What should I order at Sardine?
Sardine
Oysters
Frequently praised for their freshness and flavor, oysters are highlighted multiple times as a must-try item, including during oyster happy hour and from specific regions like Washington.
Steak Frites
Recommended for its tenderness and rich beef flavor, the steak frites is mentioned multiple times as a flawless and lovely dish with a charred buttery taste.
Mussels (Moules Frites)
Described as excellent and unreal, the mussels in white wine sauce are repeatedly mentioned as a standout seafood dish with superb taste.
Wood-grilled Sardines
Noted for being beautifully prepared with a crispy skin and perfect seasoning, the wood-grilled sardines are recommended for their authentic and enjoyable flavor.
Seared Salmon
Recommended for its perfect cooking and complementary sides like lentils with mushrooms, the seared salmon receives high praise for taste and presentation.
Homemade Pasta with Wild Boar
Specifically mentioned as particularly delicious, this dish is highlighted for its rich flavor and outstanding preparation.
Roasted Carrots
Highly recommended for the incredible presentation and out-of-this-world combination of textures and flavors.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse
Mentioned as a very upscale and amazing dessert, this mousse is recommended as a delightful end to the meal.
Nut Tart
Praised as an incredible dessert, the nut tart is highlighted as a perfect ending to a fantastic dinner experience.
Hours
| Monday | 4 to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 4 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 to 9 PM |
About Sardine
Hip bistro with creative French fare & a lively bar in a former warehouse with Lake Monona views.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Sardine known for?
Sardine is best known for oysters and its Lake Monona views, especially when seated outside. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the creative bar program, including cocktails and happy hour drinks, along with French-inspired dishes like steak frites and duck confit.
What dishes are most recommended at Sardine?
Reviewers most often recommend the oysters, steak frites, duck confit, and French toast at brunch. Other frequently praised items include the Croque Madame, pork chop, whitefish, and the Madison sourdough bread.
What is the atmosphere like at Sardine?
The atmosphere is cozy, historic, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with a lively bar and a dining room that can feel busy but not overly loud. It works well for couples, groups, and solo diners, and the communal seating and bar area are mentioned as good options when reservations are tight.
Is Sardine good value, and what is the price range?
Sardine falls in the $20 to $80 range, and reviewers describe it as a bit expensive but worth it for the food quality, service, and view. It is often treated as a special-occasion restaurant rather than an everyday cheap meal, especially for brunch or dinner by the water.
When is the best time to visit Sardine?
Brunch and dinner both get mentioned as busy times, and the restaurant is noted as usually having a wait, so reservations are recommended. Several reviews say the patio and lake view are especially nice on a summer night, while Sunday brunch can be crowded but well handled by the staff.
Is parking available at Sardine?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Sardine have vegetarian options?
Yes, Sardine offers vegan options.
Is Sardine kid-friendly?
Yes, Sardine is good for kids.
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