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| - After two visits, I can see why other Yelpers complain about the service. My first experience was much better, but when I brought a couple of coworkers here the second time, we all agreed that we have had better food and MUCH better service elsewhere in Madison.
Yes, this place has a great location: just steps away from the State Capitol. It is located in a historic building. When we asked them to turn the AC down (mind you: it was December and snowing outside), our server told us it was actually not the AC making it cold, it was the windows we were seated next to. I told her that I begged to differ because the cold windows don't blow napkins across the table (I then demonstrated to her several times) and she walked off. We asked a busboy, a food runner and then a manager type guy about turning down/off the AC - all of whom said it couldn't be done, etc. One guy said "it makes it hot for the servers then". Nevermind that four guys were freezing and when our beer cheese soup was delivered, it instantly became cold.
The food both times has been good. The aforementioned beer cheese soup is a bit tart (think swiss cheese), with a garnish of popcorn and a side of oyster crackers. The cheese curds were good - not the best - but when in Wisconsin...
The second time I decided to try something different and had the Green Bay Chili - which is like Skyline Chili from Cincinnati ... only if haven't actually had Skyline Chili. I would not order it again. It was basically normal chili over a small amount of spaghetti. Oh, and for some reason, they don't serve it with oyster crackers like they normally do in Cincinnati.
The drinks are what most people come here for. Both visits, I have been here on a week night and it was packed (wait times of 20-30 minutes, and they don't take reservations). Lots of Locals, and the crowd skews on the younger side. If you are looking for a watering hole downtown, this is the place. If you are looking for a good meal with good service (and not a snotty attitude), this is the place for you.
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