Once you enter the basement, you know it's going to be a good night. Best dartboard area in Madison

As if you don't already knows City Bar's strawberry vodka press is out of this world. Super refreshing and dangerous . You will not be disappointed. My mom and my girlfriend are obsessed. This place holds so many memories. The interior is nothing to write home about but the staff is friendly and the food is better than excepted. They could really vamp this place up with a little TLC, design, and paint. The inside hasn't changed in since my first drink here 10 years ago. I'd love to see them put some effort into the ambiance but then again that would probably attract more college kids. Sitting in a basement without windows particularly when the weather is nice is such a trade off. I was really happy to see they allow outdoor seating for the time being. read more

Having a venue for local bands is awesome. Putting them in the basement with no access for people with mobility problems is downright antisocial. 25% of the population is disabled, and we notice crap like this. Then we give our money and great reviews to fully accessible businesses. read more

Great burgers nice staff and atmosphere is mellow. I would recommend this place................

Came here with a buddy to catch the bucks play off game. I've had a couple drinks here before as well. The atmosphere here is great! Love the underground feel and it's very spacious. There are enough TV screens here and a variety of seating areas. The service and the drinks were fantastic. I forgot the servers name but she was very sweet and kept us entertained during the game. She was quick to make our drinks and take our orders. The food was OK at best. My friends "buffalo" wings had little to no sauce at all and my burger patty was super thin. It was also overcooked. The fries were good though. Will be returning, but not for food. read more

THEY HAVE A PRIZE WHEEL FOR HOURLY SPECIALS!!!!!!!! Two drinks in and I was sold. I swear, the 11PM to 12AM spin was probably the most exciting thing I witnessed all evening. I know, life of the party right? Pros: - decent drinks - updated playlist (with a few throwbacks) - plenty of seating/standing room - friendly and attentive bar service Con: - crowd was a little rowdy, too much pushing and shoving for me We had: 1 cranberry vodka 1 gin and tonic 1 skittle bomb 2 applepie/cherry shots Grand total: $11.50 At $2/shot, that means the 3 drinks we had cost us just a little more than seven bucks total. WHAT. I had to up the tip. Otherwise, I'd just be ripping them off. read more

The bouncers were incredibly rude, especially considering I come here often enough. I didn't know them and hadn't seen them there before. They denied me without looking at my ID, and when I insisted on handing it to them they refused to look at it. Keep in mind I AM in fact 21. When I asked why, they said "sometimes you just don't get into bars." to which I said, "you didn't even look at my ID." and they responded, "sometimes it's just the way you look and dress." They then proceeded to look at one another and laugh, and resume conversation ignoring that I was still there. I was wearing a tank top (covered my stomach), jeans, doc martens, and a leather jacket. Keep in mind all of my friends were there already too, and I know they were likely wearing the same or similar things to me. When they said this I walked away feeling embarrassed and self conscious. I would like to add that I am not a confrontational person, so this conversation went as calmly as it could have and I was annoyed but didn't project those feelings onto the workers I interacted with. So in conclusion, I don't usually leave reviews and I very much understand everyone is just trying to do their job, but to not only be denied by a couple of 19 year olds who refused to look at my ID but to also be blatantly disrespected, and treated so rudely just ruined my night and it makes me feel unwelcome to come back in the future. Especially considering I don't feel I did anything to deserve the response I received. read more

I tried to go to City Bar but Alan, the bouncer working, was being racist to me. I asked to go in to meet my friends and he said no. I asked for clarification and he asked "do you speak english?" I am a fluent English speaker, yet he profiled me. Would not go to this bar ever again. Especially if you care about racial minorities. read more

+1: Mango infused vodka that is hard to find elsewhere +1: (I forgot my ID and the bouncer let me in. I'm 6 years over the drinking age, but I look young) +1: Lit up palm tree in the corner. Aaw, a little tribute to California in Wisconsin frigidness! +1: Lots of places to sit -1: They turned off the jukebox, stealing my friend of her money and wisely picked songs. Lame! +1: You never have to wait too long for a drink, even when crowded +1: the bartender knew how to make a Surfer on Acid shot in a snap. -1: Very, very, very long walk to the bathroom which involves crossing the entire bar length if you are on the side with windows and then going up the stairs (if I remember correctly) A girl ran up to me frantic and asked me for a piece of gum like she was looking for her last cigarette fix. The "lit up" bar looks totally cheesy and it's barely a gimmick at all. It's not even lit up that much, unless you count the dimly illuminated frosted blue glass on the counter. A decently fun place you can go to at graduate school age and not feel too old, especially when you are with a crowd. I commend my boyfriend for picking this place for his birthday. The look on the actual bouncer's face when my friend got drunk and was taking IDs at the door: priceless. read more

Thank you City Bar for making my husband's birthday party a success! Kevin was very accommodating to our special requests, extending Happy Hour pricing due to the size of our group. We were delighted with the food. I had expected typical bar food, but the sandwiches and fish fry were very well prepared with high quality ingredients. Service was great! My party was the bulk of the customers and we were treated very well. The bartender worked with us to re-create some favorite shots from our college days. The place started to fill up around 10 pm, which is when we left. City Bar was The Flamingo during the 80's. It hasn't changed much, although the seating has been upgraded, the bar top re-done, and most importantly -- the bathrooms are much nicer! The bar is in the basement and there are no windows, so it is dark and kind of dank. After the birthday party, we left behind a gift bottle of booze and a few cards. Kevin had them for us later -- he set them aside for us to pick up. I thought this was very impressive as a bottle of Grey Goose would probably just walk off in most bars. We will return! read more

City Bar is located in a dark basement. The food is, in general, not that great-- it's mostly frozen fried stuff. (One exception: The Friday fish fry special is surprisingly good). So why am I giving the City five stars? That's easy: the City has Kevin, the greatest bartender and hardest working man in Madison. I will very much miss spending time here. read more

I have been religiously going to City Bar since I could go to bars - the initial reason was because of the staff. Very conversational, always remember me and my friends, great senses of humor, etc. etc. all good things. I have to walk past it on my way home every night, and I usually stop by just to go hang out with them - wouldn't be able to do that if it was a super rambunctious bar all the time. (side-note: it feels a little weird writing about this place - probably the longest review I'll give - just b/c I feel like this is a very formal thing to do for a place that I have a very informal relationship with. BUT I love it so I'm doing this :) Which is another thing I love about this bar. If you go there at the right time on the proper days, you're gonna have fun. If you like to go out and party and meet people and be rowdy, go there on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays after 10 or 11pm. If you wanna just go and chill out and have a beer (which they have a pretty good selection of, including great local beers) and eat some food, go there any other time. It IS in a college town, so when it's busy that's who's gonna be there. Just go during Happy Hour and there's usually a wider range of ages. They have really good specials, too, and their prices are already great. Thursday is my favorite special (lots o' beer!) - their infused strawberry and cucumber vodkas are amazing (they also sometimes have other flavors?), but get it shortly after they make it because they usually run out before a week. Game night (Tues) and Trivia night (Mon). Cards and other games etc etc etc but also free darts and Nintendo64s!!!!! Go MarioKart. They come up with the Trivia questions/themes. The food: free popcorn - just go to the back bar and pick it up. Yum. Also, super into their burgers (I always get the City Burger, Sweet Jimmy B, or South of the Border). Get the tots, ask for them buffalo. Also, limited cell reception. Music gets a lil loud. They have one of those digital jukebox things (that you can also get an app on your phone for). I'm pretty sure there's free WiFi (ask for password). Lit up bar is cool. Lots of seating. TVs. Oh, also-also, for you non-Madisonians, it's on State Street. The parking is around the corner in a garage or on the street around the block (only taxis and buses on State St). read more

Boy is this place cheap. Maybe I'm just not acclimated to Madison prices but $3 for that Karben4 IPA is incredible. Other than that, it's just sort of a divey college bar. BUt that seems totally appropriate given its location. read more

City Bar brings me back 2 - 3 years ago when I would attend college house/frat parties. This place definitely brings that vibe with college kids everywhere, top 40/rap music blaring, cheap drinks, sticky floors, and extremely crowded. Came in on a Saturday night with a group of people. A few people in the group wanted to come here, and I was down since I've never been. Walked down the steps and walked into the bar and squeezed our way to the bar. It took probably a good 15 minutes to actually get to the bar, grab the bartenders attention, order, and pay. Then it was trying to find a good place to stand where our big group wasn't in the way..which in all reality was no where. I don't think that I'll give this place another go, just not my scene, but like I said..probably would have loved this when I was 22 - 23! read more

City bar is okay - it's got an air of sketchiness to it - which may/may not be good if that's what you are looking for. - it's kind of like a bar slash lounge - that's underground. read more

I have never been straight up ignored or experienced such rudeness at a bar in my life until last Friday. Came here for the second time with a friend. We were completely ignored by the bartenders and other service staff. We were standing at the bar for five minutes as a young female bartender, literally within one feet away, was chatting casually with patrons next to us who have already been served. It was obvious we were waiting to place an order. She did not even acknowledge us. The place was not busy at all. This made us seething with anger. My friend could not help but to think she was ignored possibly because of her age (she's in her mid-40s). And I am a person of color. So who knows? All we do know is that no polite customer should ever be treated with such disrespect. So unfortunately for them, and fortunately for us, we left to go to Cooper's Tavern where the service, drinks and ambiance are excellent. read more

The City is underground and not so easy to find, but it's a neat, laid back place +Trivia Night on Monday! Be sure to check out their Twitter page beforehand to find out the bonus question ahead of time - The City doesn't really have too many great drink specials, but does have an alright selection of beers. I've always had fun and chatty bartenders there + Comfy lounge chairs, booths available, plenty of tvs Overall, it's a nice, laid back place (especially on Trivia Night Mondays) with okay drink specials but good drinks nonetheless read more

Kind of a hidden away spot on State Street. I usually only come here between about 3pm-6pm. During that time it's a decent low-key place to get a pitcher of beer and maybe some tater tots with some friends. It's usually quiet enough during that time to have a decent conversation. They also serve general pub fare. read more

Passion-fruit rum with orange juice, a bit of cream, and lemonade. Officially my new best friend. Came here on a Sunday evening. Wasn't crowded. Wasn't loud. Some folks playing Mario Kart on one side of the room. Pretty chill place. read more

First impression: I loved the feeling that I was descending a dark, dank stairway into a speakeasy. As if I have personal experience with that?! But I digress. I really dug the atmosphere: very low-key, with mood lighting and plush leather sofas. Good beer selection. Scary-ass bathrooms--not to mention that the stairs leading to them are a total drunk trap. But overall I'm a fan. read more

Your average kinda-dingy bar in a basement - not in a totally bad way though. This is a frequent stop for people in the department because it's not usually crawling with undergrads (though we once made the mistake of coming down here on a game day...never again) and the drinks are cheap and fairly strong. It's not the most attractive bar nor does it really have much ambiance but it's still a good place for a large group to meet up for drinks because it's easy (especially compared to other bars on State) to get a couple of tables together. They also serve your standard bar food, I am a particular fan of their fried cheese curds and other fried fare. Overall, a decent place to come get drinks with friends and not worry about it being too crowded or loud. read more

Kinda of unique bar for Madison. Is dark and small yet still has a college vibe. Seems like most people end up here later in the night. If Brats is spilling out, go across the street to this interesting spot. No cell service down below though. read more

Bouncer was rude as hell and complained that the expiration date on my two picture ID's didn't match up. Only let me in when I showed a third form of ID to a different bouncer. Try having an ID scanner for bars. read more

I'm not one for short reviews, but here we go: Haven't eaten there, besides the wonderfully free popcorn, so I can't comment on the food. To me, City Bar = Nostalgia. We went there every Thursday after our painful Trusts and Estates class. What's Thursday, you ask? Half price pitchers. Half price pitchers of damn good beer. Count me in, City. I will most definitely miss you. P.S.: Don't go on weekends or at night...unless you're an undergrad. One and done for me in that regard. read more

This is our favorite hide away bar since arriving in Madison. Chuck was the best bartender ever! Even after my girl started beat boxing...really she just said boots and cats really fast ten times read more

Uh, it has a light up bar. Yeah, that's kind of neat.

I've heard mixed reviews about this place, but I'm definitely a fan! I always have a great time here. Can definitely get pretty crowded, but, in my opinion, a bar is never fun unless it's crowded! This place is kind of tucked away, but definitely worth checking out! read more

Wonderful bar. Haven't been here for food or trivia (hoping to make it) but seriously my go to bar in a last minute decision or if I'm on state Street! Kind of a mix between a college bar and a dive bar. No complaints! read more

Used to go here a lot when I lived in Madison in my 20's. However was able to go back recently and have a martini and felt back at home. It was a Weekday but nonetheless was cozy and chill. Good times. read more

I am currently visiting Wisconsin to see my family and a few friends. Last night my friends and I had wanted to get a few drinks downtown. Knowing my ID was out of state, i figured some would question it being a fake, even though it is a REAL ID with MY PICTURE on it. My friends had decided to go get a drink at City Bar, we were all excited until we got to the bouncer. He was being incredibly rude to all of us and questioned my friends ID asking for another form, with that being said my friend provided another pictured ID proving it was in fact, him. Then it was my turn and the bouncer told me i needed another picture ID, me only having my debit card and my ONLY ID he told me i couldn't get in and started treating my friends and i unbelievably rude. It was quite shocking to see another person who resembled a 17 year old walked up, didn't get let in, and started trying to fight my friends and I because i was not allowed in with my REAL ID. the bouncer started swearing and being unbelievably unprofessional. I will never attend to spend my money at City Bar next time I visit Wisconsin. They should invest in getting a ID checker to prove the ID is in fact, real. instead of having someone with no college education look at ID's and turning them down. read more

This bar is worth checking out and then never going again. It's a hole-in-the-wall and has free popcorn, but after that, loses its luster. Walk up State St. for a slightly more classy joint like Paul's Club after you see this dark and crowded underground bar. read more

The city has weak, overpriced drinks, an oftentimes shady crowd, slow bartenders and massive spillage everywhere. The leather couches and chairs are this bar's only redeeming factors and there are about two dozen better places to grab a drink dowtown. read more

Well, this bar is down some stairs in a basement on State St. I remember when it was the Flamingo... great selection of beers. Nobody bothers me. This is a big plus. I like to drink alone, so not being bothered is key. It's nice and dark (a good place for nursing a hangover, perhaps?:P), has an illuminated-from-underneath bar (it used to cycle through pretty colors till the motor broke, I hear) and also, they have food! I haven't actually eaten anything there yet, so I can't comment on it- looks like typical pub/college kid fare. Everything is really reasonably priced for being downtown. They also have trivia some nights and some inSANE drink specials (usually on a chalkboard sandwich thing out front). So cheap! I wish I could get a big group to meet me there some afternoon, and hang there till it's dark out. That would be cool. read more

I do like this bar, especially on Fridays from 3-10 when they serve $3 pitchers of PBR or Bud Light. The low lighting and comfy couches and big booths lend to a laid-back atmosphere before 10 pm or so, but after that it becomes pretty much like any other college bar ever. I also have to subtract a star for their bartenders--despite seeing me and my friends nearly every Friday before hockey games this semester, they still card us and make no attempts to show a hint of friendly recognition. Overall, decent bar, but nothing special. read more

When I first entered the bar I thought, "wow... this looks exclusive! This has such a jiggy/groovy vibe to it!" However, when I was approached by the bartender that vibe surely changed. She felt the need to be condescending by correcting me about the drink specials along with giving me a snarky attitude. I would have indubitably LOVED!!!!! to bring my out of state friends to this bar because of the initial vibe I received. BUT, considering the low vibratory entity they have bartending down there I will never step foot in there again... She said her name was "M.J." Again, they have a cool setup down there with a pretty cool vibe, but unless the managers do something about that bartender their service and revenue will unequivocally deteriorate. read more

Interesting lounge type bar with a jukebox. Been here a few times. Not a bad place early on an evening if you want to actually hear people you're with. It seems pretty dead most of the times I've been there but I hear its actually a hopping place during the weekend. read more

Went on a not crowded rainy Friday night. We got pitchers and food and sat in the leather booths. The beer selection is mediocre, although apparently they have good drinks with lots of color. The food was pretty good - chips especially. The atmosphere was fine and I made it to the bathroom with issue (but if you have a small bladder or can't read signs that point to the restroom then you apparently oughta try somewhere else). They really should hire someone to paint a new mural - the current one is lame. read more

This bar is defintely for the college age crowd that likes to drink heavily and get really rowdy. It is a zoo after football games (when I went) and the crowd was way too obnoxious for me. I've heard that they infuse their own vodka which sounds pretty cool and I will definitely be back to try that....but probably earlier on in the evening...and probably not anytime near a football game! read more

The only reason to go here is to get crunk off of the addictive strawberry infused vodka. Four stars for the vodka, minus 4 stars for the music/jukebox selection, plus two stars for the light up bar, and plus one star for the kind bouncer who once upon a time found my phone and wallet and didn't pillage either... read more

This dark, basement bar is always a good place to run into that last guy you dated that you "forgot" to return his calls.....it never fails, I always feel like I know half the people here. Overstuffed leather chairs and good, loud music are key. The skyscraper drink is blue like windex...which frankly is unnatural....it's deadly though, watch out. I'd chose Blue Velvet over this bar any day, but it's one of my faves. Watch out though all you kids with fakes...the cops frequent this place as much as you do! 4 stars. read more