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Tempest Oyster Bar, Madison, WI

Tempest Oyster Bar

4.7
4.7
1231 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
The freshest seafood prepared simply, highlighting the flavor, texture and variety of all the good things that come from our rivers, lakes and oceans.

Happy Hour available in our Boat Room, Bar Room, and Front Patio from 4-7 Monday-Friday by reservation only. To make reservations for Happy Hour please select "Bar" for Bar and Boat Room tables, or "Counter" for seats directly at the Bar.

Dinner service featuring our full menu offered daily from 5-10PM.

Please email tempestmadison@gmail.com for large party requests.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (608) 258-1443
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Madison
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,231 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7
4.7 based on all time ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

1,231 Reviews
  1. cbw2911

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Marvelous upscale seafood dining experience. The service was spot on, and our entrees were fabulous (sea bass and king crab). My cocktail was excellent and exactly what I expected it to be. They were out of a few items (one of the oysters, and several desserts), and a large party next to our table was rather boisterous but nothing bad enough to impact our visit. Will return another time to this delightful restaurant!

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  2. DUKE

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best food in Madison!!!! Fave restaurant by far! Oysters are a must!

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  3. TaniaB

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time dining at Tempest, which has been on our Madison "must-do" list for many years. Every aspect of this dining experience was superb! The service was so welcoming and friendly, the oysters and entrees were perfectly delicious, the cocktails were amazing, and the entire atmosphere was invigorating. The crowd activity felt exciting but the lighting and seating still felt intimate. We can't wait to go back!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So much fun. Amazing waitress. INCREDIBLE food.

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  5. Twilson348

    Milwaukee

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great. Best Friday fish fry anywhere. Wonderful for our youngest daughter’s 29 birthday. Thank you.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome dinner! Great food, atmosphere, drinks, excellent service. Our server Eric was a rock star!

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  7. KimD

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The owner has decided to continue the COVID restriction at the bar to reservations for two only. So, don’t plan to go for a drink before dinner. They actually referred me to a bar down the road. Very disappointing.

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  8. ElizabethW

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I come for the oysters. The crab legs were a great treat.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time at Tempest Oyster Bar and we were blown away with how delicious it was! Fresh seafood and delicious cocktails! Service was excellent! We will be back!

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  10. ChristieHY

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fantastic and the service was amazing!

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  11. AmyN

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    I loved that there was a variety of different oysters to try. Our waiter was very helpful as this was our first visit. The food had extraordinary taste. The atmosphere was very welcoming. The Mai Tai is to die for. Would definitely recommend and would visit again.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! Gave us a free dessert for the anniversary :)

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  13. Maddie

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I had such a great time. The food was incredible, and the service was lovely. Perfect for a date night or special occasion!

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  14. Riter

    Austin

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great!

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  15. Claire

    Milwaukee

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went here for a birthday celebration, before going to a show at Overture. This is my favorite Madison restaurant by far. Food quality and cocktails are outstanding, particularly seafood, and service is always top notch. Although it’s expensive, I think the value is tremendous compared to other restaurants.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food!

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    The gentleman (that term is used loosely) decided it would be appropriate to chide us as we approached the desk. Then after asking if it was a special occasion we responded that it was a birthday and we were given a very snide response. The dinner was then spent wondering what we had done to warrant the wholly inappropriate conduct of the staff. The whole situation was very bizarre and has regrettably completely turned us off to this place.

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  18. Adrienne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service!! One of my favorites in Madison.

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  19. Coop

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service, very accommodating to our large group!

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  20. EA10

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2022

    overall2food4service2ambience3
    Was very excited for oyster happy hour, but apparently being in the dinning room doesn't allow access to happy hour even though its the exact same restaurant, and the food come from the exact same kitchen. Impossible to reserve a bar specific table for happy hour on open table, even though a reservation was required. Had no service for the first 20 minutes being there. Overall disappointed in my experience, as this was a trial run to bring my dad here for happy hour, likely will not bring him here. Additionally, there was a party in the secluded room off the dining room, and it appeared that all servers paid more attention to them, than anyone in the dinning room. Visible frustration among other guests in the dinning room.

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  21. TheDiningDarling

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Originally drawn to Tempest by an accidental find on Instagram of the seashell alcove. This place exudes charm and warmth. From the greeting by their Manager, Chip and his adorable son Miles escorting me to my seat, to the friendly and knowledgeable (of the menu, cocktails and historical building's history) Servers + Bartenders treating me as if I was a long time regular. My first visit was on a Monday and I enjoyed their Happy Hour menu; raw oysters, conch fitters, oyster rockefeller and The Jib (a fantastic gin cocktail). My experience was so great that I came back for more on Wednesday to relive the same amazing customer service and hospitality. Kevin, Eric, Scottie, Christian and Nicole are rock stars! I'm over the moon to have found such a wonderful gem and will definitely be returning for more.

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  22. TheDiningDarling

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Five Stars!!

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  23. AdaH

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite restaurant in Madison. Highly recommended

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  24. Rachel

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We knew we picked a good one as soon as we walked in. It's a calming, elegant setting. Each employee we encountered was very personable, and eager to please! Everything we ate was spot on, from the plating to the deliciousness. We are already planning our next visit :)

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tempest is our favorite restaurant to go to for date night. We get excited and start talking about the menu as soon as our reservation is made. The shrimp cocktail was fresh and the sauce with horseradish deserves to be eaten with a spoon after the shrimp are gone. Two oysters ordered just for a taste and they were fresh and served with the same sauce as the shrimp. The bread from Madison Sourdough speaks for itself as the best bread in Madison. I ordered a beautifully cooked salmon with pear jus over root vegetables. It was an unexpected delight. The jus over the salmon and vegetables was delicate and yet flavorful standing up to the salmon. The small pears mixed in with the root vegetables provided a nice texture. My husband ordered his usual double cut pork chop served over mashed potatoes. While he has sent a few pork chops back to the kitchen before, this chop has NEVER disappointed him or happened at Tempest. It is tender, full of flavor and a nice size cut. He has before ordered a steak at Tempest with the marrow butter and said it was one of the best steaks he has ever had, and no he is not easy to please. It was a busy night at Tempest but every attention to detail was made from the moment we walked in the door. Thank you Tempest, you are “The Best”!

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  26. TrishB

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I took my friend there for a surprise birthday dinner. Everyone from the gentleman who assisted on the phone to the host and hostess to Kevin the amazing bartender and Eric our amazing waiter… literally EVERYONE was simply fabulous! So helpful and really played an integral part in keeping the surprise a surprise. Highly recommend! 100%

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  27. JoseV

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service! Food and drinks were amazing! Will definitely come back.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have celiac and the staff was very accommodating and knowledgeable of their menu. I felt confident in my food and drink orders.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great find in downtown Madison and the best start to our sneak away weekend. The bartenders were creative and attentive. Food was outstanding. Some of the best oysters I’ve had in awhile.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Oysters are second to none, not only in Madison, but competes with fresh on the coasts. The rest of the menu puzzles me at times. The Oysters are the star of the show.

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  31. CarlaV

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great fresh seafood. Happy hour is amazing. Great ambiance.

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  32. LisaW

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great; especially the dessert. My only minor complaint is that there were not many grits with my entree which was shrimp, scallops and grits (and pork belly).

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  33. MarkH

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The Oysters Rockefeller were excellent. Would have preferred to sit in the bar area as more was going on. Got there early but would not be seated in the bar area even though there were empty tables. Overall a good Valentines Day event with an excellent waitress...

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  34. footballwoo

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall2food5service1ambience3
    The food was great. Service was not good whatsoever. I would recommend only for the food.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All great! Zero complaints

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Good dining experience

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friend leaving town

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  38. VickiJ

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tempest never disappoints. The food and service are always outstanding!

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  39. Madfett

    Milwaukee

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Had a great dinner at Tempest with friends. We were seated promptly, menu was extensive and had lots of interesting and inviting dishes. Prices were reasonable. Drinks and food were all well prepared and presented and tasty. Service was good but not attentive. Our waiter wasn't friendly or personable but made it work. Dining room was crowded and they say they have spaced tables but really couldn't tell much difference from pre-pandemic times. Didn't bother us but if you are concerned about it, probably not the place for you on a busy weekend. Since it was a full dining room it was VERY noisy. So loud you had to yell across the table. I was hoarse the morning after from constantly having to yell for 2 hours. They really need to do something to dampen the noise level.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. AmyK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated a birthday and the food and service were top notch! We sampled the smoke stack and mussels for our appetizers- tasty!! Great entrees- and finished the night with coffee and dessert-

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Tempest Oyster Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (608) 258-1443.

Tempest Oyster Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 1231 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Tempest Oyster Bar

120 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Madison
  • Hours of operation
    Bar Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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