Upscale American bistro fare & wines in a restored 19th-century schoolhouse with a gift shop.
Jana Reed
While staying at Seven Acre we ate at old school house. When I made our reservation, I specifically selected a standard table and included a note explaining that it was our first visit and a special night away from our children. However, upon arrival, the host seated us at a high-top table directly next to the bus/service station. The area was quite loud, and my chair was missing a footrest, which I eventually had to swap with a chair from another table myself.
When I inquired about our seating, we were told the only other option was to move to the front room. We relocated, but unfortunately, we ended up next to a loud group from the bar and a family with children, which was not the experience I thought we would have.
We arrived at 5:40 PM and finished by 7:10 PM, having two drinks and two dinners. Given the occasion and our specific request, I expected more. But if you go with no expectations it is a fine dinning experience with professional staff. Food was good but we would try something else when we go back.
… moreCristi K
Food was excellent. Enjoyed the croquettes with spicy marinara. The burger was delicious. My partner enjoyed the short rib mash, savory, and melty goodness We also ordered a petite salad and thick sliced bacon sides. The restaurant is beautifully decorated. Highly recommend.
… moreJim McClanahan
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.
… moreAndrew “Andrew” Kaiser
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.
… moreA K
The Schoolhouse does a consistently good job. The place is always clean, organized and very welcoming. The staff is friendly and super helpful. Brian the GM knows what he’s doing! The food is so tasty, the chefs use local ingredients and put their own spin on things. Some favorites; the mussels with a spicy tomato and chorizo broth, the burger is fantastic, their soups and salads are always delicious and save room for dessert, we enjoyed a dark chocolate pot de creme with salted caramel whipped cream.
… moreFelicia Chang
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.
… moreMadeline Mindel
Beautiful, classical, and interesting space for an upscale brunch at a very reasonable price. Portions were ample, with fresh ingredients and perfect execution. I was also happy because I was looking for a lighter brunch that wasn’t all pancakes and bread items- they offer that as well but I loved my salad and crab cakes, with Chilaquiles as a starter (this isn’t the easiest thing to get right, and this version was very good). I will be recommending this and will be back next time I’m in Madison.
… moreDawn Funk
We were there 3 times. The first time we sat in the dinning room for lunch. Food was good don’t remember service. 2nd time sat us in the bar without asking us if that was okay. We had a good time food was Good service good. Third time made our reservation a week in advance. We were seated in what was essentially the coat room in this weird wooden deal. I get the message and will not be back. Too bad for you.
… moreAnthony Villare
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.
… moreKatrina Meinel
Oh my goodness!! There are not words in the English language to describe how amazing this place is! The service is phenomenal; a server is always available, but not constantly interrupting. The food is delectable. It is so good. You think it’s going to be an ordinary brunch, but one bite and you are blown away!! The flavors are…..it’s like a party in your mouth! The portion sizes are large. My family walked away very satisfied! Our compliments to the chef and all the staff that make Paoli Schoolhouse a fabulous experience.
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