Pooley's Sports Bar and Event Center — Restaurant in Madison

Came here with my family who was visiting from out of state because we used to love the food, atmosphere, free popcorn, and service, but so sad to say this place has completely changed in all of those areas. When we arrived, around noon on a Sunday, I expected to find the parking lot at least half full like it's always been when I've come here. The parking lot was empty. I immediately thought they were closed, but they were open. The inside was completely empty except for two employees. I'd never seen it so empty. The whole restaurant was very dark and freezing cold! My whole party had to wear our winter coats while we ate. Not only that but it took us around 45 min to get our food. Inexcusable when we were the only customers there. I ordered a mountain dew which tasted flat and like cleaning solution. I told the waiter who tested a glass himself and agreed. He said he called the company to fix it. I understand they likely took the free popcorn away due to COVID but I wouldn't know why a waiter couldn't dish it up and bring it to tables. The food was okay but definitely not like it used to be. The fries used to have such a great flavor and taste and this time they had no flavor or taste at all. It was not a good experience and I was embarrassed to have suggested coming here with my visiting family. I don't know if they had a change in ownership or what but it's sadly not the place it used to be and we won't be...

I called early afternoon on a Friday- the person that answered the phone said "Pooley's Hold." (no please or are you able to hold for a minute) I waited for a good 3 minutes and the person came back on line and asked what I needed (not thanks for holding or any of those sorts). I asked them if they had any drink specials for the Big 10 Badger game that night... the guy responded "no not that I know of" (in a tone like "why are you asking this). I said thank you and the guy just hung up ...NO "bye or you're welcome". The entire interaction just turned me off to wanting to go this place. This may sound very nitpicky but customer service and feeling welcome is a big factor into whether or not I will continue to go to a place. I'm a firm believer in always treating your customers with respect, not like they are inconveniencing you when you are asking simple questions. Needless to say the large group of us that were going to go there did not. If I were a business owner I would want to know about this occurrence at my bar/restaurant so I thought I would post this review in hopes that maybe the manager/owner will see it, because I will not be calling there again...

Visited for the first time with me to college boys on the way back to school. They ordered the cheese curds as an appetizer and then their signature Pooly”s sandwich and another signature sandwich. Let’s start with a good. The service was great and friendly it was a little slow, but probably because of staffing. It took me about 20 minutes to get my first beer. We ordered the cheese curds for an appetizer and they were not to the standard. I would expect we got ranch with cheescurds and the ranch had the consistency of water. The sandwich/cheeseburgers toppings were not fresh and contributed to a bad experience trying to finish the $12 cheeseburgers. For a signature burger, they were well below average. I would say the best quality of this place is the atmosphere if you want to watch a ball game it’s a nice place to watch a football game or sporting event. They do have some drinks specials, but mostly just on the big box beer durong the games. Otherwise much more pricey than...