Kristian Knutsen
Crandall's new space at 334 State St. is currently home to Chautara.
Longtime Madison eatery Crandall's is heading back downtown. After twenty years operating Crandall's as a takeout spot at 6401 University Ave., owner Ivan Pimental wants to have sit-down dining and broaden the menu. The new space at 334 State St. is currently home to Chautara.
Crandall's, once a bona fide supper club located in what is today the Tornado Steak House, moved to the Depot at 640 W. Washington Ave. (most recently home to Williamson Bicycle Works) in the early '90s; it closed in 1993. Pimental took over the business and in 1994 the carryout version near the Madison/Middleton line was born. For a while Pimental's brother operated a branch of Crandall's on Monona Drive, and in 2009 the restaurant provided food at the now-defunct McFarland ballroom Con Safos.
Pimental, who's originally from Peru, plans to make half the new menu Peruvian, with items like lomo saltado, the characteristic steak and French fry sandwich, ceviche, and other grilled dishes typical of the country. The rest of the menu will be Crandall's homestyle favorites, including the legendary fish fry. The catering menu will remain the same, says Pimental.
The University Avenue location will close by July 19, and he expects to open on State Street by July 26. He expects that Chautara will be closing around July 15. Chautara's owners will be shifting emphasis to its sister restaurant, Dobhan, 2110 Atwood Ave.
