This guide covers 5 cocktail bar options in Madison. Guests rate them 4.5 out of 5 on average. Most of them are in Marquette, so that is the area to start with.

All Cocktail bar in Madison

The Botanist Social

4.5 614 reviews

The Botanist Social is a dining establishment located in Madison, WI, offering a menu that includes dinner and late-night food options on weekends. It operates from Tuesday to Sunday, providing a bar service that extends until closing. The restaurant caters to a diverse clientele looking for a social dining experience. The Botanist Social is known for its creative cocktails, with over 60 gins and house infusions on the menu. The establishment's menu changes monthly to highlight Wisconsin produce, foraged mushrooms, and edible flowers from the farmers' market. The chef-driven small plates are designed to be shareable, and the atmosphere is a blend of lush, plant-filled ambiance and a vibrant downtown energy. The Botanist Social is a popular spot for foodies and craft cocktail enthusiasts, offering a unique, garden-inspired atmosphere right in the heart of downtown Madison. The establishment is perfect for small groups, date nights, and anyone seeking a lively, communal spirit. The staff are knowledgeable about allergens and happy to recommend substitutions or check ingredients for those with sensitivities.

Opening hours
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday4 PM–12 AM
  • Wednesday4 PM–12 AM
  • Thursday4 PM–1 AM
  • Friday4 PM–2:30 AM
  • Saturday12 PM–2:30 AM
  • Sunday2 PM–12 AM

Merchant Madison

4.3 1,445 reviews

Merchant is an energetic industrial-chic cafe, craft cocktail bar, and late-night destination specializing in no-nonsense, seasonal fare and drink steeped in the classics. It celebrates the growing city, innovative industry, and thriving neighborhood of the historic First Settlement District of Madison, a neighborhood steeped in history, quality, authenticity, style, and entertainment. The cafe's menu features elevated American classics, such as shrimp cakes, steaks, burgers, and mac and cheese, paired with twists on classic cocktails using fresh ingredients and heritage spirits. Merchant was built to bring people together, celebrating Wisconsin's farms and artisans, supporting local organizations, and creating spaces for celebrations, business lunches, date nights, and everyday meals to become part of the fabric of the community. The cafe's menu is rooted in European classics, New Orleans influences, and Wisconsin's exceptional farms, paired with one of Madison's most celebrated bar programs. This creates an experience that is polished without ever feeling formal. The cafe's menu offers a mix of experiences, with some patrons praising the delicious food and attentive service while others found certain dishes underwhelming. The ambiance is described as pleasant and inviting, with highlights including the chili crunch hummus, fried cheese curds, oyster mushroom shawarma, passion fruit pisco sour, and cauliflower cobb salad. However, there were complaints about noise levels and inconsistencies in dish preparation. Despite mixed reviews on food quality, many guests appreciated the friendly staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Opening hours
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday4–9 PM
  • Wednesday4–9 PM
  • Thursday4–9 PM
  • Friday4 PM–12 AM
  • Saturday9 AM–12 AM
  • Sunday9 AM–9 PM

Madison’s

4.3 860 reviews

Madison's Restaurant & Bar is a dining establishment located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. It offers a menu featuring a fresh selection of dishes, with a focus on seasonal, local Midwestern ingredients infused with global flavors. The restaurant's atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a popular destination for intimate gatherings and lively events. The menu at Madison's features a variety of options, including dry-rubbed wings, craft cocktails, and refreshing tap beers. Sports fans can catch all the action on the restaurant's thirteen TVs, showcasing local teams such as the Badgers, Packers, and Bucks. On weekends, Madison's is a popular spot for brunch, with a menu that includes homemade Bloody Marys, Bottomless Mimosas, and savory breakfast options. Madison's Restaurant & Bar is a casual yet upscale dining experience that is suitable for a wide range of occasions. The restaurant is open for dinner, Monday through Thursday, and Friday and Saturday, with extended hours on weekends. The menu is priced at $30 and under, making it an affordable option for diners looking for a high-quality meal.

Opening hours
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday4–9 PM
  • Wednesday4–9 PM
  • Thursday4–10 PM
  • Friday4–11 PM
  • Saturday10 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday10 AM–8 PM

Bar Corallini

4.8 1,492 reviews

Bar Corallini is an Italian restaurant located in Madison, WI. It offers a range of hand-crafted pasta, pizza, and classic Italian cocktails in a cozy and convivial atmosphere. The restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Giovanni Novella, who brings his passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality to every dish and guest interaction. The restaurant's menu features a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, and small plates, including farinata fries, eggplant fritters, and braised octopus. The menu also includes a selection of house-made pastas, such as ravioli al formaggio and rigatoni alla bolognese, as well as a range of Italian-style sandwiches and salads. The restaurant's happy hour menu features $6 classic Negronis and Venetian Spritzes, as well as a selection of draft wines and Peroni beers. Bar Corallini is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and has received rave reviews for its creative cocktails, expertly prepared pasta dishes, and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is open for dinner and brunch, and offers a range of catering and event options for private parties and corporate events. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner or a casual gathering with friends, Bar Corallini is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and memorable dining experience.

Opening hours
  • Monday4–9 PM
  • Tuesday4–9 PM
  • Wednesday4–9 PM
  • Thursday4–9 PM
  • Friday4–10 PM
  • Saturday11 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday11 AM–9 PM

RED

4.7 2,156 reviews

RED is a restaurant located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, offering a unique dining experience with a global menu that goes beyond traditional Japanese cuisine. The restaurant was founded by Tanya Zhykharevich and Jack Yip, who met in Madison and shared a vision of creating a dining experience that was more than just great food. They opened RED in 2011 with a focus on serving creative entrees with the highest quality ingredients in a modern environment. RED's menu is a fusion of traditional and modern cuisine, with a focus on freshness and presentation. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including sushi, seafood, and American cuisine, all made with the finest ingredients and presented in a beautiful and elegant way. The chef-created entrées are carefully crafted to combine the highest quality ingredients in a modern environment, with a focus on showcasing the beauty and fresh flavors of the fish. The restaurant also offers a variety of signature rolls and cocktails, all made with care and attention to detail. RED is open for dinner from Sunday to Thursday from 4:30 pm to 9 pm, and from 4:30 pm to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery services, including delivery to McFarland and Stoughton, and reservations can be made online through Resy. RED also offers private events and catering services, and has a variety of spaces for special occasions, including the Shadow Suite and the Gilded Room.

Opening hours
  • Monday4:30–9 PM
  • Tuesday4:30–9 PM
  • Wednesday4:30–9 PM
  • Thursday4:30–9 PM
  • Friday4:30–10 PM
  • Saturday4:30–10 PM
  • Sunday4:30–9 PM