CITY LIFE
Feedback
Found a problem? Have a suggestion?
Please, let us know!
77 Square is the definitive arts, culture and entertainment guide for Madison, Wis., and the surrounding area.
7 local watering holes
view 2 images :: enlarge
It's obvious from the number of dive bars, gastropubs, wine bars and other liquorified establishments that Madison takes its drinking seriously.
The town is bursting with happy hours, especially around the Capitol Square where business folks, political types and visitors cluster around tables at Ocean Grill for sparkling wine cocktails, Genna's for free snacks or Brocach for high-end Scotch. Check out www.sconnie.com/drink_specials for a day-by-day listing of downtown happy hours.
We investigated the happy hours at seven places to meet and greet the locals:
1. Cafe
Montmartre
127 East Mifflin St.
(255-5900)
4-6 p.m., Monday through Friday: $5 pizzas, $5 glasses of wine, $5 martinis, $5 off pitchers, $5 chocolate souffles
Half-price bottles of wine on Mondays with free jazz; half-price pitchers on Tuesday
The scene: Seating is generally easy to find, though quieter in the adjoining Sidecar if you prefer conversation to the band. The thin-crust pizzas are excellent, especially the provencal with white cheddar and prosciutto, le safari with black olives and tomatoes and the classic margarita. Only wines on the $7 and $8 lists go for $5 at happy hour, so try a South American carmenere or malbec.
2. The Continental
Fitchburg
2784 S. Fish Hatchery Road
(661-4161)
4-6 p.m., Monday through Friday: Half off all mixed drinks, glasses of wine, beer, appetizers and pizzas
The scene: The secluded patio is a pleasant place to while away an hour or two. The indoor dining area features a zinc-topped bar, a tradition in French cafes in the '40s and '50s. Service is friendly, and while the prices might be a little steep normally, they're a good deal at half-price. The bar offers about ten specialty martini cocktails (like the fruity and deceptively innocent-looking Emerald City) and a decent wine list.
3. Fresco
227 State St., above the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
(663-7374)
"Fresco Fives," 8-9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 9-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: $5 signature martinis, $5 wines by the glass, $5 (very) small plates, $5 desserts, $5 off entrees
www.foodfightinc.com/fresco.htm
The scene: Sitting outside on a beautiful summer night only gets better when you're several floors up. The "Fresco Fives" happy hour now has its own menu, including signature martinis made with 360 Organic Vodka, Gail Ambrosius chocolates and old favorites like scallops with polenta and the mushroom leek tartlets. The shortened wine list, is quality too, especially a very good Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon that was well worth $5.
4. Mickey's
Tavern
1524 Williamson
St.
(251-9964)
$2 pints of Huber all day, all the time; shots of Jameson whiskey on Mondays for $2.50; Tuesday and Wednesday, Pabst for $2
The scene: It's like hanging out at a house party, but cooler. Each area has its own vibe: the chill room with couches, the pool table room, the back dining room and a large outdoor patio in the back. The bar recently upgraded their food to a full menu that includes enormous burgers and Sexy Fries (hot potato chips drizzled in truffle oil and Parmesan).
5. Monroe Street
Bistro
2611 Monroe St.
(441-5444)
4-6 p.m. and 12-1 a.m., Monday through Friday: All drinks half price early; bucket of six bottled beers for $7 late
Half-price bottles of wine on Monday with live music; select beers half-price on Tuesday
The scene: Fresh from opening Aug. 11, the happy hour at Monroe Street Bistro is still pretty quiet. With Josef behind the bar (a familiar face for regulars of Brasserie V) and many interesting alcoholic concoctions on offer, it looks like a promising venture. Try a basil mojito or the "Frambulles," a delicious cocktail with sparkling wine, raspberry liqueur, a cube of sugar and a few raspberries twirling in the bubbles -- only $3.50 at happy hour.
6. Tex Tubb's Taco
Palace
2009 Atwood Ave.
(242-1800)
2701 University Ave.
(231-3473)
4-6 p.m., Monday through Friday
$1 off rocks rail margaritas, $1.50 off frozen margaritas, $1 off chips with salsa, guacamole or queso
www.foodfightinc.com/textubbstaco.html
The scene: The happy hour on the west side is laid-back and quiet. Old-school country music plays on the 8-track machine while you sip a margarita and dip chips in melted queso with tomatoes and chilies. The chips aren't too salty, the guacamole is chunky and huge and the queso isn't overly spicy.
7. Wilson's Pub and
Grill
2144 Atwood Ave.
(241-2226)
3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday: 35 cents off all drinks, daily homemade specials
The scene: Don't come here expecting peace, quiet and a fine glass of wine. This is the place to go watch the game, drink a couple of brewskis and enjoy tasty daily specials like goulash, meatloaf and chicken pot pie. Wilson's bartenders never seem to have a bad day, and the service is fast, friendly and relaxed. You can't escape TVs here. If a Brewers game is on, expect to suspend conversation a half-minute or so while everyone cheers for a run.