Mader's German Restaurant Reviews

Great service and incredible food. Wonderful experience overall.

Best German food around. Its expensive but soo soo good. Large portions and leaves you wanting more. The veal to die for.

Go figure, a guy like me likes this place? Talk about delicious "old world" comfort food. Pair it with a German beer and your selections could not go better. I went with Hungarian goulash which was hearty, rich and paprika made it so perfect. Served with "spaetzle" (dumpling/noodle) and a salad. Wow! Will pay full price but it is worth it. I now can say Ein Prosit!

My wife and I truly look forward to visiting Mader's Restaurant the food is fantastic you can get authentic German meals or American food if you're not so inclined for sauerbraten and Wienerschnitzel is excellent there is approximately 5 million dollars worth of artwork in this place is it a museum inside a restaurant or is it a restaurant that happens to be a museum There Are Places Marked whereby famous people who have sat there name such as John Wayne Sammy Davis jr. John Fitzgerald Kennedy before he was president numerous famous persons have set there and eating a meal upstairs they have some of the most incredibly ornate Steins and other types of ceramic art work and they also sell Hummels take time to visit Mader's you will not be disappointed

Had the pork shanks for dinner. Went back and had liver and dumpling soup and apple strudel for lunch. Food was great. Tad on the expensive side.

Fantastic bar and service. One of the best beer selections from a bar that I have been to in a while. The food is top notch as well. Highly reccomended!

My first visit in 3 years. I was unimpressed. Food was average at best. The meal did not include soup or salad. Portions were ok(not great for the price). I've been getting larger portions and better quality traditional German meals with equal ambiance for 25% less expensive at EVERY OTHER GERMAN RESTAURANT in the city. Service was fine. Its just not as high quality and worth the price as I remembered. I have absolutely no problem paying any price, if the meal and service justify it. By reading the other reviews I'm hoping it was just an off day. I will be back and give this place another try soon.

My husband and I got a 100.00 gift card for our anniversary. So we drove from crystal lake il. To have lunch here we spend 93.00 for lunch the food was so bad we COULDN'T eat it by the time we got home we both were so sick.I WILL NEVER GO BACK AGAIN. WE HAD TO THROW THE FOOD AWAY. I CAN'T BELIEVE PEOPLE GO THERE. VERY DISAPPOINTED!

Interesting art on the walls. Food is pretty good, but seems a bit pricey.

If you are searching for an authentic German restaurant, then you need look no further than Mader's. Mader's Restaurant was founded in 1902 as a small German pub and eatery. Since the early days, Mader's has grown as their reputation for good food and drink have grown. The restaurant features a Sunday Brunch, the second floor contains an art gallery, with private dining facilities and catering services are offered.

Of all the German restaurants I have patronized, Mader's is definitely my favorite hands down.

This place is the definition of your German Grandma's food. Very good but you pay for it. The beers we're excellent too. The staff is very courteous and professional. The decor reflects the immense history of the place.

The restaurant is lovely, old wood trim.
Food ok. Service adequate.

Go hungry! (Geez!) You'll get full off of the appetizers! We had the Reuben Rolls, Reuben sandwich, and Goulash. They gifted us (this is for every patron) soup and pretzel bread. I washed it all down with strawberry wine (dontcha just hear Deana Carter). I tell ya, when all was said and done, my stomach was sitting in my lap!Wait staff was great! Very attentive! There's lots to see on the walls.

A very nice German experience with great food and friendly staff!

Such a disappointing experience. Stopped in for a quick dinner before a concert at the Fiserv last night. We were able to grab one of the last tables on Knights bar side. Started off rocky by not being able to get a server, but finally they assigned someone to us and we ordered drinks. Drinks took a long time to come out so we ordered apps and burgers right away since we were on a time constraint. Then we waited OVER AN HOUR for our food to come out! Apps and entrees all came out at once. Two of the burgers were ordered medium and came out more than well done. We told the waitress who apologized plenty, but never did anything to rectify our issues. We didn't have time to send it back, so they slathered it with ranch. Definitely not worth the $9. We ordered a second round of drinks at the time our food came but they didn't show up until we were finished eating. We we already very late, so we had to chug as much as possible but still couldn't finish the round. Waitress offered to get us free desserts, but we were so late we didn't have time. It then took her 3 tries to get our checks separated correctly. We could've left on a happier note if she would've offered to comp the last round of drinks that came so late we couldn't finish them, but she charged us full price for overdone burgers and over priced beer (the appetizers were the only things that were actually cooked well). We spent almost 2 hours there in all and WAY more money than the food and drinks were worth. I almost feel taken advantage of because we were so short on time, we couldn't speak to a manager about any of our issues. Our server was nice enough, but did not do her job in making our situation right. I will not be returning to what was once one of our favorite gems on old world third. Such a shame.

**UPDATE** I'm adding two stars to my review. Mader's made sure to follow up with me the next day and apologize for our situation. I can definitely understand why we had such a poor experience due to how busy Old World 3rd was Saturday night. They spoke with the server so that this can be avoided in the future and offered some compensation for us to come back and give them another try. While it doesn't excuse the poor experience we had, I can most certainly appreciate them following up to try and make it right. Thank you for the kind follow up.

The food is amazing. The service is great. The setting is very nice, very old school formal dining, but you can go in shorts and t-shirt if you want.

Best German food ever, and I was stationed in Berlin for 3 and a half years, so I know. Even heats up well the next day.

Downsides? A bit hard to get to location-wise, and it is not a cheap eat.

That said, I always feel like I got my money's worth.

Great authentic German food with over 100+ years of serving the Milwaukee area.

Wonderful old school German dining. Fancy but not pretentious!

Mader's is a great restaurant with outstanding menu of German food. I lived in Bavaria (Germany) for six years and Maders food is as authentic as you will find outside Germany. The cheese plate was OUTSTANDING. The local Wisconsin cheese was fantastic.

Delicious authentic German food in a historic cozy German pub space. Service always awesome

We had a fabulous birthday dinner for my wife! Rachael was wonderful and attentive server, and the food was enjoyed by all!

One of the best meals I ve ever had. Hard recommend.

If you're looking for authentic German food, look no further. Mader's has always been a favorite when enjoying a night in Milwaukee the food is phenomenal as well as the service. We took our daughter for her first Mader's experience when she was 3, and the staff were terrific with her they kept striking up a conversation with her every time they would pass by our table, and they have a surprisingly nice kids menu. This is a pretty upscale restaurant and I was impressed at just how kid friendly it was.

The best part, the absolutely phenomenal atmosphere. You'll feel like you're in the middle of Germany and far from Wisconsin when you enter. They have an extensive list of famous guests that have dined there as well.

Awesome atmosphere, excellent food, great service. One of my favorite restaurants.

I had the portobello, which was wonderful, other than the spaetzle being mostly egg and too salty. The mushroom part of the entree was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. It's a fun, friendly atmosphere. Expect a big bill, as everything is overpriced.

Loved the food and the people, we will go back next time we're in Milwaukee.

The service was outstanding!! We had the large pretzel with cheese and mustard, ox tail soup, Reuben wontons, and a cheese and sausage platter!! The food was very good!!!

The best German food I've had outside of my Oma and Opa's house. Must go.

Food is always amazing. We loved the rueben rolls, hot bacon salad, and French onion soup. The tour of Germany for two gives you a plentiful taste of all dishes. Our waitress Rachel was so sweet, accommodating, and efficient. She made our visit extra special

If you love or even just like German food this place is A ++++ must have when in Milwaukee!!! Friendly service and a quaint atmosphere.

Awesome spot to have something when in a rush. The customer service is fast, pricing is convenient, awesome mood. Highly recommended

Lunch buffet with a tour group. Food was delicious, my favorite was the German potato salad. Service was prompt and excellent, staff was friendly, beautiful decor. Plan to return next time I'm in Milwauker.

The food and service is exceptional! I am especially thankful for the staff that found my wallet and returned it. Thank You!

Came in over the weekend for a lunch date with my husband. We ordered the big pretzel and potato pancakes for an appetizer. Both were delicious! And then ordered the sausage platter and the schnitzel sandwich for the meal. I got spatzle instead of fries/chips. My husband didn't care for his food, thought it was bland. My spatzle was very bland, very dry. My schnitzel sandwich, the meat was dry but the tomato jam and fried pickles on it were great! The food left a lot to be desired, we've had better from other places in the area. Our server was great though, very attentive. I doubt we'll be back, but glad we still went.

Good German food, large portions, a little pricey but the portions are huge. Classic atmosphere, feels like the old world. Overall good place to go once every couple of years.

Great German food. All the waitresses are in costume and it is truly a fun place. You can dress up or down.

Had a German lunch. Good price for the amount you get on German sampler.

We had a work party here today with 30 people, and these guys accommodated us without issue, and without hassle. Our waitresses were spectacular, did a great job, didn't forget anything, and were quite capable. The food was amazing, and the decor phenomenal. Would highly recommend to anyone!

Great experience. My first German restaurant and was very pleased. Service was great, food was exceptional. Would have loved to have visited several times to try some other items from the menu.

Probably the most fantastic German restaurant I've been to since my time in Germany. The old world atmosphere and the food and drink are its strongest points.

Good food very tasty and delicious.

Friendly stuff.

Very nice Decoration and Comfort.

Conclusion: Recommendation for an visit.

Great food, great service, super authentic German!!

There is a reason this place was rattled best ethnic restaurant more then once. Because it was great!!! Great service great food great beer.

Great food! Really awesome ambiance! Service was sub par, unfortunately.

This place is my preferable restaurant. Of all restaurants I know I prefere it most. I always suggests to my friends to go to visit this place. everytime I want to go to a good lunchon, this restaurant comes first to my head. best and varied food and a rich cuisine.courteous crew, and pleasant spirit. And very important, the pay is honest. I recommend this spot with pleasure.

Its a german restaurant. Like where germans would go to experience german food. Seriously though, they have great food and brunch on the weekends.

Just go. Everything was good, the service was great.

Great place and good service. The oldest German Restaurant in Milwaukee.

Absolutely delicious! The biscuits and gravy changed my life.

Great abiance, fantastic authentic German food, and fantastic traditional Wisconsin brunch on Sundays. Go eat enjoy.

Sweet attentive waitress. Had lunch. Trout. Tiny piece. And one potato dumpling. $15. Not much flavor. I was disappointed
5 years ago it was awesome

Didn t eat here because I was looking for fish fry. Didn t have it. But if you are looking for
5 star German entrees that cost 20-45 each come here.

Excellent food and atmosphere, will definitely be back.

Excellent food & service. Pricey, but you get what you pay for & there is definitely value here. Seating 9 put us near the drafty door, but a busy night inside & not too much outside. AL told, great 1st experience there!

Decent food, but not worth the price. Three sausages, some kraut, and two slices of ham for $30. Two overcooked crab cakes on a plate smeared in sauce for $20. It's an experience, but not one I wish to have again.

Old world charm and atmosphere.

Wait staff wears traditional German attire and serves traditional German food.

Great selection of imported German beers.

Entree's were $25+ apiece, happy hour beers were $5.

The food was just ok. They have a decent beer menu which is appropriately heavy on the German beer. I came during Happy hour and the specials weren't so great and they didn't seem to have any food specials. But the staff seemed really new so maybe they didn't think to inform us of what they had to offer.

I have dined at Mader's many times throughout the years while visiting Milwaukee and can honestly say the food, drink and service was the best that I have ever had here. It was truly Munich-quality dining.

The service was amazing. Hands down the best I've ever received. Food was amazing and the history in the place is unbeatable.

Best and most authentic German food in Milwaukee. 500 year old armor and weapons on display. Autographed photos of stars and presidents who dined here. (Kennedy, Ford, Reagen, Three Stooges, Clark Gable, etc.) Moderately expensive, but worth the price.

First of all, it should be said that this restaurant has the best atmosphere for a German restaurant I've been to in the United States and I have visited dozens. Millions of dollars of antiques decorate the entire eating space, much of it really cool Old World stuff that sets a great tone. There's a few restaurants in Germany that have been better to me, but it's because they have a few hundred years head start, Mader's being around for about 100 years.

Pros: 1. Atmosphere is excellent, a pretty solid attempt to mimic old European eateries. The place has sort of a pub / German restaurant thing going. 2. The beer selection is solid. Many quality European and American beers to choose from, including quite a few specialty beers that are not often found in restaurants. The beers were reasonably priced. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable about both the history of restaurant and food/beer selection.

Cons: 1. The food was a little higher priced than seemed reasonable for the quantity and quality of the food. Also the food could be a little truer to actual German food. I frequent German restaurants in the States and Germany often and I typically get better quality and more food for what I paid here. A good place locally Mader's could compare German food would be the Bavarian Lodge in the Chicago area. The wiener schnitzel I ordered was pretty small, and the breading on it had a fairly weak taste. Overall the schnitzel was ok. Also their meat sauce they use on some dishes is entirely too sweet, and was a challenge to eat because of the sweetness. The ruben bites and the dumplings were good, but also in smaller quantity than I feel is reasonable for the price. 2. The gift shop was both great and disappointing. The steins on display are amazing, but we didn't see much of anything else. We were hoping to pick up a more simple drinking glass or maybe a tray... something for 10 or 15 dollars but there wasn't anything that caught our eye in that range. If I had a spare $120 I would have for sure snagged one of those nicer steins.

Overall I recommend the place for at least a few visits if only to sample the good selection of beer and admire the ambience of the restaurant. Do not anticipate a good value on food, or an exact representation of true German food. But it was a good time.

Prost!

A beautiful Bavarian bounty of excellence. The staff is exemplary in their authenticity and knowledge while their selection of beer, wine, and drink are shown perfectly in the food pairings or when raising a glass just because.
To call their food mouthwatering would be an egregious understatement. The German sampler is a excellent segment of their cuisine that is great for a couple or a substantial feast for one. Whereas the Oxtail soup is an exquisite blend of a savory, delicate, yet robust soup that you will not want to share.
The appeal of Mader's comes thru in the skillfully crafted old world presence of an establishment that has been around for 105 years. During that time serving everyone from presidents and celebrities to the regular Milwaukeean and tourist the kind of food and feeling that allows one to meet random people from both coasts and enjoy terrific conversation and drink.