This place is awesome. I'd put it head-to-head with anywhere in the nation. If you're a cocktail snob, you'll be delighted. If you're a music snob, you'll be delighted. My sazerac was spot on. The DJ was amazing. The service was attentive, the atmosphere was festive but not broey. You can't go wrong here. read more

I got an opportunity to check out this new spot on State Street because my pal had heard good things about it. The space inside is beautiful. It is a grown up person's whiskey bar. The lack of sports gear and beer signs is really refreshing. We sat in a booth and didn't know if we should walk to the bar or if there was table service. We decided to get our drinks at the bar as we only saw two bartenders. The electronic menu board is pretty easy to read but I was looking for a physical menu to look at all the whiskey choices. I ended up ordering the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Old Fashioned kegged cocktail. I really liked the drink and didn't miss the muddled fruit on the bottom. I would like explore this place more when I can. read more

They have the most impressive whiskey menu I have ever seen, in Madison or anywhere else for that matter. Great $4 whiskey options, or plenty of pricier choices if that's your style. I opted for the bourbon flight, and it was excellent. read more

I went because someone in our group wanted to go there, possibly to try and impress me. I was impressed at all of the hard liquor bottles they had on their shelves. My biggest issue was that of noise. We had to almost shout to talk to one another. They did have someone spinning in the front which was pretty cool. There were a lot of selections of drinks. I just wanted a mid range beer and ordered the "Avery" and it was ok. It was nice to go there but not my scene. We had one drink and left. I probably won't go back but if you are a connoisseur of liquor, it might be a place for you to try. read more

Great spot for final-final! Ken is the man! I traveled to Madison on business and came across C&A. Will definitely be returning!

Best place downtown for craft beers, cocktails and over 200 different whiskies. If you are headed to a show downtown this is must stop by place. read more

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Wow. What a cool ass place. Stayed downtown and found it on Yelp so off we go. Major supply of whatever you may be looking for. Had a craving for some higher end whisky/bourbon and they did not disappoint. Very knowledgeable staff and helpful with decisions. A must stop when in town. read more

A very contemporary bar with a clean modern vibe. The beer selection is on point and the selection of whiskeys is the best in Madison. It can take a while to get served, even if you're sitting at the bar. The pre-made drinks were not good at all and we tried several. If you love your whiskey neat and/or your craft beer cold, this is definitely your place. read more

This place is just lovely! The interior is so warm and inviting, and I love the cocktails they have available. Bartender was making them quickly on the Friday night I was there. read more

Finally State Street is getting some adult spots! Great looking place. Great whiskey line up - hard to beat. Beer list impresses too. Music in background really good too. 5 star once people find. read more

Cask & Ale - Lounges Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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We came upon Cask and Ale for a night cap... it was a great spot! We ordered Bullet whiskey gingers for only $9 ... what a deal!! Would definitely come visit here again. read more

If you're a totally newbie to the world of whiskey, or if you're an expert - you're going to love this place. When I come in on a slower night, the bartenders are always up for a little chat and some recommendations. The tap list is also nicely varied and digital, which is quite nice. And ladies - this place has European style bathroom doors. The ones that are real doors without the massive gaps along the edges. I'd honestly give the place 5 stars for that alone, but I swear the drinks and service are 5-star worthy as well. read more

I absolutely love this place. Everyone who works here really cares about what they serve, and the relationship they make with the people on the other side of the bar. Additionally, as a big whiskey drinker, they know their stuff and are happy to talk about the whiskies and have loads of knowledge on their inventory. To top that off, if you're there with people who aren't whiskey drinkers, they have a whole assortment of spectacular cocktails, beer, and wine to make anyone happy. As far as social bars go, I have no reason to go anywhere else. read more

This bar has a super cool vibe! Their bar size and collection is truly Impressive. They have two 40 inch TV screens above the bar listing their beer list. The cocktail selection appears endless. For seating, they have lots of high tops and really big old school booths. This was great for our large group last night! Additionally, the location is prime, right in a row of bars allowing for easy hopping. I would love to come back some night soon! read more

This is such a cool place! My friends and I waited out a bad storm for hours here one night, and it was the best decision we could've made. A huge selection of whiskey and taps alike, and a beautiful aesthetic. Large gangster booths, dim lighting, and nice tall ceilings and cool bar decor. I also got to witness a proposal last I was there, and they filmed a segment of the bachelorette here, so there is definitely something a bit romantic about this place! read more

Best craft beer and whiskey selection in town Cool monitors keep you up to date on beer selections although known for their beers, definitely get down on their cocktails. Whoever the guy is who runs this place knows what he's doing (super nice, I met him "Ken" I think was his name (he was over at Pauls club forever doing a great job running that place, and finally got his own spot! Bravo Ken!) last time I was in with some friends for Saturday evening drinks! I haven't tried any food here myself and don't know if they serve it, but if they do I imagine its great! read more

What a nice addition to the neighborhood. Excellent whiskey and tap selection. Great atmosphere for a range of ages!

This place is great. Awesome beer selection! They have a great whiskey bar as well with some unique options you don't see everything.

I guess this is a fairly new place in downtown Madison, and it's a great addition! We came for the beer selection, which was great! Lots of craft options that were unique. The digital boards are really nice to see the details of what's on tap. I know they're also known for their whiskey selection, so there's something for everyone! read more

Love this place. The maps on the wall are amazing. Love the drink variety. Check it out!

Love this place. All alcohol, no food served at all -- that's how serious they are, and it shows. Consistently excellent beer selection. Haven't even made it to the spirits yet, been so busy with the beers. read more

As someone who has sampled a lot of whiskey and whiskey cocktails, the draft old fashioned here was on par with the worst I've ever had. Tasted like medicine, not in a good way as in "grandpa's old cough medicine". Seems as though if you're a whiskey bar that's one cocktail you should really have nailed. Had a mixed cocktail after, which I recall, was a better. Meh, I'd still give this place another shot, it's a nice bar. read more

Love the cask whiskey! Great Manhattan. I wish I could get some good food to go with the drinks. Very knowledgeable bartenders.

This place is legit! If you like whiskey this is the best place in Madison. Pappy fans? Ask for the Weller 12. You won't be disappointed! Great selection, great atmosphere. read more

I love the vibe of this bar. Dark, clean, and classy (while still being casual). The booths are spacious and comfortable, and there are larger tables for bigger groups to fit quite comfortably. There is no table service, so you have to go to the bar to order drinks. That seems kind of weird for a nicer establishment like this, but it's not a big deal. Now, I'm not a whiskey drinker, but I came here with some friends that are. My husband was in heaven with all the options. I know he loved this bar. As for me, I was disappointed by the fact that they only serve wine by the bottle. Looking at a wine list with so many wines that I love, but not being able to order a glass is very frustrating. I understand that this bar is called Cask and Ale, so I wasn't expecting a ton of wine options, but they could at least offer a red blend and a white by the glass for the wine drinkers of the group. Otherwise, what's even the point of only selling bottles? I can't imagine many people ordering a whole bottle of (very expensive) wine at a bar like this, but perhaps I'm wrong. Since there was no wine, I ordered one of their cocktails (the princess slayer). It was nice and refreshing, but there was SO much ice and not much drink. I finished it in about 5 sips. Pretty disappointing for a cocktail that cost me $10. I certainly wouldn't oppose coming back to Cask and Ale, but I definitely would not be the one to suggest it. read more

The beer selection was out of this world, but our 12 person party didn't fit in their 5 person booth. There was a map of Nashville on the wall, which we took a picture of for future travels. A local high school prom-goer threw up in the bathroom sink, but that did not deter me from enjoying a generic tap beer though a heavy rock ballad. read more

A new favorite spot! This place has TONS of options for many kinds of alcohol, but especially whiskey. They also have a nice selection of craft beer and cocktails. (Can you say Old Fashioneds on tap?) read more

Great atmosphere. Huge selection of whiskey. Great taps, cocktails, and wine by the glass. The bartenders are also very knowledgeable.

Huge selection of craft beer and whiskey, cool vibe, bartenders who understand what good customer service looks like from having spent years in the business. A must-visit spot in downtown Madison. read more

Cask & Ale - Lounges Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Focused on whiskey--but also a good selection of beers and some kegged cocktails. The bar features a long bar with electronic drink boards on the wall and booths along the other wall. I do like that the electronic drink board can give you lots of information about the featured beverages, but at the same time sometimes it feels like the information is flashing by quickly and you don't have enough time to focus. I saw a couple at one end of the bar doing amn informal whiskey tasting and having a good conversation with the bartender, which was promising. The bartender also came around to our table and explained the kegged cocktail options. The kegged cocktails definitely use more premium spirits than perhaps what one associates with kegged cocktails, and good ice, too. I did appreciate our brief conversation with the bartender, as its clear that they put a lot of thought into their drink selection and have a passion for whiskey and other spirits (PS, the beer selection is decent too) read more

Great drinks list and endless selection of whisky from inexpensive to outrageously expensive! It's a great bar on State Street for those wanting to avoid the typical college dive bar. read more

Nice to see a non-college bar that doesn't feel too upscale at all. The bartenders are great. The atmosphere is relaxed. A lot of awesome brews and incredible selection of whiskey and bourbons. I love how their big main front window remains open to the street (reminds me of pubs in Boston). read more

Yay! A quiet and elegant bar on state street!! Amazing menu of fine liquors, cocktails and beers, and an atmosphere designed for sipping and talking, not guzzling and yelling. Perfect for grabbing a drink before going to a show at the Overture. read more

This place has a very nice selection of drinks and is conventionally located near downtown madison. Where u live now! I will be returning here with some more friends and family and co workers for sure. Very laid back and a great place to enjoy read more

Went there because of the reviews on yelp before a concert. They had one bartender taking care of the whole bar and finally a 2nd bartender showed up to help out. Waited 10 mins, went to the bathroom and waited a bit more then left. Not even a head nod, bad game bro. Anyway we went to Paul's right next store who only had 2 bartenders and way busier but acknowledged me and told after waiting a few that I'm next. Don't have a problem with waiting just don't like shitty bartenders. I know it's a tough job, but come on man. That's all. Oohh wait, they don't have waiters/waitress's either so shimmy your butt up to the bar and wait for the greatness to serve you. And BTW the shots and beer from the place next store (Paul's) where I'm right now may have gotten to me. read more

They have an unrivaled whisky/bourbon/scotch list. Great place to sample spirits that are hard to find in an average (and sometimes above average) liquor store. A great selection of craft beer is available as well. Even with the State St location, this is not a bar catering to the college set. The bartenders are knowledgeable and made a slightly uncommon cocktail without needing to look up a recipe. Lovely place for a drink! read more

The bartender was one of the rudest I've had in Madison. If you like to talk to someone who rolls your eyes at you and makes you feel insignificant, I recommend coming here. read more