% tip was generated on the food before my wife's dish was comped, and before the manager comped HALF of my dish (WHO comps HALF of an unsatisfactory dish with only a few bites eaten?!?). I realize it is not the server's fault (Dan), but I still refuse to tip 20% on food that I heartily anticipated and did not get to eat. I adjusted the tip to 20% of the apps and drinks, and waited to locate Dan to explain why I adjusted the tab out of respect for him. This still resulted in a $12 tip and a $76 bill just at the table (excluding the bar tab). Dan's reaction was to request to talk to the manager about this! I should've adjusted my tip to ZERO at that point, and refused my whole bill out of disgust for suggesting that I pay for half of a meal that I could not eat. I would NOT recommend Mader's anymore - sadly, it is not the same Milwaukee icon that it used to be.
Carole H
While strolling through the downtown area seeing decorations we came upon the Old Third street shops. After browsing through Usingers and the Cheese Mart, we decided to nosh on something at Maders. The pretty holiday lights added an enchantment to the whole experience. We chose the Tiger shrimp Mac, liver dumpling soup and the grilled salmon salad. All were amazing and exceptional tasty. We topped it off with a warmed cup of Holiday Gluvein to add to the spirit which warmed us up nicely.
Rachel W
A previous poster said that Mader's was past it's hey day. Another poster said the food was basically "meh" and someone else described Mader's as being tragic. Based on our experience - they were being kind. The outside of Mader's has improved some in the past couple of years, but it could still use some cleaning and some love. Upon entering, we were ignored (yes, ignored) by no fewer than 3 Mader's employees (including the guy refusing to make eye contact - unclip the rope on the stairway - replacing it and practically running up to avoid people). Inside,the carpet was old, worn, dirty and full of cooking smells and dirt from years and years - pull it up, replace it or clean it. the entire place was sad, tired, dusty and way beyond it's prime. Not what it used to be and not a lot of hope it will improve. Basically - nobody gives a darn and it shows...
Andrew H
Great history, great building and ambiance, great costumes, decoration and celebrity pictures on the wall (Laurel and Hardy's was the best). The food, however, was (with the exception of the perfectly-done salmon my wife had) extremely...meh. We had a group of fifteen, all expressing similar sentiments, with a common addition that the many positives didn't warrant the prices. This is a restaurant, after all. The consumables are pretty danged important. We had a great get-together here. Nothing was bad at all. But this could be a fantastic must-do experience if they'd raise the level of the food and drink offerings, and thus fix the regrettable cost / dubious value calculation. As it is, the place feels like a fading has-been. It, maybe like our whole culture, needs a renewing revolution.
Janet E
Excellent dinner! Mader's is a well recognized restaurant in the Milwaukee area. The food was incredible and the staff were very friendly. We enjoyed looking at all of the pictures from President's, celebrities, race car driver's etc. Reservations needed.
Delicious food,wonderful valet service and great drinks.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice bar. Great giant pretzel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was the highlight of our trip to Milwaukee! We'd highly recommend the tour of Germany!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, decor and a super cute, friendly, waitress.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Their 100 year old recipe brandy Old Fashioned was expensive but good. Good service. Good food. Cool atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lots of beer choices and delicious bites.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Drinks were strong
Atmosphere: 5
Very nice food. The restaurant style is a throwback. Very nice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Apple Strudel
Kitchy Pub
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved the County Mule with cherry vodka! Bar is located in Mader's restaurant in
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Anticipating a wonderful night out with our group of 8 on 01/06/2024, we had drinks at the bar before being seated. My Reuben rolls and my wife's onion soup were "acceptable". My wife's Portabella Napolean entree, as well as another of the same dish at our table, however, was inedible due to a foul taste right away. My Beef & Mushroom Strudel also had a strange taste, and a texture that I would compare politely to Hamburger Helper. I haven't returned a dish to the kitchen in more than a DECADE, and tried several bites before returning 3/4 of it uneaten. There seemed to be something wrong with the mushrooms that night, and I'm usually a big fan of them! As our group had time obligations, we refused replacement dishes. When our bill came, I noted that the 20% tip was generated on the food before my wife's dish was comped, and before the manager comped HALF of my dish (WHO comps HALF of an unsatisfactory dish with only a few bites eaten?!?). I realize it is not the server's fault (Dan), but I still refuse to tip 20% on food that I heartily anticipated and did not get to eat. I adjusted the tip to 20% of the apps and drinks, and waited to locate Dan to explain why I adjusted the tab out of respect for him. This still resulted in a $12 tip and a $76 bill just at the table (excluding the bar tab). Dan's reaction was to request to talk to the manager about this! I should've adjusted my tip to ZERO at that point, and refused my whole bill out of disgust for suggesting that I pay for half of a meal that I could not eat. I would NOT recommend Mader's anymore - sadly, it is not the same Milwaukee icon that it used to be.
While strolling through the downtown area seeing decorations we came upon the Old Third street shops. After browsing through Usingers and the Cheese Mart, we decided to nosh on something at Maders. The pretty holiday lights added an enchantment to the whole experience. We chose the Tiger shrimp Mac, liver dumpling soup and the grilled salmon salad. All were amazing and exceptional tasty. We topped it off with a warmed cup of Holiday Gluvein to add to the spirit which warmed us up nicely.
A previous poster said that Mader's was past it's hey day. Another poster said the food was basically "meh" and someone else described Mader's as being tragic. Based on our experience - they were being kind. The outside of Mader's has improved some in the past couple of years, but it could still use some cleaning and some love. Upon entering, we were ignored (yes, ignored) by no fewer than 3 Mader's employees (including the guy refusing to make eye contact - unclip the rope on the stairway - replacing it and practically running up to avoid people). Inside,the carpet was old, worn, dirty and full of cooking smells and dirt from years and years - pull it up, replace it or clean it. the entire place was sad, tired, dusty and way beyond it's prime. Not what it used to be and not a lot of hope it will improve. Basically - nobody gives a darn and it shows...
Great history, great building and ambiance, great costumes, decoration and celebrity pictures on the wall (Laurel and Hardy's was the best). The food, however, was (with the exception of the perfectly-done salmon my wife had) extremely...meh. We had a group of fifteen, all expressing similar sentiments, with a common addition that the many positives didn't warrant the prices. This is a restaurant, after all. The consumables are pretty danged important. We had a great get-together here. Nothing was bad at all. But this could be a fantastic must-do experience if they'd raise the level of the food and drink offerings, and thus fix the regrettable cost / dubious value calculation. As it is, the place feels like a fading has-been. It, maybe like our whole culture, needs a renewing revolution.
Excellent dinner! Mader's is a well recognized restaurant in the Milwaukee area. The food was incredible and the staff were very friendly. We enjoyed looking at all of the pictures from President's, celebrities, race car driver's etc. Reservations needed.
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