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The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant

The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant

Gastropub$$$$
Downtown Madison, Madison
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8.9/10
867
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Men's Health Mag
    • Eater
    • Men's Health Mag
  • Tips
    Michael S.
    "The burgers and cheese curds are amazing!!!"(81 Tips)
    Joe P.
    "Good Wisconsin beers, fish frys, and of course old fashioneds"(8 Tips)
    Geo S.
    "House Burger (#30) is goddamn fantastic."(8 Tips)
    Ryan N.
    "Try the brandy old fashioned, they also have a great fish fry"(7 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon260 Tips and reviews
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  • PureWow
    PureWowJanuary 5, 2017
    If there’s one state that knows its mac and cheese, it’s Wisconsin. The Old Fashioned cooks its version on the stovetop, then bakes it with bread crumbs at the last minute for added crunch. Read more
  • Emily K.heart icon on user image
    Emily KaneDecember 26, 2017
    Believe everything you’ve heard about the cheese curds, and don’t forget to check out the draft beers, this is a perfect spot to get some great Wisconsin beers.
    Upvoted 1 week ago
  • Avneesh K.heart icon on user image
    Avneesh KohliNovember 23, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    The burgers are sensational and well-priced (especially like the Wisconsin burger), and 2-for-1 cheeseburger Monday’s is an incredible deal.
    Upvoted 3 weeks ago
  • JH H.heart icon on user image
    JH H-DAugust 5, 2022
    Been here 5+ times
    Voted best fried cheese curds in the state, and it lives up to the hype!! The batter is light and the cheese pull is insane! Get Tiger blue and ranch for dipping!!
  • Eater
    EaterApril 18, 2013
    Madison food writer Kyle Nabilcy: "Its thick pub-style burgers, has provided a gateway for a younger generation's appreciation of Wisconsin supper club culture. Mondays are two-for-one burger nights."
  • Keith E.heart icon on user image
    Keith EngelOctober 30, 2015
    Everything is incredible here! A great place with awesome food all from Wisconsin. Get something with Neuske's bacon on it and dip your fries in the Tiger Sauce.
  • Kaitlynn J.heart icon on user image
    Kaitlynn JonesMarch 21, 2015
    Phenomenal cheese curds. Really great prices! Boyfriend had the #38 and I had the #32. So good. Wanted to get the Door County Cherry Wheat on tap, but it was a little too early of a lunch for that. :)
  • Michael K.
    Michael KukulaDecember 11, 2011
    Had the tastiest dinner ever: cheese curds (the best ever), beer cheese soup, and the House Burger (wowface!), all topped off with an excellent New Glarus Moon Man Pale Ale. Best dinner out ever.
  • Tracy C.
    Tracy CraneJuly 11, 2015
    Cheese curds are amazing! Burgers are great. Old fashion and brandy slush were fantastic, too! Can't go wrong here.
  • Karla S.
    Karla Sternberg (Constantine)July 7, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    Amazing Brandy old fashioned, fried cheese curds and classic WI entrees.
  • Lauren B.heart icon on user image
    Lauren BassApril 22, 2017
    I got the No. 32 bratwurst and it was so amazing! The brats had great flavor and the fries were delicious, in addition to their great root beer!
  • Rich W.
    Rich WillinghamJune 15, 2013
    If you're not a local, get a flight of Wisconsin beers. It's the best way to experience their fine brews. And believe the hype on the cheese curds too....wow!
  • Michal S.heart icon on user image
    Michal SchmittDecember 20, 2015
    Quarter if the apple fritter was more than sufficient. It's huge! Great atmosphere right on the square.
  • JH H.heart icon on user image
    JH H-DAugust 5, 2022
    Been here 5+ times
    They have the fish fry every day 😍 the combo platter (perch, cod and walleye) is perfection
  • Ben M.heart icon on user image
    Ben MorrowOctober 23, 2016
    Cheese curds were great! The reuben (special) was really tasty. Definitely try an old fashioned, the signature brandy cocktail.
  • Matthew R.
    Matthew RathboneOctober 15, 2012
    Arguably the best cheese curds in Madison. However, if you try to come here on a friday or saturday night you'll be waiting ~ 1 hour for a table.
  • Stacy B.heart icon on user image
    Stacy Bo BacyJuly 15, 2018
    Best fried cheese curds and old fashions, ever. Paprika sauce is the best.
  • Paul R.heart icon on user image
    Paul RossmanNovember 9, 2014
    Best restaurant on the square! Cheese curds, lazy susans, trout, cheese burgers. Draft beer selection is incredible, all Wisconsin.
  • Nicholas T.
    Nicholas ThomasAugust 11, 2015
    The beer list is, in a word, extensive. Before you start browsing, get an order of cheese curds in. By the time you've chosen a drink, your food will arrive.
  • Daniel S.heart icon on user image
    Daniel SpreheJune 18, 2017
    The burger was one of the best I've ever had. The imperial stout was also a great compliment to the burger.
  • JH H.heart icon on user image
    JH H-DSeptember 16, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    Lots of Old Fashioned flavor options! The apple brandy and door county cherry were delicious!
  • Alex C.heart icon on user image
    Alex CardosoJanuary 3, 2017
    A good place to try local food. I liked the most the cheese curds and the root beer. I would definitely return!
  • Cindy B.
    Cindy BackmanAugust 24, 2013
    I don't know what they do to thier cheese curds but they are one of the best things I have ever ate!! And thier BLT with fresh mozzerella is delish.
  • Eric G.heart icon on user image
    Eric GeorgeJuly 19, 2019
    Best happy hour and cheese curds in town...in the state for that matter. Excellent beer selection, all WI brewed.
  • 77 Square
    77 SquareApril 18, 2012
    The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails in existence. Have one now! For other entertainment fun in the palm of your hand download the new 77 Square app. Free for iPhones! Read more
  • Lee S.heart icon on user image
    Lee SafferSeptember 30, 2016
    Great selection of Wisconsin craft beer along with locally influenced pub grub, cheese curds are a must!
  • Aaron T.heart icon on user image
    Aaron TaggartOctober 4, 2014
    Cheese curds!! The burgers are amazing too!! I absolutely love this place! The atmosphere, the workers, everything is great!!
  • Corinne
    CorinneMay 10, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Purchase the Saturday Farmers' Market special drink and $1 will be donated to charity of the month. Plus, you get an entry into their meat raffle
  • Tabitha W.
    Tabitha WilleySeptember 15, 2013
    Prime rib dinner was amazing! And don't forget to get a Grasshopper martini to compliment your meal it makes for a great after dinner drink!
  • Alexander H.heart icon on user image
    Alexander HaglerAugust 17, 2014
    Kurt is the greatest bartender I've ever had. That guy knows his drinks. He hooked us up with the best Old Fashions on earth. Thanks Kurt!!
  • Clareheart icon on user image
    ClareFebruary 18, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    The Scandinavian Chicken Dinner is exquisite. I could eat it every day. (Sadly, they only serve it on Sunday... but it's well worth the wait.)
  • Greg S.heart icon on user image
    Greg S.September 13, 2016
    Great beer selection, great food. Love their cheese curds. The French dip sandwich is really nice.
  • Jeff B.
    Jeff BallwegAugust 30, 2012
    Make sure your whole party is present. Hosts are ruthlessly strict about the waiting list, and you won't be in line for a table 'till everyone has presented themselves at the hostess stand.
  • Scott B.heart icon on user image
    Scott BlanchardDecember 21, 2018
    Excellent Wisco fare—cheese curds, burgers, great tap selections and tasty cocktails.
  • Shayla M.
    Shayla MartinFebruary 28, 2012
    The #20 salad with cherries is my favorite! The cheese curds are some of the best curds I've had in Wisco too!
  • Wyatt
    WyattJuly 31, 2012
    This place is freaking amazing! If you're at the bar ask for Kurt, great guy, knows his stuff and will have a beer taster line going for you in no time.
  • Adriana A.
    Adriana AlcazarAugust 30, 2013
    Cheese curds are a MUST. We split the Spicy and The Old Fashioned burger... both were out of this world !
  • Jim A.
    Jim AndersonMay 28, 2012
    Try the Beer Flight - The Beer Flight includes 4x 3 oz Snits for a mere $4. I chose 35. Shine On, 37. Lupulin Maximus, 38. 3 ft. Deep Stout & 49. Amber
  • Bobbi S.
    Bobbi SnethenAugust 25, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Ask for the tiger sauce. And if you're around for brunch, get a bloody mary but be prepared if you get one with a hot pickled egg, you better have high pain tolerance (I don't!)
  • Michael C.heart icon on user image
    Michael CabotMay 24, 2023
    Great cheese curds. Not understatement here. Walleye was good too.
  • Blake R.heart icon on user image
    Blake RobertsonNovember 4, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Get your Wisconsin on. They have an amazing (and huge) tap list of Wisconsin beers, and the food feature all the classic Wisconsin fare. The lazy susans are outstanding.
  • CollegeCandy
    CollegeCandyDecember 1, 2011
    Best cheese curds in the US. Their food is extraordinary. They have an amazing selection of beers and feature vodkas infused with fruit.
  • Melissa D.
    Melissa DahlAugust 10, 2014
    52 beers on tap, 100 in the bottle... Sam the bartender was very friendly and helpful and gave us several fun samples!
  • Alice F.
    Alice FerrisJuly 24, 2013
    Try the House Burger - Lots going on here...fried egg, bacon, cheddar, and I added fresh jalapenos. Fork and knife burger.
  • Matthew T.heart icon on user image
    Matthew TaubAugust 28, 2016
    Over 150 wi beers, three nitro taps, and a rotational infused liquor. If you have four our more in your party get a lazy Susan.
  • Katie M.heart icon on user image
    Katie MillikenMarch 25, 2015
    2-for-1 rail mixers and beers after 10 Tuesday-Thursday and sometimes on Monday! Karaoke on Wednesdays!
  • TV Food Maps
    TV Food MapsAugust 28, 2014
    Check out The Old Fashioned as seen on Best Thing I Ever Ate , Crave Read more
  • Jim A.
    Jim AndersonMay 28, 2012
    Try the Beer Battered Cheese Curds - Truly astounding! Possibly the best cheese curds I've ever eaten. But...I'll keep testing that theory.
  • Allison K.heart icon on user image
    Allison KasicJune 3, 2018
    The Mac and cheese is delicious.
  • Nora R.heart icon on user image
    Nora RegisOctober 6, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    get the onion strings with ranch
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