Stopped in on a Wednesday night. They have a great deal every Wednesday-french onion soup or salad, chicken and dumplings, and a dessert for $35. I opted for the soup and the flavor hit home. The chicken and dumpling arrived steaming hot. A perfect cooked thigh and leg with a humongous dumpling nestled in a flavorful broth. A perfect comfort meal. Dessert was good but a little too sweet for my liking. Service was a tad slow for my preference given there were only two tables occupied. Definitely would return. A cute space in the neighborhood.
Ann B.
I ordered the cod and it smelled so bad I couldn't eat it, neither could my colleague. Won't be back!
Steph B.
Stopped by on a whim and had an absolutely delicious meal! I know Kettle Black Kitchen specializes in chicken, and even has some weekday specials that are amazing according to my eavesdropping on other guests, but I had their salmon dish and it was fabulous! Served on a generous bed of braised veggies in the most delicious citrus sauce the salmon was cooked to perfection with a deliciously crisp skin. I ate every single bit! The kind wait staff gave a great balance between space and attentiveness. With dietary restriction the kitchen staff was also very flexible and made the meal wonderful still. Finally, really diverse and nice French music was playing giving the whole place a nice bistro type ambiance. It's not a budget place, but for a nice date I'd definitely recommend. Next time I'll check out the drinks. I believe they also have a Happy Hour!
Mackerton D.
Really enjoyed a Valentine's dinner at Kettle Black Kitchen. Located on Monroe street, I found a meter spot right in front of the place. Service was great on the night of our visit. It's a tight restaurant with a great vibe that serves delicious food. Prices were reasonable.
kleo
cozy with generous portions. Overall very satisfying. 100% Recommend the French onion
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Shrimp and Grits, Orange Cake
Ela Rybczyk
Had one of the best cod dinners I’ve had in a long time tonight! Really nice ambiance - will definitely be keeping this place in our rotation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael W.
Can't speak to the "dining in" experience since we did take-out (which doesn't seem to be a big part of their business). The staff was very friendly and the food terrific! This despite being carried in the cold for 15 minutes going back to the hotel. It is hard for food to come off well after that sort of treatment. The Pasture Raised Chicken Breast main was moist and succulent with lots of flavor. The accompanying grilled broccoli and mashed potatoes were also excellent. The Grilled Lamb Rib Chops appetizer was similarly top notch with a lovely dipping sauce. The Griddled Brussels Sprouts side was the weakest of what we had (a bit strong on the bitter tastes) and still tender and tasty. We will definitely have this place in mind the next time we come to Madison.
Chris Parish
Delicious experience and amazing service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Miso Salmon
Michelle Creason
Went here for Sunday brunch. Food really great, service excellent, my only real complaint, and it's not really a complaint really, just a preference, is that I wish they would have had an espresso maker. I do love me some lattes or other freshly made coffee drinks on Sunday morning. Otherwise really enjoyed it and the price was totally fair for what you receive.
Cute dinner spot! My husband and I came here before a performance at the Overture. We made a reservation and were sat right as we walked in. It was a Sunday so we had free parking right on Monroe street in front of the restaurant. I can recommend checking out Kettle Black. Yum.
Kathleen Nichols
Love the orange
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Teodora Hellen
My daughter, and I tried this restaurant for the first time last night, and unfortunately were disappointed. The first issue we ran into (it could’ve been corrected, had I spoken up - so that’s on me) was that the table we were seated at was in the middle of the path where everyone walked through (servers and patrons going to the bathroom). It was a very narrow space, close to the bar, register station and another table, so it felt cramped, like the people passing by were constantly in our space. At some point, a server was carrying a large tray with glasses from the kitchen and it looked like he was going to bump into our table (he swiftly turned to the side and didn’t).Also, my chair (which seemed cheaper looking and different from all the others) was super wobbly and it felt like it may fall apart.Again - that’s something I could have requested a change for, so this is not a complaint, more of a feedback for management. Honestly, I don’t think that table should be placed there.The second and much bigger issue was the meal my daughter had - the salmon. She is a good eater and rarely complains, but she could not finish it because it was not only overcooked, but one end was completely burned. So she ended up throwing away a good 1/4 of the already small portion.My meal (the cod) was much better, although I would have preferred less butter, especially from a fine dining place, but overall - the taste was good and the fish was cooked well. We also ordered Brussel sprouts on the side, which were good, but over-salted (even for me, who eats a lot of salt) so my suggestion would be to use less salt and let the guests add it if they feel the need for.The worst of it all was the reaction of the server, who asked us how everything was tasting.My daughter serves herself, so she felt self-conscious and did not want to share her disappointment. I, however, thought that a genuine conversation (not so much a complaint) would be welcome for the benefit of the restaurant and the kitchen.So my response was - the cod is delicious, but there is much more to be desired from the salmon. Our server’s answer: “Thanks for sharing”, turned his back and walked away.I would like to give this restaurant another try, as the atmosphere and the news in general seemed good. But with all the other excellent places in town, I don’t think it will be any time soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Mary Joan Nastri
Kettle Black Kitchen's atmosphere is like going to a favorite aunt's French country home. The food is excellent, and since it was an early dinner, the owner came over to greet me. I ordered a vegetable fritter for a light supper, and it was expertly executed with wonderful flavors. The service is kind and thoughtful and I look forward to my next trip there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Katrina T.
This was one of the few places taking last minute reservations for New Year's Eve. We had the fritter starter. They only have 1 vegetarian entree, so I had two sides: garlic mushrooms and Brussel sprouts. My spouse had the salmon. For dessert we had the flourless chocolate cake and the orange pie. Everything was delicious and the service was really good. We'll definitely be back.
Great pork shank.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped in on a Wednesday night. They have a great deal every Wednesday-french onion soup or salad, chicken and dumplings, and a dessert for $35. I opted for the soup and the flavor hit home. The chicken and dumpling arrived steaming hot. A perfect cooked thigh and leg with a humongous dumpling nestled in a flavorful broth. A perfect comfort meal. Dessert was good but a little too sweet for my liking. Service was a tad slow for my preference given there were only two tables occupied. Definitely would return. A cute space in the neighborhood.
I ordered the cod and it smelled so bad I couldn't eat it, neither could my colleague. Won't be back!
Stopped by on a whim and had an absolutely delicious meal! I know Kettle Black Kitchen specializes in chicken, and even has some weekday specials that are amazing according to my eavesdropping on other guests, but I had their salmon dish and it was fabulous! Served on a generous bed of braised veggies in the most delicious citrus sauce the salmon was cooked to perfection with a deliciously crisp skin. I ate every single bit! The kind wait staff gave a great balance between space and attentiveness. With dietary restriction the kitchen staff was also very flexible and made the meal wonderful still. Finally, really diverse and nice French music was playing giving the whole place a nice bistro type ambiance. It's not a budget place, but for a nice date I'd definitely recommend. Next time I'll check out the drinks. I believe they also have a Happy Hour!
Really enjoyed a Valentine's dinner at Kettle Black Kitchen. Located on Monroe street, I found a meter spot right in front of the place. Service was great on the night of our visit. It's a tight restaurant with a great vibe that serves delicious food. Prices were reasonable.
cozy with generous portions. Overall very satisfying. 100% Recommend the French onion
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Shrimp and Grits, Orange Cake
Had one of the best cod dinners I’ve had in a long time tonight! Really nice ambiance - will definitely be keeping this place in our rotation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Can't speak to the "dining in" experience since we did take-out (which doesn't seem to be a big part of their business). The staff was very friendly and the food terrific! This despite being carried in the cold for 15 minutes going back to the hotel. It is hard for food to come off well after that sort of treatment. The Pasture Raised Chicken Breast main was moist and succulent with lots of flavor. The accompanying grilled broccoli and mashed potatoes were also excellent. The Grilled Lamb Rib Chops appetizer was similarly top notch with a lovely dipping sauce. The Griddled Brussels Sprouts side was the weakest of what we had (a bit strong on the bitter tastes) and still tender and tasty. We will definitely have this place in mind the next time we come to Madison.
Delicious experience and amazing service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Miso Salmon
Went here for Sunday brunch. Food really great, service excellent, my only real complaint, and it's not really a complaint really, just a preference, is that I wish they would have had an espresso maker. I do love me some lattes or other freshly made coffee drinks on Sunday morning. Otherwise really enjoyed it and the price was totally fair for what you receive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Cute dinner spot! My husband and I came here before a performance at the Overture. We made a reservation and were sat right as we walked in. It was a Sunday so we had free parking right on Monroe street in front of the restaurant. I can recommend checking out Kettle Black. Yum.
Love the orange
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
My daughter, and I tried this restaurant for the first time last night, and unfortunately were disappointed. The first issue we ran into (it could’ve been corrected, had I spoken up - so that’s on me) was that the table we were seated at was in the middle of the path where everyone walked through (servers and patrons going to the bathroom). It was a very narrow space, close to the bar, register station and another table, so it felt cramped, like the people passing by were constantly in our space. At some point, a server was carrying a large tray with glasses from the kitchen and it looked like he was going to bump into our table (he swiftly turned to the side and didn’t).Also, my chair (which seemed cheaper looking and different from all the others) was super wobbly and it felt like it may fall apart.Again - that’s something I could have requested a change for, so this is not a complaint, more of a feedback for management. Honestly, I don’t think that table should be placed there.The second and much bigger issue was the meal my daughter had - the salmon. She is a good eater and rarely complains, but she could not finish it because it was not only overcooked, but one end was completely burned. So she ended up throwing away a good 1/4 of the already small portion.My meal (the cod) was much better, although I would have preferred less butter, especially from a fine dining place, but overall - the taste was good and the fish was cooked well. We also ordered Brussel sprouts on the side, which were good, but over-salted (even for me, who eats a lot of salt) so my suggestion would be to use less salt and let the guests add it if they feel the need for.The worst of it all was the reaction of the server, who asked us how everything was tasting.My daughter serves herself, so she felt self-conscious and did not want to share her disappointment. I, however, thought that a genuine conversation (not so much a complaint) would be welcome for the benefit of the restaurant and the kitchen.So my response was - the cod is delicious, but there is much more to be desired from the salmon. Our server’s answer: “Thanks for sharing”, turned his back and walked away.I would like to give this restaurant another try, as the atmosphere and the news in general seemed good. But with all the other excellent places in town, I don’t think it will be any time soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Kettle Black Kitchen's atmosphere is like going to a favorite aunt's French country home. The food is excellent, and since it was an early dinner, the owner came over to greet me. I ordered a vegetable fritter for a light supper, and it was expertly executed with wonderful flavors. The service is kind and thoughtful and I look forward to my next trip there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
This was one of the few places taking last minute reservations for New Year's Eve. We had the fritter starter. They only have 1 vegetarian entree, so I had two sides: garlic mushrooms and Brussel sprouts. My spouse had the salmon. For dessert we had the flourless chocolate cake and the orange pie. Everything was delicious and the service was really good. We'll definitely be back.