It's not quite Friday night yet — or even Friday afternoon, for that matter. But you're looking for a good place to get an early start on the weekend's booze-laden debauchery.
To find this early-bird equivalent to drink specials, look no further than Madhatter's. Starting at 3 p.m. Friday, adventurous partygoers can immerse themselves in a sea of $2 pitchers ranging from Miller Lite to the more highbrow fare Leinenkugel's breweries have to offer. Now, hold on to your wool hats, because this deal does not stop until 9 p.m.
If you are looking to be one of those ridiculed but respected few who end their Friday night before it really starts, passing out on a substandard futon as friends and neighbors alike begin their evenings, then it would be wise to take a shot at the full six-hour carnival of carbos. If not, it would still be a good idea to show up before 6, as the demand to get in regularly becomes greater than the demand to score tickets to a Cher concert.
Unfortunately, those who enter “Friday After Class” usually do not choose to leave before the 9 p.m. cutoff. Further enhancing the atmosphere, 'Hatter's employs some of Madison's loveliest barkeeps to dole out the beverages that make up the city's finest deal.
But be warned: do not attempt to holler at them by name in the hopes of receiving quicker service, as they are too busy under the duress of many barking patrons to fall for such typical boozehound trickery.