- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Natt Spil
Categories: Nightlife Restaurants Nightlife, Restaurants [Edit]
211 King StMadison, WI 53703
(608) 258-8787
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
72 reviews for Natt Spil
Review Highlights
"Three cup chicken/tofu is solid, along with their pizza..."
(in 7 reviews)
"But the real highlight was the duck duck soup."
(in 3 reviews)
"The brie and apple pizza is unlike any other and they..."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
72 reviews in English
-
Review from Melissa M.
Madison, WI
11/27/2011
I have to agree with Erin C. This place is a great find that I've walked past numerous times on my way to other restaurants and always wondered about. Now that I have experienced Natt Spil, I'm hoping it won't be more crowded next time I visit.
It was FABULOUS!
Dark and quiet with a friendly staff and an atmosphere that you can just sink into and enjoy.
Whether to meet a friend or enjoy a fabulous dinner, Natt Spil was a fantastic choice that will be made again!Listed in: Great Place for Friends to…
-
Review from Doctress Julia B.
Madison, WI
Updated - 1/21/2012
Went last week for some late night dim sum and duck soup. I won't say 'duck' twice, as it's listed on the menu as such. It seems kind of silly. I'm also the kindergartener who refused to do the Hokey Pokey. Wet blanket, that's me. ;)
The 'bartender'? He couldn't have been more of a douche if he tried. And, boy, did he not try. Inattentive- but only after reading us the specials in what almost sounded like a parody of snottiness, without letting either of us ask any questions about them. Like, really- neither of us could get a word in edgewise. Throughout our evening, he kept giving us these dismissive glances as if he was just too cool to give a shit. Finally, we got to hear all about how one of the cooks 'saved his life' after his girlfriend 'went crazy' on him over the weekend. Wow. Good thing we were almost done eating- hearing him bloviate drove us out the door pretty quick.
I wish there were a better place to get late-night noodles in a non-hipster-bullshit atmos...
At this point, there is only one good bartender there: the young lady with short hair. Unless she's behind the bar, I won't bother staying.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/27/2011
Well, I go here a lot in the summer since I like riding my bike up King St. (FEEL the burn! Ow!). I… Read more »
-
-
Review from Erin C.
Madison, WI
9/20/2011 1 photo
Great food and drinks, better music. My first time there was for an early dinner and the service and food was great. I came back craving Duck Duck Soup late one Friday night and was happy to find out their kitchen stays open until 1a. As I slurped down noodles and guzzled a spotted cow, my ears were treated to the best DJ set I've heard in years, thank you Jeremy Thomas. It was smart, smooth, funky, and made my night. For this quality, it's hard to believe they don't charge cover.
There are tradeoffs to places that are really good, and there is always room for improvement. Service, though friendly, is unreasonably slow when it's busy. You may encounter groups of students looking to party late in the evening. I wouldn't come here for that - the space is too small. And my thoughts on the red lantern decor: Why?? -
Review from Shane B.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Crowded and hip. Live dj. Snag a booth and you will be a happy camper. Average beer selection.
-
Review from Beau W.
Mt Horeb, WI
12/27/2011
One of the worst meals and service I've ever had. Try any other place for food and to get good service.
-
Review from Kathleen S.
Madison, WI
12/15/2011
Love this place. Low profile. Good place to take someone visiting from out of town. Good food, reasonable prices. Cozy and dark atmosphere. Busy and noisy. Had to wait for a table but not long and it wasn't uncomfortable. Have been here only twice. Looking forward to going again.
-
Review from Madison L.
Manhattan, NY
5/23/2011
Maybe it's the three cup chicken (such a simple dish, but it literally haunts my dreams)? Maybe it's the stiff cocktails? Maybe it's the fact that it isn't swarming with raging college kids (no disrespect, but it's nice when you need a night to recover from typical UW debauchery)? All I know is that after spending 4 years exploring Madison, and visiting twice since graduation, Natt Spil is my go-to.
The crowd is a bit on the hipster side, but I've seen all sorts of people set up shop and feel completely comfortable here. There is no website, sign outside or phone number, which keeps the place from becoming a mob scene. The lighting is dark, the music (usually a live DJ) is loud, the atmosphere is casual but cool and well designed. Sort of an Asian-influenced speakeasy meets your uncle's log cabin up north.
The dim sum is always a good bet (like, an exceptionally good bet...), and the pizzas never disappoint. Also, the aforementioned three cup chicken just does something to me. Great food at an even better price. Some solid, super-affordable wine and beer selections, too.
I've been here on dates and with a couple of friends at a time, but wouldn't recommend it for a big group. It's more of an intimate spot. Bring cash or your ATM card, credit cards are not accepted. Lastly, the kitchen is open until pretty late (1am I believe), which rules.
And so concludes my first Yelp review. I just wanted to pour one out for my homie. Natt Spil-I miss you. -
Review from Josh M.
Chicago, IL
5/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
When choosing my star-rating of places on Yelp, I usually compare the establishment to some sort of standard for the category it is in. This is impossible for Natt Spil, because there is no category. This is the iron man of food and drink joints. If you do not come here while in Madison or the neighborhood specifically, you are missing out!
Whether it is their rocking Dim Sum (my group split 3/4 of the options, and they were all top notch), their pizzas, or the eclectic options like this unbelievable Duck Duck Soup, you can't go wrong!
The drink options also abound with great local and farther options of craft beer and cocktails that looked quite tasty (stuck to beer though, so I'm just guessing).
Service was friendly and attentive, and the whole feel of this place is just hip while still being comfy. There's even a DJ tucked away in the place too.
Seriously, do not miss this place. We will be back whenever we're in Madison. -
Review from Growling P.
Madison, WI
7/27/2011
When I eventually leave Madison, Natt Spil is one of a handful of restaurants I'll miss.
As other reviewers have noted, the Three Cup Tofu and Three Cup Chicken are the bomb. I used to get the chicken, but as a New Year's resolution, I decided to torture myself more and animals less by only eating local/sustainable meat. Yes, I am those people in Portlandia. The first thing I thought of when I made that decision was "no more Three Cup Chicken," which was rough, since this is one of two dishes I turn to whenever I crave eating out (the other is the Harmony Bar's walnut burger and chips with blue cheese). Since I made that resolution, I have turned to the tofu, which is fabulous. The dish comes with pickled vegetables and rice.
I've never eaten anything bad at Natt Spil, but I also particularly recommend the pizza.
Natt Spil also has the city's best drink, the Orange Dragon. It involves their Thai chile-infused vodka (which gives the drink a nice blast of heat) and orange blossom. The other week, Jeanette the bartender (also one of the city's best) made me a cocktail of the Thai chile vodka and the green tea kombucha, another fantastic cocktail.
The only crappy thing about Natt Spil is its design. I always sit at the bar, because then at least all the people I am with can have a view of sorts and a chair to sit in. I hate restaurant designs that force one person to sit staring at a wall and, in this case, with that person's butt in the middle of a (sometimes unbearably) busy restaurant.
Seating issues aside, this is one of the best places to eat and drink in Madison. And in the evenings, there are always djs playing great music. -
Review from Miguel R.
3/14/2011
What a cool little place. I would say it's "Dive" but that could be taken negatively.
There is no sign outside, there is no sign on the door, no real advertisement - nothing that would ever tell you "Come inside me and have a great time"
The Decor was great. It was very peaceful and the people / servers were all very friendly and nice. Quant, fun, and loved the food.
I had a brick fire oven pizza (artichoke, feta cheese, red peppers, and pepperoni) - Breathtaking!!!
The dumplings I had as an app. was the best way to start the meal - and I ended it with a huge brownie!!
I will certainly be coming back. -
Review from Krishna R.
Westmont, IL
4/24/2011
Translates to "night play" or "after party" in Norwegian -- as you can imagine, this place is open late in the night all week.
I'd like to think of this Madison's hidden gem of a bar (no sign outside, no phone)!
Good drinks; Great ambiance - Intimate; Asian influenced- one of the owners spent a lot of time in China.
Their wood-burning oven roasted pizzas are very good. Love their three-cup tofu - an amazing blend of flavors served with rice and pickled veggies. I usually have them go a little easy on the soy and it is perfect for me. Their hummus plate is also delicious and a good value for the money.
Seating -- if it is winter, find a seat further inside - the door opening can get pretty drafty. If there is a DJ, the back of the place can get loud. The best, most intimate space is at the furthest back wall on the left -- there is a little alcove with about 4 tables! If it is summer, their front windows open out, so you can sit either up front or outside and it is quite nice.
Note: Small food menu and No credit cards accepted (ATM on site though) -
Review from Jen M.
5/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is awesome! My husband, aunt, uncle, and myself were in Madison from Chicago. The place has a very interesting menu - dim sum and pizza were two of their specialties. Apparently we could not decide what to order, so we ordered everything! We had each kind of dim sum, and a sausage pizza, both of which were fresh, different, and delicious. But the real highlight was the duck duck soup. I really do not have words for it, and I am an English teacher!
They also have great beers, a swanky atmosphere, and a DJ camped out in the corner. Awesome all around! -
Review from Amy B.
Madison, WI
2/1/2011
Love the food, love the decor, love the atmosphere, but you can end up waiting a long time for a table, and it can get rather crowded with so many people in a small space.
Loved the fusion menu and the creative ways in which meals are prepared. Definitely a great place to go for new and exciting options. -
Review from Midwest G.
Madison, WI
11/28/2011
As a regular denizen of this unique establishment, I have come to accept that certain quirks can sometimes make for a memorable, if somewhat uneven experience on regular visits. The success of a patron's visit here is also largely dependent on how busy the bar is, where you are sitting, and who is serving you. It should not be understated that certain employees are stellar and some should really pursue another vocation, as I found out recently when it took about 7 minutes for the bartender to realize that my food was ready as I sat at my stool, quelling the urge to grab it myself. The distinctly Asian feel is no accident, as one of the owners spent over a decade in that part of the world. The specials are generally creative and reliable, if somewhat variant in size and concept. As a patron, you are also at the mercy of the DJ, whose taste may range from full on metal to talk-friendly styles such as retro R&B. On Fridays and Saturdays after 8pm, expect large crowds and a general din. Sundays are more accessible, with weeknights varying depending on such factors as athletic events and weather. One last thing-no phone.
-
Review from Billy D.
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool, pseudo-underground bar in Madison. Very unique decor, and mysterious lighting. They usually have a DJ on busy nights.
Food is good- good asian-ish selection of snacks. Three cup chicken/tofu is solid, along with their pizza selections.
They have a pretty solid drink menu; good liquor selection and interesting beers on tap.
If they started accepting credit cards, this place would blow up. Maybe that's intentional; don't think it could handle much more people. -
Review from N. B.
Tucson, AZ
7/18/2011
This is my favorite place to sit down for a drink. It is dark and cozy with interesting decor and design. Also great is they have food, and really good food too (dim sum, hummus, pizza) not your typical bar stuff. It's not dirt cheap but I would not say it is expensive, just the right price for the quality. Yes, it is a bit on the hipster side but don't let the hipsters have all the fun, check it out for yourself!
-
Review from Erin H.
Madison, WI
8/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
finally checked this place out tonight (a monday) and I have to say, I was impressed. we were seated immediately and our waiter was super attentive. I might wait to go back until it cools down a little as they don't have a/c, but you really can't beat $16 for a great pizza and a pitcher... not to mention interesting atmosphere and good music playing.
-
Review from Anh D.
Milwaukee, WI
9/22/2010
Natt Spil is a must for me every time I make a trip to Madison. However, it can get pretty crowded on some nights. This wouldn't be problem except for the fact that the venue is small. You can't do much moving around on busy nights and waiting for a table can take forever. Still, the atmosphere is really nice and comfortable on a low key night. It's a great place to have dinner and conversation with friends. There's a fairly priced Asian fusion menu. No where else have I been able to choose between dim sum or pizza. The mussels are a favorite! I'm not much of a drinker but the drink menu is definitely extensive and you'll have plenty to select from.
I always look forward to stopping by Natt Spil. It may be hard to find for a first timer, as there are no literal signs that give it away, but once you do find it, you'll enjoy it. -
Review from Angelina C.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2010
Me, in a rowdy pre-wedding crew: "Can I have a Bulleit on the rocks?"
Bartender: "Bullet?"
Me: "Bullaaay? Bullet?"
Bartender: "Bullet."
Then we piled in a booth near the front to continue celebrating the evening into the morning. Natt Spil, I never remember very much from you, but what can recall is always fantastic.
See you next time!Listed in: I Love Cheese
-
Review from Holly D.
Madison, WI
5/6/2010
This place houses my FAVORITE meal in madtown... 3 CUP TOFU!
This stuff is amazing! White rice topped with a deliciously sweet and spicy sauce with tofu that is cooked to perfection with some amazing pickled vegetables on the side. My boyfriend is a meat eater and this is always what he orders as well. And we always start with the chips and guac.
Seriously, stop in for this meal!!!
Drink wise, they have a large selection, I usually get a beer and the bf loves the high tea (i think that's what it's called).
Love that they have DJ's every night.
As for the crowd, I feel as if it is the perfect mix of all types of people.Listed in: Mad Veg
-
Review from Sharyn M.
Madison, WI
4/8/2011
This hidden establishment is cozy, dark and welcoming. When you first enter you are greeted immediantly and are given choices of where to dine. (unless you will just be sitting at the bar, which is also magnificent. )
Natt Spil is a long narrow dimly lit rustic sort of atmosphere. (it is usuallly PACKED on the weekends, so beware) there are super cozy corners with a few finished tree stumps for seating which are nestled up to dark real wood tables. Also there are boothes for larger (4 maybe 6 top) groups along the bar area but I love the cozy areas.
Natt Splis' food it seriously worth a trip. The wood-fired oven is a major plus for their offerings (the pizza's OMG)....but I personally love the Mussels!! The two variations i have indulged in are just over the top amazing.
The dim sum is exquisite. You must dive into them!!...(right around the corner from Great Dane btw)..if you desire differerent and satisfying, playful delicious Martini's, attentive bartending, and incredible eats worth remembering. you must find them!!! Natt Spil has been one of my most memorable experiences in Madison. (a few times) Do It!! -
Review from Underhill T.
Middleton, WI
1/3/2010
This review is based strictly off their customer service.
My wife and I were going out for dinner last night at Muramoto. We arrived early (5:30p) to the King Street area. So, we thought we would stop by Nat Spil for a couple pre-dinner cocktails. Neither of us had been there before and were excited to give it a try.
Our initial take was we really liked the atmoshere - seemed very cool. However, as mentioned in other reviews, we soon found that the place was small and a little confusing for us. The place has about 10 tables that I could see and a small bar with about 12 stools. Is it a restaurant or a bar? The reason I bring this up is that when we walked in there were two couples sitting at tables and no one at the bar. One couple had food and other couple just had cocktails. There was no one to greet us when we walked in (i didn't think that was going to be a big deal but it obvioulsly was), so we sauntered over to the bar and ordered a cocktail. After the drinks were poured we thought it might be more comfortable sitting at a table and told the bartendress - "no problem" she says.
We chose a table in the front window area. It was small but had four sets of silverware. Suddenly a waiter appears and asks if it just the two of us tonight. "Yes" I replied. He lets out a big sigh, and then snatches two of the silverware sets. As he is walking to the cupboard to put them away I notice that he is shaking his head the whole time and is still visible pissed that there is only two of us. He then takes the silverware he just cleared and started slamming/throwing them back into the cupboard drawers.
Let me take the opportunity to remind you that there were four other customers in this establishment at this point and it was 5:30pm. It's not like we were occupying prime seats during prime time.
So... The waiter comes back and says, "what do want for dinner?" with an exaggerated roll of his eyes. I said we were just having drinks and wouldn't be staying long. Another hugh sigh and he storms off to his station and takes a big drink from his wine glass. I was surprised to see the waiter drinking at 5:30. I wonder if he paid for that drink or if it was stolen from the establishment's owner?!?
Well that pretty much sealed it - not going to have a second drink there. We slammed our cocktails and high tailed it. As we were leaving we had to walk right past him. He never looked up or even acknowledged we were leaving.
Interestingly enough... Around 8:00p as we were walking back to our car from Muramoto, we glanced into the front window of Nat Spil. It looked they had a whooping crowd of about 6 people. I wonder how many other people left after dealing with that ass-bag waiter?!? -
Review from Stacey L.
Madison, WI
4/12/2010
When it's not super-crowded, Natt Spil is delightful. Tasty drinks, food that looks mouth-watering (I've only had the bacon something-or-other pizza, and it was quite good), and a good rotation of DJs. The space is dimly lit, warm, and cozy, and their tiny outdoor seating section is perfect on warm weeknights when you want to converse with a few friends while enjoying a cool beverage.
When the Natt Spil is hopping though, it's not my cup of tea. It's such a narrow building that in order to move you have to make full-body contact with everyone surrounding you as you slink through the masses - I (semi-jokingly) refer to it as Frotteur Heaven for good reason. Aside from having to get overly-friendly with your neighbors, people end up awkwardly standing in the spaces between tables and holding their drinks over diners' heads. As a clumsy lady, this makes me nervous.
So, to review: laid-back nights = awesome, crowded nights = not so much. -
Review from Raymond B.
Memphis, TN
3/8/2010
Natt Spil... it's alright. I'm between 2 stars on it's lousy and over crowded nights, and an easy 3+ stars on the nights when it's the right size crowd, the windows are open, and I'm getting food. So... let's break it down...
Cash only. 'Apps' is the food here, for a snack. Beers/drinks aren't anything special, with a moderate selection. If it's incredibly packed, don't bother with food... you'll just feel in the way. They do serve late (not sure how late), so that's nice if it's a weekday. Go with someone who has been there before if you can to avoid what other people mention about it being 'confusing'. The crowd is generally very casual.
The best thing is that if you're downtown, you can 'try it out'... because if it sucks for you that night, walk somewhere else. I'd definitely say to give it a go. -
Review from Ariel L.
7/14/2009 1 Check-in Here
This is the best bar in Madison, hands down. I actually would place it as one of the best bars in the USA.
I was there last Saturday night and the DJ they had spinning was killing it (as usual). I spent two years at grad school in Madison and i stopped here several nights a week. Good music, good cocktails, and good food. The menu, while small, is excellent. If it is your first time there, definitely have the Three Cup Chicken. I have heard a few people say it is a little salty, but isn't that what beer is for? The pizza's are all good and they usually have some good appetizers also.
The beer selection is diverse yet representative of Wisconsin. The only knock on this place is that it can get hard to navigate when it gets crowded as it is a small bar. The servers manage to navigate it pretty well though so if you just grab a seat you'll have no problem getting service. I hate to even write a review of this place because if too many people (or undergrads) get wind of the place it might lose it's charm.
But as is, Natt Spil, you are perfect! Now please open a branch down the street from me in Chicago. -
Review from Brian B.
Madison, WI
11/13/2008
Well, say what you will (and I have complained to my compatriots) about the no phone, no sign, no credit card policy, but I love Natt Spil. I tell people I hate it. I tell people it is full of hipster assclowns (which it is). When it all shakes out though the food is amazing, the beer and wine list are great, and everything is terribly reasonable on the wallet.
Chef David Oliver has a great palate and an inventive menu. The three-cup chicken is terrific and would be something I would order every time I went to any other restaurant, but it is only the second best item on the simple, delicious menu at Natt Spil. Dave's Pork Sammie is absurdly good. It is the best sandwich I've had anywhere.
Lastly, the hipster assclown population is promulgated by the tremendous DJs regularly spinning at Natt Spil.
This is a great place to eat and a great place to grab a few drinks and listen to great music.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
-
Review from Matt E.
8/20/2007
My lady and I attended the Natt Spil with the intention of a Friday night dinner but unfortunately found the results very dissatisfactory.
While the decor is quite romantic and it's kinda cool to eat at a place that doesn't have a sign or a telephone the actual delivery isn't worth the setup. All the pre-eat impressing sets up the expectation for some fabulously hip food. The results however came as lackluster.
Ordering the Salmon with fried plantains and the Italian sausage pizza with feta we initially were excited. A change of pace ambiance and a diversified menu with a combination of different ethnic flavors seemed promising. With the placement of the dishes in front of us our eagerness seemed to fade. To start the presentation was mediocre. Admittedly there isn't too much you can do to make pizza look amazing. The Salmon however was not pink, served upside down, and was about the smallest piece of fish I have ever received.
Not a fish expert, I was told by my more knowledgeable girlfriend that the salmon was poor, not cooked well, lacking juices and a pink color. I found the fish ok, tasting fairly bland and without any spice to cover up the disappointing bland salmon flavor. The noodles that came with it were sort of a mix of curry and pad Thai which while better than the salmon were still rather dull noodles.
The pizza was admittedly better though still a small portion. The sausage was very good with a nice distinctive spice, the best part of the entire meal. The feta was tasty..but it's feta and the placement of it on the pizza was effective because feta is inherently tasty nothing above your own ability in the kitchen though. A dough and sauce that served as more of contributing flavors and less as bases would have helped.
The seemingly harsh rating is a judgment of the food not as a place to grab drinks with a friend. Their beer menu had simple selections highlights being some nearby Great Dane brews and an Ale Asylum. In the end the food isn't bad, but for a the $12 dollars the tiny dull Salmon dish cost and the $9 decent Pizza better tasting and equally unique Madison flavors can be found. -
Review from Kate M.
Seattle, WA
4/21/2006
Nattspill = "night play" in Norwegian, in case you were curious...
Even though this place can be crowded (despite its stealthy sign-less entrance), I love it. It's dark and moody and the djs who play on the weekends are really good. Get there a little early so you can stake out the awesome back room with tree logs as stools. Their drinks are strong and goood, especially their mojitos. The food is pretty good, too, especially the pizzas. My friends are obsessed with the 3-cup chicken, but being picky and not liking dark meat, I'm not crazy about it.
Nattspill really is a killer place to play. Check it out.Listed in: Kate's Best of Madtown
-
Review from Colin U.
1/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this place. It almost has an underground L.A. bar type feel to it. I have been coming here for about a year now and it is always a blast. They have a live DJ (every time I have been there) and I am assuming that is all they have. Drinks are good they even have absinthe! Reasonably priced but can get pricey.
-
Review from Tim B.
Verona, WI
3/26/2009 1 photo
Although the food here is pretty darn good (especially the pizza), the seating is torturous. If I wanted to sit on a painfully too-short, wobbly, wooden stool I'd be roasting s'mores over a campfire. It's just not the sort of experience I look forward to when I'm out on the town, ya know? Something tells me I'm not the only one.
I have to agree with others who have noted the awkward partitions and general layout of the place. I've never been to a place where seating and layout was such an issue, so this really put me in an odd mood. It's gotta be the antithesis of feng shui.
The atmosphere was otherwise very interesting and I think the place has potential. I just don't think I'll be adding this place to my regular haunts. If I go back, I think I'll be sure to sit at the bar. -
Review from Kate S.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2010
This was my second time to Natt Spil. The first time I went, my boyfriend and I went on a date. From what I remembered, he ordered a pizza with mushroom so I wouldn't eat it (HATE mushrooms) and I had the three cup chicken. I was surprised with the amount of Asian influence, but I enjoyed it. Chris didn't like how dark it was and I how I selected tree stumps without backs for seating arrangements. Whatever, he is just not hip enough.
When we went again, we just went for drinks. I had a super strong mojito and he just had a lame-o Tanqueray and tonic. He drank two of those really quickly, so I don't know if it was just the quality was superior to the average rail drink or it was weak. My mojito was good, but lacking on the sugar.
I really like the atmosphere and layout of this bar. It reminds me of hipster Brooklyn with a milder hipster attitude. I would love to go again and again, but unfortunately my friends never want to wander to the Capitol bars with me. -
Review from Kelly R.
Middleton, WI
8/31/2008
Great atmosphere, as long as you can find the place(having no sign makes this a wee bit difficult). Dark and brooding, yet soft enough to be romantic.
They have a fun drink list, for those of us who don't do beer(although my last mojito tasted more like lime and Aquanet rather than fresh yummy goodness).
The menu is interesting, although small. Nice place to grab an appetizer and a cold beverage before a night out. -
Review from Sarah M.
Madison, WI
7/26/2008
The food here borders on gross and is not that cheap if viewed in light of how crappy it is.
We started with the catfish egg rolls, which tasted like someone dropped a fish stick in Tabasco, put it in a wrapper and fried it. The three cup tofu is apparently their most popular dish. It looked beautiful and tasted completely uninspired. Tofu drowning in heavy, corporate "Asian" sauce with over-marinated cucumbers on the side. My limp pizza was the worst attempt at thin-crust I have encountered in Madison.
I guess this place is "cool" because the lighting is red and the waitresses wear stripes and polka dots at the same time. I've been here at night for drinks as well and found it very awkward. The music is loud, so there's no way to talk, but also no expectation of dancing.
The positives: They have a nice selection of beers on draft and the waitresses were polite. -
Review from Sara S.
Cedar Rapids, IA
4/14/2011
I love the dark secretive feel of this place! You're enclosed by wooden furniture and mood lighting, a cool DJ and good looking chic waitstaff.
The food is really good too- my go-to dishes: 3 Cup Chicken or the Brie and Apple Pizza...I'd top either one off with a whiskey Old Fashioned, extra cherries. One time I went there, they had an excellent Squash soup, but some of the menu is seasonal, so I haven't seen it since.
Remember, its CASH ONLY! don't be 'that guy" scrambling through crumpled singles only to leave your date/friends waiting while you quick run to an ATM -
Review from Carolyn B.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2007
So hip, so pretensious, so eh.
Natt Spil has a lovely solid drink menu, and considering the "atmosphere" you're paying for it is pretty standard pricing. I am a fan of their mojitos. As for the food, I think the previous reviewers summed up the misses quite nicely. Fortunately Natt Spil is located in an area where you can walk 5 blocks in almost any direction and meet up with amazing food. (so come for a drink, soak up the hip-ness, and then go eat somewhere else.) -
Review from Timmy T.
Fountain Valley, CA
9/15/2010
Owned by the people at the very strong Magnus, Natt Spil seems to fall into the 'we-wish-we-were-cool' category. Too cool, evidently, to put up an awning or name over the bar. The food is OK, though I'd rather eat at Magnus' bar around the corner (or at any of the dozen or so bars within walking distance). Drinks are fine. The music should be a lot better for what they're trying to do. They need to import a Williamsburg hipster to curate the atmosphere or something. In general I don't have a good time when I'm here; perhaps it's because of the overtly-evident artifice (i.e. it's trying too hard but not quite making it), the pretentious yokels with emo or Ramones t-shirts, or perhaps due to the cramped space. But I like their mini pizzas.
-
Review from Mio S.
Madison, WI
9/5/2008
I don't know what changed in a year and half, but the quality went down rather drastically. This used to be my one and only favorite destination in Madison for a while, but they're so "out" for me now.
My friend and I stopped over here on Wednesday bar hopping night, and everything was terrible.
First, the service: Ok, but nothing special. And what happened to those smoking hot ladies? Why is a jersey wearing lady with zero enthusiasm serving us? Is this Wed's night thing? If so, I'll never come back. And, the terrible drinks, too. My mojito was passable while my friend's caipirinha was way below the standard. If they have the balls to charge $6-8 on a drink, I expect something good.
I've seen this trend in Madison. If you used to be the "it place," you need to keep up with the incoming competition and continue polishing the reputation rather than taking it easy by falling back on the title. -
Review from Emily M.
Madison, WI
7/10/2008
I also didn't have a problem with the atmosphere. I found it warm and welcoming and our waitress was very friendly. As a Bostonian, I'm used to being ignored by waitstaff, pricey yet boring food, being deafened by awful music and squawking fellow patrons time and time again.
But Nat Spil treated me very well- no pretension- and I will return! -
Review from james r.
Tempe, AZ
10/14/2009
Went here on a Monday night for dinner at 10pm on a monday night. The menu is about 1/3 Vegetarian which was nice because the friend i was entertaining is a pescatarian. We enjoyed delicious greek style pizza and a pitcher of octoberfest beer for $15 (Their Monday night special). Great deal. There was a DJ mixing solid rock music which transgressed decades. nice.
As you can read from other other reviews , Natt Spill has a great vibe, good crowd, and equally quality music. Highly recommended. especially if you want quality food late at night with vegetarian options.Listed in: Madison @Night
-
Review from S N.
Brooklyn, NY
5/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I think Natt Spil would be a great place to sit down with friends and have a few drinks. As a bar, I'd give it 4 stars for atmosphere, comfort, and general attitude.
As a restaurant, it's a solid 3. I had the duck ramen, which was quite good, and the small bowl was just about large enough to count as a full entree for me. (It's listed in the "snack" section of the menu so I thought it would be a tiny portion, but it's a full sized bowl.) 3 Cup Chicken with pickled veggies... not so great. I've only had this dish at a full on, FOB run, Taiwanese restaurant. There, it was delicious and slightly crispy and tangy and amazing. At Natt Spil.. it's.. okay. Definitely too salty, and "Generic Asian Food" quality, but it improves upon "GAF" because it's not greasy. The pickled vegetables were ok, but maybe a bit too much pickle in proportion to the overall quantity of food. I did spy a big stone oven and if I ended up here again somehow (just passing through on my cross country trip) I'd go for pizza instead! I wasn't expecting the food to be mindblowing; I was expecting, essentially, exactly what I got, which is decent food for a bar.
The staff were very friendly, and I liked this place overall.
