Tempest – Seafood
Tempest channels the spirited energy of the coastline, where the rhythmic shucking of chilled oysters and the dramatic presentation of tiered seafood towers set the stage for a lively maritime feast. From the crunch of golden conch fritters to the buttery richness of Oysters Rockefeller, every dish celebrates the ocean's bounty in a sophisticated space that feels both vibrant and timeless.
East Wilson Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703 https://tempestoysterbar.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Seafood
Price range: $$$
Dietary options: halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb
Diet fit at Tempest
Halal at Tempest
Tempest in Madison has 38 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Weihenstephan Hefeweiss, Tower #1 and Hofbräu Hefe Weizen. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Tempest
Tempest in Madison has 5 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Cocktail, Stiegl Grapefruit Radler and Broiled Asparagus. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Tempest
Tempest in Madison has 12 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Weihenstephan Hefeweiss, Tower #1 and Rosé, E. Guigal, 2024 France. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Tempest
Tempest in Madison has 15 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Weihenstephan Hefeweiss, Tower #1 and Cava, Los Monteros, NV Brut, Spain. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Tempest
Tempest in Madison has 42 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Côtes du Rhone, Roulepierre, 2023 France, Weihenstephan Hefeweiss and Hofbräu Hefe Weizen. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Tempest
Tempest in Madison has 51 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Côtes du Rhone, Roulepierre, 2023 France, Weihenstephan Hefeweiss and Hofbräu Hefe Weizen. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Tempest
Tempest in Madison has 4 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Weihenstephan Hefeweiss, Broiled Asparagus and Scalloped Potatoes. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Fat at Tempest
Tempest in Madison has 4 low-fat-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Coppola, 2023 Paso Robles, Alaskan King Crab and Cabernet Sauvignon, Martin Ray, Napa 2023. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Tempest
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| High Tide | 46.7 g | 69.2 g |
| Bucatini | 28.8 g | 62.3 g |
| Smokestack (Happy Hour) | 5 g | 52.9 g |
| Seaweed Slaw | 14.3 g | 33.5 g |
| Cava, Los Monteros, NV Brut, Spain | 6.2 g | 32.6 g |
| Smoke Stack | 114.5 g | 31.8 g |
| Shrimp or Oyster Po'Boy | 4 g | 29.5 g |
| Broiled Asparagus | 0.3 g | 25.9 g |
| Riesling Kabinett, Philipp Horn, 2021 Germany | 0 g | 24.2 g |
| Mussels | 26.3 g | 22.5 g |
| Shrimp Cocktail | 11 g | 21 g |
| Chocolate Caramel Walnut Tart | 76.6 g | 19.8 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its mouth-watering pasta dishes, Tempest offers a relaxed vibe that guests find incredibly pleasant for a casual meal. Reviewers highlight the efficient and timely service, noting that the kitchen clearly takes pride in every plate served. Standout dishes include the expertly prepared pasta, which diners frequently recommend to friends seeking a high-quality dining experience in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Menu
Happy Hour Appetizers
- Oysters Rockefeller (Happy Hour) - $3: broiled, spinach, bacon, fennel, breadcrumb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Cocktail (Happy Hour) - $3: large white gulf shrimp, horseradish cream, cocktail sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- 3 Conch Fritters (Happy Hour) - $6: fried, pickapeppa remoulade Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Scallop (Happy Hour) - $6: pan-seared, lardon, apple, brown sugar, brandy Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, TLC
- Smokestack (Happy Hour) - $8: whitefish salad, lox, trout, caviar, horseradish cream Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Pescatarian, South-Beach, Carnivore
- Oysters on the Half Shell (Happy Hour) - $2: half dozen oysters minimum per order Dietary tags: Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free
Towers
- Tower #1 - $65: 10 select oysters, 6 gulf shrimp, 6 chilled mussels, 4 littleneck clams Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Tower #2 - $95: 14 select oysters, 8 gulf shrimp, 6 littleneck clams, 8 chilled mussels Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Tower #3 - $185: 24 select oysters, 12 gulf shrimp, 8 littleneck clams, 12 chilled mussels, king crab claw Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
Starters
- Shrimp Cocktail - $17: large white gulf shrimp, horseradish cream, cocktail sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, GERD-Friendly
- Smoke Stack - $17: whitefish salad, lox, trout, caviar, horseradish cream Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Oysters Rockefeller - $18: broiled, spinach, bacon, fennel, breadcrumb
- Mussels - $18: steamed, butter, fennel, garlic, white wine, lemon Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC
- Scallops - $20: pan-seared, lardon, apple, brown sugar, brandy Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, TLC
- Oysters - $18: fried, cocktail sauce, lemon caper garlic aioli Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Fruits de Mer - $26: fried, scallop, oysters, calamari, shrimp, cod, caper aioli Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Conch Fritters - $15: fried, pickapeppa remoulade Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced
Garden
- Seaweed Slaw - $13: jicama, carrot, wakame, nori, sesame, lime Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, South-Beach, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Arugula Chèvre - $13: radish, hazelnuts, lemon thyme vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Caesar - $13: white anchovy, parmesan, crouton
Fish, Crab & Lobster
- Ono - $34: broiled, hazelnut pesto, lime aioli, crispy leek Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach
- Yellowfin Tuna - $39: seared, peppercorn, olive, avocado, citrus niçoise, lardon, parmesan, roe Dietary tags: Volumetrics
- Rainbow Trout - $37: pan-fried, walnut crust, delicatta squash hash, sage, brown butter Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Bucatini - $38: sauteéd, lobster, shrimp, scallop, mussels, capers, tomato saffron broth, parmesan Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Shrimp, Scallops & Grits - $38: sauteéd, pork belly, parmesan, shallot, lemon, white wine
- Fish & Chips - $27: fried, Atlantic Cod, fries, coleslaw, malt vinegar syrup, tartar sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal
- Walleye - $28: fried, fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Shrimp or Oyster Po'Boy - $21: fried, pickapeppa remoulade, house cut fries, caper aioli Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Lobster Roll - $32: Butter-poached maine lobster, caper aioli, brioche bun, fries Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Live Maine Lobster - $60: broiled or steamed, 1½ lbs Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Alaskan King Crab - $180: steamed, 1½ lbs Dietary tags: Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free
Steaks & Specialties
- Marinated Flank Steak - $48: broiled, gulf shrimp, creamed spinach Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC
- Carpetbagger - $48: grilled tenderloin stuffed with oysters, beer brown sugar reduction Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, TLC
- 8oz Tenderloin - $52: broiled, marrow butter, choice of side
- 16oz New York Strip - $57: broiled, marrow butter, choice of side Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, South-Beach
- Chicken - $26: fried, green beans, mashed potatoes, biscuit, honey
- Double Cut Pork Chop - $28: bleu cheese, apple mustard jus, yukon gold mashed potatoes Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC
Sides
- House Cut Fries - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Broiled Asparagus - $8 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Haricot Verts with Macadamia Nuts - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, Macrobiotic
- Pan-Roasted Red Onion Brussel Sprouts - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Hash Brown with Scallion - $8 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline
- Scalloped Potatoes - $8 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Desserts
- Carrot Cake - $9 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Key Lime Pie - $9 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Pear Upside Down Cake - $9 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Flourless Chocolate Cake - $9 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Vanilla Bean Creme Caramel - $9 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Chocolate Caramel Walnut Tart - $9 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal
House Cocktails
- High Tide - $13: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Blackerry Shrub, rosemary, on the rocks
- Pomme de Mer - $13: Campari, Prosecco, apple cider, seltzer, cinnamon sugar rim, on the rocks Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Navy Pea Coat - $13: Rye Whiskey, Averna, maple, orange bitters, clove, served on a rock Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Young Blood - $13: Mezcal, Aperol, blood orange, saline, lemon, served up Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Lectin-Free
- Awniker - $13: Jalapeño Tequila, Old Sugar Factory Honey Liqueur, passionfruit & lime served up Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Carpathia - $13: Tito’s, Mathilde Framboise, fresh raspberries, lemon, cava, served up Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Tokyo Schooner II - $13: Tito's, Moonstone Coconut Lemongrass Sake, ginger, lemon, served up Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Stephano's Fall - $13: Four Roses Bourbon, Calvados, lemon, blackstrap bitters, rocks Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium
- Sadie The Goat - $13: Stateline Gin, St. Germain, Genepy des Alpes, lemon, thyme, served up Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Jib - $13: Hendrick’s Gin, pineapple, sage, Lillet, served up Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Tempest Mai Thai - $9: Cruzan Rum, Orgeat, Curaçao, lime, pineapple, rocks Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
Wines by the Glass
- Cava, Los Monteros, NV Brut, Spain - $11 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Prosecco, Scarpetta, Italy - $11 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Sauvignon Blanc, Prisma, 2022 Chile - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Rosé, E. Guigal, 2024 France - $11 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Riesling Kabinett, Philipp Horn, 2021 Germany - $11 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Chardonnay, Sonoma-Cutrer, 2022 Sonoma - $13 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Bordeaux Blanc, Les Hauts de Lagarde, 2021 - $13 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Sancerre, Fusion, 2024 France - $18 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Pinot Noir, Balletto, 2021 Sonoma - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Côtes du Rhone, Roulepierre, 2023 France - $11 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Malbec, Llama, Old Vine, 2022 Mendoza - $11 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Martin Ray, Napa 2023 - $15 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Coppola, 2023 Paso Robles - $10 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Lectin-Free
- Bordeaux, Chateau Malbat, 2021 Bordeaux - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
Beer
- Spotted Cow Farmhouse Ale - $6: New Glarus, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Modelo Especial - $6: Mexico
- Potosi Cave Ale Amber - $7: Potosi, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Karben4 Fantasy Factory IPA - $7: Madison, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- 3 Sheeps Fresh Coast Juicy Pale Ale - $7: Sheboygan, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Weihenstephan Hefeweiss - $8: Germany Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Krombacher Pilsner - $7: Germany Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- PBR Lager - $4: Milwaukee, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Narragansett Lager - $5: Rochester, NY Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
- Miller Light - $5: Milwaukee, WI
- Third Space Happy Place Pale Ale - $6: Milwaukee, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Press Blackberry Hibiscus Hard Seltzer - $5: Milwaukee, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Heineken Lager - $5: Netherlands
- Stiegl Grapefruit Radler - $7: Austria Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Alt Brew Hiking Boots Blonde Ale - $7: Madison, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Stella Artois - $7: Belgium
- Pilsner Urquell - $7: Czech Republic
- Hofbräu Hefe Weizen - $6: Germany Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Hinterland Nitro Luna Coffee Stout - $7: Green Bay, WI Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter - $7: Cleveland, OH Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Allagash White Belgian Wheat - $8: Portland, ME Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic
Frequently Asked Questions about Tempest
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Tempest accommodates mixed dietary needs with high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, and sugar-free options like Oysters Rockefeller and various seafood towers.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Tempest has a website located at https://tempestoysterbar.com/, though the provided data does not mention specific online ordering capabilities.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Tempest is unique for its lively maritime atmosphere featuring tiered seafood towers, Oysters Rockefeller, and highly-praised, expertly prepared pasta dishes.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- The provided restaurant data does not contain a specific street address or city location for Tempest.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- Tempest offers a relaxed, pleasant, and welcoming vibe with a sophisticated yet vibrant atmosphere that is ideal for casual dining.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Tempest offers a relaxed, casual vibe with a lively atmosphere, despite its sophisticated seafood presentation and expensive ($$$) price level.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Tempest stands out as an expensive ($$$) seafood restaurant rated 4.0/5, distinguished by its high-quality pasta and efficient service.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Tempest has an average rating of 4.0/5 based on customer feedback and dining experiences.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Oysters Rockefeller (Happy Hour) works for multiple diets at once, as it is high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, and sugar-free.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features an extensive seafood selection including tiered towers, various oyster preparations, scallops, mussels, and highly-regarded pasta dishes.
- Is Tempest halal-friendly?
- Yes. Tempest has 38 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Weihenstephan Hefeweiss, Tower #1 and Hofbräu Hefe Weizen.
- What can I eat at Tempest on a halal diet?
- Weihenstephan Hefeweiss, Tower #1 and Hofbräu Hefe Weizen carry the halal tag, out of 38 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Tempest have vegan options?
- Yes. 42 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Côtes du Rhone, Roulepierre, 2023 France and Weihenstephan Hefeweiss.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Tempest?
- High Tide, at roughly 69.2g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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- Natt Spil — Chinese
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