Tucked in Madison’s Waunona neighborhood just a block from the lake loop, Off Broadway Drafthouse is more than a neighborhood hangout — it’s a living piece of local history. Built in the early 1900s, the building has worn many names over the years. In 2015, husband-and-wife team Joe and Rita Klinzing gave it new life as Off Broadway Drafthouse, a name that nods to its location off West Broadway and its past as a community gathering place.
“The imagery that you see within our restaurant, along with the repurposed wood, all came from the original building,” said Joe, Off Broadway Drafthouse co-owner. “The murals are all from the Wisconsin Historical Society and depict things in this area that are of historical value.”
This month, Off Broadway Drafthouse added more Madison.com People’s Choice awards to its hefty collection with their 2025 wins: Best Bloody Mary, Best Fish Fry, Best Happy Hour, Best Old Fashioned and Best Overall Restaurant. In 2024, they earned eight People’s Choice awards, including Best Happy Hour, Best Waitstaff and Best Wings.
Off Broadway’s cocktails on tap are also receiving accolades. Their OBD Old Fashioned is made with Copper & Kings American Craft Brandy, Italian Luxardo cherries, Angostura bitters and an orange slice. They also offer a selection of mocktails, beers, bubbles and wine.
Off Broadway Drafthouse carefully sources all the ingredients for its delicious menu items. Grass-fed beef comes from Riemer Family Farm in Brodhead. Braveheart steaks are raised in the Midwest. The Klinzings grow fresh herbs and vegetables themselves in the summer months, including squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and jalapeño peppers. Every dipping sauce is made in-house — no shortcuts.
“As we developed the menu, we wanted to source fresh ingredients locally, and we wanted people to feel at home while having something good to eat,” said Joe.
Fan favorites include the classic Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry, their fiery Nashville hot chicken sandwich and their award-winning chicken wings.
With plenty of bicycle parking, Off Broadway Drafthouse is a natural stop for lake loop riders or anyone looking for a laid-back neighborhood spot. The patio, complete with flower and vegetable gardens planted by Joe himself, makes it an inviting destination for warm weather.
Come for the craft beer and cocktails and stay for the scratch-made food. Discover why Off Broadway Drafthouse continues to be one of Madison’s most beloved gathering spots.
Off Broadway Drafthouse is located at 5404 Raywood Road in Madison. To learn more, visit offbroadwaydrafthouse.com.
