Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro

Belleville, 6857 Paoli Rd, Belleville, WI 53508, United States | ★ 4.6 (422 Review)

📞 +1 608-848-6261

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Restaurant

Description

The Schoolhouse was built in 1864 and was converted into a restaurant in 2008. Located on the banks of the Sugar River in Paoli, WI. Serving American cuisine with fresh local products.

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 Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro
 Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro
 Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro
 Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro
 Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro
 Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro
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 Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro
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Reviews

Jim McClanahan

★ 5

Nice ambiance. Friendly service. The food is truly a cut above. These are not canned recipes. The short ribs had a unique mole sauce. The lamb pasta was perfectly cooked with a delicious sauce. The desserts are made in house. Brian, the general manager (and also a trained chef), served us and circulated among all the tables.

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Bailey Moderhock

★ 5

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Ryan Meyer

★ 5

Amazing food! We had the scallops and the filet as well as the creme brulee and it was all so good! Highly recommend!

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Alexa Kaltenberg

★ 5

Best beef Wellington I've ever had. There was live music that was a bit too loud. Overall, one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in a long time. Excellent for special occasions, family gatherings, and dates. Top notch!

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Ann Stratton

★ 5

Food was tasty and appreciate that many of the items are grown locally.

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Craig Brinkmann

★ 5

We had a wonderful experience! The staff is friendly, creating multiple fun and positive encounters. The drinks are fun and delicious. The food was amazing, cooked perfectly and full of flavor. We got the burger and the tenderloin…both were great choices and we strongly recommend

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Audrey McIntosh

★ 5

We held my daughter’s bridal shower at the Paoli Schoolhouse this past weekend, and it was absolutely perfect. Bryan, along with the chefs and waitstaff, provided exceptional service from start to finish. The espresso martinis are to die for, and every dish—from presentation to flavor—was truly impressive.

From the planning stages through the day of the event, Bryan was incredibly responsive and attentive, ensuring that every guest felt well taken care of. I would highly recommend the Paoli Schoolhouse for your next family event. Your guests will be raving about their experience, just like ours did.

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Andrew “Andrew” Kaiser

★ 3

We’ve historically had very excellent experiences at the Paoli school house. This evening was very different. No parking so we attempted to park on the grass only to find 3 very sharp metal poles cut off in the grass after they scraped the bottom of the car. These poles, if they continue to allow people to park there need to be removed for safety reasons.

Then entering the restaurant it was very warm and the dining room where we were seated was extremely warm.

The host and staff were very attentive and the drinks were delicious. Black label on an ice cube and a Diet Coke.

We both had the French onion soup to start which was served at the perfect temperature and was delicious. My only suggestion would be to have more cheese on top rather than 4 melted squares on top of the crunchy bread in the soup.

Our main course was the prime rib. We were not asked how we wanted it served, which in hindsight sight, should have been the warning. It was served on top of a very salty bone marrow sauce. And the steak was very heavily seasoned as well. In general the flavor was good just very salty. We did inform the host/waiter and he thanked us for telling him. 🤷🏻‍♂️ In general good meat should not have white tendons through the mid section of the cut. I’m not sure if these were cuts from older beef or we just had poor luck. It was not like a prime rib that I recall from visiting a Chicago chop house, a Mahogany’s or say, Johnny’s in Madison.

The mashed potatoes were pretty average.

The asparagus was divine.

I guess we left a bit unsatisfied after spending $187.00. Please note, had we started with a side salad it would have been at least $25 more and an additional $7.00 for a side of bread.

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Kreg Larson

★ 5

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Alex Graber

★ 5

Some of the best quiche I’ve ever had. So creamy and delicious! The manager took a lot of pride in the place. It was a perfect stop before heading out of town. I’m excited to come back for dinner someday

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Chris Sorenson

★ 5

Excellent all the way around. Beef Wellington was very good. Definitely would recommend!

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Brett Bucher

★ 5

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Andrew C

★ 5

Went for brunch and had a great time! Highly recommend!

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Vanessa

★ 5

Awesome service and dinner⭐️ Thank you for the nice mom’s night out! Beautiful sunsets and fun to hear the bands again.

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Nicholas Yanku

★ 5

Very quaint, farm to table dining experience! Visited for breakfast prior to leaving town and was not disappointed! The food was delicious! I ordered the biscuits and gravy and it was evident that this restaurant lives up to its farm to table menu! The service was friendly and attentive! I will definitely visit again in the future!

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Jill Murray

★ 3

Really beautiful environment and the food tasted really quite good overall, however it was lukewarm by the time it got to our table. We found it odd they open at 10 and made it sound like when calling in they only take reservations and first reservation is 10:15. Upon arrival and dining- a whole lot of hosts/bartenders/servers standing around talking and teasing each other. Empty soap container in the bathroom, no trashcan liner. Normally no biggie but with so many employees standing around it was an annoyance. We had heard great things and likely just caught them on an off day or when maybe all the young employees didn’t have supervision.

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Felicia Chang

★ 5

Lovely renovated schoolhouse turned elevated bistro. Recommend getting a reservation here. The brunch options were very lovely and the drinks were great. The croque madame was one of the best in WI.

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Patrick O'Kelley

★ 1

Came here on a Sunday morning a little after they opened with a couple other people and people that came in after us received their food before we did. When we finally did get our food, the biscuits & gravy with over easy eggs were cold (not lukewarm) and not edible. The side order of bacon had been sitting for a good while as it was cold, too. French toast with truffle fries were lukewarm. The alcoholic drinks we ordered were great, at least. Not too boozy and not too weak. Our waiter took the biscuits & gravy item off our bill but not the bacon. No manager came over to apologize for the cold food, or anything (we did bring it up to our waiter's attention). We most likely won't be coming back as this was our first time ever eating here.

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Eric & Janet Moore

★ 5

My wife and I dined at the Paoli American Bistro and were amazed by the quality of the service and the food/wine selection. We tried the sea bass and it was perhaps one of the best presentations of this fish selection we have enjoyed anywhere. And to think, the middle of Wisconsin. The food and beverage menus offer a wide range of options, but we shared the bread/butter appetizer, the spinach salad, the sea bass and a butterscotch budino (one of the best we have had anywhere as well). Our only disappointment was that Brian, our outstanding server, would not disclose the budinio recipe, but we understand his position. If you are in the area and looking for an outstanding option for lunch or dinner, we highly recommend the American Bistro.

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Laurie Ann Mosher

★ 5

We had dear friends recommended this establishment to us; and wow were they right! Beautiful atmosphere, absolutely delicious food and wonderful service! The lavender honey crème brûlée was perfection! We will return. Many thanks for a lovely evening.

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Steven Maerz

★ 5

We had a party of five at dinner tonight to celebrate our anniversary and had an excellent dinner. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal and the service was superb. Extraordinary and would highly recommend!

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David Mandell

★ 4

It can get loud but the food makes it easier to take. Hard to find delicious beef Wellington and Chilean Sea bass. Yum

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Harry Andruss

★ 5

We had a Mother's Day reservation. Professional food preparation and plating indicated a trained chef ran the kitchen. Eggs benedict was excellent. The eggs were light and fluffy, unlike the normal eggs associated with the typical restaurants. Hollandaise sauce, the most important ingredient, was rich and creamy, rounding out a very tasty dish!

Don't hesitate to visit Paoli after the restaurant.

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Breanna Richard

★ 3

We have been coming here for special occasions for years but our experience last night was subpar. The beef wellington had completely raw pastry dough, the bland mashed potatoes were scooped on the plate cafeteria style and nothing had the flavor we are used to. The service was excellent but for the price the food was mediocre.

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Terry Ringman

★ 5

Best meal out I have had in a long time! My son and daughter in law took me here. It was a fantastic choice!!

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Anne Blommel

★ 5

Best lunch ever
My burger was to die for
Really good service
Would definitely would recommend

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Stephanie Pham

★ 3

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J K

★ 5

Our recent dining experience at the Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro in Belleville, WI was nothing short of enchanting. Housed in a beautifully restored historic schoolhouse, the bistro exudes a charming ambiance that instantly transports you to a bygone era. The interior is a delightful blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort—exposed brick walls, warm wood accents, and tasteful décor create an inviting atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated.

The meal was an absolute culinary delight. Each dish was meticulously prepared and artfully presented, showcasing the chef's impeccable attention to detail and passion for fresh, local ingredients. From the first bite to the last, every flavor was harmonious and exquisite, leaving us thoroughly impressed with the creative menu offerings.

A standout aspect of our evening was the exceptional service provided by the sommelier. Their expertly curated wine recommendation perfectly complemented our meal, enhancing each dish's flavors and elevating our overall dining experience. The sommelier's knowledge and genuine enthusiasm made the wine selection process enjoyable and educational.

We cannot speak highly enough of the Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro. The combination of its charming interior, incredible cuisine, and outstanding service made our visit truly wonderful. It's a hidden gem that we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. We look forward to returning and tasting more of what this remarkable establishment has to offer.

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Michelle S

★ 5

We had a wonderful dinner service and Sunday brunch. The service was perfection, it's hard for establishments to get the balance of attentiveness correctly, the service was impeccable for both meals. The food was delicious with generous portions and cooked exactly as ordered. We had the whipped goat cheese appetizer, filet mignon, prime rib hash, and a strip steak with fries between both meals. All were spectacular, cute restaurant, excellent experiences.

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Sue Bauman

★ 5

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Holly Odorfer

★ 5

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Kristen Hum

★ 5

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Brian Skram

★ 2

Bread was burnt, had to send it back. If you're paying $30 for a Porkchop don't burn it as well. Could have done better at home. Would not return for a special occasion.

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Benjamin Llewellyn

★ 5

The perfect spot for a special occasion. Very friendly service, and food that is worth every penny. We came dressed neat casual and felt right at home. The atmosphere is classy and interesting while still feeling cozy and down to earth.

They have seasonal dishes that all looked terrific but the lamb ragout, a regular dish, was a knock out. Only when I got home did my wife point out that I’d loved it so much that I’d splashed the heavenly sauce all over my shirt.

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Lonesome Star Cattle Company “OEF-11B” Lahman

★ 3

Wonderful wait staff, very nice atmosphere—- food is good, unfortunately quiche was cold— nice waiter brought me a new one, that to was cold . Fries were cold also. Disappointed in our meal. We have been frequent customers here over the years but stopped going because food is not consistent.

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Felicia Wallace

★ 5

A wonderful place to spend with your family.

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Jayne Hartley

★ 5

Holy Cow!! Where did this place come from! 100% worth stopping here on your way to or from Madison. Quite frankly it’s a destination restaurant as far as I’m concerned. I’m from San Francisco originally and now live in Galena and will tell you this is hands-down the best salad I’ve had since I’ve moved out here. The quiche was also out of this world.

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James Huycke

★ 5

Haute cuisine at a reasonable price in a wonderful atmosphere- both inside and out. Awesome service, occasional live music. A great place well worth the drive.

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Kristin Ferris

★ 5

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PJ DeCamp

★ 5

Most of the food on the menu is locally sourced and so delicious .
The atmosphere has a great vibe and the staff and owners are very welcoming.
My husband and I really enjoy dinning here and we love bringing our family and friends.

We have also enjoyed many events here as well, always a good time!

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Marnie

★ 5

Very nice quaint restaurant.

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Ben A.

★ 5

Amazing food, service was interesting as we'd arrived from a bike-camping trip, but we we're still seated and served.

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Johnston Thayer

★ 5

Top notch humans here. Food is very good as well.

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Jenna Hovind

★ 5

My husband and I have been here a handful of times and it never disappoints. The food is outstanding, the service is stellar, and the atmosphere is intimate/warm. During our most resent visit, I had the most delicious sea bass, and my husband had the ribeye. They also have a fantastic wine selection. We would highly suggest Paoli Schoolhouse!

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Michael Pachla

★ 5

Went here for our 24th wedding anniversary looking for a place to go to dressed up with a great meal. The Paoli Schoolhouse has great atmosphere, ambiance and character being a repurposed school house. Classy and sophisticated without being stuffy. We got dressed up and didn't feel overdressed. Great service and the food was some of the best we've ever had. My smoked old fashioned was very good. My wife had the beef tenderloin special will pureed sweet potatoes that was amazing. I had the lamb ragu with house made pappardelle that was some of the best pasta I have ever had. The honey and lavender creme brulee was an excellent finish to our dinner. When we are back in this area, we will definitely be back!

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Joseph Gutierrez

★ 5

I have been to Paoli Schoolhouse many times in the past and always loved it. This last time left a bad taste in my mouth. The food was great, but the service was not. We ordered an appetizer, which got brought out with our meal. Our coffee took 15mins to arrive, almost the same time as the food. Then my entree was wrong, and I had to wait until everyone else’s dishes were finished and cleared before i received the correct one. No manager came by to apologize and I was charged full price for everything. I don’t need a handout, but if you mess up that bad I would expect an apology or a manger to stop by. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for over 20yrs and understand we all have bad days, but this was miss by Paoli Schoolhouse.

UPDATE: Thank you Paoli Schoolhouse for reaching out to me and making this right. I appreciate you and will see you again soon!

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Kathy Manthei

★ 5

Squash soup very delicious. Lovely outdoor seating. Great staff

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Mary Catherine Stalvey

★ 5

I recently dined at Paoli School House Restaurant, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The ambiance is charming, combining rustic elements with a warm, and inviting atmosphere.

The service was impeccable—attentive without being intrusive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and made excellent wine recommendations that complemented our meal perfectly.

Overall, Paoli School House Restaurant is a hidden gem that delivers on quality, flavor, and hospitality. I can't wait to return!

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Anthony Villare

★ 5

Another wonderful experience at The Schoolhouse. I love the quaint old-time schoolhouse decor. A relaxing atmosphere to have brunch. Our server was polite, friendly, and attentive.
The truffle fries were addictive. Just the right amount of crunch on the outside. The béchamel and pork sausage of the Biscuits & gravy dish was perfectly seasoned. Not too spicy. The prime rib hash was a nice blend of flavors and textures. The Brunch Burger was my favorite. Besides being a juicy burgers, the creamy gruyere compliments the crunch of the bacon. Its saltiness is offset by the sweet caramelized onions. The egg also adds subtle creaminess to this hand held delight.
I only hope They don’t run out of quiche next time.

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Ryan Peterson

★ 5

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Joe Reinhart

★ 5

Josh was exceptional! By far one of the best dining experiences you will have in the area! We will definitely be back!

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Yeana Park

★ 5

솔직히 음식 맛보다는 분위기가 다했다고 봅니다. 저는 워크인으로 방문했습니다. 동네가 아기자기해서 구경하는 재미가 있는데 작아서 금방 봅니다. 레스토랑 내부가 진짜 예쁘고 패티오에서 먹는 것도 운치가 있습니다. 여기 프렌치 토스트가 독특해서 시켜볼만 해요! (그치만 친구는 별로라고해요. 친구 추천은 키쉬인데...! 저는 키쉬 너무 느끼했어요)

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Saran Ouk

★ 4

Be sure to stop by this cute little town Paoli and checkout at the Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro. Very cool building, great service and good food and drinks.

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Elissa French

★ 5

First time eating here and we tried their brunch Saturday morning. Made a reservation for 10am. Started off with bread that came with a chive honey butter. Bread was a crusty french bread and butter was tasty. Ordered the Salmon Crab Cakes that came with a chipotle hollandaise, poached eggs and pico. It was AMAZING. Came with 2 and both were a generous size. Also came with a side salad lightly dressed in a vinaigrette. My friend ordered the biscuits and gravy and she said they were delicious! I cannot wait to come back and try their lunch and dinner menu.

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Renato Rodrigues Martins

★ 3

It's OK.

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Toby Cornish

★ 4

Good, but not perfect food. Amazing service. Also, there was a musical act there that we liked, but it was way too loud in the room with the band.

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Ronald Garcia

★ 5

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Arlyce Everson

★ 5

Brian the general manager and Somalia certainly is an asset and made our experience one to remember. The atmosphere and staff are awesome.

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M. Umbeck

★ 5

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Chris MP

★ 5

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Annie Miller

★ 3

I've eaten a very nice meal here in the past. But today I ordered something I order in many restaurants, the chicken salad, which in most restaurants includes about one chicken breast worth of chicken. But here there was between a teaspoon and a tablespoon worth of chicken; I exaggerate not one bit. I showed the waiter, who had the kitchen prepare a chicken breast for me free of charge. He said, "Here the chicken salad is mostly a vegetable salad." For the price of $16, I highly recommend the Paoli Schoolhouse join other restaurants in serving a meatier chicken salad, a true chicken salad. Thank you.

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Jacob Zimmer

★ 5

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samip kothari

★ 5

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Dylan Freund

★ 5

Would give this place 100 stars if I could. Don’t review restaurants often, but this one deserves it. Hard to get a dining experience where each part of each dish is a star. Brie appetizer was ridiculously good. Steak was perfect. Seabass was cooked to perfection. Baked Alaska for dessert. Service was just as spectacular. Friendly, attentive, professional and just a great night out. Ask for Josh. Best server I’ve had anywhere in a long time. We’ll be back.

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Jaye Lee Passage

★ 5

What a great meet up with great friends! Paoli is unique and wonderful. Check out the live entertainment. So fun.

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Stephanie Sciortino

★ 5

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Sue Kumlien

★ 5

The staff was incredible, and so were the guests! Brian and Josh had us laughing so hard, and our bartender set the stage for a fantastic evening.

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Jon Ellis

★ 5

Incredible food, service, and ambiance. On par with the best in Milwaukee, Madison, and Des Moines. Have to get the lamb ragu.

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Phil Johnson

★ 5

Amazing food and great cocktails. They also have a large wine selection. Awesome location and ambience, we’ll be coming back!

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Tiffany G

★ 5

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Liz Peterson

★ 5

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Jackie Wyss

★ 5

Please take advantage of this wonderful venue! The food was delicious and the service was superb. We will definitely return soon!

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Barb Wykle

★ 5

We’ve been to many restaurants in the Madison WI area and The Schoolhouse, in Paoli is THE best! The food is absolutely outstanding! We HIGHLY recommend the excellent service, friendly staff eclectic atmosphere and, of course, the food!

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Annie Salvaggio

★ 5

I had a bacon cheese burger, it was amazing! Perfectly cooked and juicy. The pomme frietes were super crispy, a fun way to have fries. The lavender creme brulee was so smooth and creamy. The sugar top was perfectly cooked and crunchy

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Ellen Reichert

★ 5

Wonderful service and every dish was so well done!

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Marianne McCrary

★ 5

We asked for a quiet table and it was perfect. Thanks for accommodating my request. A wonderful time was had by all

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Steve Schroeder

★ 5

Fantastic food and service.

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taylor sinclair

★ 5

everything was 5 stars. the flavors were so intricate and very well blended together. We got the prime rib grilled cheese, omelette, pancakes, and huevos rancheros, also got 2 deserts because everything was so good. phenomenal food and experience was perfect. forest was a great server! 100% recommend for everybody you will not be disappointed

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s bacon

★ 1

Service horrible

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Ronda Reeder

★ 5

What a wonderful brunch with my Aunt!!

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Lauryn Durtschi

★ 5

Beautiful restaurant and atmosphere, with wonderful food options, and kind, welcoming staff. The selections are diverse and delicious. Everyone ordered something different and thoroughly enjoyed it. The restaurant was accommodating to kids, reservations, and celebrating a 40th birthday. Thank you for the great experience and food.

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Justin

★ 5

Food is great and it seems largely (but not solely) French inspired. Staff is friendly and attentive. Definitely recommend.

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Casey Thompson

★ 5

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DAN ALLHANDS

★ 5

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David Gjestson

★ 5

We arrived on a weekday invited by friends. It was our first visit and it was superb! Our host greeted us in a very friendly manner speaking distinctly and at the level that we elder (80s) people love to hear.

Our food choices involved four different entrees and each drew praise. The service continued to be exemplary and our pleasant surroundings assured our host that we would be returning...soon.

My wife and I highly recommend eating at this establishment!

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N Kessenich

★ 5

Very good meal tonight at the Paoli school house. Food and drink were excellent. Staff was very attentive. All in all great place that we will share with friends and family.

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Lisa Moore

★ 5

Upscale restaurant in a historic and beautifully renovated old schoolhouse. Locally sourced meats, produce and dairy used in their menus. We ordered from their brunch menu with many choices listed. We had the tres leches french toast which were 2 pieces of brioche french toast topped with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream, homemade caramel sauce and toasted pecans. A choice of sides is included. Also ordered was a croque madam topped with sunny side up eggs and a side order of home fried potatoes. All choices were delicious and nicely plated. A real gem of a place.

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Austin Moore

★ 5

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Bérénice Wiecki

★ 4

Croque madame was great. The hashes had something missing. (Duck, chorizo or beef)

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Evan Baker

★ 5

Top notch service, top notch cocktails, top notch food. This impressed a picky Chicagoan.

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Eimee Izthachu

★ 4

We went to Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro on NYE and had the New Year's Eve 4 Courses for $140 Per Person dinner.

For my starter, I had the Warm Mushroom Toast. My hubby had the Seared Scallops. My starter was absolutely perfect; loaded with mushrooms, nearly a meal in its own. I had a bite of my husband's scallops that were cooked to perfection.

My second course was Lobster Bisque. It was amazingly exquisite.

My third course was the Woodfire Bone-In-Ribeye. I ordered it medium rare. It was incredibly inexpressible. The steak merely melted in my mouth. It was quite possibly the most perfect steak I've ever tasted.

Finally, my fourth course I had the Honey Bourbon Crème Brûlée. I would love to describe it to you, but the heavenly taste of this dish was absolutely beyond description.

The establishment was very charming, inside and out. Upon arrival, we were seated immediately. Our reservations were for 5:15, and it did not seem to be very busy. The small dining area we were in was lit perfectly, but a bit cramped. Our waiter had a great personality and was very helpful with my gluten-free needs.

The beverages, as well as the first & second courses were served relatively timely. The main course was served 32 minutes after the second course bowls were taken away. 32 minutes seemed to be quite drastic of a wait, especially when the establishment did not seem busy. The fourth course was timed better than the third, but not timely at all.

I definitely enjoyed the meal, but I did not feel it was worth $140, especially with the extensive wait, we were there well over 2 hours.

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Frank the Tank

★ 4

Paoli Schoolhouse was very nice for New Years, with a 4 course offering that did not disappoint. I started with bacon wrapped scallops that were prepared perfectly, followed by the smoothest lobster bisque soup. For the main course, the Tomahawk Steak was tender and perfectly grilled as requested (medium), which paired well with a Scaredy Cat Oatmeal Stout. For desert, the molten chocolate cake was decadent, but it paled in comparison to the bite I had of my wife's creme brulee.

Service started good, and our waitor was courtous and helpful. When we arrived, we were seated promptly, followed by selecting each of the 4 courses. After the 1st course, however, we felt slightly forgotten, finding ourselves waiting fairly long for each of the following courses. It was a busy night, but I expected better service, especially when considering the cost of a New Year's experience. In all, I think we were there for around 2.5 hours.

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Chris “-” Stohr

★ 5

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JW McClintic

★ 5

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Greg Chesmore

★ 5

Outstanding. The food is remarkable, the ambiance is upscale, yet warm. It’s a hidden gem and worth the short drive to Paoli!

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Kelly Smith

★ 4

The Paoli Schoolhouse is such a cool place! The Avocado Patty Melt was excellent. The Chicken Salad open faced sandwich was ok. It had too many grapes and lacked flavor. The Butternut bacon soup was excellent. They have non-alcohol beer (Guinness) which my husband always gets. Overall a good experience but longer wait time.

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Dean Yeagle

★ 5

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Tillie Marchant

★ 1

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Cindy Mobley

★ 5

Will return.

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Megan Morter

★ 5

The food and staff were exceptional! Tried the beef wellington and let's just say it wasn't on the plate for very long.

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Chris R

★ 5

Very unique place to eat. Food and service are amazing

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Emily C

★ 5

Delicious menu options, friendly service, & great value.

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Doug Hagen

★ 2

food was served with burned buns. was not charged. very loud. Will not return

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M B

★ 5

The food, service and atmosphere are all amazing. Such a beautiful restaurant. They even had live music today but, we were on our way out and missed it. Maybe next time.

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Barb Roeber

★ 5

This is a gorgeous restaurant with such a calm, beautiful, sophisticated atmosphere. We were seated in the room toward the back where you pass through the servers area, which was fun. We ordered four courses and each one was outstanding. We also had a wine that we hope to be able to purchase locally. It was sooo delicious. All of the young, friendly servers were dressed in black - very classy. The owner (?) was taking orders and charming patrons. The restaurant was doing a great business, so be sure to make a reservation. We have placed this restaurant in our top 5 locally!

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Delayne A Strand

★ 5

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Edward Blythe

★ 5

Amazing food, great atmosphere, no complaints!

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Luciane Pierry

★ 3

The drive from Madison was nice, and the restaurant is also pretty. Unfortunately, brunch wasn’t all that great.

The Dutch Baby and the French Toast were just okay, and the whipped cream had an unusual taste. Based on this experience, we would not come back for brunch. Perhaps the savory options are better.

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Jeffrey Hwang

★ 5

Went for a Sunday brunch. Most items were beautifully presented and tasty. Some were a little too salty, but others made up for it. Goat cheese with mushroom was just amazing.

Service and atmosphere were superb too.

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Rosanne Liebl

★ 5

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Jiho Kim

★ 5

시골 정취를 느끼며 맛있게 먹었다.
인기가 많아서 예약해야한다.

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Doris I Hawkins

★ 5

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Megan McIsaac

★ 5

Wonderful place for date night! Food was delicious, service was fantastic, love the school house!

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Timothy Flores

★ 5

Short rib hash is A+++

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Mark Clear

★ 5

Superb food, attentive service, creative beverages, and a charming atmosphere. (Pictured: Herb crusted Chilean sea bass)

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Riley Leonard

★ 5

Delicious food and great service. Very reasonable prices for the quality of food. Highly recommend for a dinner date night!

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Susan Goelz

★ 5

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Linda Franzen

★ 5

I've eaten lunch, brunch and dinner at Paoli Schoolhouse and every meal is always fabulous. The restaurant itself is so quaint and charming, a beautiful setting for a special occasion meal or just a casual lunch. Their food is outstanding and the service is always excellent. I had the bbq pork sandwich for my most recent lunch there and it was so good, I hope it stays on the menu for awhile. I highly recommend making a reservation for either lunch or dinner and trying this very special restaurant. Paoli is a very cute town and this restaurant is the best part of it!

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Kim K

★ 5

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Joanne Kohls

★ 4

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Deanna B

★ 5

Peak brunch experience 🙌🏻

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Cale Wyse

★ 4

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Troy Baumann

★ 5

Great spicy chorizo, Dutch baby with Chantilly cream was fantastic. Great coffee.

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Ken Nordlie

★ 5

Good lunch

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Nancy Barbiaux

★ 4

Food was excellent.
Food seemed to take a long time considering the restaurant was not full.
The architecture and decor are beautiful, but the restaurant was kind of loud.

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Donna Struck

★ 3

I ordered the special which was a bone in ribeye. Around the edges the meat was tender but the rest of the steak was tough with little flavor. The low score for service was a result of not bringing our wine for our dinner and not checking with us until our dinner was almost done.

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Kalyn Ganske

★ 5

Literally can’t wait to be back! Went there for the first time last night and had the Filet. Can’t wait to try their brunch!!

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M Wachter

★ 5

So, so good! Food was excellent and cooked to order. Drinks and dessert were both fabulous!! Definitely recommend!

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David Jensen

★ 5

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Sean Mulchrone

★ 5

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Madeleine Zeller

★ 5

Incredible food, very generous portions, delicious cocktails, and outstanding service. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed live music the whole time as well. Can’t wait to come back to try lunch and brunch!

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Meg McElgunn

★ 5

Beautiful night outside with chill live music. Sea bass was out of this world. Service was fantastic - great with recommendations. Will be back - soon!

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Kait Gibbs

★ 5

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Tom Cubr

★ 5

Couldn't have picked a nicer place for our anniversary dinner.

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Andrea Bredeson

★ 5

The breakfast dishes are so delicious! Bloodys are tasty as well!

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Eric Dolski

★ 3

We wanted to eat here for awhile after coming across it while exploring one day. However we were fairly disappointed in the end. We sat outside on the patio which has a really nice ambiance. Service was prompt and attentive. We had the market salad, bistro burger and the filet mignon. The market salad was very good but that was about it for the food. The burger was fairly dry and cooked unevenly. Half was well done the other was medium rare, it was ordered to medium doneness. The fries were pretty greasy and very salty, we only ate about half of them. The filet we had ordered medium doneness but came out well done and very charred on most of it. Either the steak or the au poivre was extremely salty as well, it was hard to tell which one it was since the sauce was covering the steak, which is typical. Asparagus and au gratin potatoes were alright, nothing standoutish about them. I normally wouldn't be as critical but when you order a $50 steak your customers should feel like it was worth it.

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Kate Lloyd

★ 5

Amazing!

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Yaron Yarden

★ 5

Paoli Schoolhouse is so unique. First of all, the place is absolutely gorgeous. You feel like you stepped back in time. I mean, the place was a schoolhouse! The staff is professional and service is spot on. We had brunch on a Saturday, I took the burger and my girlfriend's took the tres leches French toast and the food was outstanding. My burger was perfectly cooked. The beer was ice cold and the smoked old fashioned was delicious. Brian the manager is definitely an asset to this place. Thank you!

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Courtney Jo

★ 4

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Annie Ginther

★ 5

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Alena Mears

★ 5

The food was so delicious, our server was amazing, and it’s such a cute place!! We will be back for sure!

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Arran Krantz

★ 5

Amazing food, amazing service, the outdoor patio was lovely, and who doesn’t love live music! You have to try this restaurant if you are in the area!

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Ray Macgregor

★ 5

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Ben Schneider

★ 5

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Matthew Cole

★ 5

This is a gem of a place. We had a great meal and cocktails there. Service was fantastic.

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Matt Hembel

★ 5

We enjoyed the Paoli schoolhouse on a whim and a prayer. Pleasantly surprised would be a grievous understatement. The filet mignon doesn't even taste like meat. It's a buttery herb glimpse into the heavens above. Dessert was negotiated against my will and I've never been been more wrong. The lightest sweetest cheesecake topped with fruit picked from garden that I don't believe exists on this side of reality. The bread is the way my mom made it at home. Lunch and brunch looks even better I can't wait to come back!!

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Kendyl Stahlbusch

★ 5

Amazing experience! Live music was surprisingly awesome and food was amazing. Super tender filet mignon and great wine choices. Was super happy with the overall experience. Also the white mousse dessert was perfect! Highly recommend. Great atmosphere & food. Worth every penny!

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Larry Black

★ 5

We'd eaten here before, when the gift shop was part of the store. The food was very good then. We've recently gone back now that it's all restaurant, and....WOW!! Really exceptional food! AND we had very attentive and friendly service. Do yourself a favor and reserve a table!

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Steve Lagman

★ 5

I think the Madison area has many excellent restaurants, but this was the best tasting meal I have had in a long time. I ordered the salmon (somehow sourced from Northern Wisconsin) on fettuccine. The flavor took me by surprise. Better than any fish entre I had in Florida earlier this year. Very nice atmosphere. Quiet. Our table of four included two--three if you believe my wife--who are old of hearing. We could engage in conversation easily. Service was great. Looking forward to going back!

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Jake Stauffacher

★ 5

Good service and great food. A romantic getaway, very close to Madison's westside.

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Char L

★ 5

Had an amazing dinner! Logan's cocktail skills were quite impressive, service was attentive and outstanding!

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Marianne Pilger

★ 5

Simply the best

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Sam J

★ 5

I went to Paoli Schoolhouse for the first time the other day for brunch. The food was super delicious and they made sure to tell us that many of their ingredients are locally sourced. I had the quiche, and it was soooo delicious. The coffee was yummy, and it seems like they have a lot of fun drinks too. The staff are also really attentive and friendly. I'll definitely be back!

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Jennifer McAuley Fortune

★ 5

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Heather Calkins

★ 5

Beautiful restaurant with a great brunch and wonderful service.

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Jennifer Fortune

★ 5

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Always Learning

★ 2

Almost everyone has come to appreciate how challenging running a restaurant can be during this post-pandemic era. And even in the best of times, we all have off days. Alas, today's experience certainly felt off. The approach and initial impressions are quite positive; the interior spaces are nicely remodeled; staff is attentive. Zepeda's Chilaquiles: a shallow bowl filled with massively thick tortilla diamonds, some of which had a crunchy texture. Most, however, were impenetrably hard, bordering on inedible, however smothered with moderately flavorful sauce and nicely pickled onions. Eggs, ordered over medium and delivered (not once, but twice) hard with broken yolks, were balanced precariously atop. Quiche Lorraine: accompanied by a very lightly seasoned, perfectly fresh side salad, as well as nicely under-cooked asparagus spears. The quiche was certainly impressive looking when delivered: quite tall, with a layered crust, and seasoning layered on the top. Inside... a spongy, rather dry, mixture of egg, devoid of seasoning, no flavor of any kind, no hint of creaminess. There also appeared to be no cheese whatever, in any part of the dish; bacon lardons, if present, were certainly not flavorful. So... well, all-in-all, just unfortunate.

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RJ S

★ 5

Excellent service, lovely atmosphere, steak au poivre was excellent with a kettle one dirty!

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Neal Silbert

★ 5

Delicious food with regularly changing menu each visit. Parking lot fills up and you may need to park on the street. Usually not an issue. Wait staff very professional and engaging. Food always delicious.
Pro-Tip: they have one of the best hamburgers in Wisconsin.

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AD

★ 5

Had an amazing meal with great service. You can feel the love in this place. Food was top notch, 5 star all the way. Can’t wait to go back

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Peggy Schmidt

★ 1

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Rachel Tucker

★ 5

Excellent valentine's 4 course meal. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were great. Loved the live music. Can't wait to come back for dinner soon

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Joseph Price

★ 5

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Sean Kim

★ 5

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Daniel Glover (Danny)

★ 4

Upscale dinner. The walleye was great. Lovely atmosphere.

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Deb Palm

★ 5

Delicious meal with fun drinks, wonderful staff, atmosphere and music!

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Ari Kestenbaum

★ 5

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Dawn DeFoer

★ 5

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Tim Kruse

★ 5

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Julie Dresen

★ 5

Amazing food, waitstaff, and drinks!! Highly recommend! I know that I can order healthy options, which is a must.

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chase fangmeier

★ 5

Had new years eve dinner there. The new york strip the chef cooked was a top tier steak. Probably the best steak I've ever tasted.

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Wyolanda Singleton

★ 5

Great brunch spot! Beautiful Christmas atmosphere! Order a spicy bloody with a spotted cow back. My steak was a bit overdone. Loved my brunch date experience . Great service and beautiful accommodations!

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Anita Laabs

★ 5

Birthday brunch. Seated right away. Delicious food. Good bloody Mary. We'll be back.

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Melissa Wilkerson

★ 5

Great lunch today, try the smoked Old Fashioned, thank you Forrest for great service it was a pleasure meeting you!

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Mark Wilkerson

★ 5

Great food and atmosphere. Forest was a great server. Hoping to return for New Year's.

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Sam Anderson

★ 1

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Tom Daack

★ 5

AMAZING dining experience at an old schoolhouse in a small town in Wisconsin near Madison. BEST filet mignon I have EVER had! Perfectly cooked with a wood smoke flavor that was absolutely incredible. All sides were ideal compliments and service was 5 STAR! WORTH every penny and an experience you will not forget nor regret!

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Andy Simmons

★ 5

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Carol Christopher

★ 5

Nice wait staff. Nice environment. Good food . Nice but not pretentious

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Elizabeth Riley

★ 5

This was a completely unexpected joy. The food - we went at brunch - was amazing. I don't usually enjoy butternut squash, but I had their autumn harvest salad and it was delightful and the french toast spread my partner enjoyed had my mouth watering. A single drink is more than enough here, as their bartenders really know how to pour drinks! My only complaint, however, is that for the amount we paid and the appearance of the restaurant, the service was far below my expectations. The server we had did his best and was very delightful, but even for a busier time of day, it took quite a long time for a server to come to our table initially. We had reservations, and I hoped a server would at least come to tell us they would be right with us, but that didn't happen until we were about ready to ask for one. I'm sure it wasn't his fault, but I'd have liked to see better communication between the wait staff and hosts. Other than that, I'd say this one is definitely a spot we'll come back to!

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Dina VandeBerg

★ 5

The best halibut dinner I have eaten in a cozy, clean and comfortable restaurant! Going back!

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Wesley Newman

★ 5

Great food and drinks we both really like the squash soup special. Their avocado burger was a bit messy to eat but was flavorful. We went for lunch but we want to try their brunch and dinner options. The schoolhouse is a cozy venue and the staff was very attentive.

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Chris Enstad

★ 5

Top notch in every area. The beef wellington was perfect.

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Andy Abplanalp

★ 5

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Beau Berger

★ 5

The term "hidden gem" can really be applied to the whole of Paoli, but nowhere moreso than the Schoolhouse. Perfect outdoor atmosphere with incredible service and delectable food. Worth going out of your way to get here!

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Dana Allen

★ 2

Stopped to eat at 10am. Walked in and the place was empty with the exception of a party of 1 and a party of 2. We were asked if we had a reservation. I said do we need one? The young man said just a second. Came back and said the are too understaffed to seat us.

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Scotty Kyzer-McHenry

★ 5

This place is great and so close to Verona. It's our new Sunday brunch spot. The food is delicious, I've been working on crossing something new off the list each trip. The outdoor dining space is lovely as well.

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Colm Ronan

★ 4

Great fresh food in nice location. Friendly staff.

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Jeremy Jacobson

★ 4

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C Wess

★ 5

Quaint, historic restaurant in downtown Paoli was a pleasant surprise! The menu offered a wide variety of selections for all taste palettes. The Beef Wellington was cooked perfectly with a flaky crust and tender meat inside with just the right amount of sauce and flavor. Was accompanied with mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. The server was pleasant and knowledgeable. Checked on us just the right amount. Dinner was finished with a lavender, honey crème brûlée. Smaller portion with a hint of lavender was a perfect end to our anniversary dinner.

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Bre Loughlin

★ 5

The best restaurant in Madison, except it's in Paoli. Perfect farm to table food, amazing service, historic building, and live music outside. My new #1 in Madison (Paoli is close enough!)

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Jaclyn Wegener

★ 5

One of my favorite brunch places in the Madison area. I love their patio, their staff are all incredibly nice, and the food is amazing. Everything I've seen or eaten there has been 10/10. I recommend to everyone!

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Tyler Franklin

★ 5

great outdoor patio, delicious bloody, great food. will be back.

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Debra LaRocco

★ 4

A friend and I did an overnight trip to Paoli from Chicago. The community is so picturesque and this schoolhouse bistro definitely added to the charm. The interior was beautiful. It was light and airy and felt casually elegant. We sat outside on the porch because my friend brought her pooch. They accommodated the dog with a bowl of water. Although we only had salads, they were fresh and delicious with light and flavorful homemade dressings. The staff was so friendly. It was a pleasant place to have lunch.

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Jennifer Jackson

★ 5

Went for lunch with the girls. Every dish was fresh, seasoned well and service was exceptional. Drinks sre pricey but generous.

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Deanne Pierson

★ 5

We met our daughter and family here for brunch and we were delighted. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the patio. They are on the top of their game with presentation of each dish, friendliness of the staff, and variety of the menu. The mushroom pate was superb. We had the added bonus of the Sunday farmer’s market with live music and browsing the shops down the street. To complete the day, strawberry picking is about 5 miles away. The area is truly worth a visit starting with a stop at the Schoolhouse Bistro.

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Jeff Clark

★ 5

Beautiful classy space, delicious food, great wine selection, and outstanding service!

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Bill Chambers

★ 5

Just had dinner at this amazing restaurant. The mussels appetizer and Beef Wellington is some of the best I have ever had. Lois our server was very friendly, attentive, responsive and knowledgeable about the menu. Atmosphere is really great. One of my best dining experiences.

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Nathaniel Mohatt

★ 5

Their Brunch Burger is one of the best burgers I've ever had. Cooked perfect with high quality beef. It is the quintessential breakfast or brunch burger--a bacon and eggs burger, elevated with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and gruyere. Awesome!

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Catherine Sconniegirl

★ 5

Had a fantastic brunch to celebrate a friend's birthday. We ate outside in the very lovely back patio. The restaurant was very short-staffed, but although the service was a little slow, our food and drinks were great! Among our group we had the prime rib hash and breakfast burger. The salad accompanying the prime rib hash looked great, but the fries (shoestring potato-like) were very crispy and didn't need anything extra. The bloody Marys had a nice little kick.
During our meal we watched a mother robin feeding her nest under the eave. It was a very peaceful and relaxing time.
We'll definitely be back!

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