A Hidden Gem That Seriously Exceeded My Expectations! Fat Duck Tavern is one of those places you could easily drive right past and never realize what you're missing. It's in a somewhat unassuming spot, and you definitely wouldn't expect to find food this good there. But after two visits, I can honestly say this has become one of my favorite local finds. The first time I went, I had the burger, and it was absolutely delicious. On my second visit, I ordered the mussels and the pork chop -- and WOW. Both were so good that I actually found myself thinking about them for days afterward. Honestly, I dreamed about these dishes. That's when I knew I had to leave a review. The mussels were incredible. The broth was so flavorful that we asked for extra bread just so we could soak up every last drop. And the pork chop was cooked perfectly, with a glaze that was unbelievably flavorful. Every bite was just so good. The ambiance is also really nice -- cozy, stylish and definitely more elevated than you might expect from the location. My only small suggestion would be to work on the acoustics a bit. There was nice, soft music playing, but the room had a slightly hollow sound that made it feel a little louder or less intimate than it could be. Interestingly, I didn't notice it nearly as much on our first visit, so I think it may have just been the way the room sounded that particular night. Overall, though, Fat Duck Tavern is a gem. Great food, a nice atmosphere, and the kind of dishes that stay on your mind long after dinner is over. We're lucky to have this one so close to home -- and I'll definitely be back! read more

Food was adequate but the burger didn't live up to its menu description. Drinks were small for the price. It's very loud in here as the ceiling is low. Service was excellent and very fast. I will come again. Enjoy read more

Fat Duck Tavern - Madison, CT We both got the classic burger. It was okay--ordered medium, and it came out a little dry. That said, I really like the ambiance of this place. Cozy spot with a nice vibe, definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. read more

Fat Duck Tavern - Burger - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Mother's Day! My daughter and I had a really lovely meal. Excellent service and atmosphere. This is a wonderful bistro with creative offerings. We will be back. read more

Fat Duck Tavern - Onion soup - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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I went for Valentines day 4 course dinner and it was spectacular! (I just read a review of the same night with one star... definitely a kook). Everything was perfect, the food was outstanding. My girlfriend said it was the best meal she ever had (that's a huge compliment). I will definitely return read more

Fat Duck Tavern - She was impressed - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

My family held an 80th birthday celebration at the restaurant. The guests ordered off the menu, mostly duck, and the servers brought a variety of appetizers for the table. They supplied the wine and we brought the cake. The service was outstanding. The success was totally due to their excellent staff. Only a tiny fault was the noise in the rooms. I wish they had a private room for parties. It's definitely our go to neighborhood restaurant though. read more

Fat Duck Tavern - Party - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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My wife and I discovered this place a couple weeks ago and loved it. She got the Seafood Drunken Noodles; I got the Open-face Meatloaf Tartine. Two wows! The special fried mushroom ball appetizers were killer! I could've eaten a whole bowl of them - but an appetizer should leave one a little hungry for more, with they did. Returned with my daughter yesterday. This time I had the drunken noodles (after sampling my wife's), and she got the meatloaf. We were a couple of happy diners. And, both times, the servings were generous enough for seconds the next day. Great service, comfortable surroundings - upscale casual, they call it - accurate description. We are adding this restaurant to our rotation of favorites. read more

The star were the folks that worked there. They were fun to talk with. I travel a ton for work and as an older guy I'm careful to make small talk with some folks but they engaged me and all of us got to talk about our favorite beers and music. Brussel spouts rocked read more

I cannot believe what they did with this space. It's beautiful and it used to be a dingy Chinese restaurant. There's a bar area that seats around six that looks cozy and charming. So glad to have them in the neighborhood! The service was was great. Our server was very attentive and friendly. I ordered all things vegan and they were delicious. The brussels sprouts were outstanding crispy and very tasty. Next I ordered their house made lentil burger. It came on a pretzel roll with a vegan aïoli and fries, so yummy. I thought the prices were reasonable. A glass of wine was $15, I think mixed drinks were around the same. I normally boycott places that serve foie gras, because it's especially evil. It tortures the ducks or geese by shoving a metal tube of a fatty mixture down their throat as their only source of food. They often remove their beaks before doing this. The goal is to make them sick with a fatty liver so that you can slaughter them for the fatty liver. It's an extremely painful existence for these ducks and geese. I encourage those who enjoys foie gras to look up the faces of the poor animals that endure this, they look sick, they look tortured. But made an exception to go here anyway because they have a lot of plant-based options and I commend them for that. Awareness takes time and maybe one day they'll serve a plant-based foie gras. read more

We went for a celebration at 6 on a Friday . Not crowded , a few empty tables . Ordered drinks from the drink menu - elderberry lemon vodka for me ( very very tart and a clear color with no elderberry at all in it ) . I wanted something for Fall - but none were on the menu . No special drinks for the season . The menu is nice and small , again , no specials , no special board , we were told of no specials . So we all ordered burgers and drunkin noodles and the salmon $36 for a small small piece of salmon and spinach - very small but tasty . Noodles were sticky and clumsy to eat . The burgers were good . The French fries were amazing ! We were looking for a nice piece of cake or a pumpkin ice cream - but they only had two dessert options . Chocolate mouse in a martini glass for $15 and banana pudding - so we skipped dessert and coffee and went to Dairy Queen . I did ask the waitress about the smoked brisket we saw on Facebook and she explained that that was a special for one night only . It did look delicious ! It is pretty inside . Waitress was ok , she really didn't speak . My drink was toooo tart , wine spritzer was very small , whiskey drink was insultingly small - like one once of whisky in the bottom of the glass . It didn't feel like a " tavern ". And the food did not feel like "fine dining" Seems like a restaurant with an identity crises . The food was good , but with so so many places around , the 8 of us would not go back . We left wishing for pumpkin cake and coffee . We left wanting more . read more

Fat Duck Tavern - A Fat Duck burger . It was good - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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The food is really good. The service was fantastic. Honestly the negative reviews almost threw me off and that would have been too bad. This place is great. read more

The interior and prices make it seem upscale but the food and service is dive bar quality at best. It took 45 min for the food to come out. I heard they had a good burger but the fat duck burger was average and basic which for $28 I expected better. The lobster and crab chowder was terrible and came out lukewarm warm....$16 for a mediocre soup. read more

I saw on Facebook that the Fat Duck opened recently and my mom and I decided to stop by! The food was truly out of this world! Definitely recommend getting the mussels they were the best I have ever had! With any restaurant first opening there will always be kinks but the staff and owners seem to be handling it beautifully. We went on a Wednesday and the place was packed! Our server was incredibly attentive and handled everything like a breeze. I also want to mention the inside of the restaurant is gorgeously decorated. As time continues, this is definitely going to be a very hot spot! read more

Fat Duck Tavern - Mussels and the Buffalo Cauliflower - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

I have been here twice and my family who live here have come over 20 times. This place is spectacular. Don't trust the negativity that folks are spouting here - this is a talented chef who creates very creative dishes. The owners are a very hard-working couple who really care and started small. This is the kind of place we need. The world is full of really unhappy people who are out to destroy something good. If something was slow, don't take it out on the hard working owners who are making a difference. This is a quality, gourmet restaurant and if people have a problem waiting, go to McDonalds. Maybe that's more their style. 5 stars! Thank you for the great food wnd experience. read more

I don't know how this restaurant isn't rated a 5! The food is amazing. The menu has a very good selection... even for non-carnivores. I find the staff extremely accommodating. If I had to criticize anything, maybe service is a little slow. But I don't care. It's a nice relaxing evening with EXCELLENT food and friendly people. I will definitely keep going back! read more

We try and support new businesses every chance we get, we often joke "how bad can it be?" Well..... This was not good. Took forever for our burgers to arrive and they just didn't pass, at any price and especially at $19 and $28. For a half filled restaurant the noise level was not tolerable and we anxiously departed. Not to be repeated. read more

Ordered the beef tacos, no sour cream, no guacamole and a little bit of cut up tomatoes and onions on top. No flavor at all. It did come with a small side salad. I ordered a glass of the house cabernet and was charged $18. The server was great and attentive . Might give them another try when they work things out. read more

As a party of 4 we came in around 3 today. Only one other table was occupied but we were immediately asked if we had a reservation. We didn't have a welcoming vibe. We sat at the bar, had a couple of apps, a burger and two drinks each. The bill was over $200. Good thing we challenged it. They said, Oh, that's when the computer went down. Weak apology . They then gave us a correct bill. I'm disappointed--the decor is lovely; the food was good; the potential is great. But there needs to be a much better focus on taking care of their customers, and not trying to stiff them!!!!! read more

Wonderful Sunday brunch experience! The restaurant is completely transformed from the previous Mexican restaurant and we loved the decor. Service was attentive and friendly -- we even got a house made "maple buffalo sauce" for my son's chicken tenders upon his request for a special dipping sauce. I had the gravlax rosti and it was fantastic. Fresh dill, pickled scallions, perfect potato pancakes... really delicious. We will definitely be back to try cocktails and the dinner menu! read more

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We had a disappointing night on Valentine's Day with their prix fixe menu. Immediately upon arrival, the hostess made us feel unwelcome, as we were 15 minutes early for our reservation. We were told we could sit in the corner to wait instead of at the empty bar, which should have been our first sign that something was off. We went to the bar and were not greeted or offered a drink, but our table was ready rather quickly so it didn't matter. The ambiance of the space is beautiful. Live plants are in the windows and the space was clean and beautifully lit. Once greeted, drinks ordered, we waited for our wine for half an hour, and water another fifteen minutes. No silverware/napkin until our first course was delivered. Three of the four dishes were served, the fourth didn't come until we got up and physically found our waiter after ten minutes. Our plates were not cleared for a half an hour, and the second course delivered a half hour after that. Main courses took almost another hour. We ended up requesting that our desserts be packaged since it was after 11pm (for an 8:30 reservation) I don't know what the back of the house looked like, but front of house seemed adequately staffed. Our server apologized at the end of the meal, but we weren't offered explanations or reassurances that our food was coming during these extended periods of waiting. All of the other tables nearby were experiencing long waits and empty glasses, and were frustrated as well. I thought the whole point of prix fixe on holidays was to help service move along? The food was fine, but overpriced. One of my mussels was very fishy, so we will see tomorrow about that. Overall an expensive and late night. Luckily we had great company. This place has excellent potential, but needs to work on either staffing or training. read more

This locale deserves great reviews- Madison needs casual-fine dining experiences like I have enjoyed each time I have dined at FDT- my family especially enjoyed seafood drunken noodles, the carne asada (delicious!!), the half-roasted chicken with polenta tonight! Highly recommend. read more

The bartender Katie was great. Making exquisite expresso martinis, keeping conversation flowing, and sooo accommodating. Don't believe me? Show up Wednesdays at 4pm. See for yourself. read more

Disappointing dinner last night. The menu looked great and I have had them on my radar to try. On a positive note my daughter had the Salmon dish and loved it. She gets Salmon all the time so she's a good judge. My wife and I both had the crab and lobster bisque. Not very good, oily and instead of having crab or lobster meat chunks they have a dollop of a crab paste or something definitely not worth the $16 . I had steak frites. Fries were great but the steak was so heavily marinated it's all you could taste. My wife had drunken noodles and seafood which was awful. Too sweet, like candy and the noodles were poorly cooked, too sticky and mushy. Place was empty and still took a long time to get the entrees out. Won't return. read more

We just moved to the area. Not from far so we are familiar with the restaurant, but have never been. We went for a late dinner this week and loved it! Thinking this would be our "spot" since it's so close to our house. We went again tonight and I ordered an app and requested a side of risotto (that is served with another dish) and the chef refused to do it because he said that it didn't go with the duck leg that I ordered (which it totally would have). I understand if I was asking for my dinner to be modified, but I wasn't. Just asked for a side. Then the server asked me if I wanted a side of fries instead! Same difference, no? Clearly, the Chef/Owner thinks hes cooking at Le Bernardin in NYC and not on Rt 1 in Madison CT attached to a liquor store! Also VERY noisy! read more

Always excited about a new restaurant opening in Madison. They're still very new, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on how long everything took. There was no bread or anything to pick on while we waited for north of 90 minutes for our food, but at least it was BYOB and we were able to enjoy our own drinks with good company to pass the time. I know they're working on a liquor license, but I almost wish they wouldn't- being BYOB is kind of cool and different. As for the food, it was fine. Edible, but overpriced for what it is. The steak was pretty insulting and the chicken was overcooked. All the sides were very underwhelming. This is the kind to place that needs to have a $12 burger and a $1 wing night to survive. Having a $30 burger on the menu in a place connected to a package store just isn't it. Keep it cheap. Keep it busy. Be a "tavern." At the current prices for what you get, there won't be many return customers. Lean into what you are, which is a divey location that is BYOB. And play some music! The silence is deafening. Hopefully, they can figure it out! read more

This was our third visit because I like to give a new restaurant the benefit of the doubt but we will not be back. The owner greeted us with a puss on her face when we realized we were a 1/2 late; honest mistake and the place was far from full. Our first time was during opening month and the service was terrible and our drink and food order was incorrect. We let it slide. Our 2nd visit I had the duck cassoulet; the duck was shredded and hard to find among the bowl full of beans and the merguez sausage is not merguez (spicy sausage), instead it's bland sausage that taste like liverwurst. The lamb shank was good. This final visit I ordered the steak frites and the steak was not fresh so I sent it back; they said the flavor was the wine sauce; it wasn't. The BBQ brisket was good but dry, no sauce. The bill came and not even a small gesture to make things right. On the way out, no one present to say goodbye. Would not recommend. read more

Saw a post on a local group asking people in the neighborhood to come by. Looked at website, didn't see anything indicating that they don't take walk-ins. Walked in at 6:30 on a Friday night. They said they don't take walk ins on Friday and Saturday night. We went to look at the dining room - there were only two tables full. When we asked the hostess if all the tables were booked, she said no, but they didn't have enough kitchen staff to seat any more tables. Unfortunately; the hostess was very rude. Very unfortunate since I basically live across the street and would have come frequently had she had an ounce of grace. read more

Having lived on both coasts, I've gotten used to a pretty wide range of food experiences--and Fat Duck Tavern in Madison definitely holds its own. I had the steak frites, which were cooked just right and came with crispy fries and a really flavorful horseradish cream. The carne asada tacos were another standout--great seasoning, tender meat, and fresh pico de gallo. One thing I really appreciated was the attention to dietary needs. There were several gluten-free options clearly marked, and the staff was knowledgeable and accommodating, which made dining out a lot easier. The atmosphere is relaxed but nicely put together, and the service was friendly without being over the top. Just a great spot all around. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town. read more

We ate here the other night and it was very good. We had the carrot soup, the drunken noodles and the duck cassoulet. This is a nice addition to Shoreline dining. read more

Inedible food Rude owner and hostess Nice service but the food is awful Really disappointed read more

I have eaten here 4 times since it opened and have never had a bad meal! The carrot ginger soup is amazing! The salmon was perfectly cooked and delicious. Nice ambience and friendly efficient service. This is my new favorite place! read more

Food was amazing and service was spot on. Went early Sunday evening so not crowded at all..Ambiance was also spot on. I would definitely recommend this place as a nice casual, relaxed place to visit..You won't be disappointed..Although the wine prices, you thought you were in NYC...At least come down a bit...otherwise great place. read more

1st visit: excellent; 2nd visit good 3rd and 4th visit not so great. They need more servers and a bartender that knows what they are doing, not an owner who tells customers you can't get a double because her lawyer told her so...when the night before it was fine. I'm all about local businesses but this one needs some help. I do hope they make it. read more

Had a fantastic night at Fat Duck Tavern in Madison. This place has a great vibe, lively but not too loud, perfect for hanging out and grabbing dinner. We started with the buffalo cauliflower and pork belly, both were unreal. For mains, the steak frites and duck confit were on point; super flavorful and cooked perfectly. I tried the Applejack'd cocktail from their fall menu and it was spot on; refreshing, sweet, and just right for the season. Service was friendly and quick, and everything came out fresh. Definitely one of my new favorite spots around the shoreline. read more

Really nice atmosphere, great service and drinks. The menu had a very nice selection, but unfortunately our meals were just okay. Didn't pack that punch of flavor we expected. I had the drunken noodles with seafood. seafood was fresh but I've had drunken noodles and this didn't cut it. My daughter had steak and it was dry. I hope this place makes it bc I love having something other than Italian. They just need to up their flavor profile. read more

The food was very good. This food was chef prepared and high quality. No short cuts. My husband had the lamb shank and I had the pork belly bah mi sandwich with true fresh made French fries. Their menu had so many great choices. The clam chowder was one of the best ever. The dining room was classy and fully updated. You could not tell it was formerly a Mexican Restaurant. All traces gone. This restaurant is going to make any "Foodie" very,very happy. They have vegan food selections as well. There is something for everyone. The service was attentive and perfectly timed. Finally, can I say the Banana Foster Bread pudding was truly out of this world delicious. I love bread pudding and this bread pudding was one of the best ones I have ever eaten. Warm, delicate and perfectly flavored. Save room for this one! Give this place a try. It is romantic enough for date night, as well as perfect for any occasion. read more

This review is coming from 2 food snobs! I ordered the Salmon with carrot ginger puree and lentils, OMG! This was incredible, definitely going back for this. Salmon cooked to absolute perfection and the puree/bisque was to die for. BF ordered Carne Asada tacos, he said they were delicious. For people reading the negative reviews, please go and give them a chance, they are new and learning. They're open to constructive criticism, we talked with our wonderful server Raul about small changes that would have made it better. I mean, small. Such as a little bit more bisque that came on side of the salmon (I ran out) or a crema with the tacos. Raul was very eager to listen. He so kindly surprised me with an entire serving of the bisque, no charge! We havent yet tried other menu items but we will definitely be going back. We asked if the bisque is also served as a soup and it is. They don't have bread and butter but will hopefully add that soon. The ambiance was nice, I especially loved the little lanterns on the tables that you can adjust the lighting on. Thank you Fat Duck! read more

One waitress rushing from table to table ..kind of dreary interior and because no curtains or tablecloths very loud -sounds bouncing off all windows and walls.i was expecting a pub /tavern atmosphere cozy and friendly...but it was not that .also no bread or munchies while we waited for our food .we had gone next door to get beers -which is fine im not complaining about that but the food is quite expensive and between the ambience and the service it seems overpriced.we got a burger and b Vietnamese pork sandwich which usually has very tasty pickled vegetables -this had a fatty piece of pork and that was it .it was disappointing because Madison definitely needs more restaurants. I am taking the time to write a review with the hope that the owners will listen and do better. read more

They are not ready to be open. Food was very good ( burger, chicken sandwich, bread pudding) we walked into a dark place, thru some makeshift curtains. The only waitress barely greeted us and we asked if we could sit anywhere. Menus came and she disappeared, too many guests for one waitress ( not her fault) we asked for a drink list and were told that they don't hv liquor license yet, but we could go next door to buy beer, wine. I did, she brought glasses but not a bottle opener. Came back with it and disappeared. Long story short, we waited an ~hour for two sandwiches. Food was very good, lone waitress was stretched to handle guests. ( not full house) I hope they figure it out! read more

Unbelievably good carrot & ginger soup, followed up by delicious pork loin. We didn't have room for dessert. The restaurant is brand new...so a few growing pains. They should be getting their liquor license soon, so it's BYOB now. Absolutely worth trying...and then going again!! Service was terrific!! Ambiance is in progress. read more