Craving that cozy Friday night supper club vibe without leaving the Capitol Square? The Old Fashioned brings it to you with sizzling fried cheese curds, bratwursts that snap, and the glow of a true Wisconsin tavern. You can smell the butter, hear the clink of glasses, and feel the downtown energy through the windows facing the dome. Come hungry, leave nostalgic, and plan your next visit before you finish dessert.
Signature Fried Cheese Curds
You know that moment when a basket lands and everyone leans in? These fried cheese curds make that happen, every time. Lightly battered, perfectly salted, and squeaky at heart, they pull into tender strands without turning greasy. Dip into cool ranch or a zippy sauce, then chase with a crisp lager.
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Sourced from Wisconsin dairies, they celebrate the state in one crunchy bite. The Old Fashioned nails the balance between airy crunch and molten center. Sit by the window, watch the Capitol glint, and savor the shareable magic. Order two baskets if you value peace at the table, because these disappear fast.
Capitol Bratwurst Plate
When a brat hits the flat-top and the skin crackles, you can smell victory. The bratwurst plate brings snap, smoke, and sweet onions, with mustard that bites just right. Rye bread on the side feels old-school and totally perfect. You can add sauerkraut, and you definitely should.
This is Friday night on a plate, whether it is game day or just a gray Madison afternoon. Pair with a cold Wisconsin lager and watch the world stroll around the Square. The portion satisfies without slowing you down too much. If you left without trying this, you would plan a quick return.
The Old Fashioned Burger
This burger means business. You get juicy ground beef, sharp cheddar, thick bacon, and a yolky fried egg that runs like sauce. The bun holds steady without stealing the show, and the pickles cut through every rich bite. Add crispy fries and call it dinner.
People swear by this stack, and for good reason. It tastes like a backyard grill-out met a brunch craving and decided to stay. Ask for a medium cook to keep it juicy, then lean in with plenty of napkins. You will remember the crunch of bacon and that sunny egg long after the plate clears.
Friday Fish Fry Cod
Friday fish fry is a Wisconsin ritual, and this cod keeps the tradition proud. Two flaky fillets arrive golden and crisp, with tartar sauce that cools and brightens each bite. Coleslaw brings crunch and a little sweetness, while fries do their salty duty.
Sit back and let the bustle of the dining room set the pace. If you love a lighter batter with tender fish inside, this will feel right. The portion size is generous without being overwhelming. Squeeze lemon, dunk generously, and enjoy that timeless supper club comfort right across from the Capitol.
House Poutine With Sausage Gravy
This is Wisconsin poutine, unapologetically hearty and wildly comforting. Crisp fries hold up under squeaky curds and rich sausage gravy that coats everything in savory warmth. Each forkful feels like a winter evening wrapped in a blanket. You can share, but you may not want to.
The gravy leans peppery and satisfying, the curds keep their texture, and the fries stay sturdy. It pairs perfectly with a malty beer or a classic mocktail. If you came hungry, this is your moment. Pace yourself, because the last few bites are somehow the best.
Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ask for it sweet and you will taste Wisconsin in a glass. The brandy old fashioned arrives with muddled fruit, bubbles, and that mellow warmth locals swear by. It is bright, a little sweet, and endlessly sippable, perfect with curds or a brat.
Watching the bartenders work feels like a show. If you prefer less sugar, try sour or press for a balanced edge. Even if you do not drink, the ritual makes the room hum. Sip slowly, enjoy the glow, and let the tavern soundtrack carry you through the evening.
Heirloom Tomato BLT (Seasonal)
Summer brings the BLT that wins hearts. Thick bacon, juicy heirloom tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and just enough mayo stack into a sandwich that drips sunshine. The bread is toasted for crunch, and every bite tastes like a farmers market victory lap.
If you catch it on the specials board, do not hesitate. The tomatoes carry that sweet-savory pop only late summer can deliver. Pair with a light beer or root beer on tap and grab a seat near the windows. You will wish tomato season lasted longer, so enjoy every bite while it is here.
Mac And Cheese With Chicken
Creamy, comforting, and just cheesy enough, the mac and cheese checks every cozy box. Add grilled chicken for protein and you have a full meal that still feels indulgent. The sauce clings to each noodle and the edges bubble like a promise.
This is the kind of dish that makes a rainy afternoon feel better. It is generous without being over-the-top, and the chicken stays tender. Pepper it up, take your time, and let each bite settle in. Share tastes across the table and you will spark envy immediately.
Schnitzel Supper
Craving a plate with presence? The schnitzel delivers with a crackling crust and juicy center, served with all the comforting sides. Lemon brightens the pork, while mashed potatoes and gravy anchor the meal. Red cabbage offers a tangy counterpoint that keeps every bite interesting.
Portions run hearty, so consider splitting or planning for leftovers. The dish nods to Old World roots with Wisconsin warmth. Pair it with a malty lager and lean back into the tavern buzz. This is stick-to-your-ribs fare that still gives you a fresh finish from that squeeze of lemon.
Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben here tastes like a diner classic turned up just enough. Griddled rye crunches, Swiss melts, and sauerkraut brings the bright tang you crave. A swipe of dressing ties it together without drowning the sandwich.
Each bite threads salty, sour, and sweet, and the bread never goes soggy. Pair with a cup of soup or fries and call it a perfect lunch. If you love a balanced Reuben, this one hits that sweet spot. Grab extra napkins and enjoy the crisp corners first.
Fried Walleye Sandwich
Lake fish meets tavern comfort in this fried walleye sandwich. The fillet is crisp outside and tender within, laid on a toasted bun that holds its shape. Tartar sauce and lemon give a bright, zesty lift, while lettuce keeps things fresh.
It is a straightforward, satisfying sandwich that tastes best alongside a cold beer. If you want extra crunch, ask for another pickle spear. Take a seat upstairs when it is cooler and enjoy the view out to the Square. This one is all about simple, clean flavors done right.
Cherry Field Greens Salad
Need something bright to balance the tavern classics? The cherry salad does it beautifully. Mixed greens, Door County cherries, crunchy nuts, and a balanced vinaigrette hit sweet, tart, and savory notes. Cheese crumbles add creaminess without weighing it down.
It pairs well with a burger or stands alone for a lighter lunch. You will appreciate how the dressing clings without feeling heavy. The textures keep you interested from first bite to last. It is a friendly way to sneak freshness into a very Wisconsin meal.
Root Beer On Tap
Not drinking alcohol? You are still in good hands. The root beer on tap pours creamy and aromatic, with a nostalgic vanilla-spice finish. It pairs wonderfully with curds or a burger and makes dessert almost unnecessary.
The frosted glass and foam cap feel like a small celebration. Sip it slow and let the sweetness round out salty dishes. If you are traveling with kids or just love a throwback, this is the move. It turns a simple lunch into a treat without trying.
Seasonal Smothered Sandwiches
When the specials board mentions smothered sandwiches, lean in. These seasonal builds layer melty cheese, saucy toppings, and hearty bread that can handle the load. Summer versions might showcase tomatoes and herbs, while cooler months swing savory and rich.
You get fork-and-knife comfort with tavern soul. Ask your server what is running and pair with a bright side to keep balance. A cold beer or sparkling water sets the pace. If you like generous, saucy sandwiches, this is your sweet spot.
House-Made Sauces And Mustards
Little dishes, big personality. The Old Fashioned keeps a lineup of mustards and sauces that turn simple bites into something bigger. A grainy mustard with heat wakes up brats, and a creamy sauce gives fries a new angle. You will find your favorite quickly.
Mix and match, then chase with sips of beer or soda. These condiments taste thoughtfully built, not afterthoughts. Ask for recommendations based on your order and have fun with it. A good dip can make a great plate unforgettable.
Capitol-View Tavern Vibes
Part of the charm here is the view. Sit near the windows and the Capitol rises like a postcard while the room buzzes with chatter and clinking glasses. Wood tones, vintage touches, and friendly service make it feel like a neighborhood spot.
It is casual, lively, and surprisingly bright during the day. You can settle in for a long lunch or a slow Friday dinner and never feel rushed. The soundtrack is laughter, plates, and the occasional sports cheer. It is exactly the kind of place you want to show off to visiting friends.
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