My husband got bumped from his flight Friday evening and we were looking for a place to treat ourselves to a nice dinner. We live in Madison and knew that especially on a Friday night there is usually a long wait for a table at...Grampa's, but we called ahead and learned that while there was indeed a long wait for a table, there were seats available at the bar. We were there in a few minutes, and were ushered straight to the bar.
From the moment we sat down, Seth, our bartender/waiter, made our dining experience a delight. The pizzas are thin crust and very good, and my husband ordered the finocchio -- a spicy pizza with red sauce, fennel and and other veg. I opted for a small plate, stuffed calimari, and we shared, at Seth's recommendation, Grampa's take on the garden salad. My husband was very happy with his pizza, but the salad took us both by surprise -- more of a vegetable salad, with thin-sliced curls of cucumber, carrot and pickled radish; lovely spring green and nasturtium blossoms, all lightly dressed in a vinaigrette. I have not often found myself writing that a salad was memorable, but there you go. Ditto with my calimari, tender, stuffed with a red sauce spiced with star anise -- unusual and delicious.
Grampa's offers a nice selection of microbrews and bottled beers, and a nicely curated wine list. I had a glass of Force of Nature's Zinfandel which I have not seen in other Madison restaurants.
Sure, the pizza is great but the small plates are unique and worth a visit in themselves.
There were a couple of tempting desserts on the menu but we were too full to try one. Our bill came with a couple of complimentary herb shortbreads. Yum.More