Thanks to multiple suggestions, The Old Fashioned was one of the first restaurants I tried after moving to Madison and it certainly set the bar high. Any beer your heart desires, ridiculously delicious fried cheese curds, heart-warmingly friendly service, and a sweet view of the Capitol to boot...Isn't that what Madison is all about?
I overdid it on the cheese curds and beer ("nothing in moderation" was my motto that night), but judging from the little bit I could manage, the dinner fare was also delicious.
If you're going to eat at one place in Madison, this should be it. It's a classic!