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7 Reasons The Old Fashioned In Madison, WI Is Still The Ultimate Wisconsin Supper Club Experience In 2025

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Stepping into The Old Fashioned Restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin, today, December 19, 2025, is a transportive experience. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a meticulously crafted tribute to the Badger State's culinary soul, blending the cozy, classic charm of a traditional Wisconsin supper club with a modern, farm-to-table sensibility.

This downtown Madison staple, perched right on the historic Capitol Square, continues its reign as the definitive place to experience authentic Wisconsin comfort food. From its legendary, award-winning cheese curds to its expansive list of local beers and the namesake cocktail, The Old Fashioned is a compulsory stop for locals and travelers alike who want a true taste of the state.

The Old Fashioned: Concept, Founders, and Location Profile

The Old Fashioned is a high-authority entity in the Madison culinary landscape, known for its dedication to local sourcing and celebrating the state's unique food traditions.

  • Full Name: The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant
  • Location: 23 N Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703 (on the Capitol Square)
  • Concept: A modern interpretation of the classic Wisconsin Supper Club and Tavern, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and traditional state dishes.
  • Opening Year: 2005
  • Founders/Owners: Co-owned by culinary veterans Marcia Castro and Tami Lax.
  • Culinary Pedigree: Tami Lax is also the owner of the nationally acclaimed Harvest Restaurant, lending significant farm-to-table credibility to The Old Fashioned's operations.
  • Signature Beverage: The quintessential Wisconsin Old Fashioned cocktail, hand-muddled with cherry and orange.
  • Notable Recognition: James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program (2011), and a consistent "Best of Madison" People's Choice favorite for multiple categories.

The Signature Dishes That Define Wisconsin Comfort Food

The menu at The Old Fashioned is a masterclass in Wisconsin gastronomy, going far beyond pub fare to offer elevated classics. The focus is on robust, hearty dishes that pay homage to regional favorites and the traditions of the Wisconsin supper club culture.

1. The Award-Winning Wisconsin Beer-Battered Cheese Curds

You cannot talk about The Old Fashioned without mentioning their cheese curds. These are widely considered among the best in the state, often winning local "Best of" awards. They are made with fresh, squeaky white cheddar from a local creamery, coated in a light, crispy beer batter, and served with a house-made dipping sauce. They are the perfect appetizer to start any meal and a true benchmark for the state's signature snack.

2. The Iconic Walleye Sandwich and Friday Fish Fry

The Friday Fish Fry is a sacred tradition in Wisconsin, and The Old Fashioned delivers a standout version. Their Walleye Sandwich, battered and served on a toasted bun, is a menu highlight, often cited alongside their traditional Walleye Platter. This commitment to the fish fry ritual—a cornerstone of the supper club experience—is a major draw, especially for those seeking the authentic Friday night experience.

3. Deep Dive into the Sandwich and Burger Selection

The lunch and dinner menu features an array of sandwiches that use local ingredients and classic tavern preparations. The Wisconsin Burger is a must-try, often topped with local cheese and fixings. Other popular choices include the Wells Farm Patty Melt, the spicy Double Brat, and the Prime Rib Sandwich, which is a nod to the supper club's traditional Saturday night prime rib special. Even vegetarians have options like the hearty Vegetable Sandwich.

The menu also features less common but equally beloved regional items, such as the rich and savory Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup, garnished with popcorn, and the unique Green Bay-Style Chili.

The Old Fashioned Cocktail: A Muddled Masterpiece

The restaurant’s namesake, the Old Fashioned cocktail, is arguably as famous as its food. In Wisconsin, the Old Fashioned is typically made with brandy, not bourbon, and is 'muddled' with sugar, bitters, a cherry, and an orange slice, often topped with a splash of soda (sweet or sour).

The Old Fashioned Restaurant pays meticulous tribute to this regional variation. They are known for their hand-muddled Old Fashioneds, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spirit. While a competitor, Toby's Supper Club, recently won a local "Best Old Fashioned" award in 2025, The Old Fashioned remains a top contender and a pilgrimage site for cocktail purists looking for the genuine Wisconsin experience.

More Than a Meal: Embracing the Wisconsin Supper Club Culture

The concept of the Wisconsin supper club is a cultural phenomenon, and The Old Fashioned is a modern torchbearer. These establishments are traditionally known for being destination restaurants, offering a full evening experience that begins with cocktails at the bar and ends with a hearty meal.

The Old Fashioned captures this essence perfectly. The atmosphere is retro-styled, warm, and inviting, encouraging patrons to linger. The bar boasts an impressive selection of over 50 Wisconsin beers on tap, showcasing the state’s vibrant brewing industry.

The restaurant’s dedication to local sourcing is evident in its Lazy Susans—rotating platters of local Wisconsin artisan cheeses and cured meats—a perfect starter for sharing. This commitment connects the restaurant directly to the state’s agricultural heart, including the world-famous Dane County Farmers' Market, which operates just steps away on the Capitol Square.

The Culinary Connection to Tami Lax and Harvest

The co-ownership by Tami Lax, a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Madison through her work at Harvest Restaurant, ensures that The Old Fashioned’s menu is never static. While the classics remain, the use of seasonal ingredients, such as Door County cherry salad components and locally sourced meats, keeps the offerings fresh and reflective of the current season.

This culinary philosophy elevates the traditional supper club fare from simple comfort food to a true celebration of the region's bounty. It’s this blend of tradition and high-quality sourcing that has kept The Old Fashioned a perennial favorite and a critically acclaimed pillar of the Madison culinary scene since its opening in 2005.

Final Verdict: Why The Old Fashioned Endures in 2025

The Old Fashioned is a restaurant that understands its mission: to pay tribute to "all things WI." Its enduring popularity in 2025 is not just about nostalgia; it’s about execution. The food is consistently excellent, the drinks are authentic, and the atmosphere embodies the welcoming spirit of a classic tavern. Whether you're craving the best cheese curds, a classic Friday Fish Fry, or a perfectly muddled Old Fashioned cocktail, this Madison institution remains the gold standard for an authentic and satisfying taste of Wisconsin.

7 Reasons The Old Fashioned in Madison, WI is Still the Ultimate Wisconsin Supper Club Experience in 2025
the old fashioned restaurant in madison wisconsin
the old fashioned restaurant in madison wisconsin

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