Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. - Hilldale — Restaurant in Madison

I've been eating at the Great Dane since they first opened on Doty st. and at the one at Hilldale since that one opened. It is characterized by reliably good, if not earth shattering, food and good service. Tonight the service slipped tremendously. My kids and I periodically end up there on Sunday nights after my hockey game. We're seeing an unfortunate trend on Sunday nights where the staff are more focused on cleaning up and watching football than they are on customers. The bartender was pleasant when he got to us, but we were at our table right in his field of view for almost ten minutes before he came over to ask what we wanted to drink. It took another five minutes to bring two root beers and a water and take our order. My water had a lot of ice, which fortunately melted (fortunate as he never check again to see if we wanted refills on anything - to be fair, it was a close game on the TV). When we ordered I asked for a steak knife with my son's burger so we could cut it in half. It didn't come with the food. The woman that brought the food asked if we needed anything else. I asked her for the steak knife. She said "of course" and then we never saw her again. Eventually I managed to catch the bartenders attention while he was cleaning glassware and got our knife. I should probably have asked him for water, as we didn't see him again until I got his attention to ask him to bring to go boxes and the check. To be clear, it was not busy, so being short staffed, if they are, isn't the reason this happened. Frankly, while reliable, the food isn't all that great. What made this place viable for me was the service and the hours. They're really slipping on...

Overly ambitious and poorly executed menu with mediocre service, only slightly boosted by a just barely good enough beer selection.

The location is cool, with a few private rooms available and other seating options. Plenty of parking and right by Hilldale. Our server was the first issue. She was very efficient dealing with a large group, but I didn’t see a glimmer of positivity from her the whole time. I understand serving is a hard job, but part of the challenge comes from providing customers with a good experience. Like I said, she still did an excellent job getting orders taken and served.

The beer selection leaves a lot to be desired. As a light beer guy, there was only one wheat beer of interest to me. I would not have found anything else to my liking if I wanted to try another beer. They have several beers that cover the basics, but not much variety beyond that.

The menu is way too broad. They have options including Mexican, African, Mediterranean, Asian, and plenty of Americana. This should be a red flag for anyone. Very few restaurants can actually succeed in quality across so many cuisines, and the Great Dane is certainly not one of them.

My carnitas tacos came with a huge portion. I eat a lot normally and still ended up boxing one to go. The rice and beans were okay. The tortillas were weirdly chewy. The meat was really dry. I would’ve much preferred less food and higher quality. The others at my table had similar experiences.

This restaurant needs to pare back the menu, perhaps focusing on customer favorites only. Until then, it’ll keep on dishing up heaping portions...

The Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company delivers a consistently enjoyable dining experience marked by excellent food, a wide beer selection, and outstanding service. During a recent visit, the standout dish was the steak frites—perfectly prepared to order, tender, and flavorful, with a generous serving of crisp, well-seasoned fries and a house-made sauce that added just the right touch. It’s clear that attention to detail is a priority in the kitchen, as each component of the dish was well-executed and thoughtfully presented.

Beyond the food, the pub’s beer selection is another highlight. With a broad range of in-house brews on tap—from light and refreshing lagers to robust stouts and hop-forward IPAs—there’s something to suit every palate. The rotating seasonal offerings add variety and reflect the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Staff are knowledgeable about the beer menu and happy to offer samples or pairing suggestions, which enhances the overall experience.

Service is another area where the Great Dane excels. The team is professional, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive. From the moment you’re seated to the final check, there’s a strong sense of hospitality and care. The atmosphere is lively yet comfortable, making it a great spot for both casual dinners and more special occasions.

Overall, the Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company offers a reliably strong combination of great food, excellent beer, and exceptional service. It’s a well-run establishment that continues to deliver on all fronts and is well...