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| - My first visit here was about ten years ago. I'd had many a steak at many a steakhouse in my day, but I declared their sirloin steak the best I'd ever had. I also recall that the several visits back in the day required having dinner at the bar, because reservations were booked (especially during the academic year) months in advance. This time, I ate the bar too.
I love the decor, the vibe, and the sheer retro independent personality of the place. Walking in from the street through a cramped little doorway, you kind of feel like you're in New York. Then as you enter, you might be in some Rat-pack-themed, vintage martini, Quentin Tarantino movie, At 10PM on a weeknight, and you'd think it was a Saturday night, from the number of patrons and the general festive air. Friendly barkeeps and patrons make for a unique experience.
My first time here, I had the sirloin dinner. I washed it down with classic dirty martini.That was nothing short of perfection. Recently I tried the wedge salad and the steak sandwich from the budget-friendly late night menu. The wedge is more of a retro art project than a serious salad as to flavors or nutrition. It is after all made with a chunk of iceberg. But the sandwich was the best steak sandwich ever. Nestled in a soft hamburger-sized bun, it was full of what must have been beef tenderloin dressed with what I love most with tenderloin, a horseradish cream sauce. I felt like I was making love to that sandwich, and it was loving me back. I never got around to dipping it in the au jus, because it was already so luscious and moist. Salad, sandwich and a beer ran around $21.00 sans tip.
Service by both bartenders (and by the way, thanks for having two available, Mr. or Mrs. Tornado) was fast, friendly and welcoming. The food came quickly. Tornado at night was just a great value and a fun way to spend time catching up with a fellow Yelper at the bar. After 10 years, still a favorite spot in Madison or Wisconsin, for that matter, for steaks and cocktails.
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