Madison Food Guide: The best bar food

Sometimes, all you want is to devor a basket of something fried, suck down a cheap beer, and sink into a barstool at a bar where it’s acceptable to yell at athletes on the TV or argue over the best dipping sauce.

If that basket of something fried tastes amazing, plus the bar staff is laid back and friendly, plus the beer is cold, that’s the best bar food equation. In Madison, these five places get an A+ in bar food algebra.

From burgers with plenty of meat and succulent toppings to wings so thick and saucy they should come with a bib, this city knows how to do casual eats in style. We asked, and over 500 locals voted. Now we’re thrilled to share Madison’s top five bar food legends. Grab some napkins. You’re gonna need them.

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5. Weary Traveler Freehouse

1201 Williamson St Madison, WI 53703

Rounding out our top 5 is the Weary Traveler Freehouse, a quirky gem on Willy Street that serves up some of the city’s most unexpected yet addictive bar food. Prepare to be surprised not just by the variety on the menu but by the quality and overall value of each item. 

Our readers swear by the Bob’s Bad Breath Burger, which is loaded with garlic and bleu cheese. Another favorite is the Hungarian Goulash. Yes, goulash! This dish is rich, meaty, and served with bread. The West of the Andes Sandwich is another must-try. Made with grilled chicken, avocado, jalapeño, red onion, and spicy aioli, this sandwich pairs perfectly with a flavorful ale. And even if you’re not a vegetarian, don’t sleep on the Tempeh Reuben. It’s one of the best meatless bar bites in town.

You can pair anything on the menu here with one of their creative cocktails, a pint from their ever-changing draft list, or a good glass of wine. 

The walls are lined with travel posters and local art. The lights are dim. The booths are deep. The vibes are cozy with just a hint of chaos — the perfect combo for a neighborhood bar in Madison.

4. Mickey’s Tavern

1524 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703

Mickey’s Tavern is funky, eclectic, and divey in the most delicious way. It’s where married couples, grad students, and laid-back locals looking for a girls’ or guys’ night out can come together over a basket of Sexy Fries and a High Life.

This no-frills institution has zero pretense, neon lights, an outdoor patio that’s welcoming in the summer, and a kitchen that absolutely kills it when cooking up comfort food classics.

Mickey’s doesn’t necessarily serve up fancy fare — the menu is craveable, creative, and deeply satisfying. If you haven’t tried the World’s Greatest Sandwich, it’s right there on their menu. Don’t sleep on the mac and cheese here. And also, get your hands on a burger and some cheese curds while you’re at it. Mickey’s also serves brunch with multiple scrambles, benedicts, and eggs made to order. You can pair any item with a well-made mimosa, bloody mary, or a cup of joe. Plus, there are vegetarian and vegan options for your meat-free friends.

With cheap beer, stiff drinks, and a rotating tap list that leans local, Mickey’s is a local favorite for a night out or an impromptu happy hour. Come for the burger, stay for the patio, the people-watching, and maybe even some dessert.

3. The Old Fashioned

23 N Pinckney St Madison, WI 53703

Vintage Wisconsin meets modern bar food magic at this beloved local pub. You may know The Old Fashioned for its cocktails (particularly their Old Fashioned, which won a place in our Best Old Fashioned poll) and supper club vibes, but don’t sleep on the bar food. This place combines old-school Wisconsin staples with attention to detail in every bite.

Their kitchen puts in serious work, churning out Wisconsin comfort food better than anyone. One of our readers’ favorites is the Old Fashioned House Burger, topped with fried onions, Bavaria Kitchen’s hickory-smoked bacon, aged Wisconsin Cheddar, garlic sauce, and a soft-cooked egg on a buttered and toasted roll from Grebe’s Bakery in West Allis. The cheese curds are another favorite and have been voted some of the Best Cheese Curds by our readers. And if you want to try something that’s both classic and different, grab a bowl of the beer cheese soup with a popcorn garnish.

Of course, you’ll want to pair it all with an Old Fashioned cocktail, the best in the city, no less. But if that’s not for you, check out their killer beer list, packed with Wisconsin craft brews like New Glarus and Lake Louie.

Inside, there’s warm wood, vintage signage, and retro supper club charm. A little classier than your average dive — but still totally laid-back. You can dress up, dress down, or just belly up to the bar and stay awhile.

2. Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.

Multiple locations

Let’s hear it for the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., which also won a spot on our list of Best Breweries in Madison! This homegrown brewpub has been feeding and beer-ing us for decades. It’s a bar food institution, with a scratch-made menu that somehow nails both global flair and Midwestern comfort. And don’t forget the 

The downtown location is housed in a former historic hotel, so there’s nostalgic charm around every corner. Add house-brewed beers, billiards tables, and a menu built for serious snacking, and you’ve got the ultimate hangout spot.

The Dane’s menu is stacked with hits, but a few things have made them famous in the bar food world: their squeaky cheese curds, the Great Dane pub wings, the Wisconsin pretzel board, the thick and juicy pub burger, and the fish fry.

Listen, we know you like bar food. But if you bring your fussy friends, don’t sleep on the rest of the menu. The brunch is amazing, featuring a delightful Salmon Benedict and some Southern-inspired favorites. The global dishes like the falafel naan wrap and the West African chicken peanut soup will warm your heart. And their flavorful bowls are also worth a try.

Great Dane has it all: bar food, gastro pub food, craft beer, and atmosphere. Their rotating taps offer something for every palate — IPAs, porters, lagers, and seasonal small-batch surprises. Grab a pint of Crop Circle Wheat or Old Glory American Pale Ale to wash down those wings.

The original space is huge but cozy, with pool tables, booths, and nooks to hunker down in. Whether you’re playing trivia on a Tuesday or kicking off the weekend. And each location has its own unique vibe. It’s worth visiting them all!

1. Oakcrest Tavern

5371 Old Middleton Rd Madison, WI 53705

It’s no surprise that Oakcrest Tavern came out on top. This west-side favorite has become a local legend, thanks to its killer burgers, generous portions, and perfectly poured taps. Walk in on any given night and you’ll see families, students, retirees, and softball teams all rubbing elbows over fries and fishbowls.

This laid-back neighborhood sports bar has no bad seats. Wherever you are, you’re among friends. But you’ll be too busy stuffing your face to say hi. You can’t go wrong with the menu here. Whatever you order is going to be quality. But here’s what our readers (and our taste buds) rave about most: the Oakcrest Burger, the wings, the loaded tater tots, and the fish fry (of course).

There’s a zero percent chance that you won’t get thirsty eating any of those items. Lucky, there are around 16 beers on tap, including plenty of local options (hello, Karben4 and Ale Asylum), plus cocktails that are surprisingly good for a place that feels like your buddy’s basement.

There’s no pretension here. Just friendly service, big portions, and lots of TVs. Whether you’re watching the Packers or playing darts, you’ll be sure to enjoy your next visit to Oakcrest Tavern.

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