This is my second favorite restaurant in all of Madison, behind the IHOP on University Ave. I'm a DIE-HARD French onion soup aficionado (sp), and there's no contest in the entire city. It's not too salty; the bread isn't too soggy; and there's just the right amount of cheese. Steaks and steak sandwiches are awesome, way better than the overrated Gibson's in Chicago. I especially like the steak sandwich with au jus sauce.
Finally, atmosphere is awesome. It looks like a dump from the outside, and Tornado has resisted interior decor gimmicks. Feels like the set of a Ray Liotta movie with awesome darkened lighting that lets you daydream about being a mafioso.Lots of rooms that give the sense "a lot is going on" when the place gets busy. Only thing I wish is they had a TV at the bar upstairs.
Hours are great. 1 AM on a weekday is dope.