The owners of Riley's Wines of the World, The Church Key and Badger Liquor are set to open another downtown business; a steakhouse on Gilman and State Street.
Madison's city council approved a liquor license for Samba Steak House, 240 W. Gilman St., Tuesday night. The license was approved without dispute, but will feature several restrictions meant to ensure the steakhouse acts as more of a restaurant than a bar.
The first floor of the steakhouse will be required to close at 12:30 p.m., long before bar time, and live music must end before 11 p.m. every night. In addition, only people eating at Samba Steak House can be served alcohol, eliminating the possibility of a night club atmosphere reminiscent of nearby Frida's, 117 State St.
Entertainment at the restaurant will be limited to classical guitar, acoustic performances and traditional Brazilian music,"" according to Samba's liquor license. The two-level building's capacity will be capped at approximately 350.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, is a member of the city's alcohol license review committee and represents the district bordering Samba Steak House. He said he expects the Lee family, which already has an established presence downtown, to manage the restaurant responsibly.
