Hinkle's Sandwich Shop — Restaurant in Madison

I ONLY RATED THE FOOD DOWN FOR THE PORTION SIZE, WHICH I WILL EXPLAIN, so please read on.

I had wanted to try Hinkle's for years, but we most often find ourselves in Madison during the history home tour and like every restaurant downtown, Hinkle's is really busy that weekend. We went down just for fun this weekend though, so that was my shot!! It did not disappoint and literally the ONLY reason I rated the food as I did is that I was very surprised to find the burgers are very small -- slider size, really.

I'm not mad about that, but I was surprised and since I only eat one meal a day, I was HUNGRY. I ordered a double cheeseburger and when it was served, everyone at my table was shocked at how small it was. Perhaps the locals are well aware, but I was not. I wish the menu gave a better description of what to expect. I would have easily put down 2 double cheeseburgers. Or course, by the time I got it, I would have been holding up everyone else in my party if I ordered another, so I let it "slide," (pun intended).

My husband got a ham and cheese and was quite happy with it. Both of my parents got the fish and really liked it. We also ordered some onion rings and tater tots, which were delicious. I couldn't help but notice that the table next to us also ordered onion rings and there order seemed to have a LOT more in it than ours. Even between the two orders at our table, there was a big difference. The sides are NOT inexpensive, so it would be nice to at least have some consistency.

And speaking of price -- it's not bad for the quality of the food, but a little disappointing for the portion sizes.

I would DEFINITELY eat there again, but I would order more than one burger. I'm writing the review so that others can make an informed decision.

Oh, I also got a "wedding cake shake," and it was DELICIOUS.

Service was great, even though they were very busy. We were served promptly and with courtesy.

To be clear, my biggest problem is that the menu is not descriptive of the size of burger. There is no patty weight indicated and no mention of it being a...

Let me start by saying that if you're looking for a sandwich that feels like a warm hug from a food deity, Hinkle's is the place. But don’t just come for the sliders (though, spoiler alert, they’re life-changing), come for the milkshakes that taste like they were mixed by angels who just got a promotion. Seriously, these shakes are so thick, I had to use a spoon to eat mine. My jaw got a workout, and I’m not even mad about it.

Now, let’s talk about the service. I don’t know if it’s the sliders or the fact that my waitress is always a hottie (or a mystical combination of both), but I feel like royalty every time I step through the door. It's like the universe aligned, sending me a warm breeze of charm with each order. Honestly, I’m pretty sure she could serve me a bread sandwich and I’d still leave thinking I had the best meal of my life.

But back to the food – the sliders. Oh boy, these little bad boys could make a grown man weep. Perfectly grilled, so tender, and just the right amount of flavor. They're like the perfect balance between a snack and a full meal. Every bite feels like you’re being wrapped in a warm blanket of deliciousness. I don’t know how they fit so much magic into such a small bun, but I'm not complaining.

In conclusion, if you haven’t been to Hinkle’s, what are you doing with your life? You’re missing out on sliders that could be their own love language and milkshakes that should probably come with a warning. Oh, and shoutout to my waitress, who might just be the 8th wonder of the world. Would I go back? Absolutely, I’ll be there tomorrow, probably just to see her smile… and maybe grab a slider or two,...

This place is a staple in Madison and has been in the same location since 1933. Located in downtown madison, this quaint gem has street parking, delicious food, and an atmosphere that is nostalgic and welcoming. As soon as we parked (half a block away) and got out of the car, we were hit with an aroma that they should bottle up and sell as a candle. Instantly took me back to a time that was much simpler. The hubs and i decided to sit on the bar side(there are 2 entrances to this slice of heaven, 1 being a bar only with about 10 stools and the other being a regular diner.) And our experience was good. We walked in and were greeted by the person behind the counter. She was wearing a smile and was very nice. We ordered and were able to watch the burgers being cooked. I had a double cheeseburger with tots, and hubs got 2 doubles and onion rings. The burgers are a little bit bigger than a white castle but are still considered sliders. They're Smashed and cooked with grilled onions. It takes longer for them to cook than it takes to eat, but they are so worth it! If you're traveling around Madison and want a quick, cheap, delicious smash burger slider, then please give this place a chance! You won't regret it, and your taste buds will...