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.“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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“

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

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

“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!“

“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.“

“I enjoy the overall square footage“

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

“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.“

“The Herbiery stands out as a place that is so incredibly welcoming. It's a happy little nook full of joy behind the work going into this lovely establishment. The mocktails are OUTSTANDING. After a long NYE, these drinks brought life back into me! They also had free chili as a New Year's Day special and both the vegetarian and meaty chili were so delicious!!“

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

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

“Best place to watch Packer football! Once they get to know you, u r one of the ‘family’ ! Always willing to accommodate !“

“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.“

“Great neighborhood bar and atmosphere!“

“Laid back, comfortable, welcoming.“

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

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

“Was a great time will go back for sure“

“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.“

“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?“

“Kelly carried her hospitality above and beyond. I have never been here before and she was sure to engage in detailed conversation while giving exceptional service. Matt was also an amazing man to meet and sociable with our group!! Definitely recommend visiting for a quick drink or a good while! :)“

“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.“

“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“

“It’s an amazing place to celebrate.“

“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.“

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

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

“One of my Madison faves!!!“

“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!“

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

“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:)“

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

“Probably my fave Madison bar. Snap pea gin cocktail was baller, thanks. Also had either a diamondback or jersey lightning, cant remember what was on their menu.

Personaable, fun, classic. Bar manager cares about what they're doing. Refreshing.“