No one knows alcohol quite like Wisconsonites, and the state's capital city has bars that run the gamut from dive to upscale. College kids and young professionals alike frequent the bars located downtown and ear the University of Wisconsin. There are hundreds of bars in Madison, but here are the sixteen of the very best.
Prefer wine over beer and cocktails? No problem! Eno Vino has just the menu for you. Enjoy a glass with friends and family at this upscale bar and bistro. The dinner options puts updated spins on classic favorites. Try the Thai pizza, truffle fries or even the tacos at this bar!
Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro
601 Junction Rd
(608) 664-9565
Yelp: 4.0; 200 reviews
HopCat's "crack fries" will have you addicted in no time! There's a never-ending list of beers, and servers are good at making recommendations for bar-goers. Half pours mean you can try a smattering of beers at a fraction of the price. Sample everything during happy hour, which includes half-price burgers and $3 tap beers. You can't beat that!
HopCat
222 W Gorham St
(608) 807-1361
Yelp: 4.0; 115 reviews
Cooper's is an Irish pub that has something for everyone. It's a great place to catch a soccer match if you're a sports fan, or you can simply enjoy some traditional Irish whiskey. Show up in time for dinner, and you can enjoy a burger, too.
Cooper's Tavern
20 W Mifflin St
(608) 256-1600
Yelp: 3.5; 275 reviews
You'll feel snug as a bug in the rug in this tiny bar, which boasts and impressive array of microbrews to sate your palate. Sample a draft before you divulge in a pint, the bartenders don't mind. It's perfect for the whiskey connoisseur as well!
Mason Lounge
416 S Park St
(608) 255-7777
Yelp; 4.5; 42 reviews
Enjoy your drink outside at Genna's lounge as long as the weather permits! Fans of Genna's say it has the cheapest happy hour prices in town. Plus, Genna's makes a mean bloody Mary if you're into that sort of thing.
Genna's Lounge
105 W Main St
(608) 255-4770
Yelp: 4.0; 111 reviews
Check out this tiger-theme bar if you enjoy kitsch and don't mind drinking in a strip mall. Le Tigre even has a classic jukebox and something special enough that it's usually packed with people despite its odd location and unique ambiance. Or perhaps those are the very reasons people seem to love Le Tigre so much!
Le Tigre Lounge
1328 S Midvale Blvd
(608) 274-0944
Yelp: 4.0; 41 reviews
Midwestern bar with seafood? That's Merchant! Mussels and scallops are both on the menu. Meat and produce is locally grown, so all the food is as fresh as it can be. You'll find traditional fare, but if you're ready to try something new, check out the Ploughman's Board (meat and cheese selection served with sliced bread), whiskey sour with egg or brat sliders for a taste of Wisconsin.
Merchant Madison
121 S Pinckney St
(608) 259-9799
Yelp; 4.0; 310 reviews
Live music, arcade games and pizza ensures High Noon Saloon gets high ratings from bar patrons. Enjoy live music -- everything from country to hip hop is welcome. The folks in charge of sound receive endless praise for caring about the acoustics, and you can even get on stage if you're an aspiring musician!
High Noon Saloon
701 E Washington Ave
(608) 268-1122
Yelp: 4.5; 56 reviews
The last Madison bar on this list is simple named. It's also been named as the best place to get a Bloody Mary or a tofu scramble in town. Try both on the patio in the summer while enjoying live music. Don't forget to try their so-called "sexy fries.”
Mickey's Tavern
1524 Williamson St
(608) 251-9964
Yelp: 4.0; 138 reviews
If you're willing to pay the price for steak, shrimp or lobster with your dinner drink, then Tempest Oyster Bar is the place to go! Plus, this bar has more romantic décor than some on this list.
Tempest Oyster Bar
120 E Wilson St
(608) 258-1443
Yelp: 4.0; 145 reviews
From the upscale pub fare to the memorable taps in the shape of one of the largest dog breeds, the Great Dane stands out from the rest of the dive bars in the state. This is why it's a must-see when you're in Madison!
The Great Dane
123 E Doty St
(608) 284-0000
Yelp: 4.0; 543 reviews
This is where you go for beer, brats and cheese curds! You can also enjoy fish every Friday, a long-lived statewide tradition. Enjoy one of their many draft beers while you wait, which could be a while, because The Old Fashioned draws quite a crowd.
The Old Fashioned
23 N Pinckney St #1
(608) 310-4545
Yelp: 4.0; 1015 reviews
Located in the vertex of a triangular building right downtown, the Tipsy Cow is certainly unique. Sit at the separate bar or grab a table to enjoy some dinner. From alligator bites to carnitas fries to Korean BBQ fries, the food at the Tipsy Cow is just as unique as the architecture. The bar hosts trivia on Monday nights, too.
The Tipsy Cow
102 King St
(608) 287-1455
Yelp; 4.0; 200 reviews
Head to Portage if you want the bar feel without the hangover. Not only can you order fresh juices, but this cafe also serves La Colombe coffee and sandwiches and salads that are to die for!
Portage Pi Cafe and Juice Bar
601 Langdon St
Phone:(608) 257-4391
Yelp: 4.5; 8 reviews
Most gay bars aren't known for being sports bars, but Woof's is both! Plus, this downtown bar has a special on Blody Marys every Sunday, so you enjoy your favorite cocktail with a kick!
Woof's
114 King St, Madison
(608) 204-6222
Yelp: 4.0; 5 reviews
Gib's Bar in Madison stands alone for many reasons: it's built inside of 19th century home that's been refurbished, feels equally homey inside and requires you to enter through the neighboring Grandpa's restaurant in order to access it. Once you get inside, however, you'll be greeted by some of the kindest bartenders and most unique drink specials in town!
Gib's Bar
1380 Williamson St.
Yelp: 4.0; 28 reviews
