Fun dining experience for kids of all ages. Noise level can get overwhelming at peak times but staff is usually friendly and accommodating even when juggling lots of customers
Outrageous prices for the quality of the food and service. Waitress was lousy and inattentive. Soup took longer to come than the rest of the food. When the soup did come, it was practically a bowl of warm water (four packs of crackers helped). The waitress neglected to refill coffee, bring email water glasses, etc. Then the pricethat finished off the apatite. Yes, the decor is busy and would keep the short attention span of a child and the ice cream is good, but it is not really worth the trip unless you just get ice cream to go or ride the farris wheel in the summer. Enjoy.
It was fun for the kids, but food isn't really good and overpriced. I was disappointed, but kids had fun.
With a unique charm and delightful staff, Ella's Deli is a wonderful stop for families with children and those interested in the antique.
I took some clients on a trip here, and they absolutely adored it. The staff were friendly and sweet, and made the experience that much more enjoyable. And the food was wonderful! I'll be making plans to go again.
My 2 youngest enjoyed the carasel. There was no admission for their ride. A family friendly environment. Hopefully when we come back to M we will return to Ella's.
This review is based on the experience of dining here. We are from out of town, so we decided to stop in for dessert. We had a chocolate cake sundae. The cake was pretty good, not out favorite, but definitely good. The atmosphere was a joy; we had more fun exploring all of the toys than anything else.
Fun and kids love this place. terrific ice cream and ice cream treats. I haven't eaten a meal there there in a long time but the food used to be really good. Take a ride on the carousel. The place is for sale so hopefully it doesn't change
I visited for the first time in nearly 20 years yesterday the inside is as I remember it. Very interesting place for both the young and young-at-heart. Those looking for peace and quiet are likely going to be disappointed.
Even though I came during one of the busiest times of the day, service from the wait staff was excellent; I waited only about 5 minutes to be seated.
The only real drawback I see is related to the menu. Although the food is good, don't be surprised to spend around $15 per person.
I'd definitely like to come back here one of the next times I am in Madison, but it's not something I'd do on a daily basis.
waitresses were very attentive, food came out in good time. Love all the cool and antique toys to look at above your head and inside table crafts.
Only complaint was our 'to-go' order took quite a long time to come out.
The carousel will always be fun and unique:)
Handicap bathroom stall is enough for standard size wheelchair, big chairs would be difficult to fit our to navigate properly down the aisle to even get to the restroom area. Had to wait for people to finish eating ice cream at the bench to use the facilities (I didn't want to clear everyone out for a bathroom break)
Food was as it always is (above average) but service was abysmal. Server did not introduce herself, had to flag down for water refills, no food check back, only one napkin provided for two orders, I could continue. It was unpleasant enough for me to leave this review here.
I guess this place is really fun planned the kids, and kids at heart. Throwback decor, and lots to look at make sure the kids are entertained. And the Merry go round is a solid bargaining chip for kids who don't clear their plates! :)
I came to Ella's Deli often growing up in Madison but didn't visit much through college and early adult life. I've recently been back several times in the last month and each time I remember why I loved it so much. The restaurant is a very positive environment with delicious food and desserts. There is something for everyone, and I highly recommend checking it out whether you're with your family or hanging out with a group of friends.
The food was not good. I had the Tex Mex salad, my mom had a burger and my son had a hot dog. The chicken on my salad was dehydrated somehow which was weird and gross. My moms burger was okay but the bun was very stale. My sons hot dog was supposed to be an all beef hot dog. This was ordered off of the kids menu and it was a natural casing pork hot dog. The skin was so tough he could not eat it even after I cut it up smaller. The fact that it was pork I can deal with but don't put it on the menu as beef. All this for a total of $38! The only reason for two stars is my son was entertained. Even though my son was entertained almost all of the decor is the same as it was from my childhood in the 80s and 90s just more deteriorated. We won't be going back.
Began coming here as a kid, when we'd come into town for football games. Now, it still holds the same magic it did for me as a child. So whimsical and entertaining! Can't wait to take my toddler here soon. The ice cream is the best part! A must-go if you're in town.