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Otto's Restaurant

  • Published
  • By Col Michael Himan
  • 115th Fighter Wing
MADISON, Wis. --  Sorry about the short hiatus from writing my restaurant review, but I guarantee it was worth the wait. Otto's Restaurant on Mineral Point Road happens to be my favorite "all-around" great place to enjoy an appetizer, dinner, or just adult beverages. I have been so impressed with Otto's over the years that I held my youngest daughter's rehearsal dinner there last summer. Although the food is the highlight of any visit, the outstanding customer service is what keeps my bride and I coming back week after week. From the moment we walk in the door, we feel like a character from Cheers, and as the song goes, "where everybody knows your name". After a pleasant welcome from the bartenders Kim or Rob (and the only staff I have ever seen behind the bar), Georgia and I grab one of the limited number of tables in the bar. A cold beverage and a Mediterranean Platter ($13) quickly arrive (by the way you noticed I never placed an order). One many occasions, Georgia and I will split one or two appetizers and skip dinner. When we are entertaining out of town guests we usually take the entire tour...drinks, appetizers, and dinner. I have sampled most offerings on the menu, however, on most occasions I lean towards the Grilled Scallops ($22) or the Mixed Seafood Grill ($22). The Grilled Pork Chops ($26) are also very good. Recently voted "Best old favorite revisited" restaurant by 77 Square, Otto's also offer's jazz music on the terrace during the summer months. For additional information on Otto's you can go to their website at www.ottosrestaurant.com or visit the 77 Square website for their July 16, 2008 write up on Otto's.