The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
| Address: | 123 E Doty St, Madison, WI 53703, USA |
| Phone: | +1 608-284-0000 |
| Site: | greatdanepub.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2:30AM 11AM–2:30AM 11AM–2AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 5
MI
Mike C
Great Dane is usually a consistently-good experience. Not this time. We visited on Thursday, December 13, 2012. We had a new server, so it was expected that some things might not go as usual, but they really dropped the ball that night. The new server was as helpful as she could be. However, we were trying to use a voucher that we had purchased from the Chamber of Commerce some time ago. The restaurant would not honor the voucher because the company that issued the check had apparently gone bankrupt. But instead of saying, “Well, we know you came here because you had paid $25 for a meal that you cannot now claim at our restaurant, so we can give you 10 or 20% off your bill,” or something to that effect, the manager simply said, “We can no longer honor those vouchers. Maybe you can get your money back.” He was polite enough about it, but it was a very unsatisfactory response. We ordered drinks. My Long Island Ice Tea was not very potent. The beer keg was spewing foam and so the beer took a long time to arrive (it arrived after happy hour had begun, but we were charged the non-happy hour price). The burger we ordered was something with Gouda and bacon. We got upcharged to get buffalo instead of beef. Despite its many toppings and cheeses, the burger was bland. We got the Nakomis Nachos. They come in an impressive stack, but most of those don’t have a single topping on them. Only the top first layer has toppings. So those were disappointing. We also got the Honey Pepper Salmon Club. It was a farm-raised salmon fillet (which, because they feed them fish pellets, tastes a lot more “fishy” than a wild fillet). The fillet was dry, and the sandwich was also not exciting considering the ingredients/description. The French fries appeared cooked in grease that was not hot enough and thus arrived wet with oil. We were upcharged for a side of ranch dressing that I said I only wanted if it was going to be free. When I pointed out the billing errors (dressing and drink that arrived after happy hour), the server blew it off as, “Something you talked about with the other server. I wasn’t here.” She then sent the manager over to “explain our bill to us” as though we were idiots. I told him that it didn’t seem that either he or the server were equipped to solve any problems with respect to our experience (and I hadn’t even mentioned our dissatisfaction with the food), but only to offer reasons or excuses, and that was unacceptable. I explained this to the server as well. They both appeared not to appreciate my none-to-veiled suggestion that they need to practice doing more to “make it right” with a customer rather than offering excuses. In the end, some of our drinks disappeared from the bill and the amount was significantly reduced. However, if they’d done this early on instead of making us feel unappreciated or like we weren’t valued, then I wouldn’t have had to write this review. However, of the 3 or 4 times I’ve been to the Great Dane, this has been my only bad experience (downtown location. Server was Nicole K.).
A
A Private User
The Great Dane is a staple of beer in Madison. I go every time Im in Madison and Ive never had a bad experience. Even when theyre packed on the weekends they still get you seated quickly. Large bar on one side of the space. Dinning room is nice with wooden seats. Theres also another bar area downstairs and they have plenty of outside seating out back in the summer. The beer selection is top notch. They usually have about 6 regulars and 3-5 seasonal beers on at a time and theyre all great. I dont think Ive ever had one I didnt like. Food is the same. Nice big menu with lots of options. Casual burgers & fries or sandwiches. Lots of bigger entrée options too. The fish is always great as is the cuts of meat. Servers are friendly and most know a decent amount about the beers. The bar upstairs can get a bit rowdy with college kids on the weekend nights but the downstairs bar is usually much calmer (its basically a stone cellar which is kinda cool). Only downside about the place is that you have to make a long journey downstairs to use the bathrooms. Other then that The Dane is the best around. Cant wait to go back again.
TH
The Burger Guide
The Dane Burger consists of one-third pound of choice beef broiled to perfection, and then topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, Bermuda onions and artichoke dip. The fact that this is a messy burger does not take too much thought. The Dane Burger does a good job of combining flavors with the standout topping being the artichoke dip. I found that the lettuce, tomato, and onion dressed the burgers appearance up, but did not do much for flavor or texture. Upon removing them the burger seemed more focused on the combination of the dip, beef, and bun. The beef could have been a little juicier, and I cant help but think what a really unique and tender bun that pairs perfectly with the artichoke dip could have done to make this burger a dream. Despite my thoughts on what this burger could have been, it is still a great burger and made me rethink the typical hamburger. For taking a risk and delivering, the Dane Burger is worth a try. Add-in the Great Danes excellent beer, fun atmosphere, and tasty sides/snack and you have the makings of one the best bars in Madison.
A
A Private User
We really like the Great Dane because it the perfect place for post-college to professional 30-somethings to hang out and enjoy a wide brew selection, live music and food. Although the cell phone reception is shoddy and the place sometimes smells a bit yeasty (from the brewery), it easily accommodates any size group, from casual spontaneity to a formal night out. There are several different areas, including a billiard/music room, the main bar, restaurant, wine cellar/private party room, and an unexpectedly beautiful outdoor beer garden. The bathrooms are clean and there is rarely a wait, but this is probably due to the fact that they are inconveniently located. However, on your way to find them, you will be able to learn your way around taking an unintentional tour of the building. All in all, this is a true representation of an authentic Madison bar, not too touristy and excellent for any occasion. We’re giving the Great Dane an overall rating of a 4 because of the bathroom location, but would like to mention that we always have a 5 star time.
JA
Jared Wold
Good food, solid drinks, and cheerful service are hallmarks of all Great Dane locations, and this is no exception. I have enjoyed many an evening playing pool, having a few cocktails (Im not a big beer drinker), and sampling the various items on the menu. Drinks are mixed just strong enough that you dont feel like they are overpriced. Some of my favorites on the menu include the West African peanut stew (get a cup or bowl of this with any meal and you wont be sorry), the Taras cajun chicken sandwich, and the filibuster burger. The Taras Cajun is a blackened cajun chicken breast served with a chipotle mayo on a kaiser roll. This is simply one of my favorite sandwiches on the planet. The West African is a tomato based rice soup with tender chicken and spices. Give me a cup of this and the cajun chicken, and I am a happy man. One other item that I enjoy is the pretzel appetizer, which is three old style pretzel rolls served with some spicy mustard and horseradish dip. The dip and the mustard will certainly clean out your sinuses!
