The Spot

Service was very friendly and our meal was delicious! We had the Salmon and the Beef Sirloin, both portions we generous.

One of my favorite «spots» in Madison. Cocktails are good, Gorgonzola chips are great. Good is always tasty and has a cozy atmosphere.

The menu is small and cohesive, you really can’t make a bad selection. Make sure to get a window seat so you get the best view of Madison’s finest architecture.

This review is more of a 3.5 than a 3. With the success of places like Forequarter, I can’t quite figure how new restaurants open with the same derivative menus: half sandwiches, the other half predictable entrées like mussels, steak, risotto. Although the veggie burger is one of the best in town, The Spot doesn’t offer anything new or different. The dining room is charming and the service is good, but its all-​around sameness is frustrating. There is clearly a competent, thoughtful cook in the kitchen, but s/​he needs to take greater risks for greater rewards. This place has great potential to be a high class neighborhood joint if it pared down the menu to a few classics and a few gutsier show stoppers.

Excellent food — from the cocktails to soup to the walleye to the flourless cake. The staff are very friendly and competent.

This was a great choice off the beaten path in Madison. The home fried kettle chips were a great appetizer. I had the salad with salmon & my friend had the steak. Small place with wine & beer available. Would be a great place for a date

The service here was amazing, but the food wasn’t exactly what I want in food. My favorite food is mashed potatoes, so I ordered the citrus mash… The citrus taste lingered in my mouth and I had to salt the food to be able to eat it. I also ordered the chicken sandwich (without prosciutto because I don’t eat prosciutto), and it was okay. Good, but not a very different taste. The reason why I didn’t want to rate this place lower is because the service was really great. The waiter was very helpful and the food came out quick. They also have a pretty good selection of beer!

This was a random pick. My roommate and I were starving and we were excited to make this an adventure. It had good reviews on Unilocal so we decided to meet our friend there.
The beer selection was great, but my favorite summer drink (Oberon) was not available. It was the first on the beer list and unfortunately they were out of it. I ended up ordering the Two Women and it was delicious.
We ordered the Gorgonzola Chips (no bacon) and it was pretty good but the chips taste burnt but we’re not physically burned. I ordered the Bacon Gorgonzola Burger medium well. It was great. The bacon was delicious and the burger was cooked perfectly. The citrus mash was unique… different. I wouldn’t get it again. Go for a different side.
One of my friends ordered the clam chowder and I wished I had also ordered it. It smelled delicious.
It wasn’t as busy when we arrived but after a while it picked up. It’s a smaller space and they do take reservations.
Service was excellent. We had Quinn who was attentive and very knowledgeable.
I’ll be back for sure. It seems like their specialty is seafood and I love seafood. I was just in the mood for some bacon. :)
The only reason is didn’t get high reviews was because of the citrus mash and they ran out of Oberon. :(other than that, excellent service, good location, and good bacon!

Get away from the Capital Square for dinner!
We love ‘The Spot’ for a nice date. Small and cozy Atmosphere. Great food selection priced well for the high quality. Service has always been friendly and informative.

The Spot is definitely a hidden gem in Madison and easily one of my favorite restaurants. I’ve never been disappointed with any meal I’ve had. They have an adorable back patio, but the seating inside is also nice and cozy. The back room with the bar is a great place for a group meal. For brunch, you get $ 3 off your first drink (I think that’s the deal) and I highly recommend the chorizo omelette… it’s my fave. On Mondays, they have half off wine all night! I love their grape salad and albondigas, but honestly anything you get will be a win because it’s all delicious. They also always have great specials. The staff is extremely friendly too. You won’t be let down!

I’ve been to The Spot twice now, and have had pleasant experiences both times.
The first time I went was a beautiful Friday evening, and my boyfriend and I sat on their back patio and had a pre-​dinner drink. I had a cocktail called something like the Northern Girl, which had whiskey and hard cider among other things, and was strong and tasty (a hard combination to achieve!). The back patio is very comfortable, and has about 5 tables, one of which has what looks to be a grill. You’re right up against other people’s back yards, but there is a barrier to give everyone a little privacy.
We enjoyed our patio drinks so much that we decided to come back for dinner another night. My boyfriend and I like to share items at restaurants, and I usually state this when I order. The chef actually divided both of the entrees in half, giving us each our own portions. This was super considerate, and is actually the first time any restaurant has done this for us.
The highlight of the meal was the «Saltimbocca-​wich,» which we got with the potato salad and mustard greens. YUM. The potato salad is made with a light oil and vinegar dressing, whole-​grain mustard, and diced red onion and carrot. Flavorful, light, delicious. The sandwich has a sage-​infused chicken breast, prosciutto, mozzarella, and a caper aioli. Not diet fare, but really flavorful and really good. It made me want to come back and try their burger, so I can have an excuse to try another of their yummy-​sounding side dishes (braised red cabbage and bacon? OK!).
The «Poor Man’s Paella» was just OK. There was a nice amount of shrimp and chorizo, but despite that, it just lacked flavor. Perhaps it is named that because it lacks saffron (a really, really expensive seasoning)? But this could have been made up for in some other way, perhaps with a little more heat, or more acid. There just wasn’t that richness and depth of flavor that I hope for in a paella.
The décor is well done. For such a small space, they make use of every square foot, and the booths are made from a well polished, beautiful wood. If you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth stopping in for at least a cocktail! They have a happy hour Monday through Thursday, 5 – 7, half off on beer and wine and $ 2 off cocktails. I know what I’m doing next week.

Definitely a spot, a fine spot, but I’m not sure I would call it THE spot.
Some friends and I went for brunch after trying to go to Sophia’s when it was closed. The service was notably slooooow and the food was decent, but pretty average. Nothing on the menu was super enticing so I went with one of the scramblers. It was tasty and well seasoned, but overall a small portion that wasn’t much to write home about.
I wouldn’t take stars off for this or anything but the menu isn’t really cohesive. In addition to some breakfast items you’ll find a Mediterranean platter… and scallops… scallops? Lol. I wonder if anyone’s ordered them for brunch there.
Anyway, I wouldn’t hate to go back, but wouldn’t go out of my way either.

Oh shoot, I wanted to love you, but I don’t.
Part of my experience with The Spot was great, don’t get me wrong. I came on a Wednesday night and they were booked with reservations, but tried their very best to fit my party of three in. I really appreciated that level of hospitality.
While we waited by the bar, we tried a couple of drinks. The kind bartender whipped up my order, Boo’s New Dog, which consists of local vodka, campari and a passion fruit purée. It was made well, but not for my taste. My cousin ordered the double apple old fashioned, which was very reminiscent of her favorite whiskey, fireball. She seemed to enjoy it well enough.
After a short while, and what I’m assuming was a cancellation, we were seated. We had a kind server, ordered our appetizer of their Gorgonzola chips and our meals. The chips came out very quickly, sprinkled with tasty bacon, but that’s their highlight. They were quite unflattering in taste and presentation, in my opinion.
We ordered the Fish Fry, the Spot burger, and the Saltimbocca-​wich for our entrees and the presentation was nice. The sandwich and the burger came on a ciabatta bun but our meals fell flat. The chicken was odd in texture — very squishy and unpleasant. The burger was very small compared to the bun, and the meat did not taste like it was worth $ 10.50. I tried the fish and it was very bland. For my side I chose the potato salad which was just too sweet and hard to stomach.
This is all quite subjective as we all have different taste, but it’s definitely not the spot for me.

This place is very cute and inviting but also relatively small.
I went here for a friend’s birthday dinner, and she made reservations for a group of 8 — good call.
I ordered the Poor Man’s Paella, which was very flavorful and unique. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and the chorizo added just the right about of Spanish style spice.
If you’re in the mood for a fresh, clean drink, I highly recommend the Basil Gimlet.
We also shared three appetizers for the table. Albondigas — delicious, Scallops — perfectly cooked and accompanied by a cilantro pesto, and Gorgonzola chips, good but I didn’t love.
My fiancé ordered a burger (man of simple taste but knows his burgers) and he was a bit underwhelmed.
Overall, service was great and my friend genuinely enjoyed her dinner.

So when you hear of a place named «The Spot» you think. well it must be pretty damn good and assuming it’s «The Spot» to go to. and based off other Unilocalers reviews, I was expecting some awesome food. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed.
Not saying my whole experience here was a bust, the service was fantastic, and the environment was great!
Walked in and they were fully packed with people at every table, so we waited by the bar and got a drink to pass time. I ended up getting the Double Apple Old Fashion. pretty good. It had a cinnamon kick to it. which reminded me of Fireball whiskey almost (Which I love.) After waiting for about 15 — 20 minutes we got a table and started to check out the menu. We started off with the Gorgonzola Chips which were homemade potato chips, topped with Gorgonzola cheese, white pepper crema, and basil. They were pretty good, I had to add a little Tabasco to mine though.
I ended up ordering the Saltimbocca-​wich, which was a Chicken breast on a chiabatta bun, topped with prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, and caper aioli. With a side of their potato salad. Sadly I was very unimpressed with my sandwich. It sounded so fantastic, but it had almost a fishy flavor to it… which sounds so weird, but they had their fish fry going on that night. I just couldn’t get over the taste of fish on my chicken sandwich.
But like I stated above. The service was truly outstanding, which didn’t totally kill my experience at The Spot.

We were attending a holiday theater event on Capital Square so we wanted somewhere close for an early dinner. We wanted nice but not self-​important, precious over-​expensive «fine dining». We wanted modern, neighborhood place with a calm feel and decent wine. The Spot hit … (wait for it)… the spot!
The spousal unit started with a vodka basil gimlet (nice) had the Cioppino (very nice) and a roasted root vegetable salad. The roots lacked a ‘roasted’ taste and needed a bit more tarragon vinaigrette dressing (which was quickly provided). I had the excellent poor man’s paella (giant shrimp!), a simple Caesar salad and a glass of very nice Oregon Pinot Noir.
The Spot offers an extended happy hour 4−7PM and half-​price wine Mondays. Go check it out. Every neighborhood should have a place like this. Spot on!

I am happy to report that The Spot has regained my approval and my business. Four of us arrived around 5:30 on a Sunday evening. A few tables were busy but we were able to score a window table. The server was prompt, helpful and friendly. Two of us had cocktails which were excellent and reasonably priced.
I had the evening special, walleye, which was served with rice and kale. The fish was one filet, nicely spiced with a lightly crisped skin. It was delicious. Two of my companions had the salmon which was served with the same sides and one had the pasta and added chicken. Everyone was very satisfied. The fish eaters joined the «clean plate club». Half the pasta went home with my friend.
I am glad The Spot survived the never ending construction on Johnson St. I look forward to going back soon.

A friend that’s native to Madison recommended this restaurant for an early Saturday dinner, and I owe him thanks for that.
This very unassuming, yet simplistically charming place boasts great food and service. It’s in a place that may have been an old corner store or deli years ago. One must traverse a large set of brick stairs from the street to access the dining room.
The layout is a bit odd but appears to have been confined by some immovable structures. What results is a small front dining room and a smaller back dining room with a bar. But the outdoor patio deck is certainly the coveted location. It’s a beautiful oasis and you won’t even know you are in the city. More simple décor, like the interior, creates a warm and inviting environment.
Cocktails were pretty fantastic. My friend ordered a Vodka and Tonic ($ 6) for a tall with call Vodka from local darling Yahara Bay. And my Bloody Mary ($ 7) had a great depth of flavor. There was a definitive garlic taste but that was nicely balanced by worcestershire and celery salt. A sold cocktail for sure.
The friend I was dining with is celiac, and we had no problem ordering within those limits. Our server was very knowledgeable and extremely accomodating to our questions.
We started the meal with an order of Gorgonzola Chips ($ 6). Thick cut house made potato chips are topped with a melted gorgonzola cream sauce built with cream, white pepper and basil. This version of this dish fared much better than others that I’ve had elsewhere. This sauce did not seize and stayed creamy and decadent the entire time we noshed. And the basil was added in the perfect amount to been seen and tasted, but not to steal the show from the bold blue.
Our second starter was the Vegetarian Trio ($ 10). Three spreads; white bean and herb hummus, black olive tapenade and mihara were served aside house pickled grapes and carrots, goat cheese stuffed dates, figs, gluten free crostini and rice crackers. The spreads were all great, each with a very deep and distinct flavor. The pickled items balanced the richness of the spreads well. And the figs and dates added just a touch of needed sweet. It was very apparent that this was a very well thought out dish and for that we were very appreciative.
Our shared entrée was the Poor Man’s Paella ($ 16). Large shrimp, spicy chorizo, and basmati rice were seasoned by a blend of fresh diced tomatoes, bell peppers, paprika, fresh garlic, chili paste and fino sherry. The base flavors were good but the overall dish was slightly overcooked and dry. Just a tad more tomato and a bit less cooking and it would have been perfectly delightful.
All three dishes were very plentiful and we could have been satisfied ending out meal there. But two words changed all that: Panna Cotta. Specifically Homemade Mango Panna Cotta with Coconut Cream ($ 6). This was one of the best panna cottas I’ve ever had! The consistency was nearly that of flan and mango permeated every delectable bite. The coconut cream topping was comprised of a lightly toasted coconut that brought out the richness which was a nice compliment to the naturally sweetened mango. It was a great choice that I would make again in a heartbeat.
With great service and a nearly flawless meal I will certainly make the choice to return here next time I’m in town. And within minutes of leaving we were certain to send a message of gratitude to our friends that made the awesome recomendation, so I’m happy to pass that favor along to you and encourage you to check this place out.

I stopped by The Spot for dinner with a friend last week and was pleasantly surprised! I was a bit skeptical walking over that day because to be honest, I’d never heard of The Spot before.
We split the artichoke ramekin (thanks to Unilocal reviews) and both ended up getting the special that day which was walleye with mashed potatoes and asparagus with gravy. Both were truly delicious! The ramekin came with crostini and rice crackers – I liked both but favored the rice crackers. Normally, I’m the kinda girl who LOVES anything creamy. So when I realized that the artichoke dip, mashed potatoes, and gravy were not creamy, I was surprised at how much I loved it. It was pretty busy for a weekday but our server was kind and prompt and he left nothing to be desired! The pricing is reasonable and this seems like a good place to go for a nice and casual meal. I actually really love the space as it’s smaller with dark wood floors and nice booths. It definitely feels homey and relaxed which is an atmosphere I enjoy.
Also they have a great happy hour: Half Price Taps & Glasses of Wine, and $ 2 off Specialty Cocktails. The basil gimlet sounded great but I wasn’t feeling up for a drink so I had the citrus-​basil soda instead, which was sweet and refreshing.
I hadn’t heard about The Spot before I went, which is crazy because I live right down the street! I’m sure many other Madison locals might not have either and I HIGHLY recommend that you all check this place out and give it a go. I know I had a really great night, and will definitely be back in the future.

This has got to be the newest hidden gem in Madison! How could I have missed this for so long. Thank you to fellow Unilocalers for pointing this treasure out! Please, it is worth effort to come by even though the roads are torn off right now. It is right next to Sophia’s bakery. I’m surprised how pretty it is, wooden floors and wooden booths. the table is kinda wide but if you wanna be intimate, you can sit next to your favorite person instead of on the other side.
Service was top notch, Emily is one of my favorite servers in Madison. She was really humorous and attentive, friendly, making us feel right at home. She even gave us a coupon at the end of the meal to encourage us to visit again! That, and the happy hour Monday to Friday 5−7pm.
The food was amazing, I can’t wait to try more!
Artichoke ramekin — the best rendition of artichoke. so good you can’t stop dipping. I do prefer the crostini and bread for dipping than rice crackers
Quinoa risotto — flavor was amazing. loved the mushrooms and asparagus. quinoa in a risotto, the best idea ever!!!
Salmon — it had good flavor, but I might not get it again next time. loved the pairing with mushrooms, spinach and rice
The best part, they are open on Sundays! I would like to try the patio next time, and I can’t wait to be back again! Thank you for making my Sunday a better day!