Anyone who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s will recognize the vibe as they walk up to the door at Tornado in Madison. The classic signage, for starters, is a dead giveaway that you’re dining experience will be quintessentially old-school steak house. Inside, you’ll be proven right, with the dark wood and low lights so native to America’s supper club atmosphere. It’s the ideal Wisconsin eatery to channel your inner Don Draper.
What to Expect
We love Tornado’s wonderful menu that includes our favorite, the filet au poivre but also rack of lamb, venison, several seafood choices and a lovely appetizer menu (Coquilles St. Jacques!). All entrées, by the way, are served with your choice of soup or salad and potato or vegetable side.
Something we would’ve never seen on a menu of the past is that the game, poultry and beef that Tornado serves “is raised naturally without hormones or antibiotics.” Guilt-free meat consumption – gotta love that!
Weekends at Tornado means nightly specials. Friday is fish fry night, on Saturday you’ll enjoy prime rib and Sunday you’ll be a “winner-winner” with chicken dinner.
Tornado is a popular spot for the late-night crowd not just for their specialty cocktails but for the late-night menu served from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. in the bar and lounge area (try the steak sandwich or the smoked Munster burger). The Corral Room, downstairs is a fun spot to meet friends after a night on the town.
Tornado is open for dinner from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. (the bar opens at 4:30). You’ll need reservations as they tend to be busy, especially on weekends. Reserve your table by calling 608-256-3570. They don’t accept reservations via email. The restaurant is located at 116 S Hamilton St. in Madison.
Posted by Jolenta Averill on