Kavanaugh's Esquire Club

01/26/2026

It is with great sadness that we have decided to close The Esquire Club. There is no way to replace the man that made the Esquire feel like home to so many. Thank you for all the wonderful years together.

01/18/2026

01/18/2026

Madison - John P, Kavanaugh III, age 76, of Madison, passed away suddenly on January 13, 2026.  He was born on June 7, 1949, in Madison, the son of John “Jack” and Jane (Colwell) Kavanaugh.

01/11/2026

Sunday Evening Specials

01/09/2026

People have been sharing frustrations with our phone number and we want to thank everyone for reaching out and alerting us to the issue. Our phone number has been correctly updated and the call now button on Facebook will get you straight to us! Thanks Friends!

01/03/2026

SATURDAY EVENING SPECIALS

King Cut Prime Rib
Queen Cut Prime Rib
Prime Rib & Shrimp
Shrimp or Chicken Alfredo
12 oz NY & Shrimp

12/01/2025

Our correct phone number is 608-285-5177

10/04/2025

Very nice to see and hear 🙂

I typically like to keep my head down, but when a writer for Madison Magazine asked if I’d like to do an interview for a piece he was working on my ears perked up. When he said he’d buy, and suggested the Esquire Club he had me, hook, line, and sinker.

I haven’t been to the Esquire since it changed ownership, then subsequently changed back, and I was curious to see if the old standard still applied…from all I could see (and taste) it does! The AYCE Ocean Perch is still the move at the Sherman Ave staple, but since we were there for lunch, and I knew dinner was in my future, I stuck with the $14 4-piece (which turned out to be the perfect portion).

At first blush I could tell this OP was a carbon copy of that in my memory. The fillets were fat and dense (almost heavy feeling). They were dusted by the ‘squire’s signature light and crumbly breading resulting in perfectly grease-free fish. This is a tried and true recipe that is about as consistent as any you’ll find. And make no mistake about it, while the fish alone is good, it’s taken to the highest of heights by the legendary tartar. Is this thick and zippy sauce the best fried fish accompaniment on the planet? I’m not sure I’d go that far, but I wouldn’t cry fowl of anyone who did.

The fries are just your standard crinkles, but like the fish, fried to perfection. Two styles of oven-fresh bread come nestled in a basket and while the white looked divine the rye was simply radical. Rounding it all out was plenty of chin-dripping homemade coleslaw that was easy to enjoy but tough to stop eating.

Like most of Madison, I was saddened when I heard the Esquire had slipped under the regime change. But, like our fair city, I was equally enthusiastic when I heard the original owner said, screw that, not on my watch. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and can safely say the old Esquire is back (and let’s hope it never leaves us again).

09/01/2025

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR DAY CHEF. This would be an excellent position for someone looking to spread their wings creatively. Responsible for the development of new lunch entrees, guest meal preparation, and setting the evening shift up for success.
-BROILER EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
-INVENTORY EXPERIENCE A PLUS
-MUST PASS BACKGROUND CHECK
-MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE PREFERRED.

Apply in person: 1025 N Sherman Ave-Madison, WI 53704
OR
Email Resume: [email protected]





08/25/2025

The Esquire Family incurred a tragic loss over the weekend. Amy Gentz, your kindness and biting sarcasm will be forever missed. RIP
Family

08/21/2025

Corned Beef and Cabbage tonight!