Monona Bait & Ice Cream Shop — Restaurant in Monona

1 star? But could have easily been 5 :( I have done 100s of reviews and this is the first time that I have ever given a 1 star. Simply terrible customer service.

We are from out of town. There were 4 of us. Came to Madison on July 4th to ride around Monona Lake. It was a nice, but very hot day, 86 degrees. Got halfway around and came across this cute little ice cream shop. And that fact that they serve UW-Madison ice cream was a bonus.

Ordered a couple of dishes of ice cream, and was then told that they only take cash. We did not see any sign that told us that. We didn't have cash, but no problem, they have an ATM right inside. Got behind another couple getting cash. Unfortunately, it wasn't working for them, and they tried multiple times. I tried next, and had no luck either. I tried 3 times, with 3 separate cards. No luck. And during one of these attempts, the ATM actually rebooted itself.

We were the only 2 groups in the shop, trying to get the ATM to work. The 3 staff people could clearly see what was happening. They had no other way for us to pay for our purchases. But it's not their fault, right, it's not their ATM machines.

Now what happened next is the thing that totally blew my mind. Even though they could see how hard we were trying, and that the ATM machine was having trouble, since we could not purchase anything we simply asked if we could have a small amount of tap water into our water bottle. They said as a matter of fact "we don't give out water, you need to purchase a bottle"! But again, that was not possible because their ATM is broken.

Simply...

Not dog friendly/rude management - lost my business.

Within 10 seconds of throwing a dog bag in the trash outside Monona Bait and Tackle before ordering icecream, an employee flew out of the building to scold me and demand I dig in the trash to remove the waste at the bottom of the bin. I had not seen the sign on the trash requesting no dog waste in their trash can. It was an honest mistake, but the way this employee addressed me was rude, condescending, and honestly quite shocking. There is absolutely no need for a man to be shouting at a 39-week pregnant woman with a dog, kids, and other families around, especially for such a small and unintentional mistake. If that’s how Monona Bait and Tackle treats their customers, I will stick with the Chocolate Shoppe or Michael’s, even though they are a bit further...

Very welcoming place, in the perfect location. Employees are very friendly and outgoing, always making sure you’re greeted at arrival and welcoming you in. The ice cream, the shakes, the cheese burgers, everything in that shop is very delicious. The shop gives off antique old-fashion vibes which suits the place very well. Whether you’re swimming in the beach right across the street or taking a bike ride around the lake, it is safe to say this shop will fulfill your sweet tooth, or your hungry belly. Not to mention if you’re fishing across the street, you can stop by for some bait to catch some fish. Very friendly owner as well, always striving to do his best. Employees look like they’re trying their very best all of the time, very hardworking employees. Definitely a hidden gem...