Locally owned, locally loved. Come taste why. Top-quality steaks, fresh seafood, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, fine wines and classic cocktails. You'll find them all at Otto's, an oasis of great food and warm hospitality on Madison's West side. Otto's is now wheelchair accessible. Otto's bar opens Tuesday-Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with half-price appetizers until 6:30 p.m. (Weeknights in the bar only).
Reservations are required at this time for dining in the bar, outdoors and inside. Regulars think of Otto's Bar as the "Cheers" of the West side; comfortable, welcoming and friendly. A place to unwind with old friends and meet new friends. We offer an eclectic list of fine wines, beers and classic cocktails, and Happy Hour.
Reservations are required at this time for dining in the bar, outdoors and inside. Regulars think of Otto's Bar as the "Cheers" of the West side; comfortable, welcoming and friendly. A place to unwind with old friends and meet new friends. We offer an eclectic list of fine wines, beers and classic cocktails, and Happy Hour.
Services
Otto's is located on Madison's West side on Mineral Point Rd., just East of West Towne Mall between Gammon Rd. and Whitney Way. We're just 10 minutes from both downtown Madison and Middleton, and a quick cab ride or drive from any West side hotel. When you send us e-mail, we won't intentionally share your e-mail address with anyone outside Otto's without your permission.
Reviews (27)
Courtney Annell
Jan 26, 2022
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Food was delicious! Service was okay. Our waitress forgot my drink, then forgot to refill our waters. So I was pretty thirsty the whole night. I heard a table near by say they never received their soup. Otherwise everything was great. They gave us a free dessert for our anniversary which was very sweet.
Srikruthi Chowdary
Jan 02, 2022
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Simon Haugland
Dec 28, 2021
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The ratings for this place led to high expectations before I walked in, and I must say that I was still pleasantly surprised. I encountered no less than three employees when walking in, and all of them projected the same pleasant emotions and elation about my presence. They truly made me feel welcome in their restaurant. I was promptly seated, and the waitress was pleasant in her interaction, and did not give me the feeling that she was in a rush to be anywhere else - she was patient with my questions, and gave great recommendations. Needless to say, the food was phenomenal. It was served hot,
Celeste Taber
Dec 19, 2021
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Omg! You have to go to this wonderful local restaurant. Don't waist your time at a chain, this place delivers the optimal experience of all that is good about dining out. Top notch service, top notch ambiance, excellent food. You are a fool if you don't see the value of experiencing this Madison staple.
Paul A.
Nov 22, 2021
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Amy Wiess
Nov 14, 2021
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We've passed this restaurant for 7 years (in town for badger football games) and have always said, I wonder if it's good. We finally tried it out and it was excellent. The staff from the bar and dining room were very nice and attentive. The sea bass and scallops were great. We definitely will come back here again in the future.
Don Carl Jones
Oct 15, 2021
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Abby S.
Sep 27, 2021
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The best way I can describe this place is like a Saturday Night Live skit. Every single time our waitress came she gave us weird or bad news. We placed our orders for bread, appetizers, and entrees. Very long wait for bread and drinks. Our waitress almost never came by and when she did she was very frazzled. She then told us our food was almost out and we asked about the appetizer. She blamed us and said we should've reminded her so we never got it. We shouldn't have to do that and she was never even at our tShe did comp us with desserts however ahead of time I told her I was allergic
Chad S.
Sep 25, 2021
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Had dinner here last night with my family and we were very disappointed.
When we sat down the waitress informed us they were out of mashed potatoes somehow. This is a problem as 1/3 of their menu items are served with mashed potatoes. They allowed for substitutes.
My Caesar salad had 3 inch piece of plastic in it which I couldn't see until I was chewing on it. The duck my wife ordered was came out to well done. My son liked the lamb chops. We all agreed the food was very bland and my wife's risotto tasted like what could only be described a diesel fuel. It was very odd.
The waitress
When we sat down the waitress informed us they were out of mashed potatoes somehow. This is a problem as 1/3 of their menu items are served with mashed potatoes. They allowed for substitutes.
My Caesar salad had 3 inch piece of plastic in it which I couldn't see until I was chewing on it. The duck my wife ordered was came out to well done. My son liked the lamb chops. We all agreed the food was very bland and my wife's risotto tasted like what could only be described a diesel fuel. It was very odd.
The waitress
Todd Kuiper
Sep 17, 2021
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I made reservations and we got there early. I went inside to let them know we were there and if anything came up earlier that I would like a call or text. I fully expected to wait..which was fine. I stood there at the concierge desk for 15 min and was completely ignored. They looked at me several times and just turned around and walked away. I never write bad reviews esecially before I even eat.. but this really ticked me off.
Pratik Joshi
Sep 16, 2021
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Really nice restaurant good food good ambience. We called on a busy Friday night I’m glad they were able to seat us without being rude because mostly these days restaurants don’t welcome much if they are too busy..The service was top notch great food i had the halibut which was really good.. I am coming back here again for sure..
Katelin-Jane Tunney
Aug 16, 2021
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Not understanding the hype of this place ?? We were seated on the third floor. It’s an old
House that needed a renovation 20 years ago. Oak everywhere and gross carpet. All things I could get over if the food was great.
But…
Ordered my steak medium rare and it came out medium with absolutely no seasoning on it . I had to add a ton of salt and pepper. The sautéed spinach tasted of uncooked wine . It took an hour to get our entrees so not worth sending back.
Maybe if you were sitting outside and drinking all night this place would be better? At this price point you can find much better places
House that needed a renovation 20 years ago. Oak everywhere and gross carpet. All things I could get over if the food was great.
But…
Ordered my steak medium rare and it came out medium with absolutely no seasoning on it . I had to add a ton of salt and pepper. The sautéed spinach tasted of uncooked wine . It took an hour to get our entrees so not worth sending back.
Maybe if you were sitting outside and drinking all night this place would be better? At this price point you can find much better places
David C.
Mar 27, 2021
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The best meal you will have in Madison. Perhaps the mid-west.
Do I need to say more?
Probably. Yelp expects better (or at least longer) reviews than that, even though it is all you need to know.
Friday night, made a reservation on Open Table. Got there late, but they still accommodated us. Started with a glass of Oregon Pinot. The wine selection is short, but excellent. You can order affordable, or move into the big leagues. It is not a Wine Spectator award of excellence quality, but again, very fine, especially for Madison.
I had had the chef's tasting menu, my better half, the
Do I need to say more?
Probably. Yelp expects better (or at least longer) reviews than that, even though it is all you need to know.
Friday night, made a reservation on Open Table. Got there late, but they still accommodated us. Started with a glass of Oregon Pinot. The wine selection is short, but excellent. You can order affordable, or move into the big leagues. It is not a Wine Spectator award of excellence quality, but again, very fine, especially for Madison.
I had had the chef's tasting menu, my better half, the
Barbara Gulten
Mar 27, 2021
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Was a delightful spot pre Covid19 and it still is now during Covid19. Went for a brunch with a friend, safe and clean practices. Was nostalgic to be there at such a different time and circumstances. Part of the charm always been people laughing, talking, huddling around tables. While that’s not present yet, we made do with good service and food. As the weather improves definitely will be visiting to sit and dine outside.
Eric P.
Mar 27, 2021
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I got three entrees and three appetizers on Thursday, Cost was 150 with tip We all got seafood and there was not one Mmmm sound from the diners. This was seriously mediocre cooking for the price. My salmon smelled fishy, the spinach was pretty tasteless and the caesar salad was romaine and croutons. This is the first meal from Otto''s in many years and I won't return. One expects some kind of taste pleasure when spending this kind of money....I won't be back. Seriously disappointing food!!
Cherise K.
Mar 01, 2021
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Otto's is this cute little tucked away restaurant off Mineral Point road. You've probably driven by it multiple times, but never thought of stopping. Well, you should. Wait for a nice day, Friday/Saturday when they have live music and make your reservation. Their porch is huge, covered, and drinks flow plenty. Their dishes can be a little pricey, but you'll have some to take home and if you go with friends, the drinks are great.
Lori H.
Jun 03, 2020
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After being closed for more than 10 weeks Otto's has now reopened with limited social distancing seating and safety precautions. Being one of my favorite restaurants, I made sure that we had reservations on opening night. I was glad to see a fair number of cars in the lot as we arrived for our 7 pm reservations. The main floor dining room was reduced to 4 tables -- one of which was our favorite. The happy dance just keeps on going. Add to the mix one of our favorite waiters, Jamie, was our server. Did I mention we dine here a lot? And for almost twenty-five years? Jamie started us out with
Molly J.
May 06, 2020
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After several years of hyping the New Zealand mussels at Otto's, I returned and was sorely disappointed. Mussels were not great, the ambiance was stuffy, and it was expensive. This feels like the kind of place your well-off Midwestern grandparents would recommend and rave the whole time about how there was a bread basket. But the bar was busy, so maybe that means it's more of a destination for a drink on the Westside? Nevertheless, if you do decide to stay for dinner, I could recommend the New Zealand lamb and would note that the service was great.
Overall it was fine, but with all
Overall it was fine, but with all
Adam S.
Dec 31, 2019
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We've been here a number of times and honestly I'm surprised I don't already have a FIVE STAR review of this place.
We came for a date night about a year ago and had the best first impression! This is my favorite restaurant in Madison and if there were a reason to miss moving out of the cold next year to Phoenix, this restaurant would be at the top of that list. Really. We love the idea that the menu changes as often as it does. We love that there is a pairing menu that is carefully prepared and it feels personal and hand crafted. We love the feel of the restaurant - it's
We came for a date night about a year ago and had the best first impression! This is my favorite restaurant in Madison and if there were a reason to miss moving out of the cold next year to Phoenix, this restaurant would be at the top of that list. Really. We love the idea that the menu changes as often as it does. We love that there is a pairing menu that is carefully prepared and it feels personal and hand crafted. We love the feel of the restaurant - it's
Abby S.
Nov 29, 2019
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Went here with a large party the day before thanksgiving and the food and service was absolutely wonderful. I ordered the scallops, while delicious, only come with 3. I also tried the lamb which was outstanding. Was very impressed with the speedy service given the fact our waitress has to climb three flights of stairs. Would visit again.
Graeme B.
Jul 24, 2019
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Really disappointed in our recent experience at Otto's. The food was excellent but the service was really poor. We were seated at 8:30, a half hour before closing and our server could not have been anymore unenthusiastic. I don't know if they were new or if it was related to the timing of our reservation. Throughout our meal, other staff were overly zealous on checking our meal progress.
I understand, as a servers and kitchen staff, being disappointed about a late reservation but our meal for 4 was over $200 and we really found the experience to be lacking - particularly when bringing
I understand, as a servers and kitchen staff, being disappointed about a late reservation but our meal for 4 was over $200 and we really found the experience to be lacking - particularly when bringing
Nathan H.
May 11, 2019
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Otto's is a very cozy upscale place. I really appreciated their bathrooms (single, locking, feel like you're a guest at someone's house) and the small dining room sizes that make it so there are only about 4-8 parties in any given room.
I had the fried calamari ($11) and the Maple Leaf Farms Duck ($29, not pictured). Both were amazing. I was a huge fan of the caper aioli that came with the calamari and of the way they cooked the duck to get the skin golden-brown, a bit crisp, and glazed with melted duckfat.
The price was a bit of a downside, but still was more pleased than average
I had the fried calamari ($11) and the Maple Leaf Farms Duck ($29, not pictured). Both were amazing. I was a huge fan of the caper aioli that came with the calamari and of the way they cooked the duck to get the skin golden-brown, a bit crisp, and glazed with melted duckfat.
The price was a bit of a downside, but still was more pleased than average
Daniel Z.
Jan 01, 2019
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The restaurant is three levels with a bar area on the first when you walk in. The Mediterranean platter appetizer is very tasty and large. The whipped feta on the platter was amazing. Tomato bisque soup was also good and a decent portion size (all dinner entrees come with soup or a salad). Sea bass and lamb chops were both good and good sized portions. Service was friendly and attentive!
Loris D.
Nov 30, 2017
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My wife and I were intrigued by this place branding itself as a seafood place so we decided to try it. The restaurant looks like slightly fancier version of Olive Garden and is in fact frequented by several old customers. We ordered a tasting menu which consisted of appetizer, one main course, and one dessert. We both ordered the trout soup and the linguine with mussels and lobster. For dessert I had the cheese platter and my wife had the bread pudding. The soup was fairly standard, I will say cafeteria quality. The linguini tasted not the bad but nothing special either. Some of the mussels were
Monica L.
Nov 30, 2017
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PROS: Decent-sized portions
CONS: Pricey, mediocre
Otto's is like walking into your uncle Bob's kitchen. Bob wants to show off his culinary skills since he started taking an Italian cooking class the week before. He prepares a table full of dishes full of fancy ingredients, but his execution falls short. The food tastes very much like the meat-and-potatoes that he usually makes, but fancier-looking and with more expensive ingredients. He also screws up and undercooks some seafood and brings out the wrong wine for his guests.
Under such a circumstance, I'd be okay. However, imagine
CONS: Pricey, mediocre
Otto's is like walking into your uncle Bob's kitchen. Bob wants to show off his culinary skills since he started taking an Italian cooking class the week before. He prepares a table full of dishes full of fancy ingredients, but his execution falls short. The food tastes very much like the meat-and-potatoes that he usually makes, but fancier-looking and with more expensive ingredients. He also screws up and undercooks some seafood and brings out the wrong wine for his guests.
Under such a circumstance, I'd be okay. However, imagine
Mike A.
Aug 02, 2017
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Reliably good chill suburban "fine dining" that's not cheap but still not like what you'd be stuck paying in a big city. To me, Otto's is very much what makes sense for the west side if you don't feel like going downtown but still want something nice, and want an option besides steak, steak, steak, or a bunch of small plates at Eno Vino.
We were looking for somewhere to have a nice outdoor Friday night dinner on a particularly gorgeous evening, but chill and on the west side. Otto's delivered. Not the first time I've been here, but first time in a while
We were looking for somewhere to have a nice outdoor Friday night dinner on a particularly gorgeous evening, but chill and on the west side. Otto's delivered. Not the first time I've been here, but first time in a while
Amber S.
May 16, 2016
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Overall the experience was very pleasant here and the food was good. The service was a little slow, but I think it's one of those restaurants that they aren't rushing you and just trying to get you your food and out the door as quickly as possible. For appetizers we ordered the calamari and brushetta, both very very good! I then ordered the Cesar side salad - the dressing was a little heavy on this. My friend ordered the stuff chicken, another ordered the scallops, another the lamb chops, and I ordered the spinach artichoke pasta. I was so full that I couldn't even finish my entree
