A beer-focused bar, elevated pub food & brunch plus board games in a vintage, hodgepodge setting.
Mimi Tran
Out of the 4 places we ate at in Madison, this was our favorite and the only to knock it out of the ballpark! The atmosphere is cute. It’s like stepping into a somewhat modern-ish, but still cosy tavern straight out of a renaissance movie. We originally tried to go for dinner on Saturday night, but there was a pretty long wait which I also think speaks to the food. They don’t take RSVPs, so plan accordingly.
Ordered the Hungarian Goulash, Biscuits & Gravy, and the Jeffrey. The goulash was really delicious. The meat and vegetables were cooked down, flavorful and super tender. It also came with brioche bread on the side, which paired well! The sausage gravy and the sausage that came from the biscuits were also really good. The Jeffrey was good, but it was just a sandwich so it didn’t wow us as much. The sides that came with the biscuits & gravy and the Jeffrey did surprise us though! Fries were really crispy and flavorful. The homemade fried chips were also delightful.
Not from the area, so we were originally a little (or a lot) let down by the other restaurants we had tried out, but the Weary Traveler Freehouse definitely saved the trip in terms of food. We’re definitely coming back if we’re in the area!
… moreMo
A busy Friday night, and service was indeed slow. I believe they may have been short of help, too – which didn’t help. The place itself has fairly large, but has a cozy feel to it. The artwork, and pictures on the walls were numerous. Old school bar, too. The food was good. You can’t go wrong on the Bob’s Bad Breath Burger. And the reuebens are good, too – even a vegan option. We asked for ketchup when the food plates arrived. The ketchup, in small cups, arrived when we were almost finished. Plenty of different beers and other liquid libations on hand. And if you’re into mulled wine, try their homemade Grog. Note ceiling, too.
… moreBrandi
My bestie and I were looking for a new place to eat, so we picked Weary Traveler Freehouse. I love the atmosphere, the music, and the food! We sat in a booth in the corner, surrounded by dim lighting. It was nice and cozy. The drinks were delish!! There was a little wait, but we sat at the bar and ordered are drinks. The only thing I would have liked better is if the water were cold and not lukewarm.
… moreCraig W
The Weary Traveler Freehouse is just what I expected from a restaurant and bar on Willy Street. A cousin in France read a New York Times (I think) review of Madison’s restaurants recently and this was one of two that appealed to me and is within walking distance from home. I arrived at 1 PM on a Friday and found the place about half full. I ordered the Eggs Benny which came with chips, salad, a pickle and wedge of orange. The eggs benny had perfect poached eggs and was easy to cut into bite-sized pieces. I will return. The sound level was quite high, even though the occupancy was around 50% but conversations at a table may not a problem. I was surprised that my cup of coffee was $6 but I was offered a refill twice by a pleasant server. The tin ceiling probably adds to the sound level but is spectacular and worth the loudness of diners.
… moreBrittany Renault
I have been here many times before and things have been great, especially the food. We came in on an empty night so the atmosphere was nice. The lighting is so beautiful in this restaurant and the music is always great while also having a variety. Our drinks were great! My husband got the black momba and I just had a ginger beer. Since we were one of the only tables you would think we would have gotten our food pretty quickly but it took a while, my husband’s ribs were cold. He didn’t say anything because he doesn’t typically, but then the server was also a bit slow to get us our bill. I know its a relaxed place but there just still wasn’t very quick service. I would still go back but just had to be honest.
… moreJonathan W
Great place to stop, have a bite and a drink. The slider I had was delicious with cream cheese and jalapeños, with the fries being okay, well seasoned but the texture wasn’t what I wanted.
The highlight was the great service and cocktails. Quinton (sorry if I butchered the spelling) was a good bartender who made great cocktails. If your weary from your travels check this place out to lift your spirits.
… moreDeeAnn Martin (Dee)
Love the atmosphere here… fabulous people and delicious food. Great senses of humor! My friend ordered a beer, and he made it clear, “No frosted glass, no salted rim, no lemon, no salad, just a beer.” He got the plain beer – perfectly poured! … AND a small glass of beer on the side with a sprig of mint on a toothpick! After a moment of confusion, we laughed! The bartender played a silly, gentle prank on my friend, about the “no salad” comment – hilarious! Fabulous vibe here, highly recommend.
… moreSunshine Chamberlin
Felt right to stop in after a 7 hour drive. The vibes of the place were great! The staff was really chill so I was grateful I wasn’t in a hurry. Food was kinda pricey but also really good. Highly recommend the garlic potato chips dipped in Sriracha Oil!
… moreRoger Garcia
This was my first time at the Weary Traveler and I very much enjoyed it. Brought my girlfriend here for her 27th birthday and it was great. That atmosphere is very laid-back with low lighting, great music, great food, and great service.
I had the 16 fantastic oz steak and she had the very good goulash, the only gripe she had was that the meat was somewhat dry.
Its also awesome that they serve food as late as they do. Very rare to find that these days!
… moreMatthew Garcia
Arrived pretty excited but left pretty disappointed. Fairly easy street parking. Decent selection of local beers but nothing outstanding. Awesome interior and bar area that clearly tell a story with plenty of history and cool swag but it might be too dark inside for some. Folks were friendly enough and we happened to arrive during happy hour which was nice. The food was the disappointing aspect. Everything was a bit bland. The happy hour small bites plates were mostly flavorless but it was the walleye sandwich that was the true bummer. Super small piece of fish about half the size of the brioche bun and salad had no dressing even though the menu stated they use a rotating vinaigrette. For $18 that’s inexcusable. I love places like this and they usually surpass expectations but this is one I won’t return to.
… more