The Great Dane is the Cheesecake Factory of Madison, WI. They try to do everything, and they do it a-ok. A few things are actually pretty good, but they can be tough to find through the massive newspaper that is their menu (seriously, its designed like a newspaper). Their in-house beer is decidedly sub-par, and they don't really offer other options, which is a shame in a state so inundated with excellent breweries.
If you've got your mind set on the Great Dane, and the weather is permitting, head downtown-- the outdoor beer garden is a game-changer.