I don’t know about you, but sometimes I crave a good steak and, luckily, Madison has a number of excellent steakhouses where I can feed that craving. We’ll be skipping the national chain restaurants in this list and sticking to our very own homegrown, amazing steakhouses.
Tornado Steak House – 116 South Hamilton St.
Whether you prefer an early, full-service dinner or something to soak up the cocktails after a night of clubbing, head downtown to Tornado Steak House. Diners that arrive between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. get the classy treatment with white-linen tablecloths and award-winning food. After 10 you can order from the late-night menu and you’ll be relegated to the bar and lounge area for the slightly less formal service.
The late-night menu doesn’t skimp, however, but offers Coquilles St. Jacques, escargots, an 8-ounce sirloin and even a steak sandwich. We’re rather fond of the bacon bleu cheese burger.
If you opt for the fancier service in the dining room, look for the 25-ounce ribeye or the walleye, depending on your mood. You can make check out the menu online and then call 608-256-3570 to reserve a table.
Wonder Bar Steakhouse – 222 E Olin Ave.
You will have absolutely no doubt when you walk in the door at Wonder Bar that you’re at a steakhouse; the place oozes an old-school vibe, no doubt a nod to the ghosts of its gangster past. The food will put away any lingering doubts, especially if you try the signature steak – 14 ounces of deliciousness – and the hash browns on the side.While it’s rare to find a restaurant with consistently good service, Wonder Bar seems to manage just fine, at least every time we’ve visited.
Check out the drink menu while you’re there. Most are named after gangsters and we’re fond of the Bonnie & Clyde, made with vanilla vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur and Irish crème. Yum.
Make reservations by calling 608-256-9430. You’ll find the menu online here.
Rare Steakhouse - 14 W Mifflin St.
Can you say lobster mac & cheese? Popovers? Sure, Rare is a steakhouse, maybe one of the best in Madison, but it’s their extras that keep us going back. Of course perfect service doesn’t hurt either. If you believe that dining out should be an experience, you owe it to yourself to experience Rare. Dinner is served on Sundays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., on Mondays through Thursdays until 10 p.m. and on Saturday until 11 p.m. Call Rare for reservations at 608-204-9000, or reserves your table online at rareonthesquare.com.
Posted by Jolenta Averill on