🍽️ What to Order

Recommendations based on quality, value, and visitor feedback

Item Price
Moules Frites
Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, served with house frites and aioli.
 $18.00
Steak Frites
Grilled hanger steak with red wine-shallot reduction, hand-cut fries, and seasonal greens.
 $25.00
Duck Confit
Crisp duck leg confit with lentils du Puy, braised greens, and mustard vinaigrette.
 $24.00
Croque Madame (Brunch)
Madison Sourdough, Nueske’s ham, Gruyère, fried egg, and béchamel, served with greens.
 $16.00
House-Smoked Trout
Wisconsin trout, crème fraîche, capers, and toast points—a nod to local fishing heritage.
 $13.00
Oysters on the Half Shell (Happy Hour)
East Coast oysters, shucked to order, with mignonette and lemon. Discounted during happy hour.
 $1.50–$3.00 each
Beignets (Brunch)
Fresh, house-made beignets dusted with powdered sugar—often sell out early on weekends.
 $6.00

What Diners Rave About

Signature French Fare
Classics like steak frites, mussels, and duck confit are expertly prepared with a Wisconsin twist—expect local ingredients and French technique in every bite.
Happy Hour Specials
Weekday happy hour (Mon–Fri, 4–6pm) features $1.50 oysters, $5 tap beers, and $6 select wines—best enjoyed at the bustling bar or window seats overlooking Lake Monona.
Brunch Standouts
Don’t miss the croque madame or house-made beignets at weekend brunch—arrive early or reserve for first seating if you want to guarantee your favorites.
Lakeview Ambiance
The historic warehouse setting, massive windows, and lakeside patio create an atmosphere that’s both lively and romantic—sunset dining is a local favorite.
Dietary Accommodations
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are limited, but the kitchen is flexible—call ahead for dietary restrictions and staff will do their best to customize dishes.
Reservation Policy
Reservations are accepted and strongly recommended, especially for dinner and lakeside tables; brunch is mostly walk-in but gets crowded after 10am.
Payment & Tipping
Major credit cards are accepted, and standard tipping customs apply; split checks are welcomed for groups.
Value & Portions
Appetizers range $5–$18, entrees $15–$25; portions are generous but not oversized—sharing is common, especially with starters and sides.

✨ The Experience

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Atmosphere & Ambiance
Sardine’s soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and wall-to-wall windows set the stage for a vibrant, bustling dining room. The lakeside patio buzzes in summer, while candlelit tables and historic charm make winter evenings especially cozy.
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Getting There & Around
Williamson & Blount bus stop is just a 2-minute walk, served by Madison Metro Routes 3, 4, 7, and 38. Street parking is metered until 6pm, free after, and the Machinery Row lot is a local hack for easy access—bike racks and BCycle stations are right outside for cyclists.
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Timing & Local Scene
Peak times are Friday and Saturday evenings and weekend brunch (after 10am). For a quieter meal or best patio seats, arrive right when doors open or book a late dinner—locals love sunset tables for the golden hour view over Lake Monona.
👩‍🍳
Service & Practical Tips
Servers are attentive and knowledgeable, often suggesting wine pairings and daily specials. The bar is first-come, first-served and offers the full menu—perfect for solo diners or those without a reservation. Mention special occasions for a complimentary surprise.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is a reservation required at Sardine?
Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends and for lakeside tables. While Sardine accepts walk-ins, waits can exceed 45 minutes during peak hours. For brunch, reservations aren’t always accepted—arrive early to avoid the rush.
Does Sardine accommodate dietary restrictions?
Sardine’s menu is French-forward and leans heavily on seafood, dairy, and bread, but the kitchen is accommodating with advance notice. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are limited; call ahead for special requests, and staff will do their best to modify dishes.
Where can I park when visiting Sardine?
Parking can be challenging during busy times. Metered street parking is available on Williamson Street (free after 6pm and on Sundays), and the Machinery Row lot is a local favorite after 6pm. For guaranteed space, try the Capitol East Parking Garage, a 5-minute walk away.

📖 About Sardine

Sardine first opened its doors in May 2006, the brainchild of chefs John Gadau and Phillip Hurley, who brought their passion for French bistro fare and local ingredients from acclaimed kitchens in San Francisco and New York.

The restaurant is housed in a converted early 20th-century warehouse that once served the bustling rail and lakefront industries, with original beams, brickwork, and panoramic windows framing Lake Monona sunsets.

From the start, Sardine set out to marry French technique with Wisconsin sensibility—showcasing local trout, seasonal produce, and regional cheeses in time-honored brasserie classics.

Over the years, it’s become a vibrant anchor for the Marquette neighborhood, drawing everyone from artists and university faculty to families and visiting celebrities for its celebrated brunches and lively happy hours.

Today, Sardine’s blend of culinary excellence, historic charm, and welcoming service makes it a beloved gathering spot—whether you’re celebrating a milestone, catching up with friends, or simply soaking in the lakeside view.

🛡️ Area Intelligence

Safety Assessment

The Marquette neighborhood maintains moderate safety, with a community-oriented feel and low violent crime. Standard precautions apply, but the area is well-lit and heavily trafficked, especially on weekends and during events.

Walkability & Crowds

Williamson Street is highly walkable, with most errands and dining easily accessible on foot. Expect moderate to heavy pedestrian traffic during peak dining hours and local events like the Willy Street Fair.

Local Events

Annual highlights include the Willy Street Fair (September), Orton Park Festival (late August), and pop-up summer markets. Sardine’s own Bastille Day party draws a festive crowd each July 14th.

Tourism Patterns

Tourism peaks in summer and early fall, with lakefront events and festivals bringing extra visitors. Weekends and sunset hours are especially popular—plan ahead for reservations and parking.