When Bill and Betty Von Rutenberg opened The Mariner’s Inn in 1966, they set out to provide a steak and seafood dining experience like none other. Mouth watering, delicious steaks aged to perfection and an assortment of seafood from lobster to the famous Friday Fish Fry.
Bill and Betty’s sons, Bill, Jack, and Robert, along with their crew, now carry on the tradition of outstanding hospitality of von Rutenberg Ventures. Waterfront dining on the patio and a sunset over the marina make dinner at Mariner’s an evening to remember.
"We had a wonderful experience. The view was great. We had great great service including the host. The food selection was perfect for our different tastes and of course it all tasted great."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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"My first time at Mariners was somewhat of a disappointment considering the menu prices. I made a special request for a table near the window which went unheard. We were also sat near a table with a couple of children even though there were seats open throughout. Our waitress was very slow but friendly. I had the ADMIRAL’S TENDERLOIN which came out overcooked and very bland. It was hard to distinguish the crab from the steak. I would rate this just above a common chain seafood place but not a dining experience."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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"We sat outdoors on a beautiful May evening. We had reservations, the host was very nice along with the bartenders. We were seated with in 5 minutes. The food was very good but the server was very slow and not very attentive."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, special occasion
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"Brought business associates/friends out to dinner on a Sunday night - they all loved it and loved their food. Was not crowded at all. Service was great and the ambiance/setting was outstanding! We all came from different parts of the Madison area but no one drove more than 15-20 minutes, so it was a great middle ground."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The brunch was fair at best. The food was not always hot. None of the food on the tables in a very dark room was marked. For the cost of the brunch we were disappointed."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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"Food is usually better. My food was overcooked,even though I order it medium. My wife didn'y care for the grouper she ordered, but that maybe personal preference. They didn't appear that busy,but the service was very slow. Again, it has been good on past visits."
Dined on 4/28/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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"The evening was great. From the service we received in the bar prior to sitting in the dining room was wonderful. Our dinner server was great. I am a big water drinker and I never had an empty glass. I did have to remind her that she din not bring my onions and mushrooms. Other than that it was perfect. Thanks for making my birthday special!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
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"It was our wedding anniversary and we had the 46th anniversary dinner special; very reasonable and good. We would recommend it to anyone. A little bit pricey with wine and drinks."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"We arrived early so we could have a cocktail before dinner. The drinks were a bit pricey but you are getting top shelf liquor. We were seated at our convenience at a window seat with a nice view. Our server was Iris, she was very professional and polite and recited the specials without running through them like an afterthought. The food is, as always, amazing. The steaks were cooked perfectly and you can't say enough about the hashbrowns. We have been to Mariner's for anniversaries, birthdays and Mother's Day and it has been perfect every single time."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Good food and a beautiful view. Drinks were overpriced but strong. Dessert was decent; I had the chocolate decadence and my husband ad the Key Lime pie. A bit pricey for what we had but an overall good experience."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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"This restaurant was recommended by a friend who told me it was his favorite place to go so I was expecting alot. We arrived at our reserved time of 4:30 to be told dining room didn't open til 5. No big deal. Staff seemed kind of depressed and lacked energy. Did not feel overly welcome but service was good. Clam chowder was excellent. Hash browns were ok but not sure about "legendary". I ordered the Admirals Tenderloin and was put off by the combination of crab and steak. Also be aware that petite filets means a tenderloin sliced in half horizontally so it cooks faster and loses flavor. Wife got the Chef's tenderloin which was far better and I would recommend. For the price I'm sorry to say I would not return."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view
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"We enjoyed our first time at the Mariner's Inn. From the friendly greeting at the door, to the exceptional waitstaff, and the outstanding food, it was a wonderful experience. We look forward to visiting again."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Took my fiance here and had a very quiet romantic table by the fireplace which they set up for us. Great food and offered a 46th anniversary deal which we used. We loved it."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Always enjoy Mariners Inn, whether a special "date night", meeting with friends or a good fish fry. Service is always good and if you can get a window seat - a great view. And ice cream drinks! Never been disappointed."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"My son was home from college and went to Mariners for a special night out. He is a picky eater but loves steak. He ordered the steak that comes with the peppercorn sauce on top and the mushroom sauce on the bottom. We told our waitress no sauce and absolutely nothing on it just plain and she said no problem. It came with the shoe string onions on top. My son was fit to be tied. He also ordered the steak medium well and it was more rare than anything. I was very disappointed with our waitress and it wasn't even busy. I had hoped we had found a new steak place to take him but I guess we will still continue to search."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"Other than some of the tastiest clam chowder we've ever experienced, our Saturday night visit to this venerable establishment proved a major disappointment. And since we were seated prior to 5 p.m. before the restaurant truly filled up on a St. Valentine's Day Weekend night, the poor service and poorly prepared meal we were served cannot be blamed on an overburdened staff. Our visit began well enough with the host chatting us up as we sat in the bar area enjoying pre-dinner drinks. During the conversation, our host amiably pried from us that we were there to celebrate a birthday. As the host handed us off to a bartender to take us back to the dining area, he told the bartender to point out to the wait staff that we were celebrating a birthd"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
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"Menu was limited from online menu. My steak was tough and undesirable. My girlfriend ordered the duck and it came just as that, a half a duck on a plate with little sauce drizzled on top. I will not return."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, scenic view
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"We've heard great radio ads for years, but were disappointed. We had a time scheduled and arrived a few minutes early to be told they were running late. We were seated 15 minutes after the scheduled reservation time which nearly caused us to be late for another engagement. We both ordered the filet. The steaks were flavorless and my husband's was a very stringy piece and under-cooked. I ordered the mushrooms which added flavor, but too much! There was so much garlic powder used you could see it crusted around the top of the bowl and even after several brushings and multiple mouth washes I tasted garlic for two days. My husband added the shrimp to his filet and the shrimp was very good, but overall we were disappointed and won't return."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
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"For the price the food was mediocre. The steaks were nothing to brag about. Salads were very good. If you want a really good steak try the Wonderbar. They have the best steaks in town. Your steaks are equivalent to going to Texas Road House.
We were there on a Saturday night and for some reason only one of your steak enhancers was available.
We would not return considering the meal and tip cost us $102.00 (for two) and in our opinion was not worth it."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
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"Excellent food at a reasonable price. Very friendly staff and good specials on the menu. This was our first visit and we both agreed it was worth a few return trips."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"We had a verry nice upbeat friendly waitress on Valentine's Day. We had an awesome seating with a window view. My hubby stated he had a terrific steak (NY strip), though mine was okay (porterhouse). We both had dessert and it exceeded our expectations. Overall, it was a wonderful dinner and we plan on coming back in the future.
Thank you!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"One of our favorite spots; food/drinks always dependable; never had a poor meal or poor service; management very attentive. Great for outdoors when weather permits."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view
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"we got there early in the evening.. were seated right away, at a table with a great view.. the wait person was very good. the food was excellent. right down to the dessert. I have been thinking about going back again already!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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