50 Best Bars in Madison

“My husband and I came here after a recommendation when our cooking class was cancelled. This was our first time here and it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, we felt as though we were the only guests there. The service and food were exceptional. All of the staff were eloquently watching us to make sure we had the best service, it it was done in a manner we never knew they were watching to help us. This was by far the best service we ever experienced. Thank you to everyone who made us feel how “the other half live”. We will be back again!“

“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.“

“The food here, the pizza specifically, is excellent. The service, looks like it varies due to the servers personal perception of your party. She dotes on young people, seems to ignore older couples, maybe cuz she is young. Saves on the tip money though. I would stop again if I found myself in Madison just for the pizza. Might get it to go and save her from being bothered to wait on us.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Great drinks and oysters. The bartender was friendly and made a nice recommendation for a variety of oysters!“

“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“

“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.“

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

“What do I recommend? EVERYTHING!“

“Comfort spot for a good beer or tonic. Draw herself a coaster inside this eclectic liminal commons. Musicians play over a trapdoor so you know they’re on point. No food but there’s a great pizza joint next door if you need a slice, or a pie. Step out front and the Cap is just to the NW. Go out back and hideaway in a little raised bed grotto if that’s more yer style. Something, or nothing for everyone and no one. Cross the street get back in the canoe and head back towards Yahara. Love it. Live it.“

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

“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!“

“We really liked this place and food. We felt very bad for Ginny. She was server, bartender and everything else. We went on Friday night. Come Mr. Owner only one person? Food.done.fast, very good. We had the shrimp, fries, onion rings, coleslaw, drinks, garlic bread. Just took forever for the bill. I would return.“

“Great local neighborhood bar. Best whiskey bar in Madison. Also a very good craft beer selection and great beers on tap. With October almost here I had to stop by Bill's bar to try his Oktoberfest beer on tap and wasn't disappointed. It was great and a good size mug (see pic attached). You can find some of the most unique beer and premium whiskey selections in Madison. Great to support locally owned Madison establishments like the Malt House. There is no food kitchen, but you can get food delivered. Check out the Malt House Facebook page to see what nights local bands are playing here.

Parking: If you get here early, there is a parking lot at the Malt House. On a busy night you may have to get nearby (free) street parking.“

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

“Haven't been in the Ohio for a couple years but it's a great locals and dive bar! The tacos and street corn were always great. Google keeps asking me how I like it every time I stop at the bicycle shop next door, so I answered. Next time at the bike shop I'm gonna try to plan extra time so I can swing in and get a PBR.“

“Delicious and great staff… Close to Breeze field and free parking in the lot .“

“I enjoy the overall square footage“

“! Not a big menu but the burgers were Great!1st time there! We would eat there again“

“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“

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

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

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

“Was a great time will go back for sure“

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

“It’s an amazing place to celebrate.“

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

“Great location. Fun spot to go with young kids. Main complaint is the beer selection can be unnecessarily unique. Wait lines are long. Food options limited but you can bring your own food in. With small changes this place could be excellent“

“Great place for food and entertainment“

“Friendly, amazing music, great outside place. Bring a chair and settle in.“

“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.“

“we came in close to close and were treated every bit as warmly as the first customer. the burgers were delicious, the old fashions were fantastic, the staff so friendly,with great service. we'll be back! your new friends from baraboo edie and doug haney“

“Nice little venue with good drinks and food.“

“You all this is a hidden treasure in Madison. I mean we had crispy wings with beer battered fries (not on the menu) with jalapeño ranch. Wooo it was delicious and my mom and I take our wings seriously.

If you’re into fun bars with pool, foosball, and darts you gotta come to this place!“

“One of my Madison faves!!!“

“Stopped in here by chance on a Friday night, they were absolutely slammed but the service was impeccable. We sat at the bar and Nico served us. Despite having a full house he took our drink and food order almost as soon as we sat down. He even made the time to check in on how our food was tasting and checking in when we needed refills. He absolutely killed it tonight. Food was absolutely delicious as well!“

“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.“

“This is a bar? Sems more like a passionate enjoyable place to spend time with like-minded people as well as the outside viewpoints I so readily and heroically listen to. I mean seriously, it's so good it makes itself seem awful in comparison. I would feel completely comfortable relieving myself in my pants in public here because of the friendly atmosphere and womb-like acoustics. A must see for people interested in alcohol.“

“Busse's is a total gem with a really fun mash-up of people, including Donna, who could prolly outdrink most. It has this nice laid back vibe, like everyone has the same chill agenda. Cocktails are robusto, and frozen mugs to serve select tap beers? Busse's isn't going to be hosting pool tourneys any time soon - space is tight between the wall and table in one area, but this only adds to the charm of this place. They hosted a cribbage tournament (April maybe?) I regret not participating in, next time. I highly recommend you go to Busse's, love it, but then don't tell anyone else so it doesn't get too crowded. ?“

“Affleck you were the bomb in PHANTOMS YO!“

“Great food! Stopped after a college tour. Friendly staff!“

“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“

“Ohio State fan there for the game. Good, friendly service and great atmosphere. Perfect stop before the game!“

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

“awesome place great atmosphere“

“Good atmosphere. Kolie and Renae (I think is how you spell their names) were pretty dope bartenders. Short a start bcuz I thought they would've had more pool tables so I was a bit disappointed in seeing that otherwise I'll definitely be going back.“