★ 5

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★ 4

Excellent food and great service, but dark and noisy. More bar than restaurant, but the Jaeger Schnitzel and Strawberry salad were delicious, and the Apfelstrudel with Rum sauce was the perfect nightcap.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 3

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★ 4

We went in for a late night meal after seeing Weird Al play a concert. There was a polka band playing which kept the accordion vibe going and made for a wonderful atmosphere. The $5 late night burger tasted great, but the patty was pretty small, but for $5 it's definitely worth the price. We also ordered the spinach and artichoke dip which was mediocre at best. The veggies were spoiled and they didn't have crustinis as advertised on the menu and served it with stale corn chips. The manager and waitress tried to claim the broccoli wasn't moldy which it obviously was. They removed the dip from the bill after we showed the owner the condition of the broccoli. We will be back again based on this good faith interaction with the owner, he was amazing. The regular menu had just ended 30 minutes prior, but we saw somebody get a reuben and it looked amazing. They also had several delicious German beers on tap but we abstained.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

Great old German beer bar.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 1

Didn’t even get a chance to eat. Waiter kept walking past us numerous times. Even after giving them eye contact and menus down ready to order. After about 20 minutes we left. Sad because I’ve been wanting to visit this spot.

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★ 3

I have been going here once or twice a year for over 25 years. This was the first time my campanions and I thought the food was just average. Service was great and the entertainment, although loud, was great.

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 3

The music could have been not so loud. The food was decent. The chocolate cake. you could tell was store bought. Over all it was ok.

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★ 5

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★ 5

I was craving German food after coming back from abroad, and this place did the trick! Very yummy and I like the outfits they put on.

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★ 5

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★ 5

give sam a raise NOW amazing service from him

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★ 1

PENELOPE B. WAS HORRIBLE SERVER!! We waited 50 MINUTES for our check. She charged the wrong card for the wrong order, she barely checked on us, she missed a receipt when she printed the checks. Then, as we were walking to the parking lot, she RAN TO US OUTSIDE THE RESTAURANT AGGRESSIVELY and said “I’m going to void the whole order since you paid zero tip” and we immediately said NO since we were okay for paying for the food that we had ate. She told us that she was tipped zero from her two big tables. We were understanding of the situation and were trying to leave immediately. And then she continued to ask us “HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY” “HAVE YOU BEEN HERE BEFORE” and which we said YES. She then continued to be rude and ended with a VERY inappropriate and unprofessional comment.

We understand that she may have been very busy and we are very understanding. HOWEVER, the way that she handled the entire situation was very disappointing.

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★ 5

Great food, great polka music and fun times!!

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★ 1

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★ 5

Best German food I've had in years. Lived in Germany and this is some of the most authentic I've had here in te states. Great Beer selection too.

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★ 5

We had a great time and there was live music too!

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★ 5

Weiner schnitzel and Spaetzel were fantastic!

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★ 5

Bronwyn (hopefully thats how you spell it) was an amazing server for us and our party of about 28

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★ 5

Classic 🇩🇪 restaurant and performance hall. Enjoy a great hefe weizen on the patio during the summer. Lovely schnitzel and knackwurst. It's one of the few places where you can hear live polka and polka.

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★ 5

Un gran sitio para degustar una cerveza.

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★ 4

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★ 4

Nice atmosphere and good service

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★ 5

I am so glad they are still open, I have been coming here ever since I was a child whenever I visited family in Madison. My mother grew up in Madison and has been coming here since they first opened up.

This was my sons first time and he liked it so much we came back twice during our week long visit to Madison.

I had the Meterwurst plate the first time and the second time was the Combo platter. Both were fantastic. The staff and service was great as well, friendly and timely.

I hope they continue to stay open for years to come so we can keep coming back every time we are in Madison.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

Great, authentic experience!!

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★ 5

Awesome place. Love the live music and atmosphere here. Food is amazing as well as great beer. Super happy it's at least open on weekends.

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★ 5

😋

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★ 5

Live Polka music, tastey beer in a boot.

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★ 5

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★ 1

My friends and I recently had the worst experience going to Essen Haus. The waitresses were downright rude. She was constantly walking past our table shaking her head, talking to other servers looking over to us, insinuating she was talking about us. She had even followed us outside to see what we were talking about. The pretzel was cold and lack luster. I’m really disappointed as a fellow server.

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★ 4

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★ 5

The service here was spectacular! The environment was unique and exciting. Plus the live Polka music was fun and entertaining.
Last but not least, the food was to die for.
Such an exceptional experience through and through.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

We had a very good family get together time!

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★ 5

The prices are great and the food is tasty in the entertainment is fun. You get the German feel at this restaurant and the staff are nice as well.

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

The atmosphere is something you won't find anywhere else. The beer is amazing and the fries are perfection.

However... the rest of the food was just ok. This sausage platter was overpriced at around $25. The sausages were not as good as they should have been. The sour kraut was just not good and I typically love it. I also had cheese curds and a pretzel with the table. The food is solid, not great. But you don't go here for the food, you go for the experience. And that is unbeatable.

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★ 5

Good spot

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★ 3

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★ 5

I love this place and everyone in it. The staff are very friendly (I mean, they put up me...) and the food is fantastic. The beer is great too! Hands down, my favorite place in this part of the US.

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★ 5

Great food. Incredible music. Incredible time, everytime. Das boot

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★ 5

We came for dinner on a Friday night to celebrate a birthday.
Our waitress was really nice and the fish fry was good!
The atmosphere was really fun! I can’t wait to come back.

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★ 5

Big beers, good food, excellent friends, and a great band that makes the environment magical. What more can you ask?

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★ 5

It's a nostalgic and historical German Haus . Excellent food, drink selection and adorable staff. Get there ASAP as they are closing for good soon.

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★ 4

Very fun atmosphere and delicious food! The owner spent time talking with us. Live music for New Year's Eve.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Absolutely love the place

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★ 5

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★ 1

I've been to Germany, I've had German food before, I'm not sure if we came on a bad night but the food was not edible. The place had a bad smell, which did not help. The cocktail one of us ordered was also bad, but the beer was good. We left quickly after paying. Go there for the beer, not for the food.

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★ 5

Oy Oy Oy!

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★ 5

Always delicious!!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

The German food and atmosphere are always exceptional! This place is one of our all-time favorites!

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★ 5

While not a local, I cannot highly recommend this place enough!!! Every year, my friend group and I would come here to eat dinner at the start of Gameholecon. A good beer, pretzels, and jaeger schnitzel was the perfect start to a long weekend of gaming and fun. I only just recently heard the news that they are closing after 42 years and I admit that upon hearing the news I felt a great depth of melancholy in my soul. This establishment had been the herald of a weekend to relax with new and old friends and family, and I desperately hope that Mr. Worm (the owner) will move to a new place, as everything about the restaurant is perfect, and I would sorely miss their food. If you have an opportunity to go, GO!!! Do not miss this gem!

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★ 3

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great!
German beer hall

Just like Munich.
Excellent beer and food.
Had the steak wrapped bratz. Rouladen
And pork shoulder.

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★ 5

Great people,great food and awesome beer.

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★ 5

The food was outstanding and very delicious. I was stationed in Germany and you guys hit a home run. The service was excellent.

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★ 5

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★ 3

No inside dining and sad to see it go for apartments.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 2

This place deserves to be shut down! Bad experience. Bad food. Ordered the Rouladen. The meat was bland.Tasted like cardboard. The red cabbage was partially prepared and same bland dishwater taste. This review comes from a German immigrant who knows German food. The German potatoes mixed with some veggies tasted like ratatouille over done. At least the beer was good and could not be spoiled. Do not waste you taste or your money. Let it die.

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★ 5

Legendary

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★ 4

Many GREAT nights here. Sorry they will be closing soon!

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★ 5

Been in business 42 years and I've had a lot of great German beer and food here. Sad to know they're closing soon as the location, including the entire block is slated for redevelopment.

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★ 5

Great place! Sad to see it close, been going to Stein club there for about 30 years

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★ 5

Sad to hear it’s closing

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★ 5

Love this place; great musicians and drank from a boot. Too bad they are closing!

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★ 5

We visited Aug 9th. I think they had a special event the place was rocking! The food was AMAZING! 5/5. Never had spätzle before. It was VERY good. Very large selection of draught. Great entertainment. 100% going back next time we are in the area.

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★ 4

Old school German joint. Good food & atmosphere. I'm just not a big fan of a place without a tv

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★ 5

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★ 5

The 2 liter Krombacher Pilsner boot was awesome!

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★ 5

Outstanding service, great food, and a really nice atmosphere. Kid friendly, family oriented.

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★ 5

Been a classic Madison restaurant for decades. Last true German restaurant around anymore. Steins cover the ceiling and the food it always consistently true to the German heritage just like my grandmother made. Great selection of German beer too.

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★ 5

Solid Fish Fry with Potato Pancakes and Coleslaw. Started with Pretzels and two delicious dips. Excellent German Beers on Tap.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Food and service were great.

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★ 4

Had a nice evening sharing some drinks in their outdoor seating area. Had to go one last time before they close permanently.

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★ 5

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★ 5

After hearing about the restaurant closing. I wanted to at least go one time. I wish I knew about it sooner.

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★ 4

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★ 3

I rate Das Essen Haus as average for German food based on our experience.
We arrived on a Friday late afternoon and were seated right away. Atmosphere is nice.
Food was a bit below expectations, Jägerschnitzel with Spätzle and Red Cabbage.
The meat itself was tasty. Sauce was average.
Spätzle were a bit dry. Red cabbage was also just ok.
Beers were good with a wide selection.
Would probably try das Essen Haus again on another visit.

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★ 5

Very kind hostess(Florencia) and wonderful food! I will soon return.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Timeless
Timeless charm draws us back each year. Warm, inviting, and live music, cozy unforgetable memories and German cuisine. Lively gatherings... stands as a historic landmark. More than just a dining spot, it symbolizes community and the importance of cultural gems for generations to come. I hope thay future generations will continue to cherish and preserve this place.

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★ 5

Was in a little earlier than peak Sunday hours and enjoyed food that matched the price with my beer. A little pricey, extremely good.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Nice German Brew Haus. Good food and beer selections. Ambiance and live music on Fridays is a plus.

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★ 3

If you can eat outside, then you're in luck. If you're thinking of dining inside at night, expect ear drum busting loud music and if you're like us slow and inattentive service.

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★ 4

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★ 5

This place has fantastic service and the food is just as good. I love stopping in when I’m nearby cause I know whatever I order will be delicious.

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★ 5

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★ 3

In town for one night and wanted authentic German food. Found Essen Haus online and thought we'd give it a try. Used GPS which took us to the back of the building and saw the beach volleyball court. HUH? OK, anyway, drove around the court to park. Walked to one door, found it to be the bar and not the restaurant. Not well marked. Went in the correct door, hostess seated us kinda in the middle of the room. OK, not the best table but we'll see. Very dark, seemingly run-down decor, but definitely German theme. Maybe the food is great. Went to the mens' rest room and was surprised how bad it smelled. WOW. How can this be OK? Went back to the table wondering about the place now. Ordered German meals and waited. Watching the staff. Older guy cleaning tables, seating people, getting silverware and such. Seemed like he'd been there for years. But...every time he bussed a table, he dropped the plates into the bus tub so loudly it was crazy. That's OK here? It was crazy loud. He didn't care. Then, one server was wearing German garb and looked great. But she was the only one. Our server was wearing a Guns 'n Roses T Shirt. Really? Clearly no uniform required. Wear whatcha got, no matter how it looks. Guy carrying food from the kitchen to the central tray stand in shorts and tennis shoes. WOW. Anyway, the food was good, but not great. Service was OK. Overall, I'll bet this restaurant was really good at one time.... a long time ago. Seems like quality and standards just don't matter anymore. I wish we had made another choice and I couldn't recommend Essen Haus....at least not based on what we experienced on this night. It's a shame, too.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 1

Waitress was so rude! Went to have a nice night with friends, but my waitress was not only rude but seemed to be a manager! How is a manager treating guests at their establishment like this?? I hope someone takes action to rectify this issue as it seems she takes it out on her employees as well. Shameful!

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★ 5

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★ 5

You know what this place is about. Get some beer, pretzels, listen to polka. Be transported

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★ 5

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★ 5

Very good German food. Nice selection of German beers.

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★ 4

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★ 4

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★ 1

I’ve been to many bars in Madison, and I’ve never experienced incredibly horrible service as I did tonight. After getting 3 boots of beer and one basket of fries, one boot which they forgot, which we still got charged for. We tipped even though rarely seeing our server. We tipped based on the food/drinks that we got. Afterwards, someone from our party when up to get a drink and got denied for a drink after I believe Christina said “not tipping enough means you’re over served.” As a server this was something I have never expected and I expect to be tipped off of what I served and never the amount of the bill. I have never been to Essenhaus and never expect to be back, very disappointed and never expected cuss words and unnecessary language from someone in the same field as I am. Would love to have a conversation with someone from above, but being apart from the service industry I was appalled by this experience. No surprise they are closing soon.

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★ 5

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★ 5

A German beer hall. Loud atmosphere, good food, and great beer. It is noisy before the band even starts on the nights it is there. Food is authentic and the selection of German beers is good. Try the German black beer.
Schnitzel was very much on the thin side but the rest of the food was spot on.

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★ 5

Very good German food. The pretzel is better elsewhere. The only thing I'd recommend here in the Entrees. The German thing wrapped in pork is good.

I'd pass on the soup though. I think this place is well worth the visit.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great Place for food and entertainment.

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★ 5

Whent for st patricks day good shepherds pie

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★ 5

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★ 5

The best for a beer and some good polka.

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★ 5

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★ 4

goog food good ppl

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★ 2

Been coming here since the 80's this night was far the worst experience. Place was under staffed Manger was even bussing tables. Server didn't seem to care. Food was good but over priced for portion size. Seen server only twice, when he took my order and gave me my bill.
Not sure if I'll be back.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Sunday brunch. Excellent food and service. Prices are very reasonable.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

I highly recommend the fish fry Fridays. Our family loves the ambience, the polka music and food is delicious. Parking is free (but it is usually full). You can make reservations but they also accept walk-ins. After 8pm it is very busy on Fridays. We usually go earlier to enjoy dinner without the live music. Even though a lot of big groups enjoy the fun in this restaurant, we love to bring our children and enjoy polka music with them as well. The restaurant is very good for family, friends, companies or students gathering.

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★ 4

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★ 5

Lived in Germany for nearly 6 years. So this place kind of feels like home some of the time.

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★ 5

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★ 5

If in Madison, this is a must stop location ... especially on the weekends. Fun atmosphere, outstanding food, enjoyable entertainment.

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★ 4

They make great German food, that will bring us back again, the service received was excellent. The restaurant itself is showing signs of neglect, nothing major really , lights in displays that are malfunctioning, missing lock on the only stall in the men's room. As I said nothing huge and the quality of the food is absolute but I do hope they fix a few things to bring it back to previous conditions.

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★ 5

I love this place. A true Madison cultural center. The place is always filled with music, laughter, and beer. Truly a gem of the city. You can't go here without making friends and warming your heart.

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★ 5

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★ 5

Love this place. Excellent food. The owner is very friendly.

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★ 5

I timed this perfect. It was near empty so I had a great table and view. The location is awesome. The food was great and i saved room for dessert. Not the place your coming to pound beers with college buddies but if you like classic German food this is where you should come.

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★ 3

Um It was an adventure 😳 food was good . We happened to b thr on trivia night.... yeah 🥱 So overall probably won't b back. maybe for a Ruben 😋

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★ 5

Loved all of it

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★ 2

Really wanted to have a nice dining experience. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. Wine list is really bad, in case you're not a beer drinker. The tap beer was flat, and the Combo platter for 20 bucks included one "bratwurst" on a tablespoon of yellow, greasy sauerkraut and a gray, pounded piece of pork with canned button mushrooms and "gravy" on top. Atmosphere is dark but you can still smell and see the place needs a serious cleaning.

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★ 5

We had a great time here! Service was friendly and attentive and the food was good. Live band played a lot of oldies that we could sing along with. Good selection of beers. All in all a great night out!

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★ 4

Atmosphere was good. Food was ok, staff was friendly, yet took forever to get my waitress to take my drink order (twice)
Also the parking lot needs better lighting,

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★ 4

We went to the Essen Haus for their Thanksgiving luncheon special. For the cost it was well worth it. The quality and quantity of the "sides" were 5 Stars, except for the cranberry sauce which was a 3. It had the consistency of canned cranberries. I would give the turkey and gravy 10 stars if possible they were both so good. Definitely would go back next year provided that the change up the cranberry sauce.

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★ 4

We went for Thanksgiving dinner, and the food came out fast and very good.

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★ 5

Went for the band but the food and drinks were delightful

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★ 5

Wonderful Thanksgiving dinner! They gave our table of 4 a half turkey, we could take leftover turkey home. Family style side dishes and 4 types of pie. Delicious!
Hope city development decisions will preserve this option for the future!

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★ 5

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★ 4

Definitely recommend the prime rib.

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★ 5

Ate Sauerbraten and Cherry strudel here. Enjoyed the sour taste on beef roast. The strudel was the one of the best desert I have eaten recently. Went on a Saturday night. They had a band playing music. Everything was nice there.

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★ 5

Always a good time!

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★ 4

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★ 4

The Essen Haus is a German restaurant with traditional German cuisine. The prices are surprisingly cheap for today's standards, especially for a restaurant downtown Madison.
The Meaterwurst platter was amazing, so Delicious, and enough food for both Ronno and I for the night, but we like to go all out, so we got meals too.
The fries are chunky and thick, which are delicious, and the beer comes in huge glasses. I would not recommend the Wiener schnitzel as it was very dry and flavorless, also the spatzle was lacking. When I go back I will try another meal.
When we went on a Friday night around 6:30, there was live music!

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★ 5

Authentic German food and a fantastic atmosphere! The servers are amazing and the food is exceptional. You will not be disappointed.

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★ 1

Stole our drinks off the bar, denied it, and then had us arrested for trespassing when we confronted them about it. Stay far away from this place. It's run by a bunch of evil, narcissistic, sociopaths.

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★ 5

I don't even drink and I'm amazed at the beer boots. Pretty cool place and atmosphere! Good food too!

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★ 5

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★ 3

Super loud. The food may be genuine German but wild rice soup should not be able to be eaten with a fork. Jaegerschnitzel wasn’t terrible. Parking is in rear.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

Had a great time with friends enjoyed the food and beer

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★ 3

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★ 4

I had some delicious tacos.

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★ 5

My wife's extended family is German and we come here occasionally around Oktoberfest. This time it was right before a concert at the Sylvee (within walking distance) and they were celebrating Oktoberfest. I had their Reuben with Fries along with the Camba Mastrobator Doppelbock. Everything is so delicious and the beer is great!. After dinner we hung out in the courtyard listening to polka music, Zicke Zacke Hoi Hoi Hoi!

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★ 3

First-time visitor to Madison, Wisconsin (I ❤️ your State! sorry, AZ, I'm tired of getting burned 🔥) I was invited by 4- local friends to go grab a bite to eat. We just stopped by the first place we saw and.....
The Service is Great!! 👍 waitress and hostess are Fantastic! They went out of their way to serve us well.
The Inside is painted a Dark black melancholy, ambience, to it.? Brighter colors are a livelier mood.
The food wasn't highly favorable by my companions, but I enjoyed the Reuben (it needed to be a little bit more spicier)

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★ 5

Excellent atmosphere. Authentic German Restaurant, Lederhosen and all.

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★ 2

On this visit the wait staff was poor and inattentive. I had to go inside to request menus and service. One of my friends indicated the bathroom smell of strong urine.

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★ 5

Authentic German food and beer! I love this place! There are polka bands and lots of room to dance(if you are so inclined). The bands get a little loud for being able to talk at the tables, but a small price to pay for what you get in food, beer and atmosphere!

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★ 3

The service was absolutely wonderful. Being German I thought I’d enjoy the food more than I did. And unfortunately we went in trivia night so lesson learned . We will give it another try on a non trivia night. We actually ended up sitting outside after awhile, and I wish we would’ve done that from the start.

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★ 1

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★ 5

All around great place. Highly recommend stopping by for a drink and some food.

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★ 5

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★ 1

I had the saddest schnitzel, sausage, and sauerkraut of my life. It was terrible and I only ate it because I feel bad for spending money for those. I still regretted finishing my food afterwards because it was terrible.

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★ 4

Really good German food and beer. Had the Thursday special and it was very good. Only thing was it was very warm in the restaurant.

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★ 4

Really delicious, traditional German menu. Portions are generous for the price. Our whole party was so happy with the food. Great beer list. Too hot to sit outside today but the patio looked so nice. Very good service!

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★ 5

The jaegerschnitzel and spaetzel were awesome and the kraut was delicious. Oh, and the mustard with the pretzels was sooo good. The horseradish was off the charts! Just the way it should be.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Been too much better German places but it was a lot of fun a good time especially the people that were trying to tackle these 2 L beer mugs in the shape of a boot. It was worth it for the people watching and the band

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