The Best Bars in Madison, WI for Parents Visiting UW-Madison Students
Having visited Madison with my daughter while touring UW-Madison, I can tell you firsthand about its fascinating drinking scene.
I discovered a city brimming with quirky drinking traditions – you haven’t lived until you’ve tried their signature brandy Old-Fashioned (which comes sour, sweet, or “press” style).
I even braved their peculiar custom of knocking back shots of Angostura bitters and sampled some delightful ice cream cocktails stapled in the local supper clubs.
During my visit, I explored bars, distilleries, and wineries that clearly draw on Madison’s deep-rooted traditions while injecting fresh creativity and comfort.
What excited me most were these modern takes on Wisconsin taverns—they’re keeping that welcoming corner-bar atmosphere I love but elevating it with craft cocktails that could compete with drinks in any major city.
Trust me, as someone who’s done their “research,” Madison’s bar scene is something special.
This guide is for parents like you who want to make the most of their time in Madison, enjoy some of the city’s best bars, and perhaps find a few new favorites.
Here are 15 of my favorite bars, offering the perfect mix of relaxation, local flavor, and a welcoming atmosphere—ideal for parents visiting their students at UW-Madison.
1. Blue Moon Bar & Grill:
A true Madison gem that deserves special attention. Located at 2535 University Avenue, just a stone’s throw from the UW-Madison campus, Blue Moon Bar & Grill has been a beloved institution since 1934.
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What sets Blue Moon apart is its rich history and unpretentious charm. The bar’s interior, with its dark wood paneling, vintage beer signs, and cozy booths, feels like a step back in time.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily strike up a conversation with locals and get a real feel for Madison’s community spirit.
Blue Moon is famous for its burgers, particularly the “Blue Moon Burger,” a juicy patty topped with blue cheese. But the real star of the show is their extensive beer selection.
With over 30 beers on tap, including many local Wisconsin brews, it’s a paradise for beer enthusiasts. They also offer a solid selection of cocktails and spirits for those who prefer something stronger.
It’s the kind of place where you can comfortably spend an evening without breaking the bank. Blue Moon offers a perfect blend of local flavor, good food, and great drinks for parents visiting UW-Madison students. I
It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of campus tours or to meet up with your student for a casual dinner and drinks.
2. The Old Fashioned:
During my food tour of Madison, one standout spot we absolutely had to visit was The Old Fashioned Tavern & Restaurant right on Capitol Square.
Take it from me – if you’re visiting Madison, you can’t miss this place!
They offered a selection of over 150 Wisconsin beers and their namesake Old Fashioned cocktails that are just chef’s kiss.
The atmosphere is exactly what you after a day of visiting UW-Madison.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting UW-Madison like I was with my daughter, The Old Fashioned gives you that quintessential Madison experience. Just be prepared to wait a bit during peak hours – but trust me, it’s worth it!
3. Eno Vino Downtown
Eno Vino is a hidden gem in Downtown Madison, and it absolutely took my breath away – and I mean that literally because the views from this rooftop bar are just spectacular.
While checking out restaurants near our hotel, my daughter and I decided to head up to the 10th floor of the AC Hotel, and wow, what a great decision that was!
The floor-to-ceiling windows give you this incredible panoramic view of the State Capitol building and downtown Madison.
I was able to secure a spot near the windows and ordered from their extensive wine list – they have so many options by the glass, which I loved since I like to try different varieties.
The small plates are perfect for sharing; I couldn’t stop ordering more of their delicious flatbreads and chef-inspired tapas.
It’s definitely more upscale than your typical Madison bar, so it was the perfect spot to have a special evening with my daughter while visiting UW-Madison.
If you’re in town, I highly recommend going right before sunset—watching the sky change colors over the Capitol while sipping a carefully crafted cocktail was a highlight of our trip!
- Phone: (608) 455-0663
- Visit Website
4. The Weary Traveler Freehouse:
This place is like if your friend’s living room was transformed into a bar or pub with eclectic decor. When I walked in, I immediately felt like a regular (even though this was my first time in Madison).
The bartenders were cracking jokes, and a mix of college students, professors, locals, and tourists mingled.
I suggest trying their famous Bob’s Bad Breath Burger – and despite the scary name, it is to die for! The draft beer selection was incredible, and they have this way of making even their fancy cocktails feel unpretentious.
It’s the kind of place where you can wear what you can and be comfortable, so you need to dress up. Come as you are and have a great time.
- Phone: (608) 442-6207
- Visit Website
5. Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
Checking out the Great Dane is a must if you visit Madison because it’s a staple in the city!
This isn’t just your average pub. The moment you walk into their downtown location (though they have several around Madison), you will be hit with this amazing aroma of brewing beer and pub food that will make your mouth water instantly.
The space is huge, with all these different rooms to explore, including this gorgeous beer garden and even pool tables, where you will thoroughly embarrass yourself trying to show off your nonexistent skills.
The Great Dane is a serious beer destination and a super casual, family-friendly spot.
Try sharing the massive pretzel, which will be bigger than your head, paired with their house-made beer cheese soup – trust me, it’s the combo you didn’t know you needed in your life!
Whether you’re a beer nerd or just looking for a relaxed spot to hang out, the Great Dane hits that sweet spot between local charm and really quality brewing. Just be warned – you might find yourself checking UW-Madison’s parent weekend calendar to plan your next visit, not that I’m speaking from experience or anything!
6. Merchant
Let me tell you about my absolute favorite cocktail spot in Madison – Merchant! While exploring the downtown area near the Capitol, I stumbled upon this gem and, wow, am I glad I did.
Y’all know I love a good craft cocktail. I was instantly impressed with their bar setup, complete with an impressive wall of spirits that will make you weak in the knees.
The bartenders are like cocktail scientists, and I mean that in the best way possible. Watch them measure, mix, and garnish drinks with the precision of someone performing a delicate experiment.
Grab seats at the bar, so the bartender can explain their seasonal cocktail menu, and I suggest I opt for one of their famous Old Fashioneds – when in Wisconsin, right?
The farm-to-table small plates are the perfect accompaniment; the locally sourced cheese board is chef’s kiss.
What will really strike you will be how Merchant balances being upscale without feeling stuffy. It’s the place where you can have a sophisticated evening out but still feel comfortable enough to ask questions about their house-made bitters or geek out about their ice program (yes, that’s a thing, and yes, I did exactly that).
If you’re visiting Madison and want to experience its cocktail scene at its finest, trust this mama’s advice and put Merchant at the top of your list.
- Phone: (608) 259-9799
- Visit Website
7. Genna’s Lounge
If you’re looking for the real deal, let me tell you about Genna’s Lounge – this place is pure Madison magic!
Genna’s is right near Capitol Square. This second-floor gem is like stepping into a time capsule with a serious cool factor.
The walls are plastered with an amazing collection of vintage concert posters that will have you playing “I Remember That Show!” (and trying not to date myself too much in front of my daughter).
The crowd was this perfect mix of grad students, local professionals, and quirky regulars who looked like they could tell you stories for days.
I loved how the bartender treated everyone the same – whether you ordered a PBR or a craft cocktail, you got the same friendly nod. Speaking of cocktails, they make a mean Manhattan that totally hit the spot after a long day of campus tours.
The place has this lived-in comfort that you just can’t manufacture – it’s dimly lit, cozy, and somehow both divey and sophisticated at the same time.
Genna’s is your spot if you want to experience a true Madison bar that hasn’t been polished to death for tourists.
- Phone: (608) 255-4770
- Visit Website
8. Cask & Ale
Cask & Ale is an absolute jewel of a whiskey bar. As soon as you walk in, you will be hit with this warm, intimate vibe – all dark wood, leather chairs, and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look like they’re starring in their own classic film.
The wall of whiskey bottles behind the bar will literally make you gasp – I mean, we’re talking hundreds of options!
You will love how unpretentious it feels despite being so sophisticated. The bartender will ask about your preferences and steer you toward some great options.
I suggest trying a flight of bourbons and watching as the bartender torches orange peels and uses fancy bitters you have likely never seen before.
Their perfect basement location makes you feel like you’re in on a secret only locals know about.
Look for the comfy armchairs by the window. They’re perfect for people-watching on the street above while feeling cozy and hidden away.
If you’re a whiskey lover (or just whiskey-curious), trust this mom who’s done her homework – Cask & Ale is a must-visit spot in Madison.
9. NattSpil
Let me tell you about the coolest “secret” spot I found in Madison – NattSpil! When my daughter and I explored the downtown area, we almost walked past it.
There’s no sign outside (how mysterious is that?), and if it weren’t for a local student who tipped us off, we would’ve missed this hidden gem completely.
As soon as we walked in, I knew we’d stumbled onto something special – the place has this incredible vibe that’s part Asian street market, part Viking beer hall, and somehow totally Madison.
The lighting is all moody and romantic, with these cool paper lanterns, and there’s usually some amazing DJ spinning vinyl in the corner.
I felt like the coolest mom ever introducing my daughter to a place this hip! We snagged seats at the bar (though the handful of tables are great too if you can get one), and I was immediately intrigued by their cocktail list – let’s just say they’re not afraid to get creative with their drinks.
I tried something with house-infused vodka that blew my mind, and they even made my daughter a fancy mocktail that had her feeling just as sophisticated.
But the real star? The food! We ordered these incredible wood-fired pizzas (trust me, get the Thai curry pizza – it sounds weird but it’s life-changing) and some Asian-inspired small plates that had us fighting over the last bites.
The whole place operates on this wonderfully casual vibe – it’s cash only, the menu changes regularly, and it feels like you’re in on this amazing local secret.
- Phone: 608-285-9755
- Visit Website
10. Maduro
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Maduro—this place is an absolute gem! If you crave a more sophisticated evening spot after all the campus tours, this cigar bar turned cocktail lounge delivers in spades.
The moment you step inside, you will feel a warm and inviting atmosphere with exposed brick walls, leather chairs that just beg you to sink into them, and this incredible jazz music playing at just the right volume.
While they’re known for their impressive cigar selection (even though I’m not a smoker myself), what will really impress you is their outstanding whiskey list and craft cocktails.
The bartenders are knowledgeable and down-to-earth and will help you pick out the perfect Manhattan.
Settle into one of the cozy corner nooks, and people watch from grad students discussing philosophy, professors unwinding after a long day, or simply tourists like yourself.
If you time your visit right, you can catch some live music by a local quartet.
- Phone: (608) 294-9371
- Visit Website:
11. Alchemy Cafe
From the outside, Alchemy might look like just another corner tavern, but don’t let that fool you – this place is something special!
The walls are covered with local art, and this incredible energy just makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a coolhouse party.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll see tattooed grad students sharing a table with families and local artists, everyone drawn in by the incredible food and drink offerings.
They take pub food to a whole new level here.
The craft beer selection is outstanding, with many local options you probably have never heard of, and their cocktails are surprisingly sophisticated for what looks like a neighborhood pub.
Alchemy perfectly captures what I love about Madison—it’s unpretentious but high-quality, artistic but welcoming, and cool without trying too hard.
If you want to feel like a local and escape the campus crowd for a bit, Alchemy is a sure bet.
Phone: (608) 204-7644
Menu: alchemymadison.com
12. The Rigby Pub and Grill:
Grab a seat at the bar and admire the Beatles memorabilia decorating the walls, it’s like a mini museum for music lovers!
The bartender will tell some great stories about the pub’s history while mixing up your cocktails.
Now, let’s talk about the food because, wow! I suggest splitting their Fish and chips (when in a pub, right?), and trust me, they are absolutely delicious, crispy, not greasy, and the homemade tartar sauce is to die for.
They have a great selection of local beers on tap, and I tried their “Strawberry Fields Forever” cocktail—I mean, how can you not?
It’s fruity, refreshing, and perfect for an afternoon break from campus tours. You will love how the place struck this perfect balance between being a legitimate sports bar (there are TVs showing the games) and a friendly neighborhood pub where you can actually have a conversation.
The crowd is an amazing mix of everyone—young professionals grabbing lunch, a few families, some students, and Capitol workers stopping in after their day.
It’s the kind of place where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re a Beatles fan or not (but come on, who isn’t?).
If you’re visiting Madison and want a taste of a real neighborhood pub with great food, friendly service, and a side of music history, The Rigby is your spot.
- Phone: (608) 442-1112
- Visit Website
13. The Ivory Room Piano Bar:
Tucked away just off Capitol Square, this place is an absolute gem. You will feel sophisticated and ready to belt out some tunes!
As soon as you walk in, there is a charming and intimate setting, it’s not a huge space, but that just adds to the coziness and overall vibe of the place.
The centerpiece is this gorgeous piano, on which incredibly talented pianists take turns playing everything from Billy Joel to Lady Gaga.
The bartenders here know their stuff and are just as entertaining as the piano players. Speaking of which, don’t go thinking this is some stuffy classical piano bar, it’s all about fun, sing-along music, and trust me, by the end of the night, everyone’s joining in!
Just imagine the whole place erupting in a rendition of “Sweet Caroline” – BAH BAH BAH!
The request system is genius – you write your song on a napkin, drop a tip in the jar, and the pianists work their magic.
What really makes The Ivory Room special is how it brings everyone together. From college kids singing, couples on date nights, small groups celebrating birthdays, and tourists just enjoying the night
It’s the perfect spot for a memorable night out in Madison, whether you’re a seasoned songbird or just there to enjoy the show.
- Phone: (608) 467-2404
- Menu: ivoryroompianobar.net
14. Graze
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Graze! This place was an absolute highlight of our visit in Madison.
With those floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular views of the Capitol building, my daughter and I felt like we were dining in a fishbowl – but in the best possible way!
As someone who appreciates a good farm-to-table concept, I was in heaven when I learned about their commitment to local Wisconsin farmers.
Let’s talk about their cocktails because, wow! I tried their Bloody Mary (when in Wisconsin, right?), and it was like a meal in itself – garnished with all sorts of local goodies.
My daughter couldn’t stop raving about their homemade sodas. But the real star? Their famous bulgogi burrito. I know it sounds like an odd combo.- it’s life-changing!
And don’t even get me started on the cheese curds. As a self-proclaimed cheese curd connoisseur after this trip, I can tell you these were some of the best in Madison.
What I loved most was the vibe – it’s upscale enough to feel special (perfect for treating your college student when visiting!), but still totally comfortable and unpretentious.
We saw everyone from suited-up politicians grabbing lunch to families celebrating special occasions. The bar area has this great energy and the staff was amazing.
The late afternoon sunlight streaming through those giant windows, turning everything golden while we sipped our drinks and shared some small plates – it was one of those perfect mother-daughter moments I’ll always remember from our Madison trip.
If you’re visiting UW-Madison (or just Madison in general), do yourself a favor and grab a meal at Graze.
- Phone: (608) 251-2700
- Visit Website
15. The Coopers Tavern
So, let me tell you about The Coopers Tavern – what a fantastic find this was! Right across from the Capitol.
The beer selection is incredible, and I am talking about a serious beer lover’s paradise here. The beer menu is this massive chalkboard on the wall, and the bartender (this incredibly knowledgeable guy) will help you pick out the perfect Belgian ale while explaining the story behind the pub’s name and its connection to barrel makers.
Now, let’s talk about the food because, oh my goodness, it’s not your typical pub grub. Order their famous Scotch eggs (when was the last time you saw those on a menu in Wisconsin?), and they are absolutely divine.
Perfectly cooked with this amazing mustard sauce. And their cheese board? As someone who did extensive “research” on Wisconsin cheese during our visit, I can tell you this one was top-notch!
The crowd is a wonderful mix of everyone – lawmakers unwinding after a day at the Capitol, professors grading papers over a pint, and families like us enjoying a casual dinner.
They even have great events like beer tastings and tap takeovers—I may have already checked their schedule for parent’s weekend, just in case!
The Coopers Tavern is an absolute must-visit if you’re visiting Madison and want a taste of Europe with a Wisconsin twist.
Just be prepared – you might extend your stay just to work through their beer list! And trust this mom who’s done her homework – don’t skip the Scotch eggs.
You can thank me later!
- Phone: (608) 256-1600
- Visit Website
Conclusion: Best Bars in Madison, Wisconsin
From the historic charm of The Old Fashioned serving up Wisconsin classics to the breathtaking rooftop views at Eno Vino Downtown, there’s truly something for every taste.
What struck me most was how each bar we visited had its own unique character while maintaining that warm, welcoming Wisconsin hospitality.
Whether you’re enjoying craft cocktails at Merchant, discovering the hidden gem that is NattSpil, soaking in live jazz at Maduro, or having a locally brewed beer at Great Dane, you’re experiencing a bar scene that rivals any major city while keeping its distinctly Madison flavor.
The Weary Traveler offers that cozy, quirky vibe perfect for relaxing, while Genna’s Lounge gives you a taste of authentic Madison nightlife.
If you’re a whiskey enthusiast like me, Cask & Ale’s impressive selection will make you want to extend your stay.
Students, professors, locals, and visitors mingle in each spot, creating a wonderful sense of community.
I found myself secretly hoping my daughter would choose UW-Madison if only so my husband and I would have an excuse to come back and enjoy the city alone while pretending we were there to visit Madison.
Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES FOR EXPLORING WISCONSIN
Best Hotels in Madison, Wisconsin
Best Places to Visit in November
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