Come Back In
Madison’s Downtown Neighborhood Bar
by Robin Gray
February 2020
Come Back In Bar and Restaurant
These days it seems that Madison has restaurants that are opening and closing at a rather steady pace. There a many new restaurants that have recently opened or are expected to in the coming months. While I always look forward to trying new places, sometimes when places are coming and going so quickly it reminds me to stop and appreciate some of the longstanding institutions. One of those is the Come Back In.
I have eaten weekend breakfast there many times over the years and it is generally consistent. It is a great place to go on the weekend when you are starting to get that hangry attitude and the idea of an hour wait is not appealing. Even when they are crowded you rarely need to wait long and the service is usually quick and consistent. All of this is enjoyed in a bar atmosphere made more interesting by the overabundance of collections that line the walls and spaces, there are salt and pepper shakers galore. Breakfast at the Come Back In tends to lean in the good deals and generous portions category of dining. The website boasts “You’ll find a darn good breakfast here with large portion sizes and home-style cooking!” The big breakfast covers both those bases. It includes 3 eggs as you like them, fried potatoes, toast and breakfast meat. No frills but a full plate served hot and plentiful. I like the fried potatoes and they are fried with onions and spices. If you are looking to get both sweet and savory with one order I recommend the strawberry and banana crepes. The crepes were a little thicker than I liked them but well cooked. They are garnished with whipped cream. Additionally, you also receive 2 eggs as you like them and those fried potatoes. Come hungry for both of those choices. The stuffed French toast is made with thick but bread filled with cream cheese and covered pecans and an apricot sauce. This is pretty sweet but a good dish to share with the table. They have a number of other options that include sandwiches, benedicts, and omelets. The server suggested the walleye and eggs as well as the Chili Huevos Rancheros and both of those were enjoyed by others in my party. And as is the brunch tradition, Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Screw Drivers are flowing.
Come Back In serves lunch on the weekends (standard lunch fare) and also dinner 7 nights a week. Daily specials include a fish fry on Friday and some German choices on Monday.
While I have not been there for dinner, I have indeed partaken in the late night food menu. What I remember best is the burger and fries at last century prices and the home made pizza options. A final important food note for the Come Back In is that there is always free popcorn. Free popcorn to wash down with the more than 2 dozen beers on tap. While you are enjoying your food and drink they also have local music most days of the week, trivia night on Tuesday, and Karaoke on Sunday. All things, along with the food, that will lure you down to the self-dubbed “Madison’s Downtown Neighborhood Bar.”
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