Heritage Tavern — Restaurant in Madison

DO NOT TRUST THIS COMPANY FOR YOUR WEDDING! I began working with Heritage 18 months before my wedding (June 2020). We were assigned /met our coordinator who was was brand new to the company & I had concerns from day one (our tasting). She was flighty in conversation and email. We went weeks w/o receiving our updated proposal after our tasting and there were numerous errors. I out of the blue received an email from her 1/24/20 stating "the 29th will be my last day" and that I would be connected with my new coordinators before then. I did not receive another email until 2/18/20. I set a phone call with the new coordinator for 2/24/20, I was under the impression this was to get to know her. I found out on this date that my entire proposal was done incorrectly, "approved" incorrectly, and "could not be executed as promised". By done incorrectly I'm talking about price per item, # of chefs, #of servers needed... Apparently the coordinator I had been working with wasn't doing her job correctly and was let go. Multiple proposals were found to be under-priced just like mine. She told me our event was going to be severely understaffed and the food would be compromised. She said we needed another chef at least. She suggested changing our salad to family style. She also suggested changing our cocktail hour appetizers to stationary. She also suggested changing the structure of our entrees. I firmly stated we would not be giving the company another $. They were at the top of our budget and the changes they were suggesting totaled over $3K. I also firmly stated I would not be compromising on service - we chose a plated service and we had already ordered our invitations and RSVP cards w/ meal choice. She discussed making changes to our selections, stating "we can't lose money on an event". I remained calm all the while thinking none of this is my fault and now I have to change my plans? I panicked knowing with less than 4 months to go the likelihood of finding another caterer was slim. I was open to changing how dishes were plated and the construction of our chicken dish. I felt I was being very flexible when I could have been enraged throughout the conversation. We went forward with changing that and I was under the impression everything was all set. Next, COVID-19 struck and we ended up postponing to next year, June 2021, for everyone's health and safety. Heritage was our only vendor not timely in their response to postponement. It took 2 weeks for them to confirm they were available our new date. We finally got a response from our now 4th coordinator saying we were re-booked for our new date. We had an email exchange about adding linens to our proposal (something I had asked for 4x) which she agreed to do. When I got the proposal back once again there were no linens added, but there were an extra $3000 worth of charges - an increase in the cost of bread, salad, one of our apps, an additional chef, and three additional servers. Also a new travel fee. I asked to speak with the manager of the catering dept. I got an email response saying my contract would be terminated and my deposit would be returned because "we haven’t met your expectations. Also, it is very likely we will not, now nor in the future meet your expectations". We never even got an apology. This company put me through HELL for months and just dropped us to find a new caterer without ever having a real conversation with us. DO NOT BOOK WITH THEM. They do not care about you or your day. They are poorly...

I would like to preface this review by noting that I initially considered rating Heritage Tavern at 3.5 out of 5 stars. However, I decided to give it 4 stars due to the exceptional service and the outstanding waitress we had.

Heritage Tavern occupies a unique price range within the Madison food scene. It is more expensive than establishments such as Food Fight restaurants or local spots like Merchant and Sardine, yet it remains more affordable than premium options like L'Etoile or Pig In A Fur Coat. The only other restaurant at a similar price point that comes to mind is Mint Mark.

I visited with a group of five, and we opted for the "Pick 6" charcuterie board, two orders of crispy pork belly and blackfin tuna, and a broccolini small plate to share. The cheese selection was impressive, offering plenty of variety. The crispy pork belly and blackfin tuna were well-balanced and enjoyable. However, the broccolini dish was somewhat disappointing, as it turned out to be broccoli instead.

For my drink, I had the blueberry caipirinha, which was satisfactory but not particularly innovative. My entrée was the pork porterhouse, which I found to be slightly dry. I acknowledge that this may be due to personal preference rather than a fault of the kitchen. The accompanying potatoes and asparagus, enhanced by the au jus from the pork, were quite delicious.

For dessert, I chose the chocolate mousse, which was excellent. My only suggestion would be to include more of the orange cream on top, as it provided a distinctive citrus note. Overall, while I would return to Heritage Tavern for special occasions, it would not become a regular spot for me. One of my friends ordered the pork schnitzel and later remarked that, while it was enjoyable, it did not offer sufficient value to justify its higher price compared to more...

My recent dining experience at Heritage Tavern in Madison, Wisconsin, was nothing short of remarkable. As soon as we entered, we were immersed in a classic and intimate atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. The restaurant's design, with its ambient lighting and vintage fixtures, created a sense of elegance and warmth, complementing the quiet hum of conversation around us.

The meal itself was a gastronomic journey, showcasing the best of Wisconsin’s produce. Each dish was a testament to the skill and creativity of the kitchen, with succulent meats and fresh, vibrant vegetables prepared to highlight their natural flavors. The courses were like a well-told story, each presenting a unique blend of textures and flavors that danced on the palate. It was evident that the chefs pay meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element on the plate comes together harmoniously.

What elevated the dining experience, beyond the incredible food, was the level of service. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to make recommendations. They played a significant role in making our evening memorable.

Additionally, for wine enthusiasts, the selection here is impressive. The well-curated wine list provides perfect pairings for the dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

One more highlight worth mentioning is the tavern's commitment to local sourcing. It's not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Wisconsin’s culinary heritage. This approach not only supports local farmers and producers but also ensures the freshest and highest quality ingredients are used.

If you're looking for more than a dining destination, Heritage Tavern is a place where every visit promises a new and exciting...