the Cardinal Bar — Restaurant in Madison

Service isn’t just terrible, it’s nonexistent. I went to meet friends as we were celebrating three birthdays, including mine. I also had a visitor from France who was interested in seeing the hot flash nightclub.

In the 20 minutes I stood at the bar, clearly waiting for service, I watched four employees doing shots behind the bar and not paying any attention to who was waiting first. Not once did a single one of them make eye contact with me to let me know they had seen me. I stopped what I assume was a manager (also doing shots) to ask if it was possible to get drinks, and she said she’d send the bartender down. She did not.

My visitor and I left in disgust, walked over to Genna’s, had a drink in hand in under five minutes, and enjoyed the evening air outside.

I am a pleasant customer who always gets served quickly at just about any place. I don’t know why that didn’t happen at the Cardinal, but maybe staff shouldn’t be drinking on the job if they aren’t able to keep up with the flow...

To summarize, I met a friend for drinks at a bar. I observed a fifteen-minute dispute between the bartender and a patron regarding a missing credit card. Following the resolution, the bartender prioritized serving his friends over those who had arrived earlier, including myself. Despite having my credit card ready and being clearly visible, he twice bypassed me to serve his acquaintances. Only after another customer intervened did I finally receive service. I found this unacceptable and chose not to leave a tip, given the exceptionally poor service—the worst I've experienced in over a decade. Further compounding the issue was an unauthorized 20% gratuity added to my bill after I closed my tab. Consumers should be aware of this potential for unwarranted charges. Although I usually tip, even with adequate service, this experience was egregious.

I made every reasonable effort to be served, yet the bartender consistently ignored me.

P.S bill was $18.50 new bill $22.59....

Will never return here or give this establishment my business. I had a disgusting experience with the co owner Carrie Tobias (short bloated women with a sad bob and dilated eyes) as they were closing Saturday night I was waiting 25+ minutes for the bartender to close my check she proceeded to tell her paying customers to “ GET THE F OUT!!” After telling her to not speak to me like this as I’m waiting for my check she verbally assaulted me and proceeded to come outside to attempt to physically fight me a black man with one of her skin head friends i don’t know if this lady has drug issues or what but the way a owner of a business treats her customers who paid money is INSANE I see why they have been closed for years….. what a wicked women they all need serious training on how to operate as a professional business in what world should it take almost 40 minutes to close a $8.44 check? Get some anger...