Highest-rated bars in Madison, according to Tripadvisor
Over the years, Tripadvisor has become the world's largest travel resource with 37.7 unique online visitors in the U.S. alone.
When the site was founded in 2000, the founders' goal was to provide travelers with an online platform to exchange reviews of destinations and hospitality businesses such as hotels and restaurants. Travelers from all over the world continue to use the site and app to determine where to stay, learn about the under-the-radar gems in their chosen destination, and where to eat, based on other travelers' reviews.
For hotels and restaurants, reviews can boost foot traffic to a location. But at times, they can be misleading in that they disproportionately cover more touristy areas while ignoring some local gems. In New York City, for example, a majority of highly rated bars were located in the Theater District—likely due to all the tourists who flock there and are more inclined to leave reviews.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest rated bars and pubs in Madison on Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Some bars on the list may have recently closed.
#16. The Lazy Oaf
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (3.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 1617 N Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53704-2603
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#15. LJ's Sports Tavern & Grill
- Detailed ratings: Food (3.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Pub, Gastropub
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 8 N Paterson St, Madison, WI 53703-2478
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#14. Plaza Tavern and Grill
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bar, Pub
- Price: $
- Address: 319 N Henry St, Madison, WI 53703-2018
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#13. The Fountain
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: Bar, American
- Price: not available
- Address: 122 State St, Madison, WI 53703-2596
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#12. Mr. Brews Taphouse
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 305 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703-2218
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#11. Wando's
- Detailed ratings: Food (3.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $
- Address: 602 University Ave, Madison, WI 53715-1036
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#10. Brews Brothers Madison
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (3.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 610 Junction Rd, Madison, WI 53717-2312
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#9. Working Draft
- Detailed ratings:
- Type of cuisine: American
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 1129 E Wilson St, Madison, WI 53703-3758
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#8. Village Bar
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $
- Address: 3801 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705-5121
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#7. The Laurel Tavern
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: Monroe Street, Madison, WI 53711
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#6. Dexter's Pub
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 301 North St, Madison, WI 53704-4920
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#5. Barriques - West Wash
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: Cafe, Wine Bar
- Price: $
- Address: 127 West Wash Ave., Madison, WI 53703
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#4. Mickey's Tavern
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (3.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 1524 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703-3729
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#3. Pooley's
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 5441 High Crossing Blvd, Madison, WI 53718-6396
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#2. Tip Top Tavern
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 601 North St, Madison, WI 53704-4839
- Read more on Tripadvisor
#1. Karben4
- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)
- Type of cuisine: American, Bar
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Address: 3698 Kinsman Blvd, Madison, WI 53704-2509
- Read more on Tripadvisor