★ 1

We ate here on 8/23 and sent this in an email to Chef Dave, but never heard back. We were hoping to hear from him and not post here, but we don’t want people to have the same experience we did. The last time we came to the restaurant (about 2 years ago) it was a really beautiful experience. The food, drinks, and the service were top-notch. We even saved our paper menu as a momento of our night!

When we arrived for our 6:30 reservation, we had to wait a while to be greeted and eventually seated because the two wait staff were also hosting and bussing tables in the restaurant. It became clear throughout the evening that while they were hustling, they were short-handed and found it difficult to keep up. They were very kind and friendly, but spent a lot of time apologizing to us and to all the tables within earshot about the delay on the drinks and food.

When we were seated, the first thing we did was order our drinks. About 20+ minutes after we ordered our drinks, my drink was ready and delivered to the table. It had a bug in it. The waitress took it back after we pointed this out and it took another 25+ minutes for the remade drink to make it back to our table. We overheard the waitstaff mention the delay was because the bartender had messed up making it again and was trying to figure out how to salvage it to serve to a different table. By the time the correct drink came, we had almost finished our meal and it was the first thing we ordered. We were disappointed to see this drink was still on our final bill at full price as I would think a restaurant of this caliber would not make a customer pay full price ($14) for a drink they brought out with a bug in it to begin with. Additionally, we ordered a sidecar which came to our table about 30+ minutes after we ordered. I have never had a sidecar served in a tumbler over ice so I'm not sure if that drink had been made correctly, but with everything else going on, I didn't want to be a bother to the wait staff who were clearly trying their best to put a good face on the situation.

Our soup was the first dish to come out and it was a touch over lukewarm. No big deal, but when our meals came out, my partner's red beans and rice with tofu dish was also served at basically room temperature. The rice was tough and the beans lacked a strong flavor which was disappointing since this was the dish we came to try.

I had the shrimp and grits and they were great, but overshadowed by all the other issues going on. At the end of the night, our bill was nearly $100 dollars and we were so disappointed in the meal and the experience we had. We would have loved to have had a second drink or a dessert, but with the pace of the service and the quality of the items we did have, we opted to call it at that point and head someplace else for another drink.

I would have spoken to a manager but there wasn't one in the restaurant from what we could see. We decided to walk out the Ollie's side to see if maybe that restaurant was slammed to explain what we had experienced on the other side or if we could see a manager. There wasn't an obvious manager and there were two couples impatiently waiting by the host stand already, so we opted to just head out for the night and send this message later.

Again, I want to say that we have had a beautiful experience here in the past and it appeared the service was understaffed/under-experienced; however, this experience really let us down. We love what Chef Dave does in the community and we are big fans, so this was incredibly disappointing for us to walk out thinking "We won't come back here." Head to Ollie’s instead - hopefully that side of the building will be a better experience.

Source: Google

★ 2

I'd read on Gluten Free forums about St Charles Station and visited their online GF guide, thinking what an amazing place for my celiac daughter. The food was good. The service dismal; though the servers charming. The place was seriously understaffed, with waitstaff serving both St Charles Station and the casual Ollie's restaurant adjacent. We didn't get the famous cornbread before our meal and our waitress offered to pack some to go, assuring us it was Gluten Free at our question. Unfortunately it was not GF and we spent most of the night helping our daughter get through bouts of nausea and vomited from being glutened. I'd suggest those who are GF eat elsewhere.

Source: Google

★ 1

St Charles Station touts its attention to food allergy protocols, particularly Gluten Free. After our servers’ assurances my celiac daughter’s meal was gluten free, I am saddened and disappointed to report she was glutened by St Charles Station. Her meal consisted of all requested Gluten Free endive salad, St Charles Pasta, Chocolate Mousse, and on the way out she was given the GF cornbread that did not arrive prior to the meal. Our waitress asked us to wait while she packaged up the warm cornbread for us that was forgotten during our seating. When we asked the server if the cornbread was gluten free, she assured to our delight it was. Clearly this is not the case as my daughter has suffered acute nausea & vomiting all night after eating the cornbread. Not cool St Charles Station. Train your staff on the allergy protocols you promote on your website. I am saddened a place that spouts their allergy awareness isn’t trustworthy. We won’t be back.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I came here for restaurant week. We usually use restaurant week to try new places we haven’t been. SO good! Will totally be back! They actually also give you full servings, unlike some places for restaurant week, so that was awesome and worth the money. The physical place is so dark cute! I love the vibe. It’s small-ish but intimate and I love that. The waitresses seemed to actually enjoy their job. We were the first table after they opened that evening and I remember hearing a waitress say to her coworker behind the bar “our first table!!!!” And was so excited. They gave us complimentary corn bread to start. Will definitely order this next time we come. Both my husband and I got the French quarter, this meal had an appetizer of shrimp and grits. 😩🤤😮‍💨 next time I come, this will be my whole meal cause, whew!!! Then we had a trio of jambalaya, gumbo and shrimp something rather. My husband really liked the jambalaya and gumbo. And ended up taking mine home for lunch the next day. I was already full after the shrimp and grits, and also didn’t love the main but that could just be my spice tolerance. We were way too full for dessert but , of course, ate it anyway! We had the banana foster and it certainly tasted fresh and homemade. They automatically charge 20% gratuity, which i don’t mind especially if they enjoy their work better and it shows. AND they highlighted the 20% on the bill and didn’t ask for more. Some places don’t do that, hope you don’t see it, and then give additional on top. So I appreciated their transparency with it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent as ever!
The Carandale strawberries-featured meal was awesome!

Source: Google

★ 5

Chef Dave is truly the Chef of Chefs.

We visited St. Charles Station for a special anniversary celebration, and the entire evening was unforgettable. Chef Dave took the time to stop by our table, sharing stories about the restaurant, New Orleans, and a bottle of fine Champagne. It was the perfect way to kick off the night.

The food? Incredible. The strawberry dinner was a standout, the bruschetta was a table-wide favorite, perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and just the right amount of honey heat. The porterhouse was cooked to perfection, and the Pasta St. Charles was a-maze-ing.

Most importantly, Chef Dave made the evening feel personal and memorable. His warmth and hospitality elevated an already fantastic meal into a truly special experience.

Thank you, Chef Dave. You made the night one to remember

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome restaurant. Such SUPER service by our server Abby. Great place. LOVED IT!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing restaurant. Delicious complimentary cornbread, great cheese curds, and our entrees were delicious. Chef Dave catered our wedding, and the shrimp and grits were exactly as incredible as I remember. The chocolate mousse is a must for dessert. The server was also incredibly attentive. Continues to be one of our favorites for a date night!

Source: Google

★ 3

Went on Mother’s Day and made reservations specifically for St Charles Station (you could book for there or Ollie’s). When we got there they said they couldn’t fit us at St Charles Station, which was frustrating because we specifically wanted to eat there as we hadn’t been. Also not sure why they couldn’t seat us, no explanation was given. Why have reservations then? We ended up sitting outside at Ollie’s. That was fine, but the service was really lacking. It was a buffet and when some went to get 2nds their first plates were never cleared, over 25 minutes. Then they brought the desserts and still hadn’t cleared all an our dirty plates and empty glasses. I ended up having to stack the plates for our party of 8 and ask the server to take them when she came back. She was not attentive at all. Then we sat waiting for the bill. We had two little kids and waited 15 minutes after we were done eating. My husband had to go inside and track down our server and pay. Food was good but not sure we’ll be back because of the bad service. Also felt the buffet was over priced.

Source: Google

★ 1

Tasteless food and no service.

Went on Easter brunch, the food is subpar - saltiest devil egg and bacon in Wisconsin, no shrimp in 'Shrimp and grits'. Then the service - after being seated, nobody check in to offer drinks or asking about the dining experience or refilling water.

On top of this they have a 20% mandatory service charge, which they stated on their website that 'A pooled tip system and fixed service charge encourages teamwork and
ensures all customers receive excellent service, as everyone benefits.'

What a joke.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

We dined here in a larger party for a family night out. Everyone seemed to quite enjoy their food. Our service was awesome, friendly, and helpful.

The cornbread for the table was the highlight for me; it was very good.

The jambalaya had a strong, rich tomato flavor and a good texture. The shrimp were cooked perfectly.

The red beans and rice dish was quite an experience, with a great smoky aspect and a strong tangy flavor we best guessed came from the sausage.

This is a really decent spot for NOLA type fare with awesome service, a catchy atmosphere, and solid food options.

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic place for a nice dinner.

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★ 3

Food was decent. Do not get the bananas foster, seemed like bananas and ice cream, never saw them flambé it. Asked for a French press coffee but I never saw the press? Just got a cup of coffee. The worst part!!! They charge you 20% no matter how good or bad the service!!! Not going back. I don’t remember the last time I tipped 20%?!?!?

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Pasta St Charles was delicious. Really enjoyed our dinner.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

We had exceptional service from start to finish. With a large group of 12 the bar was able to handle drinks quickly. Appetizers were fantastic and fresh! Soup and salads were fresh and delicious. The main course options for our party were accurate, large portions and the whole party was served within 5 total minutes so we were all able to start eating right away. The desserts were to die for. Overall the service, atmosphere and food were exceptional!

Source: Google

★ 1

I would say skip this one. The food was tasteless. It took forever to get a drink. Food Service was sub par too. Also way over priced once they add an additional 20 percent and they then beg for an additional tip. Will not go back.

Source: Google

★ 2

Very poor and inattentive service. My wife should not need to get up and beckon a server to take an order for drinks and appetizers. Wait times were fairly long considering that there were many empty tables. Staff was really pretty poor with customer service and attitude overall. They were out of several menu items, which is really odd for 6pm on a Saturday.

Food - was ok, I don't really have any complaints about it, but nothing that stood out as exceptional or even close to it, either.

My classic Wicso Old Fashioned was pretty good, but it almost required a bullhorn to get a couple drinks ordered after sitting at the bar.

20% mandatory gratuity is ridiculous and likely contributes to the poor service. Where's the incentive to provide decent service when your tip is guaranteed? Earn it.

On a positive note, the ambience is nice.

Too many other places to dine at where we can get proper service and value for our dollar. Lesson learned.

Source: Google

★ 2

We won't be back. On a positive note it looks nice inside. The food was good enough, probably a bit pricey for what it was but it was fine.

The service is straight up poor. We were seated then promptly forgotten about. We had to track down a server to put in a drink order, then we were left alone again for a very long time before we could put in our order for food. I'm all about not being bothered while dining but this was a lot. Especially while you can watch people milling around between the bar area and host stand.

I also regularly tip high but the fact that they add an automatic 20% gratuity to the bill is a problem for me. Once you "force" me to pay for something I didn't receive it doesn't matter what the food is like or if the ambiance is nice. I'm used to tipping 18-20%percent on poor service, but it's by choice and the math is easier. However just tacking it on alone is enough for us to not return. It seems like none of the wait staff cared, probably because they don't have to and there are enough other average restaurants in the area to go to

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

Our anticipation for dining at this restaurant was high, but our experience fell short.

It took an unusually long time for a server to even acknowledge us. When they finally arrived, there was no greeting, no explanation of the restaurant week menu, and a noticeable delay in taking our drink order.
The staff seemed overwhelmed and inattentive, requiring us to frequently flag them down for basic requests.
The first course arrived with a significant delay, and our plates weren't cleared promptly.
The main course arrived cold, and despite multiple attempts to flag down our server, no one checked on our satisfaction.
Our entire dining experience stretched over nearly three hours, leaving us feeling disappointed. The service was consistently slow and inattentive, ultimately overshadowing any positive aspects of the meal.

Source: Google

★ 5

Chef Dave and his entire staff are fantastic. Great people, great atmosphere, great food. We cannot wait to return.

Source: Google

★ 5

Just tried it for the first time tonight - the tasting menu was delicious - all four courses!!

Source: Google

★ 1

The grits were inedible, and we were overall disappointed with all of the food we ordered. The cocktails were good.

Source: Google

★ 2

Wow, where to begin? How about here: disappointing. I'd been a fan of the former Liliana's, so had high expectations for this new incarnation.

Things started well -- the atmosphere is upscale and inviting. The appetizers (gluten-free deep-fried cheese curds and deviled eggs) were excellent.

We did have to wait a while for the liquor in our cocktails to be distilled. An odd little glitch -- I was carded. I'm 58 years old. The server said she had to ask because I "looked under 40." Um, thanks?

Things went downhill from there. The service was halting, lacked confidence and was extremely slow. Don't get me wrong, they tried. But they're obviously poorly trained.

Entrees . . . my pork porterhouse was a generous portion, reasonably well-seasoned, but overcooked and dry. Edible, but nothing I couldn't have accomplished at home. My companion ordered the braised short ribs. A good ten minutes later, the server returned to tell us they were out of that entree. That's noteworthy -- the menu is limited, the scallops (which I wanted) were crossed off the menu, and now this entree was out, too.

So she ordered the filet mignon ($46). What she received was not recognizable as a filet mignon. It was 3/4" thick (I brought the leftovers home for the dogs, and measured it), seasoned with an ocean's worth of salt, and gray. She was disappointed with her Mac & cheese side (I thought it was ok) and the extra side we ordered -- a sweet potato -- never came out.

I mentioned this disappointment to the server (after another long wait for a second round of drinks) and we were comped two desserts.

The Bananas Foster tasted good, but it was not served flambeed (isn't that the point of Bananas Foster?) and was served in a deep, narrow glass that made eating it very messy. The Pumpkin Cheesecake was excellent.

I should mention that it took us nearly two hours to get through our meal, in spite of the fact that there were never more than six tables occupied. When we left shortly after 8 pm on a Saturday night, there was one table remaining.

The bill came to $201 (even though the desserts were comped), including a 20% "servic charge," essentially a mandatory tip. We didn't receive 20%-worthy service, but the bill still asked for another tip at the bottom. Um, no.

Sadly, I doubt this place will be open at this time next year.

Source: Google

★ 5

Food here is exceptional. Farm to table with seasonal menus. Their cuts of beef are amazing.

Pro-tip: eat here on a Friday night and time it so you can go to the connecting restaurant Olies at 8. This is when the owner comes in to make specialty drinks and he is crazy good.

Source: Google

★ 5

I celebrated my wedding ceremony in this amazing place, not only its ambiance is lovely, the girls, including their manager, are really kind, loaded with patience to offer a 10/10 customer service. I think I couldn't have chosen better (:

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★ 5

Food was excellent, but several menu options were not available.

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

What a lovely update to an established favorite! All the best Cajun and Midwest favorites (including the best drinks from the original menu) wrapped up in a supper club package with some new options. Our favorite new inclusion was sides for dinner - you can order any comfort favorites as a side and combine two, three, or four and have a meal! What a great idea. Yum! The service was excellent and the new decor is lovely.

Source: Google

★ 3

Very good food. Still, we waited twenty minutes to place a drink order and fifty to place an order for our entrees in a not-full dining room. Was a bit frustrating but, hey, it all tasted good. Maybe it was a bad night…

Source: Google

★ 5

Outstanding food!!! The wait staff was so nice, they worked so hard and they were understaffed that night! Make sure to try the cheese curds....amazing
We will definitely be back!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Outstanding Waite staff!!!!
Outstanding food!
Order the cheese curd appetizer

Source: Google

★ 2

I was hoping for something special as its previous restaurant was one of my go to eateries. My cocktail was good but it took over a half hour to get to me. I ordered a salad and 2 sides as they were out of the entree I wanted and that took another 45 minutes. To say the least I was disappointed. I can see why they didn’t seem busy on a Friday night.

Source: Google

★ 1

Portions are laughable for the price you pay and the food is nothing to write home about. Madison is a vibrant community full of great food and restaurants and this isn’t one of them.

Source: Google

★ 2

Let me start by saying I'm a big fan of Chef Dave. His lobster mac and cheese at his former restaurant was some of the best I've ever tasted, and I've never had a poor experience with anything associated with his brand.

Until tonight.

I'm in complete disbelief this restaurant is his, because outside of the gorgeous decor and ambiance, it was just plain bad.

We arrived at 5:30pm and, with only two other tables occupied, we didn't get our meal until 7pm. It arrived less than lukewarm. I ordered three sides: Truffle Mac and cheese, Shrimp Etouffee and Jambalaya. The Mac and cheese had the texture of reheated Mac and cheese from a box, flavorless dry and crusty (a far cry from my gooey memories of yore). The other two sides had a monochromatic flavor with cookie cutter cubes of ham and peppers, and the tomatoes tasted like they were out of a can. I asked the server to please heat my food, and it was returned to the table looking worse for the wear and barely warm.

It took another hour to get our check, even though the place was less than half full. And, with the mandatory 20% gratuity added in, it left no room for feedback.

I'd like to chalk this experience up to being a newly opened restaurant, short staffed and still finding its flow, but this place belongs to Chef Dave. Chef Dave is the embodiment of quality and artistry, and there was none of him to be found at St. Charles Station tonight. I'm beyond disappointed.

Hopefully, this was just an off night.

Source: Google

★ 3

The website for Saint Charles Station is features some beautiful entrée photographs, which in part motivated us to try them for Restaurant Week. Another enticement, on the website as well as their Facebook pages, is their farm-to-table approach. Alas, none of the six dishes served resemble what is shown on the web, and only one (a passable arugula salad) tasted remotely farm-to-table. Also note, perhaps during Restaurant Week alone, an enforced 20% gratuity. All-in-all, quite disappointing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Outstanding service...went for the New Orleans/Cajun fare. Gumbo was spot-on excellent as was the Duck Confit salad. Will most definitely return!

Source: Google

★ 1

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★ 5

What a wonderful dining experience! The restaurant is beautiful, the service is wonderful the food is outstanding! Highly recommend for a special night out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great food, great service.
Extra points for a quiet atmosphere for relaxed dining and chatting.

The personalized, plantable menus are a bonus!

Source: Google

★ 5

A beautiful, quiet space to enjoy a fabulous meal. The service was excellent and the meal was a celebration! Will recommend and will return.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ollie's & St. Charles station is my new "office" (comparable to Ann Arbor's "La Dolce Vita/Chop House"). The attention to detail and decor are equisite! The food, its portions, and presentation are HIGH-Quality! And equally important, the staff and vibe make my challenging days feel better! This is my go to spot (I bring ALL visitors here at least once)! This is my new Madison "Office"!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent fare. Beautiful remodel.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Had an *amazing* dinner with friends! The drinks were wonderful, the staff was friendly and prompt, and the FOOD, uffda, *incredible.* I don't think I'll be able to get the salmon or jambalya our of my head!! And the CORNBREAD, ye gods, *absolutely* stunning.

I used to come before the restaurant was split and renamed, and I gotta say- I *love* what's been done with the space!! Hands down one of my favorite spots near Madison.

On top of that, I cannot recommend this spot highly enough. They pay their employees a *proper hourly wage.* People seem genuinely happy to work there. 6/5 stars.

Source: Google

★ 5

I second what the previous reviewer said about service and atmosphere. We ordered the jambalaya, the shellfish, and the salad. All were fantastic. The hurricane was delicious, too. We're fortunate to have this local gem in Fitchburg!

Source: Google

★ 5

Very fortunate to be one of the first to dine here, the remodel is absolutely gorgeous and feels like an enhanced version of the old Lilianna's. The space feels so much more luxurious now! I am obsessed with the new upholstery on the chairs, which are not only stunning but also very comfortable.

The food! We ordered several small plates throughout the meal and would absolutely order any of them again. My biggest favorite was the Pasta dish, the noodles were nice and thin and the flavors were just amazing. Probably my least favorite was the shrimp and grits, only because the shells were left on the shrimp and it made them difficult to eat without making a mess. They did taste very good though.

Ordered a Cosmo from the bar and it got two big thumbs up. Service was prompt and quick! I love that the menu is small and even changes daily, they print a fresh batch every day and ours even had my name on them! You get the keep them at the end of your meal and you can plant them to grow wildflowers. I just love this simple but unique touch.

We can't wait to come back and try more new items off the menu!

Source: Google