The Outsider
"I'm really not sure why I haven't reviewed The Outsider before now, seeing as I have been here dozens of times. But saying that should give you some idea of how much I enjoy this place. The Outsider is a really solid spot for an evening out. It is located on the rooftop (9 floors) of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. You will have to enter the hotel to get here, but hotel staff are very used to directing people towards the elevators that lead to The Outsider. The space itself is wonderful - great views of the city, a variety of seating options, lots of comfy couches, and a large bar area. The Outsider is open year round. Even in the dead of winter, they manage to keep the majority of the bar open with the help of heating lamps. The Outsider has an extensive drinks list. You will find your typical fare here - beers, wines, typical rail drinks, etc. But there is also a list of house-designed cocktails. These drinks are seasonal and are inventive and enjoyable, although quite pricey. In fact, I would say that The Outsider is generally one of the more expensive bars in the Milwaukee area. You are certainly paying for that rooftop view. For the cocktails, the price point feels fair, as these drinks are very nicely presented. But the price point is certainly quite high for the beers and wine. A couple things to make note of:-The Outsider on a weekend in the summer is going to be insanely busy. Come prepared-People usually come dressed in nicer clothes. There is no dress code officially, but you won't see many people in sweats here. -Service is a bit varied. Sometimes the servers will come to your seat to take your drink orders. Other times, you have to go up to the bar yourself. I think this is largely dependent upon their staffing and how busy the bar is on that day."
Madison's
"TLDR: What a wonderful gem that is an unpretentious beautiful melting pot; all staff was genuine and having fun at work, food was gorgeous and did put up with my lower processed sugar requests, unique cocktails, and feel free to read more about their bathroom rant IN A GOOD WAY and down-low the music was incredibly on point for the vibe well done Context: I come to Madison a lot for work and family but they live in Middleton/West Madison. This was a last minute trip and the first two nights I stayed downtown on the square. I decided I didn't want the normal places so I forced my family into town for brunch on a Sunday mid-morning. Three adults and one 2 year old. Our incredible (and I mean INCREDIBLE I wish they lived in Texas so I could hire her lol) was our table staff and I think the GM or potential owner even gave my nephew (the 2 year old) a little ring pop and magnet toy to play with while we hung out so unexpected!! Taylor was attentive, super chill, and went the extra mile by admitting she had to check on a question and quickly came back instead of lying or just saying that's not their job. Taylor seriously made the experience. Then my family left and I felt bad taking a table so I moved to the bar and the bar staff took just as good care and even honored my bottomless mimosa felt so bad they gave such great service I tipped every refill lol good service is so rare now The food was extravagantly humble. The parfait was to die for and the breakfast platters were flavorful even if a "standard plate". My sister doesn't normally do locks and said the all bagel sandwich (in pictures) was very good!The cocktails - I will say I was a little taken aback by having an espresso martini with whiskey but was not upset. The spicy margarita was better than spicy margs in Texas and the bottomless mimosas were actually bottomless and they refilled with joy it just so relaxing and pleasant.Ambiance - they kept the older brick building but did the upgrades in the right place. If you look hard enough you'll notice they even put sound pads underneath the bar chairs such a small but important move in the restaurant/bar scene. The attention to the important details were incredible. Okay..... onto the bathroom...YAAAASSSSSS lol. This bathroom (women's bathroom is the one I used here) was one of the cleanest and comforting bathrooms I've ever been in even better than some 5 star hotels and restaurants!! It was incredibly clean, minimalist, they actually had a solid ceiling and closed stalls, the stone work was not cold and the gold to white marble tile was just beautiful. I cannot stress enough that the stalls were enclosed actually (we all know what I'm talking about) and the fact that you can't smell anything but clean without an overpowering bleach scent lol I can't explain it I just love their bathroom lol (pictures included). Im in love with this place. To be fair I did not try their connected ice cream shop but the doors were open and people were going in and out so I assume good things "
