Nau-Ti-Gal

5 stars for the supurb service! Robert is a class act and an excellent example of how to run a restaurant through quality, top notch service. The location is exceptional for a summer dinner in Wisconsin. Nau-​Ti-​Gal is a Madison Must. We have been coming here a long time and it is the perfect outdoor dining establishment with an adorable nautical theme. Madison original, Madison staple, Madison classic. They are great at what they do and it is always a pleasure to dine at the Nau-​Ti-​Gal.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. They were out of several tap beers. Our food was literally inedible. How does a place mess up fried cod and fries? The fries were lip greasy and mushy. We over heard other patrons requested crispy fries when ordering. The fish was white mashed potato like fish with a soggy inedible breading. We didn’t expect gourmet meals since we knew the Nau-​ti-​gal is not a reputable restaurant for food but how does one mess up fried cod and fries? It could have been my fault for trying the fish since I normally order a burger (which have been mediocre but not inedible like the fish). We came back at 11pm for just drinks and the bar was dead and closing. Only reason I am writing this is because I an done giving Nau-​ti-​gal any more tries. What is sad is that this place has so much potential. The food is below sub par and now the bar is not even worth patronizing when we come in to town for the weekend. We will go to to Murphy’s or get gas station food and a 12 pack when we stay in the area.

Management 101: Because you can never predict how anyone will react to being terminated, you opt for an after shift «brief meeting», if it couldn’t have happened beforehand. A termination is never a pleasant ordeal for either party but surely common sense should have prevailed and clearly it didn’t. Anyone who would have been dismissed in this fashion would in all likelihood have reacted badly. You as an owner have to OWN this misstep.
I do appreciate the effort, Jack. But does it matter? I’m sure you can afford to lose a customer here and there. My husband and I wish the establishment well but we will not be back.
Nautigal needs to clean up its act or close its doors.

The outdoor seating for this place is really cool. The chairs are a little uncomfortable. The food was about average. I had the Voodoo burger. It had some heat to it but lacked any real flavor. There were 4 of us there and 2 of us ordered the same drink 3 different times while we were there and the bartender made 3 completely different drinks each time. The first time it was yellow, second was red, third was pink. I think the bartender was new and really had no idea what was going on by our dealings with each other. He really had no hospitality skills… or bar tending skills. The drinks were tasty, I’m just not sure which drink I will get when I order it ever again. Also they were a little pricy for being served in a clear plastic solo cup. The person that appeared to be the owner or manager was very nice and seated us in the cocktail area for dinner. They had quite a few full tables when we got there so the service was a little slow. But when most of the tables left the service really didn’t speed up and nobody bussed the empty tables. They sat there dirty for about an hr with no one even attempting to clean them or get the dishes. Very weird. It’s a cool place because you can come in your boat and dock it and have dinner or drinks. I would go back. I hope their appropriately staffed and have a much better bartender.

Like a pretty person who never had to learn skills, the beautiful outdoor ambiance has somehow ensured this restaurant does not need to cook good food. It is the worst fish fry of the three dozen in Madison, and I’ve went twice, just cause others asked. Had a burger last week, and literally threw up an hour later — the meat was old. Yes it has a great brunch, and a pretty deck, but it is sad this may be the worst food in madison, as I live less than a mile away. It is that bad.

First of all the location is nice and near the lake and you would expect decent food. Wrong.
The food is sub-​par. Nau-​Ti-​Gal you are near so many farms and excellent lakes, please, get some of the fresh food around u. It can not be that expensive. Please don’t serve frozen food, I beg of you.
The staff is very nice and very young. I want this place to be successful, but I recommend buying local and hiring some experienced staff, who know food… but I guess that would be to much to ask?
I will go again, hoping for some changes.

Uh Oh. The animals run the zoo.
Was there a few nights ago, bartenders and wait staff doing shots at will.
I watched a bartender on the wrong side of the bar doing shots out of the bottle with his freinds and then tossed the empty bottle across the bar.
Sad.
I’ve been coming here for 20+ yrs and its hit rock bottom.

I like the fish fry, staff is pleasant and quick. I appreciate how quick lunch is served. Been here for happy hour and it’s generally pretty lively. I’ve been here 4 weeks in row for lunch and always left full and happy without breaking the bank. Would recommend.

It wasn’t very long ago that I was singing the praises of Nau-​Ti-​Gal to my friends and family. Here was a wonderful brunch buffet that was so close to home that it was absurd that we hadn’t even known of it until three years after moving to the neighborhood. Within a course of 5 or so months, we returned 4 times. Today will probably be our last day attending this restaurant.
The very first fork full that my girlfriend pulled from her plate had a wad of hair in it. I’m not talking about one long strand that was bunched up upon itself, this looked like what a fifth grade girl would pull off of her hair tie after a long day of having her hair in a ponytail. It was almost comically hanging there off the end of my girlfriend’s fork, like some sort of disgusting practical joke. This was a wad of long dark black hair. My girlfriend has vibrant purple hair and my hair is short. This was obviously not from us.
Being a buffet, you might want to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt, after all, another patron might be responsible. Here’s the thing about that; the entrée that my girlfriend was about to eat was of a smoked salmon that had just freshly been brought out of the kitchen as we were perusing the buffet line. I was the first customer that even touched it. My girlfriend was the second.
Her meal was comped, but she was too nauseous and upset to eat anything more, after only just sitting down to her first bite. The waitress, for her part, was accommodating and apologetic, if a little too chipper for the situation, but I tried my best not to direct any outrage her way. I am well aware that she isn’t personally responsible. But she then confided in what I would assume was the owner or operator, an older severe looking woman with heavy makeup and shorter straw like hair, who then took it upon herself to come to our table to discuss the conflict.
The situation devolved even further from there. This woman at first was apologetic, but quickly became defensive and confrontational, incredulously asking my tearful girlfriend if she would rather her personally fry up something off menu. Her tone became harsh, and I reacted with the same, telling her that this experience has very likely ruined our day. She shot back that it’s not like this thing happens all the time, and that if it did, nobody would return. To this my girlfriend replied that it did in fact happen today, and we very well likely will not return because of it. At this point, this severe, murky woman dismissed us, walked away while snorting a contrite «sorry» over her shoulder, all while telegraphing that she was anything but sorry, and that we were just two rubes that stopped being important the second our bill was settled. This angered me more than anything.
I left without tipping that waitress and I regret doing that, but there was no way I was going to pay any more for this terrible experience than I already had to. If that waitress reads this review, I want you to know that I had every intention of leaving you a 15% tip until your rude, overbearing, tacky boss opened her mouth.
I only write negative reviews when I feel like I am justified. I encourage anybody who is looking to dine at this restaurant to dine elsewhere, where your patronage is appreciated and valued.
*UPDATE* The very next day I was contacted via Unilocal email by a member of Nau-Ti-Gal’s management, and the tone was much more apologetic. She offered us a gift certificate for reimbursement and promised that the entire staff was alerted to our experience, and that certain «drastic changes» were going to be made. This was the reaction I would have expected yesterday for somebody trying to sooth angry customers, not the exacerbating reaction we did get.
We accepted their apology and their gift certificate, although I made it clear that we would not redeem it until long after whatever «changes» have already been made. My girlfriend is having a much harder time forgiving and forgetting, so we will wait until she’s able to stomach the idea of returning.
But this gesture from the Nau-​Ti-​Gal management is why I’ve changed my star rating from a one (really a zero) to a two, because it doesn’t change the fact that this situation happened, but it at least makes me feel better about it.

I’ve given this place WAY too many chances. I always think «this is the time they impress me». My food has been meh to terrible. The best part is the cookie dough and the ambiance. In the summer, it is really fun to pull up on a boat, sit outside, or listen to a band. I am only going back for drinks and music in the future. The food has failed me too many times!

I dont understand the low ratings for this place!
Service is prompt and pleasant. The food was really good. I mean… my expectations were exceeded. Here is a play by play:
First, I was feeling hot chocolate. I think its the pre snowmaggedon vibe here. It wasnt on the menu! Our server just smiled and said shed make it happen. It happened. It was good.
Next a steamy mug of Clam Chowder. Nom nom nom nom. It was a meal in itself.
Finally, being in a burger kick ee split the French Onion and Vodoo soicy something or other.
Verdict?
The french onion burger is better.
The toppings are fresh.
The bun isnt toasted… and needs to be.
They were apparently uncomfortable with cooking it medrare because it was solid medium.
Burgers solid. Not red robin, but good.
Fries: meh
Chips: not homemade. Dont bother.
Everything else was awesome, cozy and a great experience.

Asked for my steak medium and it came raw. The mushrooms tasted like they’re cooked in dirt.

Was at nautical tonight. My boyfriend and I come almost every week. If you are up for a fun time and great service come while Jessie is working. What a refreshing personality. He is so nice and is always happy to serve you. He is attentive and great to talk to.
We usually show up for cocktails, tonight we had nachos and they were delicious.

Expensive food considering the poor quality. Went here for restaurant week and wasn’t too keen on their menu for the special occasion and order off the regular menu. I settled for their (I believe) orange popcorn shrimp as an app. For $ 9, all I got was salty and overly drenched with sauce a small specs of shrimp. Absolutely NOT worth $ 9. They need to rethink their $$$ on this or fix the recipe.
For my entrée, I order the crispy chicken sandwich. My sandwich was dry and nearly overcooked. At least it was thoroughly cooked considering I burned the roof of my mouth once I bit into it. The kicker for me was their being an upcharge for fries… Pathetic. Any place that charges you extra $ for subbing fries instead of something like coleslaw is not for me. What a rip off.
My boyfriend did order from the Restaurant Week menu. He had the surf and turf being lobster tail and a steak. The TINIEST steak and lobster tail I’ve ever seen. Considering it cost $ 30, you better cook to impress.
This place is a total rip off. You’d be better going to Red Lobster for seafood.
Also, fix up the place. The décor is awful!

After my first review, the General Manager personally emailed me and wanted to know the specifics so they can improve. She also gave me cert for full amount of our dinner.
I was impressed. We went back yesterday, and was very happy with the service (they did not know who we were until we paid) and the food. I will continue to go there for food in the future. I highly recommend them for restaurants in Madison.

Hmm, well let’s just say, if there was a zero, I would give them a zero. I was really excited to try this place because I have heard such good things about their food.
First, it is a generously set buffet. However, half of the food looks inedible. The ala carte area seemed like something you can not mess up. Bacon, sausage, turkey, mashed potatoes and eggs continental. I have NO idea what eggs continental means. There were no scrambled eggs but this off casserole of egg. It was weird and I have no idea what was in it. There was no description. The bacon was greasy and the sausages tasted old. The weird part? The turkey was all shaped the same. It looked like they were processed pieces of meat. The omelette bar was nice. It was your usual sort. The clam chowder looked old. VERY grey. I did not even attempt. The breakfast potatoes were old, cold and over seasoned.
The salad bar was STRANGE. There was not a single simple salad. Everything was a unique salad type. While I commend their creativity, sometimes it is nice to have a plain greens salad. The highlight is the dessert bar. There is cake, bars and a make your ice cream station.

I had one of those Madison Original’s coupons for the Nau-​Ti-​Gal burning in my pocket so I went last night with my good friend. This is the first time I have been there. I was interested in the Happy Hour but I wanted to sit outside due to the beautiful summer afternoon.
Our super cute waiter Jack was über polite and enthusiastic about his service. I ordered a Spotted Cow while I waited for my pal to come. Plastic Chairs, cutesy menus, and Nautical Themes cover the patio. My friend and I both ordered the Fish Fry, W had the fries and I ordered mixed veggies. W ordered the clam chowder too. I got a taste of it and it is good. I would get that on a colder day.
When the plates came out, I was shocked to see half of my dinner sized plate covered in veggies. Green Beans, Broccoli, Summer Squash, Red Peppers! Not the corn, peas, and carrots, I was think I was going to get. I was so pleased and excited. All the veggies were cooked so well. I ate a good chunk of them but I had to eat some of my fish, too. The batter was good on the white fish. I ended up taking the left over veggies home with me because they were too good to leave behind.
The price was right and the service was good. I cannot wait to explore more of the menu.

I can’t say whether this place is convenient or not, only that it took a while from the hotel which really depends on where your hotel is. They say it’s by the water, but I feel it’s not close enough to the water as I can barely see it. There appears to be a bike trail nearby as I saw lots of bicyclists grab a drink here, the patio seems nice to grab a drink at.
I hear this place has quite the history and they have a few restaurants in the area. The vibe inside is very dark and very different tan the outside, which still feels old but at least it’s outside.
The coconut shrimp is large, but tasted a little undercooked. The chowder which I was told is heart comes in this cup that looks quite nice and it is hearty indeed. A little bit thick but it has good amount of seafood in it. And when the food came out, there were pieces of it missing like sauces, salad in one case, fries in another. You really gotta come out at once, especially when it’s the sauce advertised that it comes with!
They have a good amount of beer on tap, and plenty of craft selection. I really liked their selection, seems well thought out with a good mixture of different kins.
The service, they were nice but there are few points missing. They took almost 30 minutes before our drink order was taken. We had to go get our own menus. They seemed severely understaffed and could use a bit more education on the items.
I know you have history, but I think they gotta get their act in gear.

Poor service, the server was new and untrained. could not tell a medium rare from a well done steak.
Then he blamed me because i did not communicate my problem correctly.
If you go there ask for any server but JOJO

This is near our house, so we like to pop in. The outdoor seating is great in summer, and the tropical menu is fun on a cold, winter day.
Food is okay. Nothing I particularly crave between visits, but it is nicer than most waterfront joints where you can park a boat.
I do enjoy the house salad. Strangely, it comes with a little side cup of chocolate chip cookie dough. I don’t know why they include this, especially since cookie dough contains raw egg (I’m surprised there isn’t some code they are violating), but I happen to love chocolate chip cookie dough and I can’t wait to eat it with my salad.
I tried something different tonight: curry chickpea and lentil stew. It was pretty good! I can’t stand cilantro and was able to order the entrée without it.
My husband had a massive cheeseburger, which he loved. I can attest the fries were great as well. They leave some skin on and use a lot of salt. Yum.
Now for the reasons this is a two star review instead of higher:
The outdoor seating process is a complete cluster. If you enter the front door at the hostess stand and ask for an outside table, they tell you to go outside to be seated. OK, no problem. We’ll go outside.
Outside, we were told all tables were full and to go INSIDE to get a pager from the hostess. We saw open tables near the outdoor bar and asked if we could eat at those tables. The waitress said those were first come, first serve, and we could eat dinner there. She was very friendly about it, «Yes, they’ll give you menus there and take care of you, but you just have to order from the bartender because there is no table service.»
We were good with that and grabbed a table. I went to the bar for menus and I was told we could only order appetizers in the bar section. I explained the waitress had just told us we could order off the full menu. Bartender’s response: «Oh, was that the one in the orange shirt?» Me: «No, it was someone in a blue shirt.» I’m not sure why that mattered but should not have been the response.
Bartender says we have to go inside for a pager to get a table. By this time more customers are ahead of us in line. On a Saturday night, every place we’d visit with patio seating would be busy, so we decided to get a pager and wait.
I get a pager from the inside hostess stand. I will skip writing about the conversation between the hostess and the waitresses since this review is getting long. However, I will note the person who had just told me we could order off the full menu at the outdoor bar was there and I told her we had just learned we had to get a regular table to order from the full menu. Her reply, «Oh, sorry, I forgot.»
We then go back to the outside bar to wait for the pager to buzz.
Surprisingly, it only took about 10 minutes for a table to become available. I go back to the outdoor hostess stand, walking by one of the three open tables we’ll be seated at, and the waitress tells me I have to take my pager back inside before she will seat me. I just about lost my mind at this point!!! I keep my head cool and level, despite my frustration. I walk BACK into and through the restaurant to drop off the pager. The hostess says thanks and tells me to go back outside and find a waitress to seat us.
Restaurant Manager: if you read this review, please fix this process! All the burden of finding a table is on your customers. Hire a real hostess for outside and either give her a stack of pagers or have her commit to memory who is on the wait list. I cannot believe how disorganized this was. The Nau-​ti-​Gal owners have owned restaurants in Madison for decades. This is rookie performance.