One of my favorite places. Amazing food, outstanding service (3 cheers for TJ the Bartender). A fun, warm & friendly old school supper club charm. The cheese curds with the Tiger sauce are simply the best in the world...a must have. You also can't beat the Door County Cherry Salad with a piece of salmon added on. Make sure to wash it down with Schlitz draft or a Brandy Old Fashion. Heaven on earth!
Overview
If you're in Madison, WI, and looking for a spot that captures the essence of classic American dining, The Old Fashioned should be at the top of your list. Located at 23 N Pinckney St #1, this iconic restaurant offers a delightful mix of nostalgia and contemporary comfort food, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
From the moment you step inside, the ambiance at The Old Fashioned strikes a perfect balance between old-school charm and a lively, modern atmosphere. The restaurant’s interior showcases warm wood finishes and vintage touches, instantly transporting you to a time when dining out was a more intimate experience. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with friends or celebrating a special occasion, the setting is both welcoming and timeless.
The menu at The Old Fashioned is a tribute to Wisconsin’s culinary roots, with a menu that highlights regional specialties alongside classic American comfort foods. Start with the famous cheese curds, which are perfectly fried to a golden crisp and served with a zesty dipping sauce. This appetizer is a true Wisconsin staple and gives you a taste of the state's rich dairy history.
When it comes to main dishes, The Old Fashioned excels in delivering hearty, satisfying options. One standout is the iconic "Brandy Old Fashioned Burger," which takes inspiration from the classic cocktail that the restaurant is named after. The burger is cooked to perfection and topped with a rich brandy sauce, making it a unique and flavorful twist on a familiar favorite. Another fan favorite is the fried chicken, a crispy and juicy delight that's always perfectly seasoned.
For those looking for a lighter option, the menu also features fresh salads and delicious fish dishes, such as the pan-seared walleye. But what truly sets The Old Fashioned apart is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant proudly supports Wisconsin's farmers and artisans, ensuring that each dish is not only delicious but also fresh and sustainable.
The drink menu at The Old Fashioned is just as impressive as the food. Known for its Brandy Old Fashioned cocktail, the restaurant offers a variety of options that reflect Wisconsin’s strong ties to brandy production. Whether you prefer your drink sweet, sour, or a mix of both, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.
In addition to its classic menu, The Old Fashioned offers seasonal specials that change throughout the year, keeping the dining experience fresh and exciting. The seasonal offerings often feature locally sourced ingredients, giving guests a chance to taste what’s in season in Wisconsin.
What truly makes The Old Fashioned stand out, however, is the staff's dedication to creating a welcoming experience. The service is always friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. It’s no surprise that The Old Fashioned has become a beloved institution in Madison, consistently receiving rave reviews for both its food and service.
If you're planning a visit, be sure to check out their location on 23 N Pinckney St #1, as it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in the sights of downtown Madison. Whether you're a local or just passing through, The Old Fashioned provides a dining experience that’s both nostalgic and delicious, offering a taste of Wisconsin that you won't soon forget.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Late-night food âś“ Private dining room âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegan options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Historic âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ Tourists âś“ University studentsPlanning
âś“ Usually a wait âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Paid multi-storey car park âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 4743 reviews
We've been coming here at least once a year for the last 12 years. The old fashioned burger is our favorite menu item, except for the poutine, and omg is the poutine good. We are from Phoenix or we'd be here more often. Lol everything is fresh, the ground beef is so good and the bacon and fresh egg on the burger is just amazing. We also had the cherry salad and wow the dressing is soo good. Service has always been top notch. And if there's a wait, they do get busy, it's worth the wait.
Really cool place to hold a venue upstairs... Definitely had great feedback regarding the food.. Our server had no problems setting up the room to our needs. However, was not attentive to our group.And we had to seek her out several times.. She was not very community or grateful at the end of the evening. It would have been a much better experience if we had a different server... it wasn't "horrible" because of her.... Just could have been a better experience!! It was a great building, a great space and we would come back again
I love coming here, always have such a great time! If you go for your birthday, you get “birthday pickles” which is literally a side of pickles with a candle on it…I would have much preferred a beer tho! Food is always spot on, generous portions and a great selection of beers to choose from. I tried the old fashioned with korbel cherry bounce and it was delicious and very sweet. We got the cheese curds, chicken and biscuits dinner and the hickory smoked bacon Mac and cheese.
The atmosphere here was great and the staff were all very friendly and attentive. We tried the cheese curds, those weren’t my favorite. However, the root beer on tap was incredible! For the entree I had the Mac and Cheese but I asked to add chicken to it so I had some protein too. They were happy to do so and it was more than enough for me! I will go back the next time I’m through the area!
This restaurant is a must in Madison. Located right across the street from the State Capitol in downtown Madison. The service is hospitable from the time you enter the door til you leave. The service is a well run engine smooth and consistent. The servers are quick and great with following up with their patrons. The food is hands down great. If you like salty and savory, the Pountine are fries, cheese curds topped with sausage gravy. Those cheese curds are yummy! We also tried the Schnitzel, Reuben,, Fish and Chips, and the Salmon Salad all of the dishes can hold their own in terms of flavor. The Schnitzel is a hefty portion and you will definitely have left overs. Overall, a great dining experience.
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.