What Madison bars hold this city together? That’s the question City Cast Madison asked you and you all had opinions. On today’s episode of the podcast, host Bianca Martin chats with long-time bartender and bar-goer Colleen Hayes about the iconic bars in your neighborhoods. Lots of your emails made it into the show, so be sure to listen!
Here are some of your favorite neighborhood bars. Thanks to everyone who shared their faves!
“The greatest mix of customers you can find – drunks, day drinkers, locals from the neighborhood, folks looking for a great burger. A true dive bar; it has its regulars and they may look at you funny.
“Winslow reigns. Rumor back in the day was that this was the safest dive bar in town because it was owned by an ex-cop and cops coming off their shifts would drink here.” – Phil M.
“Best bar burger in town; regulars abound but visitors are welcomed; neighborhood-y without being clique-y; friendly bartenders but don't waste their time (the best kind); bumper stickers galore on the beer fridge (mostly pro-labor / anti-Walker).
“This place knows what it is and doesn't try to be anything different or more. Last time I was there with my wife, she looked around and said: ‘There are our people.’ Yep.”. – Phil M.
(Editor’s note: Phil sent in a list of 13 bars, but for sake of space, I’m just plugging two of his favorites. If you see Phil at your local bar, ask him for his other 11 bar recs!)
Mickey’s Tavern
“It's closest to my house, but also has such a vibe and so many cool rooms. The first time I walked in was shortly after we moved to Madison, and shortly after COVID. With red lights and weird music, my wife and I were like, ‘Whoa, this feels like Twin Peaks.’ While sitting at the bar, eventually we heard one of the bartenders say that they were literally playing the Twin Peaks soundtrack!
“Anyway, many great nights there. Beers on the patio, negronis and pool, trudging through snowstorms, etc. AND my bluegrass band, Father Leroy, has written a tune about it! Called ‘My Old Bar.’ It's an ode to all great neighborhood bars.” –Samuel S.
“Delta Beer Lab, from its opening, has been a gathering place and is adjacent to many neighborhoods. Everyone is welcome! For me, it is placed close to my sister who lives off Rimrock, brother near Nob Hill Road, my daughter in Fitchburg, and my daughter in Monona. I'm on the east side, but this is on the way to everywhere. When I stop in, it's always friendly, and the beer is amazing. My name isn't necessarily known, but my face is.” – Cheryl W.
“Everyone knows my name there! Comfortable, Bob's a great host, as are his staff tending bar. Good food, good drinks, reasonable prices, lots of fun people! Oh yeah, and it's a gay bar. :)” – Mark P.
“It's hard to find a real Wisconsin bar so close to downtown, and the Laurel has everything I expect from an authentic Wisconsin tavern. Really good beer, decent food, and just an overall great environment.” – Amber M.
“It's a lovely throwback to simpler, more rustic (bar) times. My favorite things about it:
They have a "cheese plate" that is literally a few different brick cheeses cut into thick slices arranged on a regular ass plate.
“The burgers taste like the griddle has never been cleaned (not really, but you get my point). The tables all have inset trinkets below the glass table tops, infusing some fun into the visit. You can smell how delicious it is from the whole neighborhood. 😋”– Dan S.
“I live within walking distance and I love going there for Wednesday night trivia, labor organizing happy hour, or weekend dance parties. Cardinal is now the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Wisconsin, and they've kept some great midcentury character intact.
“In February, I had a great time at T4T, a monthly queer and trans dance party. It was denim night and everyone wore great outfits from vintage jackets to custom made costumes. So many people came through that I was not expecting and I made some new friends.” – Adrian L.
“It has a casual Wisconsin vibe, with a tasteful lake and fishing theme, and TV screens displaying sports and nature shows. The patios are our family’s favorite feature; they are cozy, beautiful, again — understated, and (no pun intended) ‘down to earth’.
“People come at first for the great beer selection, then discover their great cocktails and mocktails, and return again because their service is just great. Burgers, patty melts, and fish fries are some of their classics, yet the menu has something for everyone, including for vegetarians and “selective” or picky eaters. When our family comes to visit from the Green Bay area they often ask to go there :)” – Patricia G.
There's not a better neighborhood bar. The owner has quite a history and it’s been at several locations in the neighborhood here. It's now situated on Parmenter Circle. Everybody knows that bar on Parmenter Circle.” – Marty
Looking for more suggestions? Bianca did a call out on Instagram and the comment section is full of great suggestions.
