50 Best Bars near Waunakee

“It’s the local spot. Great owner and staff, good prices, live music, meat raffles, friendly atmosphere. The Mizzo is the shizzo.“

“Great bartenders!! One of the best burgers in town!“

“I love this bar! Unpretentious and occasionally uproarious, this is where you meet the real Waunakee. It may not be to everyone's taste but if you love a good Wisconsin tavern you have got to visit Ripp's! "Ripp's Bar, where the winners are!"“

“Went to the Famous Walleye Breakfast today with a warm welcome from April. I came in for Breakfast but with the atmosphere fun & outgoing we stayed for the rest of the afternoon. Service was 5 star 🌟. I highly recommend the second Sunday of every month & the special appearance of April.“

“Awesome first visit and definitely not the last“

“Bowling here is fun only two issues are every time I go it’s always packed. But that’s because of how fun it is so I don’t mind waiting my main main issue is they got rid of rocky rococo’s the best pizza place on earth and for that I am deeply disappointed by the new owners bring it back please we all want it back“

“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.“

“Beautiful and welcoming space with an impressive selection of pinball! It’s rare to feel breeze (or see sunlight) at an arcade, but you can here. Awesome overall!“

“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“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“Great spot with great people. new favorite watering hole.“

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

“I enjoy the overall square footage“

“I would give this place 10 stars if I could! My car broke down and I rolled into the parking lot of the Springfield Inn. I was so lucky to have found the place. Everyone there was so friendly and helpful to my daughter and me. Thank you Kim!“

“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.“

“Stopped in on Friday the 13th. Power was out. Beer still cold. Someone destroyed the toilet. 10/10 Great experience, friendly bartenders.“

“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 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!!“

“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.“

“if you google "dive bars" they won't help you. let me help you. Connie's is the almost-perfecr dive bar. Simple, clean, rustic, friendly place to have a beer and shake some dice. So glad I found this place on my travels.“

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

“Laid back, comfortable, welcoming.“

“It’s a great roadside bar!“

“Great neighborhood bar and atmosphere!“

“The cottage cheese was fabulous.“

“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.“

“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! :)“

“Just went to the Grand Reopening on 3/31/26 and it was fantastic! Had all 3 of the Birria tacos and the Traveling Matt was the bomb!! Good atmosphere! Friendly welcoming staff who seem like they are having a good time working there on top of great service! I’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.“

“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“

“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“

“Absolutely GEM of a place!! I truly can't say anything bad about this place!! Barb and Brian the owners put so much care into how guest are treated. Barb makes great daily lunch specials and Damien, Emily and Sammy are the bees knees 🤗 I can't get enough of them“

“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“

“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“

“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.“