19 Best Dive Bars in Madison

Ohio Tavern Bar • $
224 Ohio Ave, Madison

Customers` Favorites

House Made Salsas
House Street Corn
Tamale and a Taco
Street Tacos
Scorcher
Ceviche

“The Ohio Tavern is as close as you can get to an old school dive bar in Madison. They food is cooked right in the bar area, and is mostly Mexican food. The nachos were delicious and the street corn was sublime. Service was good as well. It can get quite busy, and is louder than most establishments due to the small size. They only take cash and do not have a phone. If you want to maximize your chance of getting a spot - hit it up at an off time. We were there at 3:30 pm on a Saturday (non game day) and there were plenty of seats. At least try it once!“

4.7 Superb51 Reviews
Slices Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $
2417 Pennsylvania Ave, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Shrimp with Baby Reds
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Summer Sausage Sandwich
Comicallylarge Pretzel
Deep Fried Mushrooms
Beer Selection
Shrimp Dinner
Fried Walleye
Cheeseburger
Cheesesteak

“Coming in at 8pm on Friday was the perfect time. Appetizers are around 6$ each (x3). dinners less than 15$ each (x2). And 4 cans of beer the bill wasn't even 60$. I'm impressed and would gladly come back. The fish fry was excellent, shrimp was excellent. And the coleslaw paired well to the fish! I walked out full and happy.Parking: The lot fits the needs of the bar.Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs“

4.7 Superb50 Reviews
Caribou Tavern Pubs • $
703 E Johnson St, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Jalapeno Poppers
Mushroom Swiss
Bou Buttburger
Cheese Curos
Cheese Burger
Wings

“This is the ultimate in Wisconsin's local neighborhood tavern. The service was spectacular. The bartender was top notch, with over 25 years experience running the show, ans was very attentive to everyone in the place. The selections of sauces for the food was extensive, and all were very flavorful, particularly the mango habeñero sauce.“

4.7 Superb46 Reviews
The Dive Inn Bar • $
521 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Summer Home Blonde Ale from Third Space
Modelo Negra

“If your not running to this place, you need to be. Best bartenders and dive bar in Madison Wisconsin! Amazing beer & drink choices, great music, bubbly and fun staff. The environment is super inviting, friendly patrons to meet and become friends with! Get here and fast, they can't wait to serve you!!!“

4.7 Superb34 Reviews
Licari's Bar & Grill Bar • $
1405 Emil St, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Bacon Blue Cheeseburger with Fries
Bacon Cheeseburger and Cheese Curds
Fried Walleye with Onion Rings
Blue Bacon Cheeseburger
BBQ Bacon Cheese Burger
Fish and Chips
Shrimp Dinner
Tater Tots
Sandwiches
Fish Fry

“Really good atmosphere, super kind staff. The jam pretzel burger special was fire. Square cheese curds, strange shape, very tasty. I would definitely come back to this spot. They served an adequately liquored up drink and did it with a smile. I may have found my new "local" as they say out in the Midwest. ALL good here.“

4.6 Superb53 Reviews
Villa Tap Bar & Grill • $
2302 Packers Ave, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Fried Perch Dinner with Fries and Coleslaw
Walleye Fish Fry with Baked Potato
Ribeye Steak Sandwich
Friday Fish Fry
Burger

“THE BEST fish fry I have ever had!The fish is superb. Three of five of us had a more than ample serving of the walleye, baked potato & cole slaw & all agreed it was great. The Friday night atmosphere is CROWDED, busy & the cacophony such that conversation is impossible. The prices are reasonable. The bartender is aloof, difficult to flag down & challenged by a simple register transaction. The cook is non-stop busy with all of the orders. The server is very cordial under the high-pressure atmosphere, so kudos to her! Overall, pretty good experience & the fish - to die for!FISH: *recommended! *Parking: Few spots in the lot.“

4.6 Superb51 Reviews
Bennett's Meadowood Country Club Bar • $
2009 Freeport Rd, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Biscuits Gravy & Hash Browns
Smut Muffin & Plate of Bacon
Side of Bacon or Sausage
Bacon Cheeseburger
3 Egg Breakfast

“Food was good. Burger was quality and not skimpy! Nice dive bar vibes. I like the tall ceilings and exposed brick. There is a counter where you order your food so heads-up about that. They have pull tabs which is always good entertainment but I hear they have even better entertainment on Saturday & Sunday mornings lol! Not my cup of tea but if you're into a unique experience, then check out breakfast here on the weekend for smut n' eggs.“

4.6 Superb25 Reviews
Le Tigre Lounge Bar • $
1328 S Midvale Blvd, Madison

“I was surprised by this place. Based on name I imagined it was a Tejano bar with dancing but it is just a super chill neighborhood bar. Tigers are everywhere ? (prolly why the name). There were a few small tables with a jukebox playing old school music. We sat at the bar and bar tender came pretty quick and checked on us a few times. Old Fashioneds were pretty good and came quick. Overall we really liked this place and will come back. If you are looking for something rowdy - downtown Madison is better, but if looking for a super chill neighborhood bar this is a good choice.“

4.5 Superb37 Reviews
Woody & Anne's Bar • $
2236 Winnebago St, Madison

“We loved our stop at Woody Anne's! Mona was a delight and met our every whim. Her "Do I look like I need help?" attitude was a breath of fresh air. We enjoyed Emil's pizza and a few beers while running the jukebox with some long-forgotten 80s tunes. We can't wait to come back to check out the "longest shuffleboard table in Madison"!“

4.7 Superb12 Reviews
Silver Dollar Tavern Bar • $
117 W Mifflin St, Madison

“It's a dive bar just off the square- if you expect more from a place that's been owned by the same family since prohibition than that, go somewhere else. Service was exceptional, as was the music of my youth! Think they have a pizza oven for frozen pies- friends brought in eats from the place named after a cocktail a couple of blocks away to absorb beverages. Go, have fun, and just be yourself!“

4.5 Superb21 Reviews
Jerry's Place Bar • $
601 N Fair Oaks Ave, Madison

“Very cool place if you like calm, and not crowded. The bartender was very nice. The people (aka guest) very nice. Small bit enjoyable. A place for awesome communication, worth partying in small groups, or alone. Rather than party scenes that are over crowded, ect“

4.4 Superb17 Reviews
Up North Bar • $
150 S Blair St, Madison

“The UpNorth bar is its own special experience. Depending on the person this may be a great or terrible place to visit. It's a local watering hole. Nothing super special about it. If you know the local crowd who frequents this establishment you'll like it. If you don't, and have no interest in that.. don't come here. It's usually young d*** men. With that said.. its a good bar and can be fun. Service is resonable. They have two pinball machines! Outdoor seating available. Next to two other madison classic establishments.“

4.1 Good24 Reviews
Paradise Lounge Bar • $
119 W Main St, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Paradise Burger and Cheese Curds
Chicken Strips
Onion Rings

“This is a classic dive bar, a refreshing trip to the past for this jaded gen xer who grew up frequenting similar establishments in the 1980s and 90s in Madison , very welcoming diverse crowd, nice to see younger people appreciating the ambiance and the reasonably priced drinks. Staff was very “

4.1 Good40 Reviews
Crystal Corner Bar Bar • $
1302 Williamson St, Madison

“It's The Crystal - a staple of the Eastside of Madison. I see some reviews have stated that barkeeps are not attentive, but they're hit or miss. We had a male & a female tending on the Friday we visited & the male was unfriendly, but the female, while not overly friendly, was attentive to us. It was a busy night even tho' no band was playing.It's a neighborhood bar & there are frequent patrons, so don't feel left out if you're not as noticed as the regulars.*recommend for it's "institutional" value!*“

4.1 Good45 Reviews
Mike's Horseshoe Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $
3900 Dempsey Rd, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Cheeseburger and Fries
Steak Sandwich

“Ordered the fish and chips p s and a diet coke for $8.00. Hard to beat that. Fish was good. Fries were standard and there was more than I could eat. Service was great. Bar was quiet enough to work on my crossword puzzle. Friendly locals at the bar.“

4 Good27 Reviews
Ideal Bar Bar • $
1968 Atwood Ave, Madison

“This is a bar? Sems more like a passionate enjoyable place to spend time with like-minded people as well as the outside viewpoints I so readily and heroically listen to. I mean seriously, it's so good it makes itself seem awful in comparison. I would feel completely comfortable relieving myself in my pants in public here because of the friendly atmosphere and womb-like acoustics. A must see for people interested in alcohol.“

3.9 Good17 Reviews
Eagle Crest Bar Bar • $
3710 Co Rd T, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Mushroom Swiss Burger with Bacon
Biscuits and Gravy
Bacon Cheeseburger
Eggs Benedict
1 lb Burger

“Really enjoyed the ambiance--a real neighborhood place that has lots of TVs, friendly staff and solid, cheap food and drink options. They have one pound burgers! I was super hungry the day I went in and it hit the spot. Great, local beef, fresh ingredients and a great price! I had a few beers and a burger for a great, cheap price. Check this place out to watch a game or fill up on a giant burger.“

4 Good31 Reviews
Harmony Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $
2201 Atwood Ave, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Hot Chips & Bleu Cheese Dip
Veggie Burger
Cheese Curds
Onion Rings
Quesadilla
Tater Tots
Burgers
Fries
Soups

“Found this place when searching for dinner and everywhere we went on Atwood was packed to the brim and had an hour wait. Found a spot at the bar and all the staff was very nice and attentive. They were still busy but got our order in right away and took about 25 min for food which they did preface before we ordered. Honestly one of the best burgers I've had ever. The tots were crunchy and just how I like them! Will definitely be back!“

4 Good47 Reviews
The Wisco Bar & Grill • $
852 Williamson St, Madison

Customers` Favorites

Wisco Hot Wings
Cheese Curds
Wiscoburger

“Still one of my favorite dive bars in Wisconsin. Had a pretty good burger this time too. Got to pet a couple of good dogs and was able to enjoy a pair of reasonably priced beers. Glad to see some things have stayed awesome since I left this beautiful town.“

3.9 Good39 Reviews
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