Reviews - Settle Down Tavern
Reviews summary
Was Benjamin Muir at Settle Down Tavern a mag?
I visited Settle Down Tavern with a group of four to celebrate a birthday. While the food quality wasn’t outstanding, the overall experience made up for it. We all had burgers with fries—the burgers were a bit too salty but still tasty, and the fries were decent but nothing special. The Cheese Curds, however, are a must-try, especially paired with their house-made ranch dressing. The atmosphere was fantastic, with so... View all feedback.
What Kelly marquardt dislikes about Settle Down Tavern:
The food was not great. The lamb sandwich was dry and tasted like it was a thawed frozen patty. The fries were okay, but I didn't care for the sauces. Overall, the prices are quite high for what you receive, and the portion sizes are very small. The service was... View all feedback.
Reviews from various users
Last update : 30.12.2023
The settle down tavern was a great spot to just sit and chat over a meal. We were seated in the Atrium space in the middle and overall the atmosphere was fantastic.The staff was all fast, friendly, and attentiveAll of the food was well made and came with pretty generous portion sizes.
The food is extremely overpriced, and the portions are surprisingly small. The smash burger, while tasty, is $13 and comes with two very thin patties on a tiny bun. If you want fries, that's an additional $4.50 for a small serving. I'd much prefer to go to 'Bou, Baldwin Street, or any number of East Side dive bars, where I can get a full-sized burger, a basket of fries, and a couple of beers for the price of just two tap beers here. The space is nice, but the prices are just too high for what you get. This is Madison, WI – not Midtown Manhattan.
Charming little tavern in downtown Madison with a cozy atmosphere. The food is excellent, particularly the smash burger and beet salad. The service is also great!
I was especially hungry and eager for food. Eventually, after placing our drink orders, my fiancé received an Old Fashioned that was overwhelmingly bitter, while my girlfriend had a martini-like drink that was just average. I ordered a Tito’s and Red Bull, but they were out of Red Bull, so I asked for a simple glass of Cabernet. To my surprise, they didn’t have that either and instead offered me a list of wine-like beverages, at which point I was ready to just stick with water. We decided to share a small beet salad while waiting for our friends to finish their tiny sandwiches, but it wasn't worth what we paid. By the time we got the bill, other places nearby had already closed, leaving us feeling hungry and sober after our first experience downtown. As someone who works in the service industry, I would rather eat ham wraps from my cooler in the hotel than return. Overall, Settle Down Tavern, your service and food didn't impress at all.
I absolutely love Settle Down Tavern. My first visit was on the first warm spring day, just as the patio opened—an uplifting sign of life returning after a long COVID winter. I started with a Young Blood Brewery IPA, which was delicious, and enjoyed soaking in the sun and vibrant atmosphere. For food, I chose the daily special burger, and it completely blew me away. While I can’t recall all the ingredients, it was a brilliant fusion of Asian flavors expertly crafted into a classic American smash burger. Since then, I’ve been back many times. The cocktails are fantastic, though I’m a creature of habit when it comes to beer—I keep ordering that Young Blood IPA, perfectly balanced with citrus notes, subtle sweetness, and just a touch of bitterness. On other visits, I’ve enjoyed the crisp, refreshing mixed greens dressed with lemon tarragon, the Cheeseball Potter’s Pretzels which pair flawlessly with my beer, the Devil Birds—a creative take on deviled eggs that I’ve reordered multiple times—and The Good Idea Burger, another expertly made smash burger. Settle Down Tavern is truly nailing it on every visit.
Last update : 11.01.2024
This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in downtown, and possibly in all of Madison! It’s the first place I take visitors or friends returning to the city after a long time away. The cocktails are amazing, the food is delicious, and they have gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options available. You can also choose your preferred ambiance, whether you want to sit in the tavern with a traditional supper club vibe or in the atrium with its high glass ceilings and lush greenery. I highly recommend it!
I had an amazing first experience at Settle Down Tavern! The indoor and outdoor dining spaces are absolutely charming. My sister and I both tried the PRIT' NEAR burger with a beef patty and shared a side of French fries. We both agreed it was the best burger we've ever tasted, and the paprika mayo on the fries was simply delightful! I also enjoyed a Moscow Mule and a glass of rosé, which paired perfectly with the burger—I highly recommend trying it. The glassware was stunning, too. To top it all off, the service was fantastic. Our server, Trey, was among the best I've ever encountered; he explained the menu thoroughly and made us feel relaxed and well taken care of. While it’s a bit pricey for the portions, the deliciousness makes it worth it. I definitely plan to return!
I really love the ambiance of this restaurant. The blue subway tiles and the 1950s diner-style tables and chairs create a great vibe, and I appreciate that they offer both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is nice and concise, featuring some unique options. My only wish is that the burgers came with fries or chips; the plate looks a bit empty with just the burger, but I still enjoyed it!
The service was enthusiastic and attentive. While the beer selection was somewhat limited for a restaurant in Madison, the dinner options were also minimal. However, everything we tried was absolutely delicious.
We meant to have a cocktail at The Merchant before our dinner reservation, but ended up here instead, and I’m so glad we did! It turned out to be a wonderful new cocktail experience. I ordered the gin drink on the left, and it was a refreshing and unique twist on a classic gin cocktail, with fascinating tomato notes. My partner tried the drink on the right and enjoyed it just as much.
