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Hop On Over To This Old-Fashioned Steakhouse In Wisconsin For The Most Unique Frog Legs


Imagine a place where time stands still, steaks sizzle, and frog legs leap onto your plate.

Welcome to the Tornado Room, Madison’s whirlwind of flavor and nostalgia.

Step into a time warp! The Tornado Room's retro sign promises a whirlwind of flavor and nostalgia. It's like Mad Men, but with better steaks.Step into a time warp! The Tornado Room's retro sign promises a whirlwind of flavor and nostalgia. It's like Mad Men, but with better steaks.
Step into a time warp! The Tornado Room’s retro sign promises a whirlwind of flavor and nostalgia. It’s like Mad Men, but with better steaks. Photo credit: Richard Cox

In the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, there’s a culinary tornado that’s been spinning for years, serving up a storm of flavors that’ll knock your socks off faster than you can say “medium-rare.”

The Tornado Room Steak House isn’t just another run-of-the-mill eatery; it’s a carnivore’s paradise wrapped in a time capsule of old-school charm.

As you approach this meat lover’s mecca, you’ll spot a sign that looks like it was plucked straight out of a 1960s Vegas strip.

The orange and yellow lettering of “TORNADO STEAK HOUSE” blazes against the brick facade, a beacon calling all hungry souls to enter its hallowed halls.

Cozy booths and warm wood paneling create an atmosphere so inviting, you'll want to move in. Don Draper would approve.Cozy booths and warm wood paneling create an atmosphere so inviting, you'll want to move in. Don Draper would approve.
Cozy booths and warm wood paneling create an atmosphere so inviting, you’ll want to move in. Don Draper would approve. Photo credit: Anna H.

Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a bygone era when dinner was an event and calories were just a twinkle in a nutritionist’s eye.

The interior is a symphony of wood paneling, mood lighting, and cozy booths that practically beg you to slide in and stay awhile.

It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see Don Draper nursing an Old Fashioned in the corner, plotting his next big ad campaign.

But let’s cut to the chase – or should I say, the steak.

The Tornado Room isn’t playing around when it comes to their meat game.

A menu that reads like a carnivore's dream journal. Decisions, decisions – it's enough to make a steak lover weep with joy.A menu that reads like a carnivore's dream journal. Decisions, decisions – it's enough to make a steak lover weep with joy.
A menu that reads like a carnivore’s dream journal. Decisions, decisions – it’s enough to make a steak lover weep with joy. Photo credit: David H.

Their menu reads like a carnivore’s dream journal, featuring everything from a 20 oz. Bone-In Tenderloin to a 28 oz. Ribeye on the Bone that’s big enough to make Fred Flintstone do a double-take.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Another steakhouse? Been there, done that, got the meat sweats to prove it.”

But hold your horses, partner.

The Tornado Room has an ace up its sleeve that sets it apart from the herd.

Hop to it! These crispy frog legs are the unexpected star of the show. Who knew Kermit could be so delicious?Hop to it! These crispy frog legs are the unexpected star of the show. Who knew Kermit could be so delicious?
Hop to it! These crispy frog legs are the unexpected star of the show. Who knew Kermit could be so delicious? Photo credit: Justine H.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: the frog legs.

Yes, you heard that right.

Nestled among the beefy behemoths on the menu, you’ll find these little amphibious delights, ready to hop right onto your taste buds.

Now, before you start croaking with laughter (or horror), let me tell you – these aren’t your average swamp snacks.

The Tornado Room’s frog legs are a culinary adventure that’ll have you ribbiting with joy.

They’re tender, they’re flavorful, and they’re the perfect conversation starter for that awkward first date or family reunion.

“So, Aunt Mildred, how about them frog legs?” Instant icebreaker.

Venison so tender, it practically melts on the plate. Bambi's revenge never tasted so good.Venison so tender, it practically melts on the plate. Bambi's revenge never tasted so good.
Venison so tender, it practically melts on the plate. Bambi’s revenge never tasted so good. Photo credit: Julia B.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Before you dive into the froggy feast, you’ll want to start your meal off right.

The Tornado Room’s appetizer menu is like a greatest hits album of classic steakhouse starters.

You’ve got your shrimp cocktail, standing tall and proud like a crustacean army ready to march into your mouth.

There’s the classic Caesar salad, because nothing says “I’m adulting” like willingly eating anchovies.

And let’s not forget the escargot, for those who want to ease into their amphibian adventure with a mollusk warm-up.

Clam chowder that's thicker than plot twists in a soap opera. Each spoonful is a creamy embrace for your taste buds.Clam chowder that's thicker than plot twists in a soap opera. Each spoonful is a creamy embrace for your taste buds.
Clam chowder that’s thicker than plot twists in a soap opera. Each spoonful is a creamy embrace for your taste buds. Photo credit: Claudia S.

Now, if you’re feeling particularly fancy (or just really, really hungry), you might want to consider the Tornado Room’s seafood platter.

It’s a veritable ocean on a plate, featuring an assortment of chilled shellfish that’ll make you feel like you’re dining on the deck of a luxury yacht.

Just don’t try to recreate the “I’m the king of the world” scene from Titanic. Trust me, it never ends well.

But let’s get back to the main event – the steaks.

Shrimp cocktail that's dressed to impress. These crustaceans are ready for their close-up, Mr. DeMille.Shrimp cocktail that's dressed to impress. These crustaceans are ready for their close-up, Mr. DeMille.
Shrimp cocktail that’s dressed to impress. These crustaceans are ready for their close-up, Mr. DeMille. Photo credit: Roselle A.

The Tornado Room doesn’t mess around when it comes to their beef.

These cuts are so prime, they make other steaks look like they’re still in high school.

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Take the 20 oz. Bone-In Tenderloin, for example. This bad boy is the house cut, and it’s got more flavor packed into it than a season of your favorite TV drama.

It’s the kind of steak that makes you want to stand up and slow clap after each bite.

Old Fashioned perfection in a glass. Don Draper would trade his entire ad agency for just one sip.Old Fashioned perfection in a glass. Don Draper would trade his entire ad agency for just one sip.
Old Fashioned perfection in a glass. Don Draper would trade his entire ad agency for just one sip. Photo credit: Ted T.

If you’re more of a T-Bone aficionado, fear not.

The Tornado Room’s 21 oz. T-Bone is here to satisfy your craving for that perfect balance of tenderloin and strip.

It’s like the yin and yang of the steak world, all on one glorious plate.

For those who prefer their beef without the bone (hey, no judgment here), the 8 oz. and 14 oz. Filets are waiting to melt in your mouth faster than ice cream on a hot summer day.

These cuts are so tender, you could probably cut them with a stern look.

Dining room ambiance straight out of a classic film. You half expect Frank Sinatra to walk in and start crooning.Dining room ambiance straight out of a classic film. You half expect Frank Sinatra to walk in and start crooning.
Dining room ambiance straight out of a classic film. You half expect Frank Sinatra to walk in and start crooning. Photo credit: Christopher S.

Now, if you’re the type who likes to go big or go home, allow me to introduce you to the 28 oz. Ribeye on the Bone.

This behemoth of beef is not for the faint of heart (or the small of stomach).

It’s the kind of steak that makes vegetarians question their life choices and carnivores weep tears of joy.

But wait, there’s more!

The Tornado Room isn’t content with just serving up stellar steaks.

Oh no, they’ve got to go and throw some curveballs into the mix with their “Specialties” section.

Where strangers become friends over sizzling steaks. It's like Cheers, but with better food and fewer bar fights.Where strangers become friends over sizzling steaks. It's like Cheers, but with better food and fewer bar fights.
Where strangers become friends over sizzling steaks. It’s like Cheers, but with better food and fewer bar fights. Photo credit: Jon Augelli

Take the Filet au Poivre, for instance. This 10 oz. filet of local grass-fed beef comes with a peppercorn crust and a mushroom cognac cream sauce that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.

It’s like a fancy French vacation for your mouth, minus the jet lag and the need to remember high school French.

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, there’s the Venison.

This tenderloin filet comes decked out in peppercorns, seared greens, and a red wine pan sauce that’ll have you considering a move to the forest to be closer to your new favorite food.

Just remember, Bambi is not on the menu.

This is classy venison, people.

If you’re in the mood for something a little less red and a little more… well, pink, the Pork Tenderloin might be right up your alley.

Pan-seared and served with a tart cherry sauce, it’s the perfect option for those who want to branch out from beef but aren’t quite ready to take the leap to frog legs.

A bar so inviting, even teetotalers might be tempted. The perfect spot for shaken, stirred, or A bar so inviting, even teetotalers might be tempted. The perfect spot for shaken, stirred, or
A bar so inviting, even teetotalers might be tempted. The perfect spot for shaken, stirred, or “neat” conversations. Photo credit: Tom F.

Speaking of leaping, let’s hop back to those frog legs for a moment.

These little green gems are a testament to the Tornado Room’s commitment to offering something for everyone – even those with a taste for the unusual.

Lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, these frog legs are like the chicken wings of the amphibian world.

They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with a flavor that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been eating frog legs your whole life.

Pair them with a side of the Tornado Room’s homemade tartar sauce, and you’ve got a match made in culinary heaven.

It’s like Romeo and Juliet, if Romeo was a frog and Juliet was a delicious dipping sauce.

Alfresco dining with a side of people-watching. Who needs TV when you've got sidewalk theater?Alfresco dining with a side of people-watching. Who needs TV when you've got sidewalk theater?
Alfresco dining with a side of people-watching. Who needs TV when you’ve got sidewalk theater? Photo credit: Sharita R.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“But what about the sides? A steak is only as good as its supporting cast!”

Fear not, dear reader.

The Tornado Room has you covered in the side dish department.

From classic baked potatoes loaded with all the fixings to crispy hash browns that’ll make you forget all about those soggy diner versions, there’s a spud for every mood.

And let’s not forget the vegetables. Yes, I said vegetables.

In a steakhouse.

I know, it’s shocking.

But trust me, when you try the Tornado Room’s sautéed mushrooms or creamed spinach, you’ll understand why even the most dedicated carnivores make room on their plates for these green (and brown) delights.

Escargot that'll make you say "Ooh la la!" These buttery morsels are anything but garden variety.Escargot that'll make you say "Ooh la la!" These buttery morsels are anything but garden variety.
Escargot that’ll make you say “Ooh la la!” These buttery morsels are anything but garden variety. Photo credit: Alyssa R.

Of course, no meal at the Tornado Room would be complete without a trip to the bar.

This isn’t just any old watering hole – it’s a time machine disguised as a cocktail menu.

The bartenders here are like alchemists, mixing up classic cocktails that’ll transport you back to a time when men wore hats, women wore gloves, and everyone knew how to do the Lindy Hop.

Sip on a perfectly crafted Manhattan or a bone-dry Martini, and you’ll swear you can hear the faint sounds of a jazz band playing in the distance.

Just don’t be surprised if you suddenly have the urge to start speaking like a 1940s film noir detective.

“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”

(Spoiler alert: She probably walked into the Tornado Room because she heard about the frog legs.)

Venison tenderloin that'll make you forget about beef. Sorry, cows, there's a new meat in town.Venison tenderloin that'll make you forget about beef. Sorry, cows, there's a new meat in town.
Venison tenderloin that’ll make you forget about beef. Sorry, cows, there’s a new meat in town. Photo credit: Elizabeth Livingston

As you near the end of your meal, loosening your belt and wondering if it’s socially acceptable to lick your plate clean (pro tip: it’s not), you might think you couldn’t possibly eat another bite.

But then, like a siren’s call, you hear the waiter mention the dessert menu.

Suddenly, as if by magic, you discover a hidden dessert stomach you never knew you had.

The Tornado Room’s desserts are the perfect finale to your culinary adventure.

From classic New York-style cheesecake to decadent chocolate lava cake, these sweet treats are the cherry on top of an already spectacular meal.

And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, why not try their house-made ice cream?

It’s the perfect way to cool down after all that sizzling steak – and hey, after eating frog legs, you’ve earned the right to splurge a little.

As you waddle out of the Tornado Room, stuffed to the gills (or should I say, to the frog legs?), you’ll find yourself already planning your next visit.

Because once you’ve experienced the whirlwind of flavors, the nostalgic ambiance, and the sheer joy of biting into a perfectly cooked steak (or frog leg), you’ll be caught in the Tornado Room’s delicious vortex.

A dessert so decadent, it should come with a warning label. Diets, beware – resistance is futile!A dessert so decadent, it should come with a warning label. Diets, beware – resistance is futile!
A dessert so decadent, it should come with a warning label. Diets, beware – resistance is futile! Photo credit: Jackson W.

So, whether you’re a Madison local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor seeking a taste of Wisconsin’s finest, make sure to put the Tornado Room on your must-visit list.

Just remember to bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and maybe a pair of stretchy pants.

After all, when in Rome… er, Madison, do as the Madisonians do.

Eat, drink, and be merry – preferably with a side of frog legs.

For more information about the Tornado Room’s menu, hours, and to make reservations, be sure to visit their website or Facebook page.

And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to this culinary tornado of deliciousness.

16. the tornado room map16. the tornado room map

Where: 116 S Hamilton St, Madison, WI 53703

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

And who knows?

You might just find yourself becoming a regular at this meat lover’s paradise.

Just don’t blame me when you start dreaming about steak and frog legs. That’s all on you, my friend.





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