Currently listed as CLOSED
410 E. Wilson St.
Madison, WI 53703


Average Overall Rating:

(4 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(4 out of 5)

(2 out of 5)

Review by: barrystern on 2/14/2010

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Cleveland's closed in 2009, and a new restaurant has re-opened at its location.

Review #19296Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 4/20/2009

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I loved Cleveland's. Undoubtedly used to be the best breakfast joint in Madison. Unfortunately, since "the great remodel" of 2008, some things have changed and I am not as big of a fan.
Obviously after a remodel, prices are going to increase in some way. Which is too bad because value was what Cleveland's had going for it. But an order of the EXCELLENT Chocolate Chip pancakes dropped from 3 cakes to 2. That's a 33% price increase right there! Many other items have raised $ or shrunk in size as well.
They also increased tables, without increasing staff, so service has certainly declined.
All of the sports paraphernalia is gone. The decor is now very tasteful and well-designed, but it no longer feels like a breakfast joint..it's a restaurant now. Lost some character there.
The old breakfast counter is gone. Now replaced with a bar that isn't very conducive to eating. But since they now serve dinner, I guess they need a bar.
Despite the facelift, they are still cash only, which is another issue. Especially in light of the price increases.
Last, you can't watch the food prep anymore. When it was a greasy spoon, it was the good kind. You could watch your food being cooked. Now it's in the back and...well, who knows what goes on. Not a big complaint, but notable.
Overall, still a very good breakfast, but it lost some character, lost some service, and lost some value after the remodel. Pre-facelift, this would have been 5 eggs "Awesome". Now it's just okay.

Award Nomination: Most Comfortable

Review #16835Review by: Hungry Sean on 1/4/2009

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Cleveland's diner makes life better. It's a relatively small diner run by two brothers, Nikko (head waiter), and Telly (the cook). The walls are covered with sports paraphernalia and postcards from happy customers, and a boombox is generally playing classic rock. The service is friendly and fast, although things get very crowded at times (best to avoid Sunday mornings when there is often an hour wait). Weekday afternoons are easy enough to walk in however. Be sure to bring cash as they do not accept check or credit and the nearest ATM is about 10 blocks away.

Food: I swear they put crack in their homefries. The greek omelet is amazing, as are the pancakes (unless you eat a _lot_, stick with the short stack) and sausage patties. On occasion I've had the soups here when I've been sick. They are made fresh daily (different soup each time), and are awesome. The coffee is solid and keeps coming.

Mickey's Dairy Bar rightfully gets most of the notoriety in Madison, but for me, Cleveland's gets the edge for best diner in Madison. A brief anecdote will express why. I'm sitting happily drinking my just filled 5'th cup of coffee at the bar on a slow day. Nikko says, "Does that taste ok?" "Yeah, it's fine." "I didn't think that pot tasted quite right. Here, give me your cup." He takes my cup and dumps it down the drain. "I'm putting some fresh stuff on." The pot fills partially and he fills my mug with delicious, fresh Joe. Great people and great food.

Award Nomination: Most Comfortable

Review #15780


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Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of Madison, Wisconsin - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Cleveland's Diner.