Hello dear
Welcome To Tempest Oyster Bar
At Tempest Oyster Bar, the spirit of coastal dining intertwines with Wisconsin charm. Nestled in Madison, this seafood and steakhouse invites guests to immerse themselves in a vibrant yet casual atmosphere. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, dishes like the mouthwatering lobster roll and succulent oysters stand out. The restaurant's commitment to community shines through its support for local initiatives. Happy hour specials make indulging in culinary delights even more enticing. Whether you're sharing a cozy dinner or enjoying the lively ambience with friends, Tempest offers an exceptional experience, highlighting the joy of great food and great company.
About
Tempest Oyster Bar
Welcome to Tempest Oyster Bar, a gem nestled in the heart of Madison, WI. This establishment is not just a bar; it's an experience where seafood lovers converge to indulge in the ocean's finest offerings. With a menu that articulates a love for the sea, Tempest provides an eclectic mix of delectable dishes, ranging from the classic Lobster Roll to mouthwatering Surf & Turf Burgers featuring succulent shrimp and oysters, all influenced by the surrounding waters.
The atmosphere at Tempest Oyster Bar strikes a perfect balance between classy and casual, making it an ideal spot for various occasions, from lively dinners with friends to intimate dates. With a vibrant ambiance complemented by moderate noise levels, guests can enjoy their meals while soaking in the lively chatter around them. The outdoor seating captures the essence of Madison, allowing diners to appreciate the fresh air while enjoying their meals, whether it's the renowned Oyster Po'Boy or a hearty fried seafood platter.
As you explore the menu, you'll be drawn to the standout dishes. The Fruits de Mer—a delightful mix of fried scallops, oysters, calamari, shrimp, and clams—serves as a flavor-packed introduction to what Tempest has to offer. Customers rave about the freshness of their Pink Moon Oysters, which are not just a dish but a celebration of local waters and sustainable fishing practices. For those seeking a taste of the land, the expertly cooked 8 oz tenderloin steak paired with vibrant asparagus showcases Tempest's commitment to quality and culinary excellence.
Happy hour specials entice locals and visitors alike, offering a delightful way to sample oysters at a fraction of the price while mingling with Madison’s dynamic crowd. Diners express their appreciation for the warm and attentive service, with staff members striving to enhance your dining experience—whether you’re taking a break from cycling around the city or looking for a comfortable evening out.
In addition to its robust menu, Tempest Oyster Bar actively contributes to the community by supporting local initiatives and charity events, thereby enriching not just the palate but the spirit of Madison itself.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a casual night out, Tempest Oyster Bar is undoubtedly a must-visit destination. Be sure to visit early in the week for a taste of their exquisite creations or slide in on the weekends for an unforgettable dining experience. Want to savor the flavors of the sea? Book your spot today!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Amazing food, friendly staff, delicious cocktails! Will be back for sure to try more things. Oyster Rockefeller was very delicious. Came out with some shell flakes, but nothing out of the ordinary. Smokestack? was a tower of smoked fish and a bunch of other delicious things! Very good! The scallops on my scallop, shrimp grits were incredible, and I would like to eat a whole plate of JUST the scallops! My husband got the chicken and it was pretty good. Nothing that blew us out of the water like the rest of the food, so he probably wont get it again. It still has good flavor and there was a large portion! Presentation for everything was great! They were almost too good at bussing the table, kept trying to take plates or cups away when we werent finished. They were VERY on top of it, so we had to make sure we were on top of speaking up to leave plates ”
“ Tempest Oyster Bar is an absolute gem in Madison! From the moment you walk in, the warm, intimate atmosphere sets the stage for an incredible dining experience. The oysters are phenomenalfresh, expertly shucked, and with a fantastic selection. Whether you love East Coast, West Coast, or a mix of both, theyve got you covered. Beyond the oysters, the seafood dishes are next level. The scallops were perfectly seared, and the lobster roll? Easily one of the best Ive had outside of the East Coast. The cocktail menu is equally impressivethoughtfully crafted and perfectly balanced to complement the seafood. Service is topnotch, too. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about what they do, offering great recommendations and making sure every guest feels welcome. If youre a seafood lover or just appreciate an amazing meal, Tempest Oyster Bar is a mustvisit in Madison. Cant wait to go back! ”
“ We had a wonderful dinner here with Eva taking exceptional care of us. The Creme Caramel, Conch Fritters, and my Navy Pea Coat cocktail were a particular highlight for us. We will definitely be back!! Thanks ”
“ This is my go to spot as an out of towner, every birthday my wife and I have a tradition of getting oysters. Happy hour is a great deal as well. Theyve also been very supportive of local initiatives and charity events so I cant recommend supporting them enough! ”
“ Food was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! Service was spectacular too. The happy hour price on oysters was such a steal 2 per oyster. Pictured below is their daily special for Monday, April 14th 2025 which are the black cod dish with the red fish roe on top and broth on bottom, corvina dish with the yellow puree and the orange colored fish, and rainbow trout has sage brown butter sauce and vegetables on the side. ”
“ Tempest Oyster Bar offers a truly exceptional dining experience in the heart of Madison. From the moment we walked in, the service was attentive, friendly, and professional. The atmosphere is welcoming, with just the right balance of elegance and comfort. The food was outstanding. I ordered the 8 oz tenderloin steak, and it was cooked to perfectiontender, juicy, and exactly as requested. The side dish of asparagus was equally impressiveneither dry nor overcooked, but vibrant and flavorful. ”
“ Tempest is an excellent seafood spot with an intimate yet social ambience. The oysters are high quality with a nice selection to choose from. Although likely the least thematic dish, the bread with flakesalted butter was addictively good. The dining room can get slightly crowded making it somewhat noisy, but I believe this actually contributes to the experience. The waitstaff are A very attentive, kind, and professional. The prices are a bit steep, but is reasonable for a nice outing. No parking out front, at least while road construction is underwaywe used a garage a block away, which is a short walk. ”
“ Incredible meal. Best scallops we have had so far. Charlie is an exceptionally skilled and gracious server. The pink moon oysters were some of the best Ive ever had husband. Love that they have six pack for the kitchen available. They deserved it. ”
“ Amazing food, friendly staff, delicious cocktails! Will be back for sure to try more things. Oyster Rockefeller was very delicious. Came out with some shell flakes, but nothing out of the ordinary. Smokestack? was a tower of smoked fish and a bunch of other delicious things! Very good! The scallops on my scallop, shrimp grits were incredible, and I would like to eat a whole plate of JUST the scallops! My husband got the chicken and it was pretty good. Nothing that blew us out of the water like the rest of the food, so he probably wont get it again. It still has good flavor and there was a large portion! Presentation for everything was great! They were almost too good at bussing the table, kept trying to take plates or cups away when we werent finished. They were VERY on top of it, so we had to make sure we were on top of speaking up to leave plates ”
“ Tempest Oyster Bar is an absolute gem in Madison! From the moment you walk in, the warm, intimate atmosphere sets the stage for an incredible dining experience. The oysters are phenomenalfresh, expertly shucked, and with a fantastic selection. Whether you love East Coast, West Coast, or a mix of both, theyve got you covered. Beyond the oysters, the seafood dishes are next level. The scallops were perfectly seared, and the lobster roll? Easily one of the best Ive had outside of the East Coast. The cocktail menu is equally impressivethoughtfully crafted and perfectly balanced to complement the seafood. Service is topnotch, too. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about what they do, offering great recommendations and making sure every guest feels welcome. If youre a seafood lover or just appreciate an amazing meal, Tempest Oyster Bar is a mustvisit in Madison. Cant wait to go back! ”
“ We had a wonderful dinner here with Eva taking exceptional care of us. The Creme Caramel, Conch Fritters, and my Navy Pea Coat cocktail were a particular highlight for us. We will definitely be back!! Thanks ”
“ This is my go to spot as an out of towner, every birthday my wife and I have a tradition of getting oysters. Happy hour is a great deal as well. Theyve also been very supportive of local initiatives and charity events so I cant recommend supporting them enough! ”
“ Food was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! Service was spectacular too. The happy hour price on oysters was such a steal 2 per oyster. Pictured below is their daily special for Monday, April 14th 2025 which are the black cod dish with the red fish roe on top and broth on bottom, corvina dish with the yellow puree and the orange colored fish, and rainbow trout has sage brown butter sauce and vegetables on the side. ”
“ Tempest Oyster Bar offers a truly exceptional dining experience in the heart of Madison. From the moment we walked in, the service was attentive, friendly, and professional. The atmosphere is welcoming, with just the right balance of elegance and comfort. The food was outstanding. I ordered the 8 oz tenderloin steak, and it was cooked to perfectiontender, juicy, and exactly as requested. The side dish of asparagus was equally impressiveneither dry nor overcooked, but vibrant and flavorful. ”