this is the place to be…read more atomosphere, electric. bar tenders, hospitable. drinks, strong.

A true Wisconsin dive bar--nothing fancy, just what it is…read more We came to Dive Inn thanks to a pub pass, and it's exactly what the name suggests. It's a local hangout with that classic dive bar vibe: friends chatting at the bar, a lonely guy playing slots in the corner, and no pretense whatsoever. The atmosphere is very "Wisconsin dive," and if you're not a local, it's easy to feel out of place. The drinks are standard, nothing special, and the food is nothing to write home about. It's cozy in a low-key way, but don't expect anything fancy. For locals looking for a casual spot to grab a drink, it works, but outsiders might not feel the same warmth.

What a new gem for the north side of town! I had an appointment in the area and had my dog with me,…read moreand this place had been recommended by another dog-lover friend. I'd heard mixed reviews from various people who had gone right when they opened, and I was very happy with the place. We were celebrating my pup's 12th birthday, and the bartender offered him a "Pup-tini." Wow, how sweet and it was the cutest, most thoughtful pup treat I've seen in quite some time. The bartender was super nice and accommodating for my un-Wisconsin request of a classic old fashioned served up. And omg it was delicious -- it's hit or miss at cocktail bars how it ends up, and this is officially one of my favorites. While tiny, the inside is really cutely decorated and has these amazing lush emerald green chairs. They're so comfortable! I'm already planning to come back here with some friends. It's size means it probably will be packed at peak drinking times, but I came on a weekday afternoon close to when they opened. There were still a decent amount of people here, but there was a nice outdoor patio type space as well. Consider this one of my new favorite places in Madison. Highly recommend.

We were trying to go to another bar in the area on valentines and it was already full so we…read morestumbled over here and we were not disappointed. First thing is they have touch tunes so you can set your own vibes for the night. The decor and lighting is perfect. A lot of velvet seating and gold accents. It is a dog friendly space which is kind of random for a cocktail bar but I don't mind it. I pet 4 dogs. The bartenders were super nice. I ordered the "Yes you can buy me love" which was Espolon Tequila, Strawberry, Lime Juice, Triple Sec, Coconut Milk, Mint, Sugar Rim. It was really good. I also tried my husband's "Stuck in a Snowbank" which was state line coffee liqueur, bourbon cream, frangelico, cold brew. It basically tasted like a coffee that was a little sweeter. All the cocktails were great. Again I'm so glad we stumbled across this stop because even the bar goers were super nice.

I've been to Dive Bars all over the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, Berlin, Munich,…read moreParis, etc. This is the best Dive Bar ever!!!

I have been coming here for at least the past 20 years (it's been open more than 60+) and can't…read morebelieve I haven't reviewed it yet. The past reviews outline it pretty well. A great cocktail lounge that is outfitted in everything Tiger nestled within a strip mall. They still don't take credit cards, cocktails are good as ever and the lights are still as dim as possible. A throwback to all that is good in a Wisconsin cocktail lounge. It's a great place for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.

What an awesome neighborhood bar!…read more Came here with some really cool Yelp friends the other night for a Nacho night we put together. The people at Woody Anne's were very accommodating and let us use the shuffleboard table for our food. They were also nice enough to let us bring our own food. The bartender was extremely attentive and friendly, and other patrons at the bar were very friendly too! Great local place to come to for drinks with some friends. It's pretty small inside, but they have a decent amount of seating at the bar. Bring some cash with you if you come here, as it is cash only.

Literally have no idea how this place has 4 stars. The regulars are absolutely terrible (minus a…read morefew decent ones) and basically own the bar. Good if you want to be overcharged for drinks unless you're an old man.

There is a lot of hype about the fish fry here and it's all true. It's a cozy neighborhood bar with…read morefriendly staff and patrons. There was a couple in their 60s next to us and the wife said she had been coming here since she was 6 and it hasn't changed. I got the walleye and my wife got the lake perch. The breading was very flavorful and the meat was savory. Perfectly fried. On a separate occasion I've gotten onion rings here and they were the same quality. Also, the onions don't slide out when you bite into them - one of my pet peeves with onion rings . 100% would recommend this place!

We had heard good things about the fish fry at this classic Wisconsin dive bar on the near north…read moreside of Madison. We also heard it is jammed on Friday nights for the fish fry so we arrived super early to grab a table in the bar area. The place was hopping by 4:30 and people were waiting for a seat! You order your food at the bar. On Friday the menu is pretty much fish fry and not much else - no problem since that is why we were there. We started with some old fashions - always my test of a Wisconsin bar - it was OK. I had the perch fish fry and my wife the cod. The perch was excellent. I really liked their batter it almost tasted like the Colonel's. The cod was also good and a big serving. I also liked their coleslaw which was very flavorful. The fries were very good. They did screw up my order - I asked for fries and got a baked potato but we did a quick switch and resolved that issue. I know food inflation is high these days but we were surprised at the price of these fish fries! The drinks were reasonable. It's not a big place so come early on Fridays.

what a gem!!! honestly coming here gave me a bit of stress because the name of the place isnt…read moreimmediately obvious but tbh if u see a bunch of hipsters / bikers chilling on a crowded patio/bar you're in the right place also ordering was difficult during rush hour -- you order at the bar no one really comes to get your order i think that being said. their margs on tap are incredible !! and it was dinner rush so our food took quitw some time but let me tell you!! all of the impatience/anger in my body completely disappeared when i took that first bite. the tacos truly are so so good especially the steak/beef ones. i feel like i truly saw the light/tasted tacos w flavor combos ive never hit before 10/10 i would like to come back again soon ohio tavern

The perfect dive bar in the middle of Madison. The specialize in tacos which are excellent.read more

we had really good burgers and fish fry Service was amazing…read moreand the vibe in this place was fun Lots of regulars to visit with Will be back for sure

Very friendly staff, cheap food, cool dive bar feel. Food is good not great. They took care of 9…read moreof use pretty quickly.

I. love. the. Up. North. When I lived on Willy street the Up…read moreNorth became my bar. I was never a regular at a bar until I was within walking distance of the Up North. The people that work there are really nice. The atmosphere is always calm and cozy. Very very rarely do a few drunk frat boys dribble in there if the Essen Haus is too busy. People seem to overlook it and thats a part of why I love it. The regulars that go there are also really fun. When I want to hang out with a friend and have a good conversation I go to the Up North. Its always really chill in there. There's a pinball machine if you need it. There's always drinks specials. And popcorn. Basically I have no complaints about the Up North. Its a great bar.

Stopped in about a month ago for a friend's little get together, and had a great time! Currently…read morepregnant, so can't shed much light on the beverage situation, but the vibe is fun and pretty much quintessential Wisconsin bar. My kids enjoyed the pinball machines and the board games they had available, and it was the perfect day to sit outside on the deck. We were thrilled to find out that it is non-smoking out there, because we were able to hang out with our kids out there and just enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. I definitely plan to return post-partum to enjoy some alcoholic beverages at this fun establishment!

Taco Tues!!! Gimme 6 bucks worth!…read moreCan't go wrong with Tonya and Michelle at the helm. I've been going here for five years every Tuesday. That equates to a lot of tacos and I'm still not tired them... The place looks a little rough but it's really a sheep in wolfs clothing. Great bar great crowd great food!

One of the best bar burgers in town, with good service. And to top it all off a band playing…read moreoutside.

Very good bartender. Excellent beer selection. Favorite bar in Madison. Wish we lived closer.read more

No menu, no directions, limited beers on tap. Set up was not good. Very loud, not great for…read moretalking to your friends or family at a table. Asked for a blue moon not sure what I received but the flavor was no good. The food from Hanks inside the restaurant was reheated frozen food.