Smoky’s Club

Pretty bad.
My friend had perch so bad could not eat it. Waiter response, same perch as we always serve.
My walleye was tasteless.
Green beans uncooked

We came here on a Saturday night for a birthday dinner. I love how steak houses and supper clubs don’t seem to age. The décor and atmosphere is still a very 50s and 60s feel — very Mad Men.
The relish dish was fairly plain, just some radishes, celery, and carrots on ice. I ordered a brandy old fashioned which was well done. We both ordered a ribeye. Mine was 12 oz and his was 18oz. All the dinners came with a salad, soup/​tomato juice, and choice of potato/​mixed vegetables. It was a substantial amount of food. The soup of the day was ham and pea and quite yummy. The waiter had told us that the hash browns was their specialty, which the bf ordered. Nicely crispy on the outside and soft potatoes on the inside, but more of a thicker hash brown than a really thin and crispy one.
My 12oz ribeye came on a sizzling metal plate with beautifully seared outside, but the 18oz ribeye came on a regular plate and lacked a nice browned sear. It was weird. And I found it under seasoned. Compared to other steak houses in Madison, this was a disappointment.
Perhaps it was just an off night and I’d be interested in returning to give them another try.

It’s dark, it’s old, it’s classic. No need to change, every city worth its name needs an original restaurant that time forgot. That is what Smoky’s Club is. The good news is that the quality of the food is pretty good. And the service is very old-​skool professional, welcoming of our Saturday night walk-​in party of four.
I’ve been a couple of times and can recommend the steak. NY Strip, Ribeye, and Filet Mignon all have been very good, always ordered medium rare. Also the jumbo shrimp. Good portions and a decent steak house value with potato, soup, and salad included. Salad is a simple affair but the French Roquefort dressing is a standout. Bread basket needs some work. The toasted bread is good but the fresh loaves could stand to be upgraded. Hash browns are terrific. The sauteed mushrooms are whole and at $ 4 half the price of new fangled steakhouse prices.
We haven’t made it to the desserts because each time we’ve been too full. Other than a couple glasses of wine, we’ve haven’t had any bar experience. But the drinks going by looked good.
With the Avenue Bar gone upscale and corporatized, Smoky’s is one of the last of the old guard Madison restaurants. Enjoy it while we can. Fortunately the food makes it easy to dig the ambience.

Looking to experience Madison’s supperclub scene of the 70s? You’re in the right place. The food, the staff, the atmosphere — all seem to sadly refer to a simpler time, when restaurants were filled with smoke and Mayor Soglin was serving his first term in office. The food was nothing special and served up exactly as it was in 1975. We’ve moved on. Smokey’s hasn’t.
I wish I could be kinder, as Smokey’s was once a legendary spot.

We’d been meaning to check out Smoky’s for awhile now, and had the opportunity a few weekends back. After our initial plans fell through, we called Smoky’s last minute on a Saturday to see if they might still have reservations available. To our surprise, they were able to get us in fairly quickly even with a extremely busy night, and they were very friendly and helpful on the phone and in person.
First off, Smoky’s has the typical Wisconsin Supper Club Décor that anyone who likes supper clubs can appreciate. The restaurant and bar were buzzing with groups out, including many holiday gatherings. It has a great atmosphere.
My fiancée and I both ordered the 13 oz Top Sirloin for $ 33. It includes your standard relish tray and bread basket on the table, soup or tomato juice, choice of side and a salad. Trust me in saying that you will not go home hungry! I prefer my steaks a little more well done, and normally will order it medium well. My steak was cooked very similar to my fiancees who had ordered it medium, so his was probably a little more well done than it should have been. Regardless it was good and we pretty much finished everything.
The drinks menu is endless! Our server literally brought out what they called «The Bible» which contained pages upon pages of drinks. There are many martinis to choose from, and my dirty martini was great. They also serve ice cream drinks, so be sure to order a few cocktails to try.
Our service was great from the moment we called to the moment when our final check was brought over. This wouldn’t be my go to place for steaks, BUT I’m glad we finally had a chance to try it and I’m sure we will be back sometime. Although it was just the two of us this time around, it is a great place for special occasions and group meals.

When God created the universe on day 1, on day 8 he created the claim chowder at Smoky’s. I had it and it was amazeballz. I would suggest that you go back in time to Friday December 18^th at 6:30 pm and run to the back plane room turn left and grab the cup of soup from the large bald white guy next to the chimney looking thing. But I won’t suggest that, because it wouldn’t be just one of you. Then we would all remember the holiday riot at Smoky’s back in 2015.
I asked the waiter about their pours for whiskey neat, I got knob creek. He said they were generous. I felt like orphan Annie at the orphanage and Daddy Warbucks comes in and takes me away to a life of luxury but replace Daddy with a whiskey snifter and me with Annie and Daddy cost a measly ten bucks. It might not make much sense but it was awesome.
PS steak great, salad great, atmosphere great

Wonderful filet. Great service. Clam chowder was real/​good. Margaritas on the rocks good. Veggies and bread also nice to start is nice. Soup and salad not one or other.

This isn’t our first choice for steak, but it was pretty average.
We enjoyed the breaded mushrooms. A lot. The breading itself was actually seasoned well. My wife had the 12 oz rib eye. It was medium-​rare as she requested, but the flavor was just okay for her. She had a side of vegetables, which was steamed cauliflower, yellow squash, and zucchini. I think she liked the vegetables more than the steak. The salmon was barely average. I ordered a side of hash browns, which had a good amount of crisp and not too greasy.
The theme for the night was the sides were better than the entrees. Maybe next time.

My wife and I have started a new Wisconsin adventure in the state, find the best supper clubs, and Smoky’s is the first on in Madison that we tried.
I use to live near this place many years ago. I remember it being packed on Friday and Saturday nights, but the day we went, during prime time, I think there was maybe 20 people max.
The food was good, not great. My steak was not cooked how I liked it, and was pan fried not grilled. The sides were good, but had better.
Times must be hard for Smoky’s, wont even give you a refill on your soda without charging you again; $ 6 for 2 sodas? No thanks.
The friends we ate with were telling my wife and I that they came here about 10 year ago and it was WAY better, both food and atmosphere.
It’s sad really, it looks like it could have been a sweet place at one time, but has since lived far to long on what was working for them in the past and have not changed since.

Being in Madison during a beautiful summer weekend (as opposed to our last trips when it was 0 degrees and snowing), we decided we had to experience a supper club and fish fry. We got both at Smoky’s after hearing from a local that it was a Madison tradition and had the best drinks. It did not disappoint! We started in the bar with a couple brandy old fashioned crafted by the famous «Martini Bob»…they were delicious. We had our daughter with us, and he crafted a kids mocktail for her in a martini glass that made her night. :) We then continued into the dining room for our meal. Our server was so sweet and when she heard it was our first time at a supper club, really paid great attention to us. I had the fish fry (wallaye) and my husband had a steak. Both were good, but my fish as actually really yummy for fried fish (something I don’t typically eat). We also started with the salad with the famous dressing, which I really enjoyed. After our meal, we went back to the bar for a cocktail, and Martini Bob worked his magic again. My husband had a grasshopper, and after telling Martini bob that I didn’t care for crème-​based drinks, he crafted me the most delicious coffee/​chocolate martini… I still think of that cocktail two weeks later! He also surprised our daughter with an ice cream sundae in a martini glass that made her night! Such a nice guy… told us about different places to check out in Madison, and gave us his card to check out some of his martini recipes online so we could make them at home.
Overall…Smoky’s was not the most gourmet meal… but it was simple, good food in a cozy, non-​pretentious setting. I suppose that is exactly the point of a supper club, and we completely enjoyed the experience!

Smoky’s is the most over rated steak house in Madison. Must be nostalgia from the UW alums.
You know a steak house knows it’s steaks need help when they automatically bring you A1 and Heinz 57. No flavor and not very tender. Try some of the good steak houses in town. You will enjoy them so much more.

My husband wanted to try it one more time… It was much better the 3^rd time around. This time I made sure to ask for my salad dressing on the side and ordered the grilled salmon with baked potato. I did get my potato this time and it was very hot which is always good. My salmon was also hot and very good. My husband was pleased with his meal as well. After dinner we had Martini Bob make me a grapefruit martini which was delicious! No hurry to go back again as it was just OK. Maybe just for a martini next time.

Swanky little place. I personally would prefer a little more lighting, but it was also a cold rainy day when we came so I’m sure that didn’t help.
I came here with my family for a drink and appetizers. Small selection of appetizers, but literally some of the tastiest, squeakiest fried cheese curds I’ve had in a long time! Yum!
Each table gets some fresh veggies and a bread basket. Love the veggies.
For drinks, I ordered a blue lagoon and my mom got a bloody Oscar. I rarely drink, so my martini was a little strong for my liking but tasty nonetheless. And the Bloody Oscar looked down right tasty. So many veggies and bacon infused vodka!
I’m cheap and frugal most days, so I’m not sure I would order an entrée here … But to come for a drink and an app, it’s not bad. Also, Richard is the best waiter! He’s so sweet and cute. Friendly, prompt, and attentive. Make sure to ask for him :)

How long has it been since I went to Smoky’s? Since before they took all the «stuff» off the ceiling and walls. (Long-​time Madisonians will know what I mean by «stuff.») It was the best place in town for a steak (pre Tornado and Delmonico’s) and was packed pretty much every night. Now, the memorabilia is gone and nostalgia — and martinis — are pretty much all that’s holding Smoky’s together.
We started with cocktails. I found the martini menu overwhelming, so it was a Templeton rye old-​fashioned for me and a Korbel old-​fashioned for him. He said it wasn’t sweet enough, I thought it was perfect. (I hate a too-​sweet old-​fashioned.)
The meal still starts with relishes (carrots, celery, radishes and green onions) and a so-​so bread basket. The salad has been upgraded slightly — where it used to be all iceberg, the greens are slightly more mixed now. Still a single slice of cucumber and one cherry tomato, though. Yeah, it’s basic — but it made me smile in an «oh, the charm of an old-​time supper club» way. I had the soup — a very nice butternut squash bisque that was perfectly creamy and nicely seasoned. My companion had the tomato juice.
Our entrees were good, but not spectacular. He ordered a T-​bone steak, medium rare. I ordered the fried walleye. (I love steak but we decided to mix it up so we could share two different main courses.) One of us ordered hash browns, the other got the steamed veggies. The steak was flavorful, but it was more medium than medium rare. (Kind of hard to tell visually, since Smoky’s is as dark as it ever was, but I could tell by how it chewed.) My walleye had a lovely, light batter, but I have a small tip for the kitchen: season the fish before you batter it. I know walleye has a delicate flavor, but a little salt and pepper wouldn’t be amiss. The hash browns were as good as ever. The veggies… well…they were steamed broccoli and carrots. Not much to say, except that they were cooked just right. Not too crunchy, not mushy.
I guess my biggest quibble is that, for a $ 100 dinner (including two cocktails and a glass of wine), I expect at least one «wow» moment. The best I can say about our dinner at Smoky’s is that it was «fine.» Not memorable. Not, «Gosh, have I missed this place.» Just… solid.

A very mediocre dinner earlier this evening. Martini Bob may be an icon here but he was clearly overtaxed when we ordered our drinks and was flustered and irritating. A very poor way to start an evening. Retire. The evening was not much better after that. Our waiter was either overtaxed (though the club was not particularly busy) or uninterested. Service was slow. The bread in the basket was stale and hard. In our party of 6 no one was excited by their dinners which included the Saturday prime rib, scallops, surf n turf, and a steak. My prime rib was inferior in quality though it was done correctly. Just not a good piece of meat to start with.
Having been here on a number of occasions over a 15 year period this was the most dissatisfying experience. There was nothing that would make me want to return. So I won’t!

The best martini list I have ever seen – the menu is thicker than the Monday New York Times. Martinis range from sweet to tart and spicy with a lot of great variation. The portions are extremely generous. After 1 I was in probably one of the best moods I’ve ever been in. A friend described the martinis as «betch bomb good». I’m not sure what that means but I agree.
Atmosphere is relatively quiet and laid back. There is enough room for a party or a small group of friends.
And on the plus side, it’s easy to reach and on a bunch of bus lines (safe driving!).
I love this place

Smokey’s is a neat place to dine in an atmosphere where my parents would have enjoyed going out. The décor dates decades ago which is fun. I recall going to dinner with my parents and loved it. This time when I visited I had to pay the bill though and that’s the difference.
The martini menu at the bar is endless if you are looking for some neat stuff before dinner.
We’ve been to smokey’s a few times and each time I look to be wowed because everyone talks about it. I do like the Crudités and few if any places do that today. The bread is nice and you ARE served soup AND salad with your meal. Who else does that?
The most recent time we were there we ordered a fillet and shrimp for one entrée and pork chops for the other. When dining out I steer away from pork because I always want a good steak. At this outing we both thought the chops better than the steak. The fillet was a large diameter and flat and most places have a small diameter and thick leaving the center nice and pink. We ordered medium rare but got more of a medium. The flavor/​seasoning was good and we had another meal left over for the next day.
Dinner is pricey. With drinks and two meals don’t expect to leave spending less than $ 100. On the other hand for what they provide, noted above I can see that the price provides good value.
The servers were very nice and dressed in uniforms with the men almost old school tux like. This place had to be the classiest in Madison in its day. For us we enjoy it for the nostalgia.

I really didn’t know what to expect. I drive by Smoky’s Club every week and it easily goes unnoticed. Coming here was like meeting the quiet kid in the back and realizing this was the most interesting person in the room.
I almost ordered the veggie lasagna, but then my red wine came so I went for steak. The steak comes sizzling on a metal platter. You can salt and pepper it if you like, but what more do you need than well-​sizzled meat. A relish bucket filled with ice, crunchy radishes, carrots, celery, and curling scallions will sit at your table for dipping into between bites of steak. Is this what eating is supposed to be like? I have not yet lived.
They have a house Roquefort dressing, which is like french dressing with chunks of blue cheese. Another house specialty, their hashbrowns, come round, crispety and buttery. The tables are uncluttered, no caddies hovering with crusty A1 bottles, as this place keeps it classy. And the napkins were so soft. Is it paper? Is it cloth?
I haven’t gotten to the best part — the attention to service. No small talk, just an announcement of the soup and featured vegetable of the day. When soup arrived, the bowl was carefully turned so the spoon was facing my dominant hand. We were asked minimal questions like, «do you have everything you need?» at which point we did request ketchup and it came promptly and with purpose. Our waters were filled in comfortable silence. No desserts or drinks were pushed on us. No lecture on how hot the plate would be. It’s hard to describe the absence of something, but we were treated like people with sense and autonomy, and it was glamorous. As we left, I wondered if this place could be the Ritz-​Carlton of steakhouses.
Or…just a regular supper club. Had I been living under a rock?

This was our second visit to Smoky’s last night, after a long period in between. The décor had been updated which is nice, however, that’s about the only positive thing I have to report.
When we got to the restaurant we were told there was a 15 Minute wait (sat night). So, we went to the bar. It was not busy. after 45 min upon approaching the hostess she said she had told us to just come back over when we were ready… odd that I had to give her my name for her list… she did not say anything like this to us. She stated she was «sorry for the communication error» and did nothing.
The best thing about the meal was the salad (Roquefort dressing) and the modified cottage cheese. My steak was ordered medium rare and one side was so charred it was well done. Could have sent it back as others have stated but after an hour and 45 min, we had it. The meat was not seasoned and was bland. My husband has prepared steak MUCH better than this.
If we wouldn’t have had a gift certificate we would have left with the hostess oversight. We won’t ever be back again and wouldn’t recommend dining here to anyone. Too many other choices in Madison that are stellar compared to the service and quality of food we received.

Décor is a blast from the past. I can deal with that. Server and service was mediocre. I think it was some college kid looking to make a few bucks. For a $ 60/​pp tab, I’d expect better. NY strip was bland. Again for the price paid, 30 something bucks, I’ve had better. OK, OK, I’d give some credit. Unlike other nice steak joints, this place didn’t charge for sides. It was included. For that, I give them 2 stars!