Mad Apple Burger & Billiards Co.
The big apple is just down the street from you, in the middle of fast food and plenty of shiny new cars. Skip the fast food and drive your old car to Mad Apple Burger and Billiards. They’ve made a pretty big name for themselves in the area AND on the internet. Each April Fools Day, they redress the front of the restaurant to look like Bob’s Burgers from the hit FX television show of the same name. They don the appropriate costumes and it looks like they have a lot of fun with it. Sadly, I haven’t been able to whip out my Gene inspired burger costume which I just decided to make. However I have been able to eat AND play at Mad Apple. So here’s what I think…
In A Bite
Ambiance: Rustic Bar
Music: Pop
Service: Friendly
Price: $$
Food Style: American
What to Order: The Nut Job Burger
Go Again?: Already did
The Whole Plate
Atmosphere
Mad Apple has that modern barn look with the highlight of slatted, wood planks on the exterior. It’s weathered but clean, the kind that makes you feel comfortable. When you walk in, to the left is a Billiard’s shop where you could buy a pool table. Rather than dropping some cash on a pool table, head to the right and ask the hostess to seat you at dining table. Here, you may be blinded by the setting sun like we were but there are blinds, so worry not.
If you’re looking to play some pool, head on to the back where there is an entire pool hall. It’s a great hang out place with 10+ pool tables, darts, and booths lining the walls so you can get your fingers greasy with cheese curds between shots. They also host pool leagues here. Whip out that finger-less glove and chalk up your tip, you could go pro! It’s the first place I’ve seen someone casually bring their own pool cue to a public place.
Service
The staff are knowledgeable, fun, and friendly. The last time I went, I was meeting a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. At the booth I gave him a hug, and then the server also extended his arms for a hug. I didn’t deny the man a hug. I dare you to hug your next waiter. I like their menu and the server provided provided great ordering advice, so be sure to ask for help if you don’t know what to get. The menu is laid out nicely and doesn’t feel as big as it actually is.
Food
I’ll make ordering easy for you though. You’re getting the cheese curds as an appetizer and then the Nut Job burger with sweet potato fries. The curds are a display of pure Wisconsin delight. The batter is smooth, the interior stretchy, and side of homemade ranch is to die for (note for the reader: please don’t die, you’re cool and I want to eat food with you sometime).
When the burger arrives, you’ll notice the fries look more like chips. Like thick, sweet potato chips. They have nailed the sweet potato fry, let me tell you. This is not an easy task either. Lindsay and I have tried to get our sweet potatoes crispy at home but have yet to succeed. The burger has peanut butter on it. As someone who normally enjoys my burgers with peanut butter, this one hit the spot. It’s like pad thai on a burger, with bacon and onion strings. What more could you want?
If you’re not into burgers, they’ve also got pizza, salads, and wraps. Lindsay had the cobb salad and was impressed. Tell em about it Linds. Hit em with the lettuce.
Lindsay here: The cobb salad was delightful, also huge. They don’t hold back on their salads. It had all the essentials, turkey, ham, bacon, bleu cheese, hardboiled egg, and a side of french dressing. Extra perk: very good lettuce. If you order salads frequently, you know a nice bed of greens when you see one.
Back to Dave: Another thing to love is that Mad Apple is dedicated to sourcing from local vendors as often as possible. They proudly proclaim it on the front of their menu. They also offer gluten-friendly options if you need it.
Whenever a friend comes to town, Mad Apple is usually the place I suggest if we go out. It’s laid back, has great food, and a lot of opportunities to make memories.