Turn Key Supper Club — Restaurant in Madison

Don't even know what say after the most bizarre experience I've ever had in a place. We walked in to the bar, and the bartender asked if we wanted a table, we explained we wanted some drinks and we'd prefer a table (there were many in the bar). He said before we sat anywhere, we needed to see the host. We go to the host, and ask to be seated. The host says we need to go sit at the bar, we explain that the bar had sent us to him because we wanted to sit at a table and have drinks. He says we should go in the bar, and we say again that the bartender told us to sit at any table we needed to see the host. I then said, 'gee I never thought it would be so complicated to get a drink in Madison!' The host stood there, and I think he didn't know what to do, so he tells us "he's not going to take this anymore" and tells US to get out. Now, the employees behind him were shaking their heads gesturing "I don't know" at us and we're also in disbelief. And this poor little man at the host with dark rim glasses at the host station is throwing out two, adult women who have done nothing but ask to be seated. It was absolutely bizarre behavior. In my entire life I have never seen someone act so strange, and then just say WE needed to leave. Both of us were shocked and couldn't figure out what had happened. Now, if he wanted to save tables for only those ordering food, I could understand that and "use your words" and tell us that or just say, "were you going to order food? Or even, "would you like to see the menu to see if you'd like to order food?" We would have understood the need to get food to get a table, but to say nothing - and just tell us to leave?!? Because YOUR bartender sent us to the host for seating?!? It was without a doubt the most bizarre thing I've ever experienced at any restaurant or bar. I know help is hard to find in Madison, but this was just, otherworldly!! I'm not even angry, because the whole thing was so totally weird. I honestly have to say it was the most weird, bizarre experience I've ever had. I don't know, this guy's behavior was totally weird. I'd like to comment on food and atmosphere but I can't. All I can say, is NEVER tell the host you'd like a table and drinks! 😆 You get tossed for it! I think it had a lot to to do that we were two women who weren’t being totally submissive and agreeing to go sit at the bar where he wanted us to go. He actually called us aggressive, and that’s what happens to all kinds of women when we assert what we want, we get called aggressive. If you’re slightly feminist, I...

This is by far one of the worst new restaurant that i have tried in Madison. Experience started with calling before 7 o’clock reservation at 6:30 to see if they accept Apple Pay, they picked up the phone didn’t say a word were laughing, and then just hung up. I called back and said hey, you guys just hung up on me and he said “yeah perfect” like it was an inconvenience we called. Then they called back 3 mins after our reservation was supposively to tell us we were late. Upon arriving, at 7:04 we were greeted by a male hostess, who just glared at us and looked at us like we were an inconvenience to be there. All that aside we still decide to give it a chance to sit down order some drinks and food. This is where the real disappointment began. Drinks were mediocre, wine was served in a cup. Their take on the sherbet margarita was interesting to say the least didn’t taste like sherbet or a margarita,, and totally ruined the Mezcal that they use to make it. Tasted more like chemicals. The non alcoholic Mocktail was a hit tho. Then the food came, or what they called food. For $24 we got the smallest portion of rainbow trout ever served on a plate. It was maybe 3 ounces and insanely over salted, so thin it was mostly skin and a side of pear salsa verde which was just chopped up pears and cilantro. Then what their interpretation of what a smashburger is, which was paper thin patties of what I wouldn’t even call meat. Honestly I could hold it up and see light through it. Beef jerky is thicker. It was dried grill crust basically. So I sat there an ate a bun and some lettuce with a meat wafer. The fries where decent and portion was correct. But for 18 dollars I essentially got a bun and a side of fries. After our meal all three of our party still wanted something else eat afterwards. Which was me (I can eat a lot) and two small women. We came in paid 100 bucks and then had to go to an actual restaurant for food. Had a full dinner at Eno Vino after. Extremely disappointed and will not go back. To the point of feeling taken advantage of. As a foodie and retired restaurateur im a person who patrons local restaurants everyday I don’t see them being around long. To top it off our server wasn’t even available for feedback. Food came and then our server didn’t return till the check. Great parking situation and Cool atmosphere tho loved the decor. Ton of potential horrible execution. They are trying to do too much from a culinary perspective but miss hitting the nail on the head by never picking...

I really want to love this place. The building is unique, and there’s so much potential here. This review covers two visits, each with some high points and some areas for improvement.

The first was during the summer, where I went with friends for drinks and appetizers. We enjoyed sitting outside, and the food and drinks were good. The patio has the potential to be a standout spot—it has a ‘secret garden’ vibe that could be even more inviting with a bit of greenery to soften the view of the parking lot and enhance the atmosphere.

The second visit was more recent, on a Thursday evening for an impromptu dinner with my partner. The host was friendly. The interior felt a bit mismatched, with lots of unused space yet seating placed very close to other tables. Our server was fine, though more on the transactional side. For an $80 bill (a sandwich, a little weird cut of steak, and two beers), we were hoping for a bit more of an experience. The steak, unfortunately, wasn’t as expected—it arrived sliced oddly and lacked presentation and quality. I had the walleye sandwich, which was mostly enjoyable, but the thick buttered toast didn’t quite work with the cornbread battered fish. Fish and breading were great. The fries weren’t a hit for me they were on the limp and greasy side.

As others have mentioned, this isn’t a supper club. But if it were—a near-downtown supper club with $20–$30 entrées slightly modern takes on supper club staples—could really shine. I’d love to see this spot embrace its potential. We want it to stick around and be successful. It's walkable for us and Settle...