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Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro, Belleville, WI

Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro

4.7
4.7
733 Reviews
$31 to $50
Farm-to-table
Top Tags:
Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro is located on the banks of the Sugar River in Paoli, WI. The Schoolhouse was built in 1864 and was converted into a restaurant in 2008. We pride ourselves in supporting local vendors and ingredients to bring you the best quality dishes.

Enjoy a meal in our beautiful bistro or on the deck/patio as weather permits. We have a great selection of wine, cocktails, and carry a variety of domestic and craft beers.

The Schoolhouse is also a great venue for small events - micro weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, baby showers, and any other celebrations!

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Farm-to-table, American, Bistro
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Thu, Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (608) 848-6261
  • Website
    http://www.schoolhousebistro.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Luis Garcia
  • Private party facilities
    We book private events tailored to your specific needs. Please call for details! 608-848-6261
  • Location
    6857 Paoli Rd, Belleville, WI 53508
  • Neighborhood
    Madison
  • Parking details
    Also Available Street Parking- No Cost Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 733 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Madison

    Best Overall

  • Madison

    Best Food

  • Madison

    Best Ambiance

  • Madison

    Best Value

  • Madison

    Great for brunch

  • Madison

    Hot spot

  • Madison

    Neighborhood gem

  • Madison

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Madison

    Romantic

  • Madison

    Most Booked

733 Reviews

  1. KarenS

    Milwaukee

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Normally it’s 5 stars. Tonight the sea bass was over-cooked and over seasoned with fish sauce. Still good, just not great. The scallops were slightly under seared- again still good, just not perfect like usual. Outstanding croquettes for appetizers.

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  2. RobertF

    Milwaukee

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We totally enjoyed our experience. The food was very good and the music was enjoyable.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sandle

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food was excellent, service was incredibly sloooooow. Lacking vegetarian options, but accomodating.

    Is this helpful?

  4. TH03

    Milwaukee

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    We were there for brunch. Overall our experience was average. On our reservation I mentioned it was my wife’s birthday- nothing was said by the waiter. The waiter didn’t know the specials and after he found out what they were he couldn’t describe them - very odd. I don’t think we’d go back for a dinner.

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  5. NicoleV

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service, atmosphere! The music was wonderful too!

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  6. Anonymous

    Milwaukee

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect! Food was perfect. Service was great. We are excited to come back to try more.

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  7. Anonymous

    Milwaukee

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    LOVED the Hispanic Heritage menu! Definitely different than other Hispanic places in Madison. We are very happy we decided to try the menu out. Hopefully more of this in the future. Hats off to the chef and his team.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Barbara

    Milwaukee

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, terrific service in a charming setting. Definitely worth the drive.

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  9. LynnV

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We sat on the Patio on a lovely Fall day. We went for Lunch (only avail Thursdays & Fridays). Our Waiter was very competent & friendly, but somewhat hurried, due to serving rooms indoors & out. Good Cocktails, Coffee & food, & we appreciated the menu being a little different than most. I had the Muffaletta, & my Husband had the Walleye Sandwich. The Tomato Bisque, made with Tomatoes from the Owner’s garden, was the most outstanding item.

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  10. NapervilleDiner

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Professional and attentive service with great food, what's not to like?

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  11. PaulS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The atmosphere at the Schoolhouse is warm and inviting. The food is presented very well and everything tasted delicious. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. We will definitely coming back!

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  12. PauletteS

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Great food. Excellent tomato bisque! Good service as well. Only downside- VERY loud in front dining room.

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  13. DianeJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely dining room. Excellent service. All our entrees were delicious

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  14. MichaelM

    Palm Springs

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I We have really just started going to the school house the last couple years. Just love the experience. Service is awesome and dinner menu is great.

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  15. Reno

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    A very nice place to relax and enjoy great food and excellent cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

  16. AnnP

    Seattle

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brian was excellent in every way!!! Wine selection, the specials & dessert

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  17. BarbF

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have always enjoyed this restaurant but we haven’t been there since the pandemic……so glad they survived and as good as always.

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  18. Anonymous

    Milwaukee

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was delicious and our server was great. We gave a 4 star on service because we did not appreciate the way we were spoken to by the manager. We will definitely be back for the food!

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service, and decor. We went for brunch and everyone enjoyed it.

    Is this helpful?

  20. LUCY

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great as was the atmosphere. Our waiter was helpful and attentive. This was my 2nd time there! It did not disappoint.

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  21. JoanR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Limited menu. Brunch. Did not meet our expectations. Nothing special.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely enjoyable evening eating on their patio. The Beef Wellington with green beans was delicious. I had the crème brûlée for dessert, which was also very good. My only complaint about the food was that the Beef Wellington came with a cheesy potato side, which I do not care for and they would not allow a substitution of one of their other sides. I went on a Saturday on which they had live music on their patio, which was advertised so I knew in advance. The band was Slipjig . A local band that plays Irish and Scottish tunes, and they were very good. The food pricing is expensive for some items, but reasonably priced for others. My overall experience was so good that I would go back there again. 

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  23. TonyC

    Milwaukee

    57 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our 49th wedding anniversary. We had a lovely dinner and a great bottle of wine. Service was excellent. We had live music that was very enjoyable and not too loud. We will return.

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  24. DavidB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place. We talk about it for days afterwards. My mom’s favorite place to eat..and she’s 88

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  25. BethK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful atmosphere, great staff and food was really good. We’ll be back!

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  26. FaithW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful lunch yesterday. Tomato bisque was delicious, as was the roasted pork sandwich. Can’t wait for my next meal there.

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  27. GeneP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We'll try outdoor seating at our next visit. A table behind us was overly enjoying their alcohol. The prime rib hash was sufficiently generous that it will be lunch in a day or two, delicious.

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  28. MadisonGal

    Milwaukee

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every meal I’ve had at the Schoolhouse has been excellent down to the details. Our server last night , Forest, was friendly and attentive though the restaurant and outdoor area were crowded. We have never had an unpleasant waiter, I don’t think they would last. It is very nice that the owner visits the tables refilling water glasses. Everything combined brings returning to the Schoolhouse often.

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  29. shesgotflair

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding brunch. Quiche was savory and fluffy and friets were amazing!

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  30. JeffH

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was very good. Although our server was very nice, he didn’t check on us much and we had a hard time catching his eye. He seemed busy with other tables so maybe they were short staffed but if so that would have been nice to know. They need to do something about the large amount of flies inside the restaurant.

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  31. jerij

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    High quality food, excellent flavor and presentation! Very friendly and professional staff! Beautiful place, such an enjoyable experience! We’ll be back!

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  32. RickG

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome food and great outdoor venue. Will be back there soon!

    Is this helpful?

  33. EricaK

    Chicago

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Ate outside- loved the live music. Wish it didn’t end so early! Service was a little wonky but food was delicious! Mushroom bruschetta was a table favorite. Could use some tiki torches to fight off the many pestering flies outside. Treat yourself and walk across the street for the best rich soft serve we’ve ever had at Seven Acre Dairy Co.

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  34. Jean

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    The food was good, but not excellent and not much of a choice for vegetarians. I felt the price was quite high for what we got in comparison to other local area restaurants.

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  35. CherylS

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our meal was absolutely delicious! We both think it was one of the best meals we’ve ever had. The waiter was perfect, the outdoor seating was amazing and the band played wonderful music, but not too loud. It was the best dining experience!

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  36. TREID

    Milwaukee

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such the perfect nook for a wonderful and farm sourced dinner!!! Cocktails are on point…well done gentlemen. Wine list is diverse and priced to enjoy. Brian, is always spectacular and attends to every need. Thanks so much as always Schoolhouse!!! See you soon.

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  37. RichardH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was as awesome as expected. We arrived much earlier than expected and the staff happily accommodated our early arrival. Our waiter was awesome as was the entire staff we were involved with. The main focal point was the meal and drinks which were stellar. Thank you all.

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  38. LindaB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    It was too noisy to hear conversations at the table.

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  39. MarR

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful "birthday luncheon", well worth driving a few extra miles! I wish you were open more days for lunch, though.

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  40. RonW

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best dining experiences we’ve had all year. Wonderful meals (we shared a filet mignon and a walleye dinner with au gratin potatoes and seasonal vegetables), beautifully presented and expertly served. The music (guitar and voice) was perfect. The deserts (key lime pie and crème brûlée) were superb. The outdoor seating was quiet and lovely. We’ll be back again soon!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (608) 848-6261.

Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro is rated 4.7 stars by 733 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Paoli Schoolhouse American Bistro

6857 Paoli Rd, Belleville, WI 53508

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Madison
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Thu, Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Farm-to-table, American, Bistro
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Also Available Street Parking- No Cost Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Luis Garcia
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.schoolhousebistro.com/
  • Phone number
    (608) 848-6261
  • Private party facilities
    We book private events tailored to your specific needs. Please call for details! 608-848-6261
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