Anywhere that will serve me a boot of beer gets five stars. They also have great pretzels.

The funny thing about this location is I haven't been here probably since 2016 when I came to Madison for business. I recall it being a German restaurant and decided to take my family there for Fourth of July since we really didn't know what else to do in town. We weren't gonna barbecue. We opted to start with the four soft pretzels, which were delicious although the Sauerkraut cheese sauce was not our favorite. I ordered the bratwurst on a pretzel roll as did my kid. We also ordered the fish and chips, which were also delicious. They have live entertainment as you can imagine it's polka centric. Cool dark pub interior. Service was friendly. We also enjoyed the cherry strudel. We parked on the street about a block away. It was nice to return and have some German food. We probably would visit again in the area. read more

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Parked in front only to find out that once we got to the door we needed to go to the back. - Sign should have been bigger. Once we entered greeted by hostess (I assume) dressed in a micro mini dress. - Should have had s nice Dirndle. Atmosphere was pleasant - lots of German Steins - old world look. However, tables set up for 4 too small for dining - great for drinking. German music in background was not too loud allowing for conversation. Place was virtually empty. Should have been a clue about the food. Tables for 4 were too small for dining - great for drinking. Waitress - dressed sort of in German Dirndle. Asked for drink order - I asked to taste "Fruh" beer. She was 20 and could not tell me anything about the beers. She brought the drinks and I didn't really care for the "Fruh" . My friend let me taste hers and I like it much better and said I'll have that one. Did not get beer until food came only because she had to be reminded. Ordered Potato Pancakes as appetizer (German Potato Pancakes are not made with hashbrowns)- 2 orders for 2 couples. One order came but not the other one - again had to remind waitress about order. BTW we never did get the pretzel that was to come with every meal. Food was disappointing at best. Roulanden - never made with ground beef & pork - dry - verry little gravy. Jagersosa - dry - very little gravy. Sausage Teller was good - had to remind waitress about sauerkraut. Schweinehaxe - very small - very fatty - not much meat or gravy. Red Cabbage - awful - very dry. Sauerkraut - different but ok - had a spice not familiar with. Spaetzle - looked more like German Egg Noodles - seasoning ok but not normally served with Spaetzle. Waitress hard to find half the time. Under 21 should not have been serving alcohol. Overall menu seemed to cater to American/Mexican & younger crowd. My critique is based on my entire family being German, I was born in Germany and much of my life was eating German meals. This is not an example of German food and that the place on a Saturday dinner hour being nearly vacant should say a lot. read more

Really nice "German" restaurant. Staff is very friendly and attentive. Food is very good and plentiful as it shares the kitchen with Come Back In. Been going here for many years and one of the original Stein Club members. That is the good news. Now the unfortunate- closing August 31. https://madison.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/essen-haus-come-back-in-closing/article_73154f06-393e-11ef-a2c6-7b6856e642ec.html Update on closing - https://madison.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/essen-haus-reopening-temporarily-auction/article_5eedf766-66fd-11ef-9015-a76582f87c69.html read more

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Was planning to visit a Yelp restaurant and passed this beer garden that had a big crowd at picnic tables drinking steins and made a change of plans. When I walked up they were having an old fashioned cookout with ribs and Kraut, mashed with gravy and green bean casserole. $7 cash! Delicious. I washed it down with a $3 Bitburger tap. German beer is so good. Service was friendly and they cut me in on the stein club price. Well played amigos! BTW Madison is awesome read more

Essen Haus - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Stopped in here after we got into town not really knowing what to expect but the vibe was SO fun for a little bar/quick eat spot. Our server was super nice and attentive. Would totally recommend stopping in here! read more

Food was fine/mediocre. There seemed to be a lot of shortcuts: German potato salad was likely from a can, red cabbage had no seasoning, apple puree (?) used in the strudel rather than fresh apples, pretzels were extremely salted and dry. The bratwurst and sauerkraut were good. Fun atmosphere and decor. read more

I think the overall review average for Essen house is too low for the terrific meal we had. The schnitzel was crispy on the outside and tender. The prime rib was delicious. The veggies were aggressively seasoned, but that's better than tasteless. Our waiter was attentive and helpful and the ambiance of the Essen house is always cute. We left before the live music started but the band was setting up for a Sat night show. read more

Great place to stop at if you like German food and drinks. They have a large selection of beers on tap and their food is good too. On Fridays they have live polka bands so stop on by and give this place a try. read more

Essen Haus - tables and chairs outside a restaurant - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Old, incredibly charming. Never had the food. Only the boot. Sad to see the haus go even if it isn't the spot I frequent most. read more

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We were in New Glarus, and were looking for a bite to eat so we dropped in here. We went to the seating outside in the back of the business. For drinks, I had their New Glarus Spotted Cow, and my wife went with One Barrel Rose Cider. Both were nice and fresh, and tasted good. My wife ordered the side salad, while I had the Jumbo Pretzel with Wasabi. The pretzel was nice and hot, and the wasabi tasted okay, but was a little mild by the wasabi I usually have. Parking is simple - right off the street in front of the pub. To get to the back, you go to a door on the north side of the business. When you have paid, you can go straight out through the front through a gate. read more

Most fun I've had at a restaurant in Madison....and that's sayin something! Live music, good food, on point service and beer in a huge glass boot. Watch the boot, it burps and is expensive if you break it (I know first hand). Definitely going back and bringing a bigger crew with me read more

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Visited last weekend and love the German atmosphere, decor, beers, and food. We were in a standing area which was a great place to be by the bar as well as to watch the band. Unfortunately the band was not very good and hardly anyone ever got up to dance. We left after a few beers since the band was not good. At least they have a nice parking lot! read more

We were looking for a place for a fish fry that would not be jammed especially with the coronavirus upon us. Essen Haus fit the bill despite so-so reviews on their food. There were a fair number of people at the bar but the dining room was maybe a third full. We did start at the bar since their happy hour pricing only applies there - we grabbed a couple of beers and headed for a table. We started with the clam chowder that was piping hot. It had good flavor, wasn't gloppy thick, and had more than average actual clams in it. Maybe I am not used to that many clams since it seemed very chewy. We liked the hot pretzels they served instead of bread. The sauerkraut spread was kind of strange - the mustard sauce was better. We both ordered the beer battered cod which was very good. Light and crispy. The highlight was the side of hot German potato salad which was excellent! I would come back just for that. Hopefully all Madison restaurants make it through this crisis - we plan to support places via take-out! read more

This is my favorite bar in Wisconsin. The atmosphere is awesome with the staff dressed in German attire. Always has great live Polka bands. Great beer and always great service. read more

Essen Haus - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

If you love German food, get it while you can. This institution is closing soon. Gone will be the German beer hall experience and the opportunity to chug a boot of beer. Gone will be amazingly dressed servers who bring a bit of German dining experience. Thank you for the great memories, Essen Haus. May I have a 5 liter stein... since you're closing and all. read more

Authentic German food and brews All good and still open. The mixed plate was a good pick. read more

We came here for Sunday trivia. The trivia was fun. We also got foods and drinks as well. For appetizers, we got the cheese curds. The cheese curds were good. My boyfriend opted out for strawberry salad and that was very tasty. Then, for entrees, I got the sauerbraten and he got pork schnitzel. We both got fried German potatoes as a side. My boyfriend got vegetables as the second side dish; whereas I got the cup of creamy asparagus soup. I liked the soup very much. To my surprise, they seasoned the vegetables very well. He enjoyed his pork schnitzel and my sauerbraten very much. I don't think the sauerbraten is my thing cause I don't like the sour taste to it. The beef was cooked perfectly fine. For desserts, we got both apple and cherry strudels to try. The apple one was the best. It was more flavorful. The cherry one tasted a bit artificial and no tartness to it. My boyfriend and his friend really enjoyed their beers. We did win 3 shots as part of the trivia prizes. That shot was tasty and sweet. Overall, we had fun and the foods were good. read more

Stopped here before a badger game and decided to indulge in some German food. We love schnitzel. It turned out great but the spatzel was a little bit more dry what than I was expecting. I understand there different types but I like mine a little bit more creamy. Our server was very friendly and I thought it was very fun that the girls dressed up in German clothes. It's also very cool to look at all of the German themed art and beer glasses. I'm glad we got there when we did because it did get quite busy for a Saturday night. My only complaint was that our food came out fast and we weren't even finished with our appetizer before the meal was on the table. read more

Essen Haus - Reuben Sandwich - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Just got new shipment of meatloaf... and boy do i love some loaf. 10/10 service, 10/10 BOOT! loving the ambiance long live essenhaus read more

Essen Haus - BOOT - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

We went to Essen Haus about 25 years ago and had a great time. My daughter worked there for a few years when she attended UW. We went there tonight for my birthday and we were very disappointed. The place is in poor shape and the wait staff was slovenly dressed. My wife's fish fry was fine, but the sauerbraten I ordered was flavorless along with the red cabbage was like purple shredded paper. For those of you who loved the place years ago, its not the same by a long stretch. read more

A bit of an old Madison classic. Kitchy, fun "German" decor, with beer Steins hanging on the wall and even some stuffed deer and moose heads. Big selection of beer, of course. Even some non-alcoholic beers to choose from. The food was OK, but not great (I have lived in Germany, so my standards were a bit high, perhaps, and I don't drink beer, so I would recommend it more for the experience than for the meal) read more

Service was good! Food was good! The restaurant is getting a little dated and needs some refreshing and deep cleaning. But it is still a fun place to go and should be on the list of places to eat from time to time! read more

I'm not sure if I would give them a 3.5 or somethings else. It's party like atmosphere with Saturday night with everything from oldies country to 90's R&B playing on the patio, 5 tables full of beer, a few tables without. We chose where to sit on the patio. Our beer and appetizer arrived promptly but the service slowed after refraining from purchasing a second round. read more

Essen Haus - Patio - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Live this place always stop by when in town. Took a group of 14 and service was great. Beer was flowing and a good time was had by all read more

Essen Haus - Love this place always stop by when in town - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Do not waste your time and money if you want German food. I had the Rouladen.Tasted like cardboard... bland and tasteless. the red cabbage tasted like it was boiled in dishwater. The German potatoes were mashed with some over cooked veggies. This place deserves to be closed. at least they could not spoil the beer! read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review of the Essen Haus prior as I've stopped here a number of times over the last 20 years. There's so much to choose from when it comes to drinking and dining in the Capital Square area. It's not on the square but only a few blocks away which means they have their own parking lot which is nice. Ok, let's face it, this place isn't for everyone (but it definitely is for me). I don't want to say "German dive bar" (I just did) but I mean it in the most endearing way. As soon as you walk in it feels like as though you went to Bavaria about 20 years ago. It's 100% German; the seating (tables and benches), the low ceiling near the bar, dimly lit in areas, hundreds of various personal grungy steins hanging from the ceiling, the decor, the server's clothing, just everything. There is plenty of dining area with traditional seating and a stage for the polka (and other) bands. While relatively clean, it hasn't had any fresh paint for years and the vinyl on the bar stools is torn. The beer is the best. Nowhere else in the area has this selection (not bottles). It's either 1/2 liter, liter, or boot. While you can taste, there's no 4 oz sample flights here. THIS IS A GERMAN BAR. The food is also 100% German and while I've had better German food, you won't be disappointed. You're not coming here for fine dining. We stopped around 5pm on a Thursday for a beer and appetizer and hung out with the regulars. The dinner crowd was just starting to show up. I've been here late on a Saturday night years past and the place can get crowded and "fun". The service is awesome, the people friendly, the prices are cheap for Madison, and while not 5-star food it's decent and you get a lot of it. Again, the Essen Haus is a bit of an acquired taste but fans of German beer will love it, fans of German cuisine will like it, and everyone else will still enjoy the experience. read more

Essen Haus - Prost! - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Live music, lots of boots, and a crowd that likes to participate in cheering on the whole restaurant. I didn't have any of the food but our waiter was always quick to bring us the next boot and lots of people were up dancing and having a great time. Whenever a table is close to finishing the boot the whole table pounds on the table which creates a ripple effect until the whole bar is banging on their tables waiting for the empty boot to be raised in the air in victory. read more

My husband is German & grew up eating his mother's home made German food. He was excited to try Essen Haus and had it built up in his mind that it would be wonderful. Sad to say it was less than the hype it was given. The menu looked great but the food was a real disappointment. Not returning. read more

I love this place. The Essen Haus is perfect for bringing guests or large parties, and always sure to be a good time. Sitting at the bar almost has a divey feel, but the dining area makes you feel like you're in a German beer hall. All of the food I've had here has been really good, and they have options for people that don't want German style food. Is it the absolute best food in town..? Probably not, but it's pretty damn good and who cares if you're having fun drinking beer. Also, the cheese curds are some of the best in town. The boot is a must. They're $17+ depending on what beer you get and finishing 3 will get you a free hat or shirt. I've never been here when it's been super full so I'm not sure how the service is then, but we had a group of 20 the last time I was here and it was great. Our server, RJ, took care of the entire table and did a good job keeping up. Overall, this place isn't an every night, or every week thing, but it's good for special occasions and I'll be back. read more

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Wow great food... the flavors were out of this world... awesome atmosphere. A hidden jewel in Madison. The boot challenge was fun to watch. read more

Essen Haus - A sampler of their food. Great when you can't decide. - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This restaurant had a cam relaxed atmosphere with good German decorum. Unfortunately, the service was infrequent and the food left me having some questions about the quality of the cooking. I ordered the bier steak which is a ribeye. It was one of the most burnt pieces of meat that I have had even though I ordered it medium rare. The entire piece tasted charred and was the only notable flavor. It made me wonder if the grill had not been cleaned or if the steak was just accidentally burned. On the positive side, the restaurant had great German beer and some of the best sauerkraut I've had. Sadly, the main entree was severely disappointing which is why I gave this review a 2. I hope the restaurant can work on its food and service. read more

Not good. Many reasons. The food was not fresh, and why would you go anywhere where the food is not fresh?!?!? I'm sure that if you went to drink and enjoy live entertainment (when they have it) might be nice, but this was not the case for us. No entertainment the Friday night we went, and we weren't going to drink although we did have a beer. read more

They serve you pretzels with mustard and chopped sauerkraut upon seating. That was the best course of the night. Cheese curds with ranch was good. Had the schnitzel, spaetzel, sauerkraut for dinner. The schnitzel batter wasn't crispy enough and the oil was a bit stale. It tastes more like a fried pork chop from a day ago. They put a ton of sugar in the sauerkraut. The spaetzle had a lot of cheese in it so the main course was disappointing. read more

AMAZING!!!!! SO FUN WITH LIVE MUSIC AND THE BOOT!!! You have to get a boot and share it with the table it is so fun and makes the vibe to amazing!!!! Food is good! I like the charcuterie!! read more

Essen Haus - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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What a disappointment. First off the place is dated, dirty, and dark. Service was terrible. Took 15 minutes to see a server. Then ordered an appetizer and server never took our order until returning 25 minutes later with our pretzel. She took our order and then disappeared. Never returned until food was brought 30 minutes later. Food was a real disappointment; cold and no taste. Also, my daughter's broasted chicken was extremely spicy and drowning in gravy. Never saw gravy on broasted chicken before. Didn't matter, inedible! Didn't see the server again until she showed up with the check and water we requested earlier when the pretzel came. This was 30 minutes later. The strange part is that the place was not busy and there were only two other occupied tables. Lastly, trying to find the server to pay the check. Another 20 minutes went by. Handed her my credit card and she returned in 30 seconds. What a waste of $90.00 and two hours. read more

Came here for a friends birthday. I can only speak to the drinking aspects of this place, haven't had their food yet. This place is definitely fun, and everyone is so friendly. It's a German style pub and the whole thing here is getting a big group and drinking as many boots as your party can. Every 3 boots you finish, you get some sort of prize (tshirt and hats are what we've gotten so far). They also have rules to the boot drinking. First, the boot can never touch the table. You take a sip (how big is up to you), then pass it to the right. If you finish the entire boot, the person to the right(?) of you has to buy the next one! Once someone is chugging to finish the boot, everyone at the table starts drumrolling on the table with their hands to encourage the completion of it! This is where it got super fun, as the entire bar gets in on it and cheers! There was also live music, very German and folksy, it was enjoyable. They also have free peanuts and popcorn, just make sure not to make a mess. This is my third time in about 2 months, and every time I come here it's been a good time. Would recommend! read more

Three stars for atmosphere and service. Fun place to sit at the bar enjoy a beer. Food gets maybe one star. Schnitzel was dry and tough. Spatzel was ok and potato pancake. read more

The food is rarely perfect, but it's fast, warm, and if youre looking for a place you can drink at 9am and get some tasty stuffed french toast you can't go wrong with the Essen Haus. A particular dirty pleasure of mine is their cajun benedict... the eggs arent always poached soft and can be over cooked, but when it is they always fix it. read more

Essen Haus - German Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

It was great to revisit the Essen haus, after many years. My parents would take us there 15 years ago. It was sad to see how bad the food has gotten. It was really awful. Good bye Essen haus. The extra star was for nostalgia. read more