Francie's Casual Cafe
Update: Francie's is closed.
In a word: Maybe takes the 'Casual' thing a little too far.
The specs: #0183
Address, hours & details via Isthmus ; 
JM ate the grilled, honey glazed pork chop with beer cheese soup and a lemonade.
Nichole ate the fish fry (with baked cod).
The bill was $25, or $12.50/person, plus tip.
JM gave Francie's a C+; Nichole gave Francie's a C- (see our grading rubric).
Latest Francie's news and reviews
The best thing about Francie's was this cow. We could see Lombardino's bold "Tourists favorite dining spot" mural from Francie's dining room, and wondered what we were missing.
In short, Francie's is an underwhelming hotel restaurant with spotty service. While the next table got several wine refills and never lacked for anything the whole time we were there, we didn't even get a bread basket.
A little something to boost the blood sugar while we waited would have been welcome, as would have been something to cut the saltiness of JM's beer cheese soup. It tasted to Nichole like chicken-flavored Ramen seasoning base with cheez on top. JM decided that they had extra brine left over and they threw in some cheese.
The fish fry was not much to write about.
JM's pork chop was not too special, either. (Too many carrots would be the headline.)
RIP, Ivy Inn - some competition on Uni Ave would do Francie's good. It might be that Francie's is trying not to offend anyone visiting Madison, but therefore it fails to truly please.
Jeez, that couldn't be a more depressing review following so soon on the heels of a dry spell. I think Boston's The would be the only place that could impress me less, and make me feel gloomier.
Just go to Lombardino's. I won't tell anyone if you go out of order for one measly restaurant. It'll make you feel better.
Posted by: Kyle | July 13, 2006 at 07:49 PM
Sorry - this is depressing. For lunch today I drowned my sorrows in raita at Maharaja.
Bit of a drought here, 'tis true. But it's over, promise!
Posted by: nichole | July 13, 2006 at 08:59 PM
Yall need to make some better tastier food because A greased up peice of pork and fries is not cutting it!!!!
Make some better food or the resturant will be closed down!!!!!!!!
you boss!!!!
francie
Posted by: Francie | December 01, 2006 at 02:53 PM
what is yalls problem c pluses and c minuses arent cutting it
I mean what I said in my last comment you need to bring the sanation score up
your boss
francie!!!!!!
Posted by: francie | December 01, 2006 at 02:55 PM