50 Best Bars in Madison

“First time visiting this amazing restaurant definitely not the last. Love the beautiful warm brick, lighting, everything. Perfect atmosphere. We planned to go out to eat for a nice meal before seeing Hamilton, but never imagined that the meal would eclipse the Broadway show! Everything from the bread and French onion soup to the amazing salmon and steak and appetizers was beyond outstanding. The service was wonderful. The other patrons were so kind and Everything was perfect.“

“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.“

“Top notch atmosphere, great drinks, good food and snacks, dog friendly. Feels like a cabin in the northwoods. I want to decorate my basement to resemble the Muskellounge because it just has the perfect feel. A must stop whenever we are in town. Highly recommend this place.“

“𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨😋 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜“

“Cordial nails it every single time! Excellent drinks, genuinely friendly service, a cozy vibe that makes you want to stay for one more.“

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

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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“

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

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

“As good as it gets for atmosphere and staff.“

“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“

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

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

“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.“

“We ate here last year for Valentine’s Day! Amazing ambiance and food. Highly recommended to all 10 out of 10 stars“

“I enjoy the overall square footage“

“Service 5/5 solely for Gretchen.
Otherwise no stars.

Unfortunately this place has gone down hill bad after the change in ownership. No longer feels like a safe community bar. The people on a bar stool next to you are now judgmental and rude. Didn’t feel welcome.“

“The Herbiery is such a special, innovative, community-focused establishment! Local herbs and clever flavor combinations in a cozy environment with great people. Plus occasional trivia and cool events! Come back multiple times because seasonal ingredients will rotate. A great place to catch a drink before or after a dinner out, with a group or solo by grabbing a book from their shelf. Plenty of nonalcoholic options too.“

“Laid back, comfortable, welcoming.“

“The best sandwiches I’ve found in madison. Chill atmosphere, incredible food. Probably the best meatball sub I’ve ever had. All I wanted today was a sandwich and couldn’t have prepared for the absolute beauty that was placed in front of me, quite quickly I might add. Check this place out or you’re absolutely missing out!“

“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.“

“Service during happy hour was perfect. Loved Kate❤️“

“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.“

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

“Great neighborhood bar and atmosphere!“

“Enjoyed the music and dancing. However, they need a good bartender to really make this place work. It was busy with only one woman behind the bar that seemed to be new to the profession. Clientele still seems to be a 50+ crowd and this has been the case for the last three businesses in this space. Parking lot was treacherous, bring your ice skates.“

“Came in a couple weekends ago with my son. The food was amazing. We both got the pull tab burgers and cheese curds, and would return to eat here again. Unfortunately, the service during our visit was poor. When we arrived, it was not full/busy, but it got busy shortly after we arrived. Despite sitting front and center at a hightop table, we received our sodas and then were ignored for about 20 mins. I asked twice, 2 different waitresses, in that time period to order. Both waitresses walked by us multiple times, and helped other/larger tables that arrived after us, first instead of us. I finally asked what looked like a manager if he could help me, and he didn't, but he got a 3rd waitress to help. My son and I intended to dine in, and also ordered 1 addtl order to-go. The kitchen brought all 3 orders out in stryofoam in a plastic bag, so my son and I ate from to-go containers at the table. Despite the fact that the service was annoying, I'd try again since the food was so good. Maybe it was an off day?“

“Neat little place. Under new owner ship as of this year 2026. It has gone through some revolutions. I'm looking forward to the space being collectively open to some staples and the community being open to some newness for the establishment. Today, Saturday, I tried the Nitro Espresso Martini- this batch is good. A bit like a drunken chocolate milk with coffee. Certainly not bad and totally a great combo , this batch just has a bit more chocolate notes. Tasty.
I tried the tacos, #42, Old boy, Natty ice. I'm not total spicy girl at the moment. The #42 was soooooo juicy it ran down my hands and the others were superb as well. They made it more cohesive and yummy. Ask for more napkins.
I tried the Classic Old Fashioned, it pre-bottled- a bit sweet for my taste. I needed some muddling of cherries and the option to make it less sweet, more lemon or club soda to make more sour. But i will just order it next time. No biggie.
I found this place about 8 yrs ago and I'm excited to support it's new evolution!“

“I was visiting friends someone was yelling there's a chili contest going on
The owner was so nice and helpful
There were like 12 outstanding chili's
What a great atmosphere 2 pool tables
Great crowd 2 large screen Tvs
Great job guy's. Ask for Brady“

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

“The pizza is amazing. Staff are great! I love the atmosphere!“

“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.“

“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“

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

“Was a great time will go back for sure“

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

“Their sides are so tasty, even the most devoted carnivores might be caught sneaking a forkful.“

“Nice little spot in the Sheraton hotel. William, our waiter was fabulous! Very friendly and attentive! We also had a waitress deliver our food, Christine. Both were so nice and made sure we were well taken care of. The food was great, my lemon drop martini was one of the best I have had! Def will go back!“

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

“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“

“Zero late night fights …at times that skunky smell can b a good thing…“

“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.“

“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:)“