As yet another semester comes to a close, I’m somehow at a loss for subject matter. Since this is my last column, I feel obligated to say something deep and life-changing … but is there anything really “deep” at all about Happy Hour’s subject matter? I think not. But with winter break coming up, many of you will find yourselves with loads of free time on your hands. Thus, I present my list of the Top Five Bars You Should Visit Over Winter Break.
Since these are in no particular order, I’m going to randomly dub Café Montmartre the number-five choice. Located at 127 E. Mifflin St., it’s the perfect getaway on a cold winter’s night. Though it seems dark from the outside, once you walk in, Montmartre (pronounced Mo-Mar) is abustle with wait staff, customers and bartenders. If you enjoy a nice glass of wine every now and then, this should top your list — there’s plenty of seating available, both at the bar and at tables in the main room, as well as a side room, and the wine selection is extensive without being expensive.
Montmartre is also one of the best small venues in town, and well-known local artists like Liz Harvey take the stage frequently. If you’re not all about the wine, just stop by some night, enjoy a meal or appetizer and hear some great tunes.
Taking the number-four spot is the Irish Pub, 317 State St. Despite its name, the place isn’t very Irish at all (Killian’s isn’t even on tap anymore), but it’s still a great downtown location to crash any night of the week. A surprising amount of people can fit on the lower level alone and there’s extra space up the stairs in back if it gets too crowded. The jukebox is great too, and has one of the widest selections on State Street. And even though the Killian’s no longer flows like water, there’s still plenty of Guinness and Irish Car Bombs to go around.
Moving on up State, Number Three on the list is Paul’s Club, 212 State St. If you’ve never been there … what’s wrong with you? I suggest you drop this paper you’re reading and head up there right now. There’s really nothing uncool about Paul’s Club, except the occasional line out the door. The bar has a gigantic tree in the middle of it, there are big leather couches and loveseats and it has, hands-down, the best jukebox in all of Madison (think Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, Weezer and loads of indie-rock mixes combined with hard rock and oldies).
If you’re not into the swankier scene, head to Mifflin for my number-two pick, the Silver Dollar (117 W. Mifflin St.). Just off the Capitol Square, the Silver Dollar is often overlooked and underestimated. It may not look like much, but it’s surprisingly entertaining — there are plenty of large, round tables for you and 10 of your closest friends, as well as music that ranges from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the Violent Femmes. Pitchers are cheaper than most area establishments too. But here’s the real kicker — Silver Dollar has tabletop shuffleboard. Yeah, that game your grandparents play at the condo in Florida, only in a tabletop version. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to spend a cold night than shuffleboard and a cheap pitcher of Spotted Cow.
And now for the big number one. If you only make it to one single bar over your month-long break, you must absolutely make it the Essenhaus, 514 E. Wilson St. Call a cab, put on your parka and walk, get on the number three or four bus and you’re just a hop, skip and jump away from some real Midwestern flavor. Most everyone on campus has heard of the famous Beer Boots, which do in fact exist and, yes, are all they’re cracked up to be. Imagine a beer glass the height of your average lava lamp and you’ve got the right idea. Even filled with bad beer that would be cool, but the Essen Haus goes a step further and offers some of the best authentic German beer in the state (which is saying something, considering the heritage of much of Wisconsin).
Even if beer isn’t your bag, you’re almost guaranteed to find the Essen Haus entertaining. There’s polka music, excellent German food and an atmosphere you just won’t find anywhere else outside the Old Country. If you get bored there, you can always venture next door to the Up North Pub or the Come Back In or down the street half a block to the Cardinal bar.
Well, there you have it — one measly bar columnist’s shout-out to the places you’ve gotta see to believe. It’s been a crazy, drunken semester and I hope you’ve enjoyed the column as much as I have. May your winter breaks be healthy, happy and above all, fun. Cheers!
