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The Mariner's Inn, Madison, WI

The Mariner's Inn

4.5
4.5
1837 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 11 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for scenic views
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.

To make a reservation that is larger then 8 people please call us.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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

What 1,837 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Madison

    Hot spot

  • Madison

    Neighborhood gem

  • Madison

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Madison

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Mariner's Inn offers a "hidden gem" dining experience with a classic Wisconsin supper club feel. Guests rave about the "spectacular" steaks, "excellent" service, and the "beautiful view" over Lake Mendota. While some find the prices high, the nostalgic ambiance and "outstanding" Old Fashioneds make it a favorite for special occasions.

1,837 Reviews
  1. Theresa

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Not sure what's going on at Mariner's-they have historically had impeccable service and food. Service was sub par and food was delivered cold. No Manager on duty to appropriately remedy the situation. A sad end to an incredible legacy.

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  2. Denny

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have known the Von Rutenberg Family for almost 50 years. Each visit to Mariners is not only enjoyable, but nostalgic. Jack and Bill have carried on their parent's legacy and continue to provide a great dining experience. Denny Schackter

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  3. Jean

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love the place, food and staff. We have been dining there for 55 years!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Larry

    Milwaukee

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Being going for over 30 years and has always been our go to for special occasions. Great food, great atmosphere, great service.

    Is this helpful?

  5. bob

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    first time back since covid excellent food and service highly recomend

    Is this helpful?

  6. Christine

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    It was very quiet, and so we could hear everyone’s conversations in the room. Food was good, but the wrong ice cream drink was delivered.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Mark

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and experience was great as always, they did not disappoint. Thank you for an enjoyable evening

    Is this helpful?

  8. Elizabeth

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our evening out at Mariner’s was wonderful. Everyone on staff we encountered was helpful and our server Lindsay was absolutely professional and delightful. The food was delicious and the atmosphere cozy. It was a sentimental journey for us too as we used to dine there in the 1970’s with our grandparents - it did not disappoint all these years later!

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  9. Jean

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service is fantastic, as usual! lovely evening of dining and relaxing. Can’t wait to return!

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  10. Zachary

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience. The wait staff was a bit slow but the food and view made up for it. Highly recommend to anyone in the area!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.5 stars by 1837 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 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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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