The Curve
| Address: | 653 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715, USA |
| Phone: | +1 608-251-0311 |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 6AM–1PM 6AM–1PM 6AM–1PM 6AM–1PM 6AM–1PM 6AM–1PM 6AM–1PM |
Location
Photos 97
Reviews 21
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Seth Klotz
I frequent this local diner whenever I wake up early (my work often keeps me awake well into the night) and require a cup of Joe and some breakfast in company. This Madison gem earns its luster by catering to those who appreciate an authentic diner-feel with its no-nonsense & cash-only policies. While the cash-only bit might dissuade some, it is important to note that the store owner maintains this strict policy in order to keep the meal prices reasonable - which they are! Ive found no other restaurant in Madison that reliably sends me home with leftovers, nor one which warrants the qualifier of "greasy-spoon diner" so worthily. I once was enjoying my breakfast here when a family entered the shop with a rowdy child in their midst. While I prefer to dine in the absence of yelling children, I have come to take such changes in atmosphere as inevitable, and so I began to hurry through my breakfast. Not two minutes into the childs carrying-on (as the parents had apparently lost their ability to appreciate such disturbances) I witnessed the owner of the shop walk over to the child, who was at this point standing on a chair while yelling, and sternly tell the young lad to sit down and stop disturbing his other patrons. The boy looked to his parents, who were looking on in surprise, and then promptly sat down & fell silent. The other staff have adopted this pleasant, but assertively no-nonsense demeanor as well, and you will often find some of Madisons finest & most singular individuals exchanging banter, jokes, or other pleasantries in this atmosphere. I especially recommend The Curve Omelet or - if you have a sweet tooth - the french toast as regular-menu items. However, the specialty hand-crafted Italian sausage or home-made corned beef hash have (and I cannot emphasize this enough) no peer either categorically (when measured against "similar" items at other venues) or in terms of general dollar value. One of the most assured ways for a business to charm me out of my hard-earned coin is to demonstrate its appreciation of those who labor within its confines. The staff here is payed admirably, and you will see two or three of the same four characters (if you include the proprietor in this number) each and every time you enter the shop, guaranteed. In fact, three of these four have worked here for longer than 4 years (perhaps significantly longer, but Ive only been a loyal regular for this length of time). It is hard to come by a shop in Madison that is so able to retain its employees, and I take this fact as the best of signs & furthermore urge you to consider visiting.
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A Private User
The most well known breakfast in Madison is at Mickeys second and third is probably some of the pancake joints around town. However, the best breakfast and kept secret is the Curve. It is easy to find and conveniently located at the point where S. Park bends to the east as it curls around Monona Bay. It is within easy walking distance of the South east dorms and the southern student neighborhoods. The pancake mix is, in my opinion, the best I have ever ordered at a restaurant - Of course, my familys own recipe is the best. Because the flapjacks are so cheap you will be tempted to order two but dont, one is plenty. Anyways, the wait staff will advise you against two if you feel foolish enough. The coffee cups are bottomless and frequently refilled and the atmosphere is that of the small town corner cafe. Avoid the overcrowding at Mickeys and head for the The Curve.
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David Barnett
Quality breakfasts and lunches, generous servings, reasonable prices, and courteous staff guaranteed. During a meal, it is common for the owner and all working to greet 10 people in a row by their first name. That is so uncommon these days, but refreshingly welcome! Parking lot is next to the building, or always available street parking. Hearty soups, hand cut steak and excellent burgers for lunch. Corned beef hash daily, but scratch made on Saturdays! The best!
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S R
The Curve rocks! This quaint, cozy little diner is in a great location, their prices are very reasonable, everyone is so nice and the food is fantastic! Whether you have breakfast or lunch, everything is delicious. EVERYTHING! (I especially LOVE their hamburgers! I am hooked). You can either carry out or dine in. Either way, you will not go wrong going to The Curve, youll be glad you did! :)
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Mark Tinberg
The service is prompt and friendly, the food is great diner fare, they even make their own corned beef hash in-house every other week, and comes out of the kitchen quickly. There is limited seating, mostly at the counter, so it fills up at peak times. Cash only.
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Shalonda Money
Very Rude and unprofessional i tried to order take out because it was so busy but he said i have to come in and i get there and they wouldnt greet me and I called to speak to the owner about the way I was treated and he said he didnt care. NEVER GOING BACK
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Tania Huycke-Phillips
Delicious breakfast for a low price. Trends to be very busy. Not far from the zoo, so we usually stop here beforehand. They have a corned beef hash special that has a bit of spice that is super yummy.
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Alison Hamlet
Friendly staff, quick service and really tasty food! Great for breakfast. Couple things- ***only cash!***, no credit cards or anything besides cash. The "American fries" are hashbrowns.
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Alex S
Been going here since I was a kid--good food at a cheap price. The diner itself has an old-timey feel and has friendly staff who will go out if their way to help you.
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Markus Nevil
The Curve is one of my favorite places to go for breakfast on the weekend. Theres no avoiding the fact that its a little dated, but thats exactly why its so good.
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Emily Fuger
The best breakfast in Madison. Service is 5 star. You may have to wait for spot to sit on a Sunday morning, but totally worth the wait. Be patient and polite.
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Lance Magic
The food is excellent and the staff are as nice as they can be. It is cash only and they are only open until 1pm, serving breakfast and lunch the whole time.
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A Private User
ME AND MY COWORKERS SO LOVE THA CURVE WE EAT THERE 3TIMES A WEEK...BILL IS THA BEST I ALWAYS GET GREAT SERVICE WHEN IM THERE EVERYONE IS SO NICE AND FRIENDLY
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A Private User
The omelets are awesome to get. Sometimes the service can be a little meh, but its worth sitting in on this little place thats a part of Park street history.
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Genene McNeal
Ive been going to the curve off and on for 20 yrs. The ABSOLUTE best American fries Ive had in my life. Servings are huge, prices are decent, service good.
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Nick Giffin
Great breakfast. Its a nice, clean, old school greasy spoon. The staff is kind to regulars and newcomers alike, and my breakfast was delicious.
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James Roach
Delicious food and great people working here. I highly recommend the curve special or their corned beef hash special on Saturdays.
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Brooke Marquardt
This place is great if youre looking for a greasy spoon diner. The eggs were fluffy and delicious. Beware - CASH ONLY.
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Mary Quinngruber
Enjoyed a classic diner ham & cheese omelet with American fries breakfast. It was piping hot and perfect!
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Art Vance
Been coming here for years. Ive had breakfast all over town and nothing beats The Curve at any price.
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Dejuane Claybrooks
The Curve for breakfast. Plus sized plates , friendly staff. Best greasy spoon in Madison .
