Well first off we were sent there to experience real Wisconsin food. We went Tuesday night and Sophia was our waitress She was amazing! Attentive and checked on us regularly We had cheese curds and brats and fresh fish All outstanding We can back again Wednesday night and had the mac and cheese and shnitzel! Amazing! The restaurant had a great vibe and all of the staff were friendly Our waitress the second night was not as attentive but the food and atmosphere allowed us to just wallow in the great food! Highly recommend For our first time in Wisconsin this was a great first time!! read more

This was a highly recommended place and it didn't disappoint. We ordered fried cheese curds, a cheese and meat platter, bacon mac and cheese. The place had good ambiance and great cocktail menu as well and also got their old fashioned. The mac and cheese was definitely their highlight, including smoked trout in their platter. If i wanted to grab some bar food, drinks and just relax, I'd go again and the service staff including the waitress was very knowledgeable, hospitable and attentive. read more

The Old Fashioned - Meat and cheese platter. - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Stopped by The Old Fashioned in Madison and loved it. The location right off the Capitol Square is perfect, and the atmosphere is classic Wisconsin--cozy, lively, and great for grabbing a drink and food. The cheese curds are a must-order--crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and totally live up to the hype. We also grabbed drinks at the bar and everything hit the spot. Great food, great drinks, great vibe. Would definitely come back next time I'm in Madison. read more

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Really popular spot in downtown. The bar is full service so it's easier to grab a seat at the bar in order from the menu. People there are super friendly and they serve a lot of nice comfort food. It's got a classic old-school vibe like the name would suggest definitely worth a visit. read more

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Nice dinner at the bar of The Old Fashioned. Service was great, the bartender was so kind. Cheese curds were great, suggest getting ranch or aioli for dipping! Salmon salad was very tasty as well. Just wish they included more than half a deviled egg. Also added a salmon cake and it was great! read more

The Old Fashioned - Salmon Salad - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Such a fun Madison spot! Came here with my husband and had a great time! The cheese curds and old fashioneds were delicious, and the atmosphere was lively and very Wisconsin. It was a little busy when we went, but overall a great place to stop for a cocktail and a meal. read more

The Old Fashioned - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

After hearing about this restaurant for some time, glad to finally make it out there as it was a great time for myself and my guests. Located right across from the Capitol, it made for a dramatic backdrop to the restaurant. Additionally, the hustle bustle of downtown Madison lends itself to tons of folks coming and going so try to leave yourself some additional time to cozy up to the bar and grab a drink because you will likely be waiting a short while for a table. Also, parking is atrocious and you may need to hunt for a spot and walk a bit to get back to the restaurant. You've been warned but the destination is worth the journey. Btw - beer is extremely reasonable and they have dozens of taps which is super cool. I think I only paid like $3 for my beer but full disclosure, I only like beer that you can see through and it was a local beer so YMMV. Once seated, service was excellent throughout and we started with something that TOF is known for, the cheese curds. When they arrived at the table, they were sizable curds of random shapes/sizes (so clearly homemade) and their consistency was so light and airy that it was truly some of the best I've ever had. Granted, I'm not from WI where cheese curds fall from trees, but to my touristy palette, these were excellent. There were a ton of great menu choices but I ended up ordering the pork schnitzel and it was spectacular. Reasonably priced yet crispy and moist (a combo that's hard to acheive!) and I loved the unusual cherry mustard sauce that paired well with the entree. If you're schnitzel hunting, just be aware that this is only served at night. (As of my review) The folks that were with me all loved the warm Cheers bar type ambiance, and super enjoyed their meal and they all noted they can hardly wait to come back when they land back in Madison. Excellent experience and highly recommended! read more

The Old Fashioned - "Wow" level Pork Schnitzel with a cherry sauce that was a perfect accentuating compliment. Highly recommend! - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This place is decked out for Christmas and looks great. Are server was very sweet and split our burger for us. Service was very prompt. They aren't kidding when they say the best cheese curds. I've been trying quite a few since moving here and these are by far the best. I think I swoomed over every single bite of my burger. Maybe the best burger I've ever had in a restaurant. We tried the jelly good sodas and the cream soda was really good my husband said the orange soda was good. The bread pudding wasn't great. It wasn't bad. Luckily it didn't have any damn raisins in it lol read more

The Old Fashioned - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

If I lived here, The Old Fashioned would be my joint hands-down especially during cherry bounce season! I usually make some for myself, so what a treat to see it on a menu somewhere. It's so fun inside, especially right now, while it's decorated for Xmas. The place was tidy (even the bathrooms were super nice) and all of the staff were friendly and helpful. If you come to eat alongside your beverages? Come hungry! My partner and I split the spinach salad and the schnitzel plate and STILL took leftovers home! Speaking of that perfectly pounded thin and crispity-crunchity schnitzel, you gotta try it. It's so good, and practically melts right on the tongue. I'd come back for that alone! read more

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Best cheese curds in town! Great staff always a pleasure to have happy people around with a smile on their faces! Very cool vibe inside with awesome views of the Capitol. Love this place! read more

I had the Wisconsin burger, cheese curds, and the pickled beets salad. Their food never disappoints, is amazingly inexpensive, and there server was there to answer questions and get me what I needed. To top it off, the view of the State Capital made it it a perfect place to chill! read more

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Food: It was good food, nothing I've haven't had before, but it wasn't anything to complain about either. Service: It was okay as well, nothing out of the ordinary. He did seem a little frustrated at times because we were slower to order than most, but it was our first time so that's going to happen. Ambiance: It has that Midwest charm. read more

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Food 5/5 Service 4.5/5 Ambiance 4.5/5 A Wisconsin staple at this point, The Old Fashioned does pub food (and even some brunch) well. The cheese curds were solid, the tenderloin sandwich lasted me a whole two meals, and the food the rest of my party got (a Belgian waffle and a Double Brat) also was quite tasty. Would recommend after a nice market stroll. read more

The Old Fashioned - Tenderloin sandwich - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Food from the Old Fashioned is always delicious. Definitely check the place out for Wisconsin style food! It's not on the cheap side, but I've always felt it was worth it. Don't forget to get the cheese curds! read more

Visited The Old Fashioned while in Madison, WI for a friend's 40th birthday, and we ended up going twice in one day. That's how fun it was! It's a casual spot with good energy and plenty of seating both indoors and out. We walked in both times with no reservation and were seated right away, even though it was busy. For lunch, we ordered the poutine (featuring fresh cheese curds and house-made gravy) and paired it with a Wisconsin style Old Fashioned (features Brandy). We also ordered a Schlitz beer, which came with a pickled egg on the side. Yes, a pickled egg! It was such a fun regional touch and surprisingly tasty. The food hit all the comfort notes, and the prices were reasonable. Our server was friendly, quick, and had great menu tips. A standout spot for cheese curds, unique beer pairings, and Wisconsin vibes. Definitely recommend if you're visiting Madison, it's a local staple and worth the stop! read more

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An established anchor for locals and tourists. They have a diverse menu from bar food to German food. Lots of beer choices. In fact, a majority of the selections are local. Menu items they are known for include an Old Fashion (thus the restaurant's has in its name), cheese curds (featured on Food Network), and pork schnitzel. I enjoyed the pork schnitzel and local Spotted Cow. I sat at the bar and enjoined great service, ball game playing, and food. The place was packed and as I left a bus dropped off more patrons. Just FYI you may have to speak a little louder when busy. Great experience overall, thank you The Old Fashioned. read more

The Old Fashioned - Pork schnitzel - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Casual restaurant and bar located in downtown Madison! Of course being in Wisconsin, I had to try the cheese curds. They were made out of cheddar, and I was surprised at how sharp they were. Definitely a little greasy as expected, but still super tasty. We also got the combo fish fry, which came with three fish to try. The wait was roughly 20 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. The waiter was really helpful and gave us recommendations. read more

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I wanted to get the curds but we were cheesed out (Lakefront curds and the Mars cheese castle ). They are award winning here, so if you are remotely in the mood, order them. Door County Cherry Salad - perfection. Great ratio of dressing to lettuce. The blue cheese was not overpowering and the cherries were such a great add. I would order this anytime I'm in Madison Heirloom BLT- I believe this is seasonal but that means that you need to hurry here and order it. Absolutely amazing. Location is great. We went in the summer and sat outside people watching and looking at the capital. Love this spot and I will dream of this salad until the next time I get here. read more

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This restaurant is great for a family! I've dined there numerous times, and the service gets better each time I go. Cheese curds are great, brat is great (but can be overwhelming), and the atmosphere is great. Would recommend it to anyone visiting the city for the first time to get a taste of Wisconsin. read more

Im an out-of-towner so I wanted to get the full Wisconsin tasting experience. People said this was the place to go. And I wasnt disappointed. I started with a Wisconsin Old Fashioned. THey make them with brandy in Wisconsin - not bourbon like everywhere else. Its also a little more dilluted because they give it a shot of sprite. I loved it ! Nice Summer drink. Not as intense as a tradional Old F....I ended up having two. On to the food - I got a sandwich with two Wisconsin brats on it with a side of deep fried cheese curds. THe sandwich was great - pretzel bun and yummy brats. I would have fried the onions on there instead of using raw - but they were yummy too. The cheese curds were a delicous side of saturated fat =) My tummy liked them more than my heart. Also I think I had to drink about a half gallon of water to rehydrate after those. Nice little treat - I wouldnt eat them regularly. The people behind the bar were fast and friendly. The room is a pretty old-school vibe with lots of dark hardwood fixtures. And its right smack downtown by the Capitol. GIve it a try. read more

The Old Fashioned - Double brat - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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You can't go wrong with the old-fashioned every time I've come to Madison. I've always made sure to come here. The food is good, the ambience is good, the drinks are good. perfectly located in downtown easy from all the hotels that I stay at. read more

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While in Madison, my number one thing to do was try cheese curds, so of course I had to try them at the place with the best ones! They definitely lived up to the hype and were perfectly gooey and crispy. The patty melt was also very good and tasted very fresh. I also ordered the cherry crisp, and wow this was a delicious dessert! It was so gooey and topped with the vanilla ice cream made a perfect end to the meal. The service was great, with frequent refills and check-ins from our waitress even though the restaurant was busy. The ambiance is also very nice with cute old-fashioned decorations around. This is definitely a touristy spot but worth a visit for sure! read more

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Loveeee it here. Food was delicious, fun Wisconsin atmosphere. Pretty classic and very affordable. Goooooooo! Get the rachel it was sooo fucking good. Almost forgot, some of the best curds ever. read more

HANDS DOWN THE ABSOLUTE WORLD'S BEST FRIED CHEESE CURDS!!! The most light, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese-pulley madness you'll ever put in your mouth! Our server knew we were heading to a concert so worked swiftly to take orders and get help to bring out our food in a fast fashion! My two sons were very happy with the poutine (added grilled chicken) and accommodated request of sausage gravy on the side. Both said flavors were good, one said it was a little salty... yep. To be expected. I had a salmon salad that was grilled nicely and had decent slabs of tender, flaky salmon that was very filling! And what's wrong with going to this place without ordering an old fashioned? Every. Thing. With so many varieties to choose from-- you can't go wrong! I absolutely love the nostalgia and decor of this place, which is another reason we like to frequent here or take guests to this place. read more

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Just very inconsistent. I went here on a work trip and sat at the bar. I ordered the same old fashioned 3 times and each time i watched the bartender make it different. Using different alcohol and fruit and everything. Very strange. The building is old and wood and has a musky smell, if you come when it is hot out, the air conditioner either is awful or broken, but it gets very hot in the right side of the building. They are on the more expensive side for drinks in the Madison area, so if looking for cheap beer, this place isn't it. The food is good, but outside of work, I wouldn't come on my own. read more

Classic Wisconsin vibe in this place. Decent fish tacos and solid old fashioned. Big plate of deviled eggs. Bartender was friendly and teased me for wanting water. Very Wisco. read more

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deep fried cheesecurds and fish! it was pretty good. def had a sharper cheesy taste (it was cheddar cheese) that may be an acquired taste. 6/10 for me, i prob wouldnt go back but it was a lovely place! service was amazing and friendly. but unfortunately, i just wasnt a huge fan of the food read more

The Old Fashioned - Cheese Curds and fish fry - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Came to Old Fashion on a mission to finally try their famous cheese curds and a Spotted Cow on tap (because when in Wisconsin, right?). The cheese curds absolutely lived up to the hype! Crispy golden perfection with that irresistible gooey center. Pairing them with a cold Spotted Cow felt like the ultimate Wisconsin experience. Service was on point. Prompt, friendly, and attentive without hovering. You can tell the staff genuinely enjoy what they do. The vibe here strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and lively, making it an easy spot to settle in and enjoy good food and drinks. If you're in Madison, this is a must-stop for classic Wisconsin flavor done right read more

The Old Fashioned - Bar - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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This, well, oLd FaShIoNeD pub caught my eye as I was walking around Capitol Square. I ordered the cod fish fry for $17, which came with rye bread and a whole mess of fries. Great service and it was ready in 10 minutes. Cool vibe too, I like those old school looking pubs, especially around Christmas time. read more

A little busy, nice cozy place with a very friendly server. As for the food, the fried cheese curds lived up to the hype. The sandwich was mostly just okay. I liked the portion size, but it could have used more sauce and the turkey was a bit cold while the bread was warm. read more

The Old Fashioned - Hickory Smoked Turkey Sandwich with side of plain salad - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Invited to join a local here. Reviews seemed positive...but I was a little disappointed. I ordered an Old Fashioned with sweet brandy. My friend order a sour & explained the difference was the type of soda used. It was ok. Ordered the Fried Perch with Fries, Coleslaw & added side of Mac & cheese. Perch was not fried fresh and lukewarm to touch which made the dish unappealing. Fries lack salt. Coleslaw was good. Macaroni was horrible! Not cheesy or creamy! Very underwhelming! Server Amalia was not attentive. Didn't refill drinks or check on us. Thankfully her colleagues were helpful. My friends liked the burger and grilled cheese (I tasted grilled cheese & should have went that route). My friend also said the bathroom was cool & clean...she knows I appreciate that aspect. Overall, the best part were the fried cheese curds!!!! Amazingly delicious!! read more

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I really like coming here whenever I'm around the square, especially if I'm meeting up with a friend or showing someone around Madison. The location makes it super convenient, and the atmosphere always feels upbeat without being overwhelming. The cheese curds are my favorite thing to order. They are crispy on the outside, melty inside, and just consistently satisfying. Service has always been warm and welcoming, even when the place is packed. The food overall is solid, with a range of options to choose from. Still, it's a place I keep returning to for the fun energy, good drinks, and those curds I can never skip. read more

By far our favorite spot, we returned for a second visit during our stay. We absolutely loved the location, the food, the drinks, and the vibes. The cheese curds & the old fashioned drinks are an absolute must order! The burgers and brunch menu were also fantastic! We tried so many versions of the old fashioned drinks and enjoyed everyone of them! It's a poppin' spot, yet service is attentive and quick! read more

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A hot spot in Madison! Everyone from the area told me about this place so obviously I had to stop in. I ordered the spicy burger with a side salad. I got to try some of their cheese curds here and I will say do not skip out on that! Prep some Lactaid if you're lactose intolerant. Their burger tasted better than it looks. Not spicy but if you like the flavor of pepper jack and jalapeño, definitely get it. Their salad had a restaurant dressing mixed in. I forget what kind but it was good! Service overall was nice. Our server was incredibly friendly! read more

The Old Fashioned - Spicy Burger - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Friday evening in downtown Madison and we find ourselves at The Old Fashioned for Friday night fish fry, cheese curds and of course, an old fashioned! We walked in around 8:15 PM and they were rocking! The wait was around 30 minutes, but we lucked up and grabbed a couple of seats at the bar. We quickly bellied up to the bar and began enjoying ourselves. First was a round of cocktails followed by some cheese curds then our fish fry. Old Fashions, superb. Cheese Curds, legit best I have ever had. They were light, airy, perfectly fried and featured just enough cheese. The curds were excellent on their own, but the dipping sauce elevated those little nuggets of gold! We both went fish fry, as apparently that's a big thing in Madison. I went perch and my buddy went combo. The fish was good, nothing great. Well fried, but lacked seasoning. I do appreciate them whipping up some homemade cocktail sauce for me as I'm not a huge tartar guy. The space is gorgeous. Dining stretches from the front door/windows to the back wall/kitchen. Decor is a mix of new and old, with a lot of old school Wisconsin relics from signage to tchotchkes to decorticate steins. Service was solid at the bar. Our bartender was friendly, helpful and quite pleasant to deal with. The hostesses left something to be desired. It was towards the end of the night, so they were probably tired, but they were not exactly a friendly welcome. Another thing that was impressive was the price we paid for two meals, an appetizer and 4 drinks...just shy of $80 including 20% tip! Certainly worth it! Overall, really enjoyed Old Fashioned. Happy to swing through on my next visit to Madison! read more

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Love love love! Stopped in after a little research and those 5 star reviews don't lie! The curds are everything and so much more! The grilled cheese was gooey, buttery and straight from the state fair! We also got the brat sandwich and it was packed with onions and crisp pickles slathered with the tastiest spicy mustard! Great brat-snap when you bite into it! The highlight- 1. The Green Bay chili. Served with spaghetti noodles, and loaded with cheese, onions, and sour cream, was a little spicy and scrumptious! If I lived closer I would be getting that stuff weekly! Maybe daily! And highlight 2. Our server, Paula! She was quintessential Wisconsin sweetness! Helpful, friendly, just the right amount of chat and attention. I kinda want to move here and become her bestie!! Oh, and the root beer from the tap- cold and creamy with a zip! Won't be able to pass this town again without stopping! read more

The Old Fashioned - Brat Sammy with onion straws! Yummy! - American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I'd give them 4.5 stars but bumped it up due to the host and our server being spot on. Stopped in for lunch with my 9 year old grandson and had a great time! The restaurant is a local hot spot and it did not disappoint. The decor is fun and engaging. We were told it would be a 30 minute wait and were seated in 15. The greeter / host was bright, fun and engaging and our server was attentive making sure we, and especially the 9 year old, were not neglected. We ordered Mac n Cheese with apple sauce, Cheese Curds, french fries and Chili, 3 pictured. Grandson liked the cheese curds but the Mac n Cheese didn't hold up against Kraft boxed... LOL, I tried it, it looked and tasted great but if your kid .. oh, if you have a kid, you know what I mean... The fries were very good, crispy as I like them and the Chili was very very very good. read more

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If you're looking for some good fried cheese curds, then head over to The Old Fashioned! Probably one of the best fried cheese curds I've had. They serve it fresh out of the fryer, and the cheese is stringy and soft! So eat them while they're hot before the cheese cools and hardens. Also had the fish fry combo (cod, perch, walleye), and the fry had a good crisp. Cole slaw was delicious, not too creamy. Fries though were slightly old, as they didn't have a good crisp. The old fashioned drink was decent, but could have used a little bit more bourbon. Overall, great restaurant and would recommend! read more

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We found ourselves craving curds and a burger on a Tuesday night and ended up at The Old Fashioned!! I hadn't been here in a few years and I was excited to try it again. We had a really great experience. The curds were perfectly cooked and so delicious. The burgers were fantastic - we both ate the entire thing! Our server was very friendly and took our order promptly. We loved our view of the Capitol and really enjoyed the natural light. We will definitely be back! read more

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This place was great! Came here with my wife, daughter (15), and daughter (19-student on campus). Really lively place with a great vibe. We waited for about 30 minutes for a table, getting drinks at the bar. Once seated our server was super friendly. For an app we had what was dubbed the, as voted, best cheese curds in WI. Guess what? They are awesome!!! Get them. For a main my 15 year old got the Mac and cheese and it was delish. My wife and older kid had the fish fry and loved it. I had the Old Fashioned Burger and it was so tasty. Go. Here. Now. read more