What do you think of when you hear of a massive party associated with beads, booze and flesh? Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the most likely connection.
Yet this past Fat Tuesday, you didn’t have to travel to the Big Easy to get your kicks. For a similar sensation of scandal, you just needed to head for Wando’s on University Avenue. Madison is not exactly a Mardi Gras hotbed, but at Wando’s, the drinks were flowing, the beads were flying, skin was revealed and a great party was had by all.
Having been at Wando’s several times lately, it comes as no surprise that this venue was able to kick it up an Emeril Lagasse notch to celebrate the annual bacchanalian festival. Wando’s exudes a party atmosphere.
On a recent visit, I felt like Spring Break had come early. Shockingly, people were drinking, moving to the music and looking to score — as if that never happens in Madison!
But the numerous sweaters and winter jackets combined with an element of reckless abandon to make this feel more like a Spring Break party in northern Wisconsin as opposed to Daytona Beach or Lake Havasu.
The crowd embraces a Wando’s party like a pair of skintight jeans, which by all indications is part of the standard uniform. The uniform might also involve an occasional tattoo or piercing, which many have no qualms in showing off. As part of an introductory conversation, my friend Tyler was asked, “Do you like belly button rings?” Come on now, who doesn’t?
People come here to have a good time, and little will get in the way of that objective, even if it flies in the face of acceptable behavior. One instance that comes to mind involves my friend Chris, on whom one of Wando’s famous Fishbowls was spilling while he chatted away with a group of girls.
His simple explanation? “I’m being dripped on, and it’s not all bad.” Either there must be something special about a bar where this doesn’t faze you, or there must be something special about those Fishbowls!
The Fishbowl is the creation of Wando’s owner, Jay Wanserski. According to the legend, he picked up the concept from a bar in California. The basic contents of a Fishbowl are impressive: vodka, rum, gin, peach schnapps and triple sec. Depending on the choice of color you desire, varying amounts of sloe gin, blue curacao, or orange juice will also be added. Throw in a handful of straws, and you and a group of friends are ready to embark on a journey of 100-ounces of pure pleasure (or pain, depending on your perspective).
This adventure will cost you $17, which includes a $2 deposit on the bowl itself. This drink is popular; it is not unusual for Wando’s bartenders to make more than 60 Fishbowls on a good Friday or Saturday night.
Aside from its Fishbowl, Wando’s boasts an impressive list of drink specials. The big draw on weekends are the $2 Corona bottles, $1.50 Point bottles, and the $3.50 Jack and Cokes. On Monday there are 50-cent taps, Tuesday features $1.50 domestic bottles and $2 jumbo rail mixers, and on Wednesday you can find $3 pitchers of Coors Light.
Wando’s opened its doors in 1994 and is located on the site of the famous 602 Club, which was known as a popular bar for 1960s radicals.
Since Wando’s inception, the bar has become notorious for another interesting fact — it is the closest thing to a biker bar in downtown Madison. According to manager Travis Jack, the motorcycle angle immediately took off.
“The owner has a thing for Harley’s, and his friends like to come out here and hang,” Travis said. One only need look up toward the recently added second story, where an actual bike has been placed in the bar. Aside from casual motorcycle enthusiasts, the bar is known to be frequented by the Capitol City Riders, a hardcore motorcycle club by any measure.
The motorcycle angle is only one small piece of Wando’s diversity. Travis explains, “We get a good cross section — students, bikers, bartenders from other bars — it’s a good crowd.”
Given the atmosphere and drink selection, any diverse group will be ready to party!
Bartime will be at Café Montmartre this weekend. Café Montmartre is located at 127 E. Mifflin St. Cheers!
Wando’s Ruthinator
Mix the following in a shaker, and serve in a large shotglass:
2 parts Finlandia Cranberry Vodka
2 parts Red Bull
Splash of orange juice
