I only have vague memories of Brat und Brau when it existed on the west side of Madison on Mineral Point Road, but I’m certain that at minimum, the decor and atmosphere are a lot different in its new incarnation on the north side of town. More on that in a bit.
The menu has a variety of items ranging from pork cutlets to fish fry to of course, brats. I was quite satisfied with the single brat ($3.79 or $6.59 as a basket), described as a Sheboygan recipe bratwurst. It was big and juicy, had the right amount of char, the skin wasn’t tough at all and it was surprisingly filling.
That made it hard for me to finish the delicious homemade onion rings ($4.99; you also can get “regular” onion rings). These are my favorite kind of onion rings: thin-sliced onion pieces with batter that sticks right to it. You get a really large portion, so consider sharing.
I also tried the brauburger ($4.99 or $7.29), a nice third-pound patty that was tasty but nothing out-of-the-ordinary. You can put whatever toppings you want on it at the condiment station, which includes sauerkraut, onions, lettuce and tomatoes (cheese is 50 cents extra). Can’t decide between the brat and the burger? Combine them in the wurstburger ($7.99 or $10.49).
Also just so you know, you order your food by checking items off a paper menu, then paying at the counter. You can enjoy some free popcorn while you wait.
Back to the atmosphere … it’s certainly no Essen Haus or Mader’s (in Milwaukee) as you may come to expect with a name like “Brat and Brau” (e.g. mugs hanging from the walls, dark wood beams, polka music, etc.). In fact, it’s a pretty bare environment, one that makes sense for a strip mall restaurant, I guess. I do like the food and would order for carryout, but I just can’t see myself eating there again, since so much of going out to eat is the experience itself. Although beer and wine is served, it just doesn’t feel like a place you would drink alcohol.
Brat und Brau is open every day for lunch, dinner and carryout.
Churro sundae from Caracas Empanadas. Who knew they could also do dessert? It’s a wonderful combination of sweet and crunchy.
I jumped at the chance when Bacardi OakHeart invited me to form a team and participate in the 
Some teams took the competition very seriously, sprinting from one location to the next. My team was among those that took our time. Speaking of time, the winning team completed the course in slightly over two hours, while we finished in about 4:24 (that included two beverage breaks). The top 25 teams qualify for the national championship.
