The Old Fashioned offers Wisconsin heritage on a plate

Step into this restaurant for food that represents Wisconsin as strongly as its name. Located on the capital square, The Old Fashioned offer up a wide variety of regional dishes and drinks, rich in flavor in state heritage.

Begin a gathering of friends with a round of locally brewed beers by Capital Brewery, New Glarus Brewing Co., Lakefront Brewery or Ale Asylum. For a cocktail with history, enjoy a signature old fashioned, sweet or sour. The Apple Jack Old Fashioned is a blend of America's Original Apple Brandy and Laird's Applejack. Bursting with fall flavor, this is a refreshing and comforting cocktail. The Old Fashioned also offers a variety of other drinks for those who are looking for something other than brandy.

To start a meal off right, try one of the four cheese trays, all served with crackers, honey and fruit. Each tray offers an array of tastes from creamy and smooth to sharp and pungent. The Old Fashioned also has four Lazy Susans. Each features Wisconsin sausage, fish, potato salad, pickled vegetables and bread. For appetizers with a more traditional bar feel, choose from onion strings, potato chips, matchstick French fries, or their amazing cheese curds. Wisconsin curds handmade in beer batter come out with a wonderful crisp on the outside and a melty, ooey-gooey inside. Each of these sides is served with one of four flavorful dips.

The menu boasts a wide variety of traditional Wisconsin flavors such as Fish Fry Friday, Wisconsin Mac & Cheese with sharp cheddar and grilled Fendt's ring bologna, and Green Bay Chili. The Mac & Cheese is wonderfully full-flavored with terrific seasoning and a crisp breadcrumb topping. The grilled bologna is rich, slightly spicy and pairs perfectly with the Cavatappi pasta. The chili is an amazing starter. Served on top of spaghetti, this chili has robust flavor with a home-style texture. The salads are unique and much better than anything a certain Italian chain restaurant in town. The menu also has a lot of sandwich options, each with a flavor that is rich in Wisconsin history.

The Old Fashioned is a restaurant member of the Madison Originals, a non-profit association of local, independently owned restaurants that focus on preserving the region's unique local flavor.

To find out more about The Old Fashioned, visit their Web site.