Fuddruckers is back in the Madison area for the first time since its State Street location closed in 2007. It took over the space once occupied by Cheeseburger in Paradise last October.

Speaking of which, do you ever remember Cheeseburger in Paradise’s parking lot being anything but full? It’s strange to see that lot typically empty, but after dining at this particular Fuddruckers, I can see why.

Needs improvement: This Fuddruckers is not up to the standards that the national chain sets.

• This location has zero atmosphere–it’s very sterile inside.
• Condiments such as ketchup weren’t stocked.
• No trays are given when you pick up your food order, which means multiple trips carrying hot pans.
• The lids for the cups don’t even fit the cups!

The menu: I’ve been to several Fuddruckers, and at least the food here was consistent in quality compared to other locations. If you’re not familiar, the menu is made up almost entirely of burgers (I miss the range of appetizers that Fuddruckers used to serve).

• The Bourbon burger ($7.99) was a satisfying combination of bacon, onions and BBQ sauce on a fresh-baked bun.
• The chili on the chili cheese fries ($3.99) was surprisingly delicious–meaty and not too watery. More cheese was needed, though.
• My favorite topping at the condiment bar was the jalapeno nacho cheese. Good thickness and a slight touch of heat. It goes well with everything on the menu, even the salads.

Fuddruckers is open every day for lunch, dinner and carryout. Beer is served, too.

Make sure before you visit World of Beer in Middleton that you understand it’s a bar first, restaurant second. Almost all the tables are high-tops and the menu skews toward appetizers.

At least those appetizers, called “Tavern Shares,” are an upgrade from typical bar apps. For example, the Southern Fried Pickles ($7.50) also include peppadews and spicy pickled green beans. I liked the variety as well as the IPA dipping sauce, which resembled a thin aioli. I also poured a little of that sauce on the Street Tacos (two for $7, three for $10). Lightly grilled tortillas and tomato and corn salsa surround your choice of ahi tuna, crispy beer-brined chicken (I thought it was too soggy) and beer-battered shrimp (delicious).

The mac & cheese ($6.50) is a safe bet. It’s got a subtle heat from the pepper jack cheese sauce, and the bacon adds a nice saltiness. One other appetizer I tried was the Artisan Sausage Board ($15). You get a massive board of jalapeno cheddar, cracked black pepper and hickory-smoked sausages, plus peppadews and spicy green beans (I enjoyed the beans so much that this is how I prefer to eat them from now on).

On to the rest of the menu. The Guinness Brat Sliders ($9) seemed like they should have been on the Tavern Shares. The pretzel roll was a bit tough, and the Guinness-infused brats tasted like regular, plain brats. The Chimay Burger ($12.50) was much better, with its thick, nicely grilled patty inside a brioche bun.

Other sandwiches include the veggie & hummus wrap ($8.50) and the flat iron steak sandwich ($12). Be sure to choose the tater tots for your side. They are perfectly crunchy and don’t require any sauce (though you can get them topped with beer cheese as an appetizer).

As for drinks, the beer list (taps and bottles) is extensive. Thankfully, there’s an app you can use to help you decide. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a robust cocktail and shot menu as well.

World of Beer is open every day for lunch and dinner.

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See more photos in our World of Beer Flickr album.