50 Best Bars in Madison

“Where to begin…I truly would give this whole experience more than 5 stars if I could. It was my sister and I’s first time dining here and let’s just say it more than exceeded expectations in every way possible. The customer service was over the top incredible with Kennedy as our server and Jenna too. The manager, Emily, stopped by and was amazing as well. They were all professional, catering to us, and genuinely warm and kind. The food was fantastic and over the top. And the vibes were immaculate. Run, don’t walk to the Harvey House. I can promise you won’t regret it!“

“My ex boyfriend took me here for my birthday once and I fell in love with it. The king salmon and the chocolate babka are amazing! 10/10“

“Good drinks menu but the food was so-so. Flavors unremarkable. No information on the menu for those who are lactose or gluten intolerant which is easy to flag on menus these days. And the random delivery of small plates, which was to be expected, could have been a little bit more even for our table of four. And worth letting us know, when we order, which dishes might take quite a bit longer to prepare and deliver. Nice ambiance and good lighting. 3/5.“

“Our new favorite spot in Madison for a good kick of spice from the octopus and Calabrian chiles on the arugula ricotta pizza. The pizza is light and thin. We also enjoyed the beef carpaccio. But for me, the highlight was the ginger cake. Freshly baked (warm on the inside) with whipped cream and pistachios. Flavors are spot on, not too sweet, not too spicy, just right. We also had the risotto which was delicious and comforting - also perfectly cooked al dente.“

“I hosted my wife’s 40th birthday here and it was a fantastic experience! The game selection is awesome, the service was friendly, & the atmosphere was enjoyable for the adults and children. We will definitely be back & so will our guests.“

“Amazingly fresh seafood and beautifully done steaks with equally great side dishes, large enough to share! Go early and take advantage of their fabulous happy hour drinks and apps. Always a good time and a local favorite. Top notch service as well. Recommend for a night out, date night or special occasion.“

“The bartenders are very friendly and professional, the drinks are great and the prices good“

“Our favorite spot before Badger games. Friendly staff and great atmosphere!“

“I had the lunch enchiladas and they were the best I’ve had in a while! True authentic Mexican flavor and style!“

“This place is a true hidden gem! Doesn't look like much from the outside, but walking in - holy cow! Give your eyes a moment to adjust because it is very dark, which makes it hard to see the tigers, and there are tigers everywhere! I had a few beers and got great friendly service from Alyssa and Teddy - awesome bartenders! I saw them make a few fancy drinks that looked delicious, but I had to head out. If you are looking for a bar that is unique, this is a MUST STOP!“

“Great selection and fun location! Love their diverse collection of pinball machines.“

“Hidden gem for private parties in Madison. Amazing, friendly & helpful staff, clean & visually interesting atmosphere. We had a blast! Thank you!“

“I love the Mason, been going there for years. Love how basically nothing has changed, always great beer on tap, liquor selection and you have the option to order food from Falbos and enjoy it with an amazing beer that has been carefully catered. Everytime I have a chance to go out and enjoy a relaxing and refreshing experience I go to the Mason, shout out to Matt!“

“Been to cask and ale multiple times over the past few years. Great atmosphere, great bartender with knowledge, and good vibes! Would reccomendation to have your unicorn pour“

“Came for St. Patrick's Day specials. Did not disappoint. Highly recommend. Delicious corned beef special. Very friendly staff. Great service. Convenient location.“

“the People there were so friendly and easy to talk to service was spot on! summer sausage sandwich was so good. variety of sandwiches and burger to chose from we'll be back“

“Just want to start by saying the service at Pitcher Pub is phenomenal! From the drinks to the food and everything in between. Some of the best bar food and drinks in the Madison area! The prices are amazing compared to a lot of bars in the area. The thing that puts this bar at the top of the list for me wasn’t just the great food and bartenders but the bouncers! I would normally never consider what bar I’m going to based off of the bouncers. But Pitchers bouncers go above and beyond. The bouncer offering to walk me to my car at bar time. I was walking out alone and he walked out behind me and said let me walk you to your car. He didn’t come all the way to my car he stayed an appropriate distance for me to feel safe and waited till I was in my car to walk back into the bar. It’s not often you can leave a bar at bar time alone as a woman and feel safe.“

“This is become the go to Bluegrass bar in Madison, with live music almost every night. Positive atmosphere, affordable drinks, really friendly bartenders, and an incredible vibe. It’s a default go to before high noon saloon or other places, lucky to have it as a gathering spot in Madison.“

“What do I recommend? EVERYTHING!“

“how can you go wrong, awesome menu, lovely bartenders & great cooks... I'd be surprised if you have a bad thing to say here“

“College visit with the daughter and we dined here with friends on Saturday 28th Sept and being originally from the UK, and seeing the fish and chips were haddock (not cod) I immediately had to have them and they were the best fish and chips this side of the “pond” having put up with 12 years of “just ok” fish and chips, these were amazing. Not only were the fish and chips good, but every dish was a winner. I am now praying my daughter gets into the college as I will be a regular here.“

“Great neighborhood bar and atmosphere!“

“This European style tavern is a classic throw back.
The bar itself has some of the best local, national and international beers served in town. And served in proper glassware.
The back bar is stocked with a wide and varied selection of high quality whiskies and spirits.
There is something here for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to meet up with folks or are seeking a drink while reading your current book, this place is for you.
Kudos to the team for bringing this to Madison and keeping it alive!“

“The best burgers! Just a great old bar.“

“Always a fun place to go. Love the atmosphere and staff.“

“We Decided to try today while out on a motorcycle ride. We Arrived and walked in and were immediately greeted by staff. The atmosphere was nice and friendly. The staff was friendly. We ordered our drinks and food. We got the Prime Rib Sandwich with onion rings and the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with fries. Both of the sandwiches were amazing. Very tasty and juicy upon first bite to the Last bite with the right amount of meat and vegetables/mushrooms with it. The fries were just right...not to crispy. The onion rings were a tad overdone and really crispy. Overall the food and drinks were 10/10. We will be back.“

“Laid back, comfortable, welcoming.“

“I’m perpetually impressed with the quality of food at Dextie’s. The staff is like family. Incredibly professional, personable, and friendly.“

“Staff were super friendly. Food was very very good. Trivia night was fun. Enjoyed atmosphere. Owners are doing it right. Will be back next time in town.“

“A classic Madison watering hole with yummy tacos! Some of the standards but I always prefer their more interesting concoctions, like a recent curry chicken taco w/amazing mango chutney!
It's on a side street, so the sidewalk patio is relatively quiet & gets nice shade in the afternoon.
I don't actually drink booze, so cannot comment on that aspect. 😋“

“Plaza burgers are the best! The plaza sauce and the pickles are what make them so tasty! A downtown Madison must stop.“

“I'm not much for the downtown thing but this little place was awesome last night. Super rad bartenders with great stories :) Also, I got pretty drunk, which is cool.“

“Great bartenders & awesome food!!!“

“I enjoy the overall square footage“

“it was great😎 i just love relax on this place“

“Be cognizant of what you order. You can still get regular mixers and beers for a reasonable price (pshhh they even have deals sometimes). The food is actually very good, just pricey for what it is, but it's a frickin' movie theater what do you want?Treat it like you would any bar and tip well. These guys work hard. :)

Parking: Lots of.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes.“

“Great atmosphere, Amazing food, and John & Cindy & Family are breath of fresh air in a corporate world these days!! Highly Recommend!“

“Always amazing here. Food , atmosphere, staff, and great cocktails to boot.“

“One of my Madison faves!!!“

“Vibes was good and the bartender/owner(?) was super personable and knowledgeable!
I tried their Married with Children drink (a new drink) and it was very refreshing. There is also an upstairs that you can reserve for private events.
I can see myself hanging out here with my friends and having a fun chat! Definitely check this place out!“

“Was a great time will go back for sure“

“Great room, location was unmatched right on the water, and fun events!“

“Very cool place if you like calm, and not crowded. The bartender was very nice. The people (aka guest) very nice. Small bit enjoyable. A place for awesome communication, worth partying in small groups, or alone. Rather than party scenes that are over crowded, ect“

“The fish bowls here are awesome. It's literally a fishbowl filled with whatever beverage (booze) of your choice. Ideally, I would suggest you split it amongst a group of friends.

I came here twice, once for lunch where I got the fishbowl alongside a pretty tasty fried chicken sandwich. A second time later in the evening where it's more of a college bar. Both times I enjoyed my experience. 5 stars!“

“Who DOESN’T love Paradise- what’s your favorite Paradise over the years! I bet no matter what is that you might choose there was also a favorite island Bar there! OK, maybe this year you can’t go to some far away fabulous paradise Island but that’s OK because look right here in Madison is the next best thing! The Paradise Lounge is an absolute great dive bar. That is just wonderful great bartenders - and inviting atmosphere and great conversation“

“It’s an amazing place to celebrate.“

“good place, good drinks, good food, great atmosphere!“

“Best place to work and enjoy the Madison music scene for a long time. Used to really enjoy the folks that I worked with and of course the occasional after hour parties all around Madison, you never knew who you’d bump into! Afternoons playing euchre at Bob and Genes then later bartending at one of the three levels of fun at the Church Key- What a life:)“

“Hopped by after happy hour margaritas & tacos across the street. This spot was an awesome no-frills bar. They’ve got a private room in the back, two pool tables. Juke box, pull tabs, tv on for football games (the lions were playing so I was tuned in). Beer on draft and also cans. Bartender was easy-going. The only pic I took was in the bathroom stall, haha. There’s a male bathroom and a female bathroom.“