What is the best bar in Madison? This is a frequently asked question, and often the answer will be different. Naturally, you can qualify a response with criteria such as mood, goal, musical taste, or financial situation.
At the same time, we are human and entitled to an opinion. For me, day in and day out, I would go with my personal favorite, Paul’s Club.
I originally wrote about Paul’s Club when this column started three years ago. At the time I felt Paul’s was top notch, and I feel that way still, which is why this piece is something of a remix. When it involves a bar you truly enjoy, it is tough to top yourself with new material.
Paul’s Club is a true drinker’s bar. They do not serve food, they do not have drink menus, they do not have video games, and they do not serve drinks in plastic cups.
The bartenders at Paul’s know what they are doing, and what they do best is make complicated, good, and interesting drinks. You come to Paul’s to enjoy the company, and get away from the riffraff in such abundance along State Street.
It is an eclectic bar, which keeps it comfortably away from the extremes. It isn’t a Sconnie bar, and it isn’t a Coastie bar either. Rather, Paul’s is a good mix of people who are more concerned with quality and selection.
Opening in 1962, Paul’s was previously known for its bartender singing Frank Sinatra tunes, and for its ice cream drinks. True to its uniqueness, the bar is more popular now for its two drinks named after bartenders.
The Chad Brown is Stoli Ohranj with Sprite. The Matt Lang is the same, but with a splash of OJ. Ask for either, and you’re certain to get a laugh. Ask for three, and you’ll probably catch a buzz.
One of my favorite drinks at Paul’s is a Stoli Vanilla Russian. These are a step above your typical Russian, and I’m sure it is a taste the Dude (aka Lebowski) would enjoy.
An entirely unique drink is called the Firefighter. A secret recipe started in the 1960’s by a bartender training to be a firefighter, this drink has recently waned in popularity. A tasty red cocktail that is not too strong, about 15 to 20 are served on a busy weekend night.
On a chalkboard is Paul’s lengthy list of beers. Undoubtedly, it is something a beer lover will notice first. There are 15 choices available on tap, but perhaps the most interesting is a combination of two. Many are familiar with a Dark and Tan, which is Harp and Guinness. Paul’s features something even tastier — a “traditional Irish” Dark and Tan. Rather than Harp, this combo features Smithwick’s, a beer you’ll be hard pressed to find at other venues.
Beyond the tap beers are roughly 60 bottled beers. Although there are many good choices, I’m a sucker for Pabst Blue Ribbon in a can. Maybe it is the cheap student in me, but I find it tough to pass up.
While it is possible to go on and on about the drinks or beer, one must not overlook two dominating features: the tree and the pewter mugs organized behind the bar.
There are a few misconceptions about the tree that need to be dispelled. The tree is not fake or plastic; it was once a real tree, and came from Sherman Avenue. The leaves are also real, but not original. Supplied from a theatrical company, they are spray-painted and fireproofed, and reapplied every two or three years.
Another unique characteristic are the mugs. Previously known as noggins (the original name of the bar was Paul’s Noggin Club), these are engraved with the owner’s name, nickname and number. There are currently more than 300 individual mugs, and a quick way to identify a regular.
If you have never made it up to Paul’s Club, you’re missing out. Bring your friends, get there early, and grab a seat on one of the couches. Chances are you too will find the same things that make Paul’s Club great.
Look for Bartime’s final column next Thursday. Cheers!
