The Free House Pub is always my go to restaurant when I am in Middleton. The food selection is great, the food is outstanding and the staff is very pleasant and efficient. I highly recommend the free house pub if you are ever in Middleton. read more

Macaroni and cheese was yummy, but the chicken was overcooked/burnt. Great service. My colleagues ordered fries but they were too overdone.

We had outstanding service in the front house room. We had a table with a great view of the tv during the Packer game. Their winter cocktail menu was fun, and the Love on the Brain was a standout. Everything we ordered was hot and fresh. We ordered our standards, and they never disappoint. Our friends had the wedge salad and the mac and cheese. Would definitely like to try those next time. read more

See all

I'd checked the menu on-line before going and probably shouldn't have, everything I wanted to order they no longer serve . We ended up ordering 4 different dinner items. Everything was good. Not spectacular, but good. The service was very good and the restaurant was clean. I'd go back and try it again. read more

They were out of their bean burger when I was here for lunch today. There aren't many vegetarian options on the menu so I was pretty disappointed. Note to whomever is in charge of keeping the kitchen fully stocked: Costco is about a mile away and has delicious frozen bean burgers available in packages of 12. Don't let me down next time. read more

I have visited the Free House many times. The food and service are usually good. Today, however, I was shocked at the way the server was dressed. She was wearing shorts that were so short - and open - that almost nothing was left to the imagination in back. Even worse, she bent over several times to pick up something from the ground with her back to our table, revealing even more. A friend with me was also turned off by her explicit display. Very cringy. Not only were we uncomfortable, but I was also embarassed for the server. The male server was dressed appropriately. I thought there was a dress code for employees? Unless you want an explicit show, I would go somewhere else. read more

My family and I visited for the Friday fish fry. We were greeted at the door and promptly seated. Our server attended to us within minutes of being seated. Our food arrived quickly and was hot and ready to eat. The breading on the fish fry was lite and crunchy. The portions were a good size, not oversized fish sticks like others. I recommend The Free House Pub for your culinary needs! read more

Nice outdoor seating and efficient staff. Like lots of places the bar was short staffed where the bartender was making drinks, and seating customers and was doing pretty well considering the usual 7 o'clock crowd. Our three gin and tonics were a bad start to the evening. The tonic, fed from the "gun" could have been water it was so flat. We would have sent them back but it was so busy didn't bother.They should use bottled tonic to be sure. Nothing worse than flat tonic. My patty melt was saturated in butter and extremely salty. The coleslaw was coarsely chopped cabbage with no tangy sauce and was room temperature. All things I dislike. I love coleslaw and was disappointed it couldn't at least been chilled. My wife's cuban sandwich was way out of proportion with too much pork and not enough of the other things that go with it. She took it apart and ate it "open face" to get around it. Every time we come here we are disappointed with the food but like the outdoor setting . Tonight was no exception. Not a fan. read more

We went to Free House Pub for a date night dinner. Our favorites were the cheese curds and the Old Fashioneds, which we both agreed we would go back for. Getting a table wasn't the easiest, but once we had one, the server was great! For entrees we both ordered the cod fish fry; mine was battered and my fiancés was not. I wish I would have gotten the unbattered fish because the breading took a lot away from the fish in my opinion. I also got the garlic Parmesan fries (pictured) and they were not at all what I was expecting. They were just plain fries with Parmesan cheese ontop that fell off when you went to eat it. read more

The Free House Pub - Fish Fried Cod, Garlic Parmesan Fries, coleslaw - Pubs Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

See all

We meet family here and it was great pleasant atmosphere and the staff were very helpful as well as professional it was everyone first time. My cousin had heard from friends it was a great place. It was the food was flavorful and spicy but not to spicy. everyone had a great time. The staff attenful without being intrusive. which is a big deal when your visiting family you do not see all the time. We had apps the chees curds and preztals sticks the were delicious. I had the smash burgar I love it. everyone else enjoyed their meal as well. We will be back next time we are in town. My cousin who lives there will be there even more.. read more

The crispy honey chicken was amazing! We sat outside on a nice sunny day. The atmosphere was exactly what I wanted. It only gets a little loud if everyone is talking at a high volume. Otherwise it stays relatively quiet. The main entrée was superb. The fries were just all right. They were greatly overtaken and forgiven for the blackness by the wonderful jalapeño cheese curds. Occur were one of the best that I've had with the perfect amount of spice. All the service was very friendly and understanding. We do believe they could use a little extra help, but who isn't understaffed these days. Great job and thank you for the wonderful food. read more

Well our lunch plans were smashed for the moment because of a flat tire issue with some friends so lunch was on hold and we decided to kill some time having a drink and conversation here because it's right across from our lunch spot. The place looked nice and upscale with a beautiful building that had this great outdoor patio centered it. It's your standard generic black mesh table and chairs with an umbrella. They have an extensive beverage menu that my friends ordered off but I never even looked at because I'm on a Bloody Mary terror lately like never before for some reason and that's what I ordered. Of course my buddy complained about how long our drink ordered was taking which was not long at all but insisted it was my Bloody Mary and why couldn't I just get a tapper. Our drink order actually didn't take that long considering that it was lunch time and the patio was full and people were inside. I ordered my Bloody Mary extra spicy which it was that came with a pickle spear and 2 olives. The olives were big and firm so not just any crap olives but better than average. The pickle spear was also good quality because it was cold with a great snap to the skin and tasty, not just a cheap jar pickle. The Bloody Mary itself was average and had no celery salt that I like so much. Overall my Bloody Mary was average but it is still a nice outdoor patio to spend quality time with friends. read more

See all

Bartender was a little odd.. when someone asks for the bourbon menu you don't need to say we only have a whiskey menu... and a Cuban is a Cuban. But the drinks and food good. Bar is really cute inside read more

Great food and a great venue. Get the Walleye on fish fry Friday! We often get there a bit after the rush and the small bar area is a cozy spot. read more

I visited this place on a Thursday night and it was busy! I've been exploring more restaurants in Middleton and found this hidden gem. I ordered the Crispy Chicken Sandwich-house battered chicken fried to a golden brown with slaw, pickles, and house hot sauce on a brioche bun, a side salad, and fries. To drink I ordered the French 75-Glendalough Rose Gin, Cava, lemon, sunken Traverse City cherry. The food and drink were AMAZING. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the French 75 was the best Fresh 75 I've ever had. I will definitely return. The staff were friendly and I did not have to wait for my food long. The waiter check up on us often to make sure we were ok. read more

The Free House Pub - Crispy Chicken Sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

See all

A nice, little brewpub tucked away in an unknown to me area. They have a nice beer selection, but also wine and cocktails for non-beer drinkers. I also appreciated the cauliflower sandwich for my vegetarian self. Quick service and a very friendly staff. Highly recommend for lunch as it was relatively quiet. read more

The Free House Pub - Pubs Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

I always have to order the bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers, they are absolutely delicious! They always have a nice selection of IPA.

Just had apps and beers but the place is beautiful, looks to be kind of fancy but it's actually really cozy . Very eager and friendly staff . The spicy shrimp is a winner read more

Speciality cocktails and beers galore! Not only is the beer selection a nice collective between dark, sour, and ales, but the specialty cocktail menu looks so delicious I'm saddened that I'm not able to stay here longer to taste test all of them. There is plenty of indoor seating, but since it's July, we sat outside on their beautiful patio lined with flowers and an interesting concept between contemporary and family-style, fun-yet-relaxing atmosphere. The building itself is one of the oldest in the downtown area that survived the big fire in the 1800s, and the surrounding buildings look like they've been built around this one in a charming, comparative style. Oh, and the food was delicious! Several cheesy to vegetarian options to choose from! read more

See all

Nice building and outdoor area. I sat at the bar which was inviting and well stocked. The overhead fans could have swept me away except for my quarter ton weight. Great selection of on tap beers and lots of bourbon and whiskey liquids. The smash burger was edible but unremarkable. Commercial stale bun and thin scorched meat. Limited menu. The bartender was attentive and busy. No time for pleasantries. It was ok. Return intent- nope read more

I am quite sure I came here to have cheese curds for dinner. Believe me, that happened. They are good, they are plentiful. I was ready to head back to my hotel and veg until I fell asleep, but the rain decided to come through at that moment, and instead I stayed in the pub and had another wonderful cold beverage at the bar. Great quality beer, great quality restaurant, great service, great food. I accept. So worth my trip north from the Beltline. read more

Love this atmosphere and the food is a step above the normal pub grub. Get here. The Nachos are a great appetizers. The patio is a very fun place to hang and enjoy the weather. read more

Wonderful cheese curds and beet salad. Roasted Beet Salad were both very good! Very friendly service as well! read more

The Free House Pub - Cheese curds - so delicious! Wisconsin Cheese Curds Roasted Beet Salad - Pubs Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

This restaurant is so close to rating a 5 except I dislike paying extra for using a credit or debit card. The whole purpose if credit cards was so I did not have to carry. Ash. I sure don't want to pay extra for that service and I think 4% is high. Rant finished. The service was excellent and our server even brought water without our having to ask. The grilled walleye was wonderful if a little skimpy. We had a salad as our side so we're left hungry after eating. Maybe some bread would help. Beware the grilled walleye is spicy but I like it that way. The restaurant has two cute outside eating places and both are cute and inviting. I did not like the beer I chose. 'A porter from Central Waters. It was bitter and weak at the same time. I don't fault the restaurant for that because I chose that. I should have had a sample first. read more

See all

Great beer and whiskey list with delicious salads and entrees as well. Love the outdoor seating. read more

Great staff and food! My Fiancé and I love going in because the food and drinks are always good but the friendly staff and warm environment make it the best place! read more

So fine. Red wine so fine. No wine tonight. Just a red hot infusion of ghost pepper Corazan tequila. Tasty but spicy beyond expectation. A sip it burns. Burns. Taste is still present. The second shot was the regular silver. As it was intended. Smooth and soft. Proper. Awaiting the wings. Not a grand selection. Buffalo was the default I think. Opting to indulge in the chipotle dry rub. Arrived not just steaming hot but volcanic hot and still crackling. I'm thinking parcooked, set aside, rested and finished. OMFG. Crisp as frost on be first winter morning, like glass. Flavor erupting mercilessly and exciting every synapse available that the tequila hadn't reached yet. My new favorite wings source I'm hoping. Having had a number of previous visits to this local gathering food and spirits venue I'm again blown away at the adherence to offering better than the neighboring places. Staff was wonderful on a slow night. Food was as already described. Top shelf spirits still at truly reasonable levels. Stacy was my tender. A rating for craft and care for doing what's most valued. A+ hands dow read more

The Free House has always been a favorite - good food, good beer list, nice outdoor patio... It's a great Middleton spot. However, I took an out-of-town friend there for lunch today and was really disappointed. First off, their back seating area, which used to be cozy and filled with low tables, is now a smattering of high-top tables and a bunch of bright, flashing games. They still have a few booths, but they're down a small set of stairs. I don't know if they still have regular seating at the front of the building or not, but noted that if anyone is in a wheelchair, there wouldn't be anywhere for them to sit inside. We were seated at one of the booths fairly quickly, but then the waiting started. It took nearly 20 minutes for anyone to come take our drinks order, then another 5-10 minutes to get said drinks. We asked for water twice. I'd ordered a small taste of a beer, and when our waitress came back with the full-sized, we asked to put in a food order. It took at least another 30 minutes to get food, and we had basic stuff - a salad and a wrap. We finally also got water when someone brought our food, but that was well over an hour after we'd arrived. Aside from a quick check from the waitress about a minute after the food arrived, no one ever came back to refill our water or check on us. We finally caught the eye of the waitress to get the bill and just handed her a card when she came back with it, so we couldn't have to wait any longer. We were in there for over two hours. I'm hoping this was just an off day - a staffing issue or whatever. I think this is a great spot and want to see them stick around, but based on my experience today, I'm going to be hard-pressed to go back. read more

In Madison in the middle of an arctic blast to sit for long hours with a parent going downhill can be a pretty tough slog. After about nine hours in the room we needed food and a drink. We found both at Free House Pub. The place was everything a winter refugee could want: warm, nicely lit, wood and brick and did I mention warm? Our server could not have been nicer. I got a nice glass of a California blend and my wife has a Bourbon Manhattan that was just what she wanted. And the order of hot wings added to the inner glow. The only reason we didn't give it a 5 star is because there were no salads available, but given the late hour and the frigid temperature what am I complaining about? We're lucky they were open! 5 stars! read more

I've been to this place about 5 times (totally my fault, I know) usually out of desperation when others around are closed. While the patio is at least an outdoor dining option and the beer list is decent, I want to dissuade you from eating anything. No, I haven't sampled all of the menu items, but man, what I have tried has been close to inedible.....and not inexpensive!! Use better judgement than I have! read more

A family favorite! Consistent fresh food and drinks with wonderful service. Great location in downtown Middleton. read more

The Free House Pub - Wisco Mac - Pubs Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

See all

Update: 4.5/5 Finally got through! Try 4:30. Very helpful and patient on the phone. 5/5 Outdoor patio open with lots of electric heaters. 5/5 Inside was very well spaced between tables/ people. Servers had masks and gloves. 5/5 Friday fish fry: Fried cod- pretty average. Good salt and average fry. 3/5 Fried walleye - really good. I liked the more cornmeal breading on this one. Great flavor! 4/5 Blackened walleye- oh yes! Fantastic! THIS is THE unique fish to order. The blackened rub was PERFECTLY salty and peppery. Good little lip burn, salty on the tongue and just great going down. Only downside were a few bones near the wider end (-0.1). So good, even on the vein. I would eat this again. 4.9/5 Coleslaw - too dry and sweet pickled for me. Won't rate bc you might love sweet coleslaw. Fries - sweet, french, garlic fries. All of these were crunchy and as written. I love these smaller-than-medium (but not skinny) style fries, so crunchy with warm mushy center. Great 5/5. Cost - higher end, but its walleye 3/5 Overall, 4.3/5. Good stuff I wanna go try their whiskey bar! read more

See all

Oh my gosh. This is so good. I cannot say enough about the staff the food the ambiance. Great beer and atmosphere. Food is gourmet. If you haven't been here you need to be. read more

See all

Friendly service well staffed. The building is a house with several rooms set up for dining all around the house. Good beverage selection. read more

See all

Good food and service! Always make it a stop when I'm near Madison. Check out the D&D room if you can.

Pretty basic, but we'll-delivered. Friendly staff and really great variety of beer and whiskey/scotch. Good and positive environment. read more

The Free House Pub - Sheet pan nachos - Pubs Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

One of the best burgers I've had in a really long time! Service was amazing as well - Savannah was the best! We will be back.

The food was super salty today. The bartender super in attentive . He never asked how my food was, it was actually salty enough I would have sent it back. Perhaps there's a reason he didn't ask. I come here for the barrel aged old fashioned. The food is hit or miss. Today was a miss for sure. read more

Started with an old fashioned which was perfect. Then on to the bacon wrapped jalapeño's which were delicious. My husband and I each had a wedge salad which was solid and they also brought out an OG salad as the kitchen made one by mistake so they gave it to us. It was great! I will definitely order that next time. We had great service and we were able to sit outside on their patio. read more

Good atmosphere; excellent service; good food; the kitchen was REALLY SLOW though; took 1 hour to get our food