The Weary Traveler Freehouse

A great neighborhood pub which has been a go to for years. I first found it when I was somewhat of a weary traveler myself, having come to Madison to visit for a recruiting visit, and stumbled on it in the dead of January. During the pandemic, it was one of the reliable places to still go out and eat. Solid and even somewhat unique food, and both Danielle and Evan are wonderful and attentive servers. Perfect place for a casual (and tasty) meal and drink; atmosphere has a lot of character.

We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday. Not too busy, we were quickly seated. Really cool vibe. I love the old school bar and seating. I had the french toast off their brunch menu and my husband had a salad off the lunch menu. Both were good. I wish mine came with more fresh fruit, there were only a few berries on it. The portions were a good size but I think a bit pricey for some of their dishes. The service was friendly but overall a bit slow. I would like to come back and check out their dinner menu, the drinks looked good. Overall cool place.Note, there is no parking lot. Street parking only.

Easy Wisconsin back bay joint. Large bar to eat and swill a beer or glass of wine. I pounded back beers with college students. The staff is a bit too laid back, which knocks a star. The food is really delectable: above average bar food that is served in heaps - not small amounts! Their beers are mixed, both local and out of state. In case you have questions about, drinks; just ask, the staff knows their drinks and dishes. It has some quaint 2-top tables, if you need a more date like atmosphere. There's no view from the bar, but I (of course) got my food faster than table-dining people who ordered way before me. Excellent meats, beers, burgers, fish and side dishes - try them paired (ask bar men) with an ice cold local beer! Awesome dive bar and date (-ish) joint with skeletons, wine, signs, ghouls, ivy, booze and low lighting. Review: 4

Could improve service & food quality. 10 year ago - apart of our Top 10, after our visit today, sadly will never return. Server was inattentive and really after the order never heard back. Ordered snack Hummus and snack 3 meat only kabobs that were tough / dry / over cooked. Food came after we had to track down the server because other tables that came after us received their meals.

Food was really good and portions were huge! The vibe of the the restaurant is really cute, but it was freezing (I acknowledge it's winter in Wisconsin)

I'm sad to say that our experience here was very average! The vibes are great - super cozy, eclectic. We were seated relatively quickly and our server barely spoke to us aside from asking our order. The appetizer bread from the magic hour menu was mediocre, not much cheese in the bread. And both of our sandwiches were just so-so. Mine tasted more like meatloaf than a burger. Overall, disappointing, and we won't be rushing back.

Reason for 3 stars: Medium steak came out as well done, thankfully my tenderloin sandwich was tender. I asked for a GF bun but got a brioche. And we were charged $2 for mashed potatoes when it was supposed to be a choice. Not sure why our waiter skipped out before we finished, but we sat for a bit to get our check and takeout box. Bathrooms could use some TLC, lots of grime built up from lack of elbow grease. Why I'd try this place again:What a tasteful mix of cuisines that they e paired together in this small corner restaurant. We were quickly seated indoors (wanted outside but it was full). They bring a carafe of water to your table and explain the specials. A little pricy and smaller portions but most entrees come with a side of greens plus choice of potato. Shaved prime rib was not pre sliced, frozen crap. It was tender and served with a good pairing of sauces-- Bleu cheese, au juis, horseradish. Greens had a very light vinaigrette. Very eclectic style with various photographs and memorabilia throughout the place. Love the arch door with mushrooms adjacent to the bar. SOOOOO GROOVY!!!! Back by bathrooms, they have a wall of books and board games.They have several vegetarian options on the menu. Gluten free buns also available. And they have daily happy hour and late night specials.

We found a place on the corner that looked hidden from the general public. We were glad to have found it as the inside was decorated very comfortable. The service was pleasant but a bit slow, I believe they claimed short staff in the kitchen. I had a Cobb salad and the house dressing was very good. The turkey Ruben was also very good. I asked for a soda and was told it was made by a local place, I didn't get the name but it tasted really good. It was nice to have something different from the big chains. If you are looking for a comfortable lunch location with good food and service, this is your place.

Unique cool space with friendly people. Nice variety of sandwich's & sides. 1 enjoyed the grilled walleye & potatoe salad it was a nice piece of fish perfectly cooked. Unfortunately the french fries were not good, not cooked properly & most likely frozen, not freshly made. We normally would have order the garlic mashed but they were sold out. Andes churrasco sandwich was delicious! My husband had the Weary Traveler Reuben, they obviously knowwhat they are doing!

The Weary Traveler was a great experience! The service was pleasant , the restaurant itself had a great vibe, and the food was delicious! We went during lunch but will be returning for dinner and a happy hour!