28 Best Sports Bars in Madison

“Jordan's Big Ten Pub is known for its excellent service and quality pub fare. The menu offers a variety of options, with burgers and wraps being popular choices. Be sure to check the Specials for unique and delicious dishes. The restaurant has numerous TVs airing a range of events. Parking is available in the attached lot and on the street, although it can be limited. Nachos are a standout dish at the pub. The server, Hogan, is praised for his kindness and attentiveness, especially towards large groups. The bar staff is commended for making visitors from out of town feel welcome and treated like regulars. This college bar with a great crew is highly recommended for a genuine Madison experience.“

“The Red Zone Madison is a great spot for pre-gaming on GameDay, featuring a lively atmosphere and live music. While drink prices are typical, it offers unique mixers at the outdoor bar. The menu includes tasty and affordable fries, with the addition of fish & chips being a welcome improvement. Plenty of porta-potty facilities are available. Although it can be oddly easy to enter the building while the outdoor beer garden has restrictions, the Red Zone remains a top choice for a successful pre-game experience.“

“LJ's Sports Tavern & Grill is a standout sports bar, known for its delicious chicken sandwiches and solid fish fry with multiple fish options. The establishment takes celiac safety seriously, offering suitable meal choices. The bar staff is excellent, and service is highly commended. Located near Breese Stevens events, it offers ample seating and a lively atmosphere with great neighborhood regulars. Soups and sandwiches are a must-try, and their clean quality bathrooms are an added plus.“

“The Arena Sports Bar offers a versatile space for various occasions. With its large capacity, it can accommodate high-occupancy parties, while smaller groups feel comfortable in the well-sized room. The bartenders are friendly, and the establishment boasts a great variety of beers. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the security staff's approach. The venue features a good bowling alley, tasty food options, and an enjoyable arcade. While the facility may sometimes experience brief wait times for staff, it maintains a clean and fun atmosphere suitable for all ages. The Arena Sports Bar also hosts a diverse range of live music events, including pop rock and country performances, catering to diverse musical preferences.“

“I have had the 'friday fish fry' specials. Delicious food, super nice staff, very affordable. Easy access for wheelchairs. This bar/restaurant is quiet with easy access by bus or auto, huge parking lot. My usual meal is about $10, so the prices are very community friendly!“

“Seminary Springs Tavern is a clean and well-kept neighborhood bar with friendly locals and staff. It offers pizzas and snacks, and is a great spot for a drink, like their great Bloody Mary's. The outdoor patio is a nice spot to sit and relax. With multiple TV's, game machines, and a juke box, it's a lively atmosphere, especially on busy weekends.“

“Beautiful setup- has cigar lounge or upscale jazz club vibes. Full bar and delicious food, friendly service, and awesome simulators for golf and other sports, such as the qb challenge or hockey slap shot. Private room in the back makes for great parties or networking opportunities!“

“Lockeroom Sports Bar & Grill is a nice and quiet place with a variety of entertainment options, such as arcade games, pool tables, and darts. The staff is friendly, and the prices are great, making it a popular spot for locals to hang out and have a good time. The main entrance can be a bit tricky to find, but the overall experience is enjoyable, especially for those looking to watch sporting events or play pool.“

“TGI Fridays is a welcoming restaurant that offers a comfortable dining experience. The staff, including the manager, are friendly and attentive, making an effort to accommodate special needs, such as seating arrangements for service dogs. The restaurant is known for its beautiful presentation of dishes, including the combo platter, mozz sticks, and burgers. The menu items are flavorful, with options like loaded potatoes, extra cheese, and extra sauce. The bar offers creative cocktails, such as the dragon fruit margarita. While there may be some inconsistencies in the preparation of dishes, the restaurant makes an effort to address any issues and is willing to make adjustments, such as offering a discount for a meal. Overall, TGI Fridays provides a pleasant dining experience, making it a popular choice for travelers and locals alike.“

“MoMo BarNGrill offers a delightful dining experience with great service and delicious food. The restaurant's drinks are amazing, and the beef momos are a must-try menu item. Customers praise the friendly staff and the overall welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for unwinding after a casino visit or any occasion.“

“Gates & Brovi is a perfect spot for a casual dinner with a wide range of options. The service is impressive, and the staff is kind. The chicken sandwich and clam pizza are highly recommended dishes. The key lime pie is amazing for dessert. The atmosphere is cool and fun, but it can get a bit loud. Overall, it's a great place to enjoy meals and cocktails with excellent service.“

“Blue Moon Bar & Grill is a neighborhood favorite with multi-level seating. Downstairs, there's a small bar area and high-top tables, while upstairs offers booths, various tables, and fun games like soft top darts and pinball. The service is superb, with friendly and efficient staff. The bacon cheeseburger is a standout, although the fries could be crispier. They also serve delicious cocktails. While there aren't many vegetarian main dishes, it's a great spot for families with kid-friendly pinball machines. Overall, a solid choice for a casual dining experience.“

“Pooley's Sports Bar and Event Center is a fantastic sports bar that offers a unique atmosphere. The restaurant features huge flat screens and a vast collection of sports memorabilia. The food is delicious, with standout options like garlic cheese curds and amazing wings. The service is attentive and efficient, and the pricing is great.“

“Great upper patio area. Drink prices are really reasonable.I was here for a catered event, so I can't speak to the normal food quality, but the buffet style food was pretty good. It was still a buffet, so sort of what you expect.Bartenders were great. Handled a large crowd very well“

“Players Sports Bar & Grill is a popular neighborhood bar with a dive bar atmosphere. The service is great, and the crowd is friendly. The food, including the Tator Tot Casserole and Cajun chicken breast, is well-liked. The bar features TVs for game watching, pool tables, darts, and gambling machines. While the parking can be challenging and the bar is often crowded, the food, drinks, and overall experience make it a worthwhile stop.“

“Dexter's Pub is a popular spot in Madison, known for its exceptional fish fry. The restaurant offers a variety of fish fry options, including beer-battered cod, and its waffle fries are a highlight. The pub also serves a range of other dishes, including vegetarian beer cheese soup, Caesar salads, and sandwiches. The Salmon Patty BLT is a standout, with its moist and seasoned salmon, crispy bacon, and generous toppings. The Impossible Burger and Grilled Cheese are also popular choices. With friendly and prompt service, Dexter's Pub is a great spot for a meal out. Its excellent beer selection, including the Wisconsin old-fashioned, adds to the overall experience.“

“Wilson's Bar & Grill is a friendly neighborhood bar that serves a great fish fry on Fridays. The staff is welcoming, but the atmosphere can be loud, especially during events. The fish fry is a highlight, with the fish being the standout dish. Other menu items, such as chili and coleslaw, are decent but not memorable. The bar also features a pool table, although it can be difficult to play due to limited space. Overall, Wilson's Bar & Grill offers a good experience with a relaxed vibe, 60s and 70s music, and reasonable prices.“

“The Laurel Tavern is a Wisconsin-style pub known for its classic atmosphere and friendly spirit. The menu offers a variety of choices, with the smashburger being a standout option. Although the service can be brisk due to the restaurant's popularity, the food and charming ambiance make up for it. The dining room is dimly lit with pink/red bulbs, and seating is available at barrel-style chairs or booths. It can get busy, especially on weeknights, but the laid-back atmosphere makes it a great place to relax with friends over food and drinks. However, keep in mind that burgers are typically served medium unless specified otherwise, and the lighting may require the use of a phone's flashlight to examine your meal.“

“SCONNIEBAR is a restaurant offering great drink specials, well-recommended cheese curds, and a cozy atmosphere for watching sports events with numerous TVs. The homemade tomato bisque and Reuben sandwich are must-tries. Service is commendable, with staff offering helpful suggestions. Despite the small parking lot, SCONNIEBAR is worth visiting for lunch or early dinner.“

“Hawk's Bar & Grill offers a typical college town vibe, perfect for watching games. Burgers made to order are among the best, and the cheese curds are highly recommended. The atmosphere is lively, with fast service from attentive staff. A great spot to catch a game, enjoy some beer, and indulge in delicious food like the Hawk's burger. The overall experience is excellent for locals and visitors alike, making it a must-visit spot in Madison.“

“Hy-Vee Market Grille offers a satisfying dining experience with a variety of meal options. The parking lot is spacious and wheelchair accessible. Ordering is swift, and while there may be occasional mix-ups in the kitchen, the staff is quick to rectify any issues. They go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, such as comping or upgrading meals. The cooks take pride in their work, resulting in high-quality dishes. The super melts are a popular choice, known for their delicious taste and generous portions. One standout employee, Jose, is recognized for his understanding and kind demeanor, especially when accommodating specific requests for meals.“

“Echo Tap & Grill is a downtown bar with a great patio space, perfect for post-game hangouts. The menu offers delicious bar food like mini-corn dogs and pizzas. While some found the food a bit greasy, the service was friendly and attentive. The waitstaff can get busy, so be prepared for a potential wait to cash out. The atmosphere is lively, especially on game days, with a crowd of fans enjoying drinks. Despite some minor hiccups, the overall experience was enjoyable. With a diverse menu and a promising patio for summer visits, Echo Tap & Grill is a spot worth returning to.“

“Dutch Mill Sports Club is a popular spot for those looking for classic Midwest dive bar vibes. Known for their delicious grilled chicken and fish fry, this place is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The welcoming and fun atmosphere makes it a great place to hang out with friends or even plan pool tournaments. While the karaoke can get a bit too loud for some, the strong drinks and friendly service more than make up for it. Keep in mind they only accept cash, but there's an ATM available. Parking might be a bit unconventional, but the overall experience at Dutch Mill Sports Club is worth it.“

“Schwoegler Park Towne Lanes offers great food, quality lanes, and friendly staff, making it a fun spot to bowl with friends. Although opinions on their pizza vary, with some finding it to be of poor quality, others enjoy the taste.“

“State Street Brats is a classic college bar that still holds up after 30+ years. The ribeye steak sandwich and waffle fries are recommended. The atmosphere is lively, with a college bar scene and nostalgic music. The cheese curds are a standout, along with the red brat. This place offers a quintessential Wisconsin bar experience, with flame-grilled burgers and a crowded, loud environment. For a more relaxed experience, the outdoor patio is perfect.“

“Hooters provides a fun and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly and attentive staff. The chicken wings are a highlight, and the servers ensure a great dining experience. While some may find the attire of some staff members distracting, the restaurant overall is kid-friendly and easily accessible for those with wheelchairs.“

“Applebee's Grill + Bar offers a satisfying dining experience with quick and attentive service. The restaurant provides a range of affordable options, including the popular 2 for $28 deal, which includes delectable items like mozzarella sticks and French onion soup. The interior could use some updates, but the overall atmosphere is comfortable. Customers praise the knowledgeable staff, who ensure a pleasant visit, and the great margaritas. Applebee's Grill + Bar remains a reliable choice for a casual and enjoyable meal in Madison.“

“Dave & Buster's Madison offers a lively dining and entertainment experience. While the service could be improved, the food is satisfactory, and the variety of games provides plenty of fun for families and groups. It is a recommended destination for those seeking a combination of good food and entertainment.“