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The Mariner's Inn, Madison, WI

The Mariner's Inn

4.7
4.7
1627 Reviews
$30 and under
American
When Bill and Betty Von Rutenberg opened The Mariner’s Inn in 1966, they set out to provide a steak and seafood dining experience like none other. Mouth watering, delicious steaks aged to perfection and an assortment of seafood from lobster to the famous Friday Fish Fry.
Bill and Betty’s sons, Bill, Jack, and Robert, along with their crew, now carry on the tradition of outstanding hospitality of von Rutenberg Ventures. Waterfront dining on the patio and a sunset over the marina make dinner at Mariner’s an evening to remember. We offer five options for dining. Dine-in, expanded outdoor seating, carryout, curbside, and dockside. Try our monthly summer Lobster Boil. You can now enjoy the lobster boils by dine-in or takeout! Advance reservations required.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American, Seafood, Steak

  • Hours of operation

    Happy Hour Tue–Fri 4:30 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (608) 246-3120

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Catering

    We now cater off-site events. For outstanding food and memorable hospitality, please contact us in person at any of our restaurants or call/email us regarding your next event.

  • Private party facilities

    We now can accommodate private groups. We have three private dining rooms as well as our beautiful outside waterfront lawn area available. Make your Mariner’s event even more unique by packaging it with a cruise on Betty Lou Cruises. Please ask the manager for details on how to make your next business, social or holiday gathering a memorable one.

  • Neighborhood

    Madison

  • Cross street

    Westport Road

  • Parking details

    None

  • Entertainment

    Live music outdoors every Saturday from June - August

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,627 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
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    American

  • Madison

    Best Overall

  • Madison

    Best Food

  • Madison

    Best Service

  • Madison

    Best Ambiance

  • Madison

    Best Value

  • Madison

    Good for groups

  • Madison

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Madison

    Romantic

  • Madison

    Good for special occasions

Sort by

  1. Mark

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This place is a great alternative when you are celebrating an occasion where money does not matter as it is expensive. The service and food is excellent. We each had an old fashioned, shared a 6 piece stuffed mushroom appetizer with a fish fry and a Cajun Walleye dinner that totaled a few dollars under $100 before tip. Again this was a nice experience. Just a little heavy on the wallet..
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s been a while since I’ve been to Mariner’s… it was the best visit in a long time!
  3. Patty

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great classic place. Fabulous bartender and waitress. Good food with lighter fare options which I appreciate.
  4. JasonC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal and great service. Admirals tenderloin was delicious, highly recommend and of the steaks. Thanks!
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous steaks as always. The shrimp was also outstanding. A great experience as always.
  6. KimP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambience was so nice and the food was absolutely amazing!!! The entire staff was so welcoming and attentive..I cannot wait to go back.
  7. Zmacly

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Michelle C, was amazing, I took my mom there for Mother’s Day, there was a system crash pretty much right as we got there. As a server myself I know what a nightmare it can be. She adapted and conquered! I was between the two lobster tails and something I hadn’t seen before. Lobster stuffed salmon which was the special and they only had a couple left. Sold, decision made, one of the best meals I’ve ever had at Mariners and I’ve been coming here for my entire life! Dessert time, I didn’t notice the chocolate mousse on the smaller menu (not unusual for them on an event day) Michelle not only got my mother one but found one for me too. Thank you Michelle C for putting the explanation point on my mom’s rainy Mother’s Day
  8. DawnL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mariner's Inn did not disappoint as we celebrated Mother's Day with my 95-year old mother. She loved the food and location. Now, just if it hadn't rained nearly all day. LOL.
  9. MarthaL

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful atmosphere, welcoming owner and staff, great food and drink. Has been a favorite of my family for years. Always makes our day to dine there!
  10. JasonB

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food and restaurant were exactly the nice supper club vibe we wanted. The menu was limited and they weren’t offering desserts or frozen cocktails because of graduation and Mother’s Day and that was disappointing. However, the steaks were cooked perfectly and the service was very good for how busy it was. The value was great. Thanks for a very nice dinner.
  11. Gordon

    Indiana

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    Even though we had a reservation we waited several minutes to be seated. We had been overlooked and had to question mater di before we were seated. We were told 2 people was an issue because they had a number of large parties.
  12. NeilL

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience5
    Overall disappointing. Hadn’t been at Mariner’s in years. Beer taps were out. Didn’t have menu items—Walleye— as advertised in web site for Fri night. Or their signature bread. Waitress had to come back several times to tell us that they didn’t have something. She did a nice job. Kind of felt sorry for her feeling she had to apologize. Not the Mariner’s of our memory.
  13. Diane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very quiet and intimate environment. Dining room has nice views of marina. Our server Michelle was amazing! Very attentive and did her best to make sure we had a positive dining experience. Admiral’s tenderloin was done perfectly to order. Would highly recommend this restaurant.
  14. Curlymom

    Chicago

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was delicious and the portions ample. I had the petite salmon filet and was able to get a special cherry chipotle sauce that was so good! The AU gratin potatoes were an indulgence.
  15. DIANAR

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service! We went for the 57th anniversary dinner that Mariners had during the week. We were happy to come back and celebrate their 57th anniversary. Once again the dinner was great and the service was wonderful.
  16. BigLol

    Milwaukee

    40 reviews

    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Very nice dining experience and a lovely way to celebrate a special occasion.
  17. SabraS

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friend and I were very happy to have the opportunity to partake of the 57th anniversary special. The food was delicious--as always--and our server Cameron was lovely.
  18. TinaL

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the atmosphere. Food was all delicious. Service was good, possibly a little under staffed. Overall no complaints! I'll go back again!
  19. BeckyC

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great place for a "fancier" brunch. Food was excellent. Our family loves going here for special occasions!
  20. JimmyDee

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good service, good food and good view. Try to sit in the large dinning room as there are better seats, more room and good a good view of the outside.
  21. MariaB

    Milwaukee

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Easter Brunch. Great service and food in a beautiful location.
  22. NicoleG

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wish there were ham and pickle roll ups. Other than that, it was fantastic!
  23. GeraldineE

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, warm and friendly service, lovely location. Checks all the boxes!
  24. OdinsMom

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    We were late getting seated for our reservation, had requested a water view, was sat in one of the only places you cant look out a window easily, right in front of a fire place. Our waiter gave off bad vibes, I ordered the lake perch. Smallest perch fillets I have ever seen, just thrown willy nilly on a plate, then my potato on a seperate plate. Visually not appealing at all, our waiter spilled water on me and the table, when refilling my water I never asked to have refilled. Food was brought out on plastic rubbermade carts, that didnt look very "clean" and they even had food on the bottom shelf of the carts, maybe 5 iches off the ground, lucky my food wasnt see on that shelf, I would have to say no thank you. I was looking forward to this visit, it was mediocre at best :(
  25. Debra

    Exclusive

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Very good waiter but a little slow to get to our table
  26. CheriS

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall3food1service5ambience4
    Took my grandson out to eat for fish Friday 4/01/23. He is 19 and picked at his fish and he left the leftovers for me. I felt ripped off paying $6 for a salad with mostly iceberg lettuce. My boiled haddock was ok but not great which is what my previous experience with Mariners has been.
  27. SRWMSN

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good fish fry and lobster. Good beer at good happy hour. Very friendly bartender and waitress. Nice view of a quiet waterfront from our seat by the window.
  28. MelanieJ

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Camryn was wonderful! She went over and above expectations.
  29. NicholasS

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday celebration was lovely. A rate family tradition lives on at the Mariner’s! Thank you!!!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place to eat and excellent bartenders. Great porterhouse and broiled fish along with probably the best clam chowder in the city. Loved the brandy alexander and grasshopper.
  31. WayneS

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great ambiance inside & outside of the property. Employees very nice & personable. Enjoyed shopping the different meat deals they offer. Of course the most important item is our great steak & seafood items we had. Our waiter was always there on time with our wine & bringing our salad, followed perfectly by having our meal and the famous hash browns. Of course we followed that up withe there famous cherry cheesecake! Overall a 10 rating here!!
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Steak is the best! Great service!
  33. DougF

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always! Great food at a good value in an iconic setting.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal. Great service.
  35. Joan

    Milwaukee

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mariner's Inn is a classic Wisconsin supper club. Their clam chowder is award winning and consistently delicious. They also carry a complete line-up of delicious steaks and seafood. The staff is customer focused and make sure you have an enjoyable meal in a cozy setting. Their nightly specials are also excellent.
  36. Molly

    Milwaukee

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waiter was great. Food was awesome! Always have a great time when we visit.
  37. ShannonG

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Great food, drinks, service and ambience! Would highly recommend!
  38. Samuel

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and service! Always a pleasure to go there.
  39. LizL

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food at Mariners is delicious. The steaks and seafood are always top knotch. Hash browns and the cheesy potatoes were excellent. And the Old Fashioned- perfect!
  40. Lorne

    Chicago

    73 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    73 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good dinner with my wife! Had clam chowder very good! The waiter brought out warm rolls to start. The filet I ordered came out on a sizzling platter. Everything was excellent! Will be back!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

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

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Mariner's Inn offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (608) 246-3120.

The Mariner's Inn is rated 4.7 stars by 1627 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today
Google Map for The Mariner's Inn

5339 Lighthouse Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53704

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Westport Road

  • Neighborhood

    Madison

  • Hours of operation

    Happy Hour Tue–Fri 4:30 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, Seafood, Steak

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    None

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Entertainment

    Live music outdoors every Saturday from June - August

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (608) 246-3120

  • Catering

    We now cater off-site events. For outstanding food and memorable hospitality, please contact us in person at any of our restaurants or call/email us regarding your next event.

  • Private party facilities

    We now can accommodate private groups. We have three private dining rooms as well as our beautiful outside waterfront lawn area available. Make your Mariner’s event even more unique by packaging it with a cruise on Betty Lou Cruises. Please ask the manager for details on how to make your next business, social or holiday gathering a memorable one.

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