Problem: Yes, it pains me to write this but it has been a long time coming. I have been a life long fan of the 'Dane" and have basically grew up with it...starting in college when it first opened in 1994. It was always a place you could count on for outstanding beers and very solid food. Unfortunately, this is no more. The beers, once different and unique, are now pedestrian at best. The Scotch Ale no longer has the flavor and finish that it used to. The specials are "special" in name alone. One can only conclude that cheaper ingredients and the large growth has caught up to them. Same can be said about the food. Always a big fan of the calamari with banana peppers, the appetizer now is overbreaded, overcooked, and lacks flavor. The same can't be said about the Texarkana burger. Piled high with bacon, onion straws and slathered with BBQ sauce, the burger was juicy and flavorful. A small highlight in an otherwise gloomy night. For a visual perspective, the Fitchburg location is appealing and comfortable. The dark wood in the bar and high ceilings make it welcoming. I will say the dining room feels more like a Dennys that a brewpub however. In 1994, the Dane was something new and different on the Madison restaurant scene. Craft brews were still new and the concept of a brewpub was as well. They did well establishing themselves and now it appears they are content to rest on their laurels. With restaurants/bars/gastropubs sprinkled all throughout Madison that serve better beer and better fare, the Dane best wake up and improve or just locate in other cities (like Wausau) where the competition isn't as fierce.
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A: negative

Problem: Comfort food lives here! The Breaded Pork Tenderloin & Eggs "Special" that we tried today was wonderful - I really liked their fried potato slices too. The decor here is a tribute to Iowa. Amy being from Iowa, we thought it was kind of cute. If I owned the place - I'd invest heavily in landscaping to make it look like Iowa on the outside too. FYI - They always have a Breaded Pork Tenderloin sandwich on the menu. Next time!
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A: positive

Problem: Dirty, smelly, covered in vomit, cigarettes and hair. That was our non smoking rooms. Apparently the horrific-ness is all due to the renovations, which according to one our friend's has been going on 8 years!?! Worst of all didn't happen to us, but two young girls we encountered in the reception at 4am. Their rooms had been given away post checking in and upon arriving back from the strip (to sleep) found they had no room or belongings, just a police report. The Hotel couldn't even muster up another room for them. This place isn't just disgusting, it's dangerously unsafe. FYI -when it comes to hotel rooms I just expect clean and safe. Unless I pay an arm and a leg, then I expect more.
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A: negative

Problem: Being from Chicago I was waiting for this place to open! Still love it! Gotta get the italian beef with lots and lots of hot peppers! They have yummy crinkle fries if I remember correctly. I also order some gravy on the side. (basically its au jus the beef is cooked in). So delicious! Now that they have been open a while its not as packed as when it first opened.
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A:
positive