It’s Friday afternoon and the end of a long week of class. The harsh reality of a new semester has hit us, whether we like it or not, with the subtlety of a sledgehammer blow to the temple.

Summer is over, but we should not complain. The new semester brings new beginnings, new relationships, and a renewed sense of energy to our shared college experience. I think we have good reason to raise a glass or two and celebrate.

I want to enjoy my Friday afternoon with a group of friends and keep my budget within the constraints of a student, so I’m heading over to Madhatter’s for their F.A.C. special.

The concept is simple and in many ways explains Madhatter’s effectiveness as a bar. The acronym F.A.C. stands for Friday After Class and is an excellent after-school special. Here’s how it works ? the bar opens at 4 p.m., with pitchers of Miller Lite, MGD, Leinie’s Red, Berry Weiss, and Honey Weiss all priced at $2. And we’re talking real pitchers, not the pathetic, expensive and controversial Union facsimile introduced this summer.

Yes, there is a small catch. As the clock moves on every hour or so, the price increases a dollar, until the price returns to its normal level. It is, however, not going to ruin our spirits, because on a Friday afternoon at Madhatter’s, everybody seems to be having a great time.

By everybody, I mean everybody. Smiles are on the faces of the customers, the bartenders are dancing to the groove of recent hip-hop tunes, and one gets the sense that this is indeed an energetic and lively way to kickoff the weekend.

While the special certainly lubricates the soul and body, the bartenders do their part. Always smiling and ready to engage in conversation, they keep the party going. By the way, they also happen to be quite attractive.

“We’re here for the best special in Madison,” Ryan Anderson, Phil Shackton, and Ryan Kirkham chimed in almost simultaneously, “and the bartenders are hot, which is nice.”

Don’t let their looks fool you ? these are serious professionals. For example, a few weeks ago I requested a shot of Jameson, but was told that the bar was out. After a half hour, and maybe less, the bartender returned, saying she went out and bought a bottle for the bar. That is good service. Impressed, I enjoyed my shot.

“The bartenders really get along with each other and our customers, and that makes everybody happy,” bartender Becky Fichtner explained.

The simple explanation of the bar’s atmosphere does not surprise. Madhatter’s is stripped of pretension and attitude. Take the actual bar itself ? a large wooden central island bar that allows service in three directions. The décor is understated, with the exception of the stuffed moose head in the rear, a remnant from Madhatter’s predecessor. Add in a few creative specials, such as F.A.C., or Taco Tuesday for 50 cent tacos, $1 taps and $2 Coronas, and you have a good place to sip a few.

Although it would be a stretch to consider Madhatter’s a “dive bar,” none of the patrons appear turned-off by the lack of frills. The occasional gimmick, however, doesn’t hurt.

Ted Gervasi, the owner of Madhatter’s since the bar opened in 1986, explains, “Once in a while, just for the heck of it, we’ll throw a theme party, like Hawaiian night, or Mardi Gras, regardless of the time of year.”

People have a tendency to go all out during the theme-night events. Drawing customers young and old, the parties are a great way to enjoy a little craziness. For example, at the Hawaiian Party last spring, there was a contest for hottest guy and girl. “The place was jam-packed, with a lot of hot girls, but the one who got the most applause was an 80-year-old woman,” Fichtner explained with a grin on her face.

“You are never too old to have fun or let your hair down once in a while,” Gervasi added, “The bar is fun, and the kids keep me young.”

Devoid of a fancy signature drink but offering a great environment for an enjoyable time, Madhatter’s offers happiness in its simplicity. The bar never tries to imitate, but rather create a place for good service, good friends and good drinks to mix.

Bartime will explore the mysterious world of the Plaza Bar and Grill, tonight, Friday, Sept. 6, at 10 pm. The Plaza is located at 319 North Henry Street, just off of State Street. Cheers!