SPECIAL
Main Depot
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by Jessi Polsky
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
A mere six blocks from the hustle and bustle of Capitol Square lies one of Madison’s best kept secrets. The Main Depot offers all the amenities, or delightful lack thereof, in a downtown bar without the drawbacks of grumpy bouncers and overcrowding.
Located on Main Street, its cozy interior is accented by a red-paneled ceiling and a bright, train-themed stained glass window over the front door which friendlily beckons all who pass to come inside. The depot is also equipped with all the token dive-bar staples: a pool table, arcade games and a jukebox. The small, inviting space features typical bar food including fried cod, hamburgers, French fries, grilled cheese and spicy chicken wings, all of which cost less than $6. The alcohol is average in price and quality, and the cocktails are neither expertly crafted nor exceptionally creative; however, the Main Depot offers the basics at a good price.
The shelves that house the liquor are not as well-equipped as those of the larger downtown bars — I unsuccessfully ordered a Manhattan — yet they lack none of the staples. My crack review team happily downed their Whisky Sours, Vodka Red Bulls and on-tap Spotted Cow. For those seeking a hideout on game day to cheer on their team without having to deal with the drunken downtown atmosphere, the Main Depot also has flat-screen TVs that adorn the walls opposite the counter. The bar is in walking distance from campus and caters to both the student and local populations. It serves as a welcome escape from the monotony of downtown bars full of over-intoxicated underage students.
In a college town like Madison, it is nice to find a bar where intimidating bouncers are replaced by friendly bartenders who offer up small talk and advice with a side of booze. The Main Depot is the quintessential small-town hole in the wall of big-city Madison.
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