Mickey's deserves a 3.5 most of the year and 4 stars in the summer, when the patio is open. It's a pretty cool neighborhood bar with cheap drinks, okay atmosphere, a decent jukebox, and lots of kitsch appeal. The food is bordering on terrible, yet I find myself there often on summer weekends because of the patio. Madison oddly has few bars and restaurants with decent outdoor space, so Mickey's is always packed when it is nice out. Service is also middling to poor. As is the case with many hipster bars, you can't expect a quick drink, friendly bartenders, or a great server. If you like a cool bar, space, alt-country, and place to hand out and run into friends, this is the spot. Just don't go all wild with your expectations. read more

A good bar on the east side with lots of character. Came for lunch and got the Mickey's burger. The patty was flavorful and well seasoned. I was excited about the giardiniera on the burger but could barely taste it. That was a little disappointing. The fries were cooked well and crispy. Overall, it was a solid lunch. read more

A friend had always raved about this being a great place to bring your dog. And now I'm a raver too. The patio is great and they provide water and lots of dog love. The food is incredible. I had the eggplant panini with sexy fries. Bobby Brown was singing through them to me. So sexy. And the best bloody I've had in Madison. I can't wait to go back! read more

This place has a cool vibe and might be something out of San Francisco from the 70s is what I imagine. Very cool bar with a great decor and people. Is it hipster I'm not sure but I imagine it draws them. Barry white, smooth jazz, Dave Brubeck, Tin hat trio and Dionne Warwick plays at a nice level. You can't use the juke box before 10 pm so the house sets the mood which I totally love, some jack ass can't ruin the vibe they have going and play Ozzy or something like that. The back lounge area is very cool, see my pictures. We didn't eat there so I don't know how the food is but the patio was packed. I saw a the remains of a Bloody Mary pass by so I wanted one. I don't drink bloody Mary's, maybe two in my life but it was very good. This would be a totally awesome Sunday morning place after a hard Saturday night of drinking. See my pictures of the day. There is board games in the back lounge with a pool table which we used. This has got to be a neighborhood treasure to say the least and one very cool place, I like it. Two thumbs up. read more

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I love this place. It is literally a house half-converted to a bar. Pretty low key place to stop. I am going to make a regular visit when I am in the Willy St area. Also has a nice outdoor patio... so get there while the weather is still tolerable. read more

Nice beer selection, killer garlic fries/chips, super cool old building, and small. If I lived in this neighborhood, Mickey's would be my go-to watering hole. read more

Mickey's Tavern - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I enjoyed Sunday brunch here with a huge group. We had to wait a little while to be seated inside, but it was well worth it. It's definitely an old house that's been converted into a restaurant with seating in several different rooms. We got to sit on a couch and a comfy chairs around a large table. I had the tofu scramble (as did several others in my group) and it was pretty much to die for. I also tried a blueberry house kombucha with vodka....YUM! read more

Mickey's Tavern is a "nice" place. They have nice bartenders and really cozy atmosphere, so if you are in the casual mood, this is a good place to come with friends and talk. I'm not sure if this would be a party scene. Summer months seem to have more fun as the outside seating area open up. *Updates* I had the chance to sit outside and enjoy a very fine evening with friends. We ordered "Sexy fry", which supposedly is a french fry with truffle oil. It was SO good especially on a empty stomach after a softball game. It was a perfect accompaniment to beer and good time. read more

Joined a few friends here for Sunday brunch, but none of us realized that they don't open until 10(a bit late, in my opinion) though...so we were stuck loitering for a half hour outside.. Thankfully, it was nice out, so when we were let in, we decided to go right back outside--onto the back patio. There are quite a few tables outside, several large enough for 6-8 people. Two of us decided that bloody mary's were a must, and I was pleased. They came topped with an array of veggies, but the drink itself was a bit mild for my taste. I meant to ask for extra spice...but forgot. I tried the World's Greatest Sandwich, which was basically a BLT with an egg. Good, but not great. Certainly not the World's Greatest. The slaw that came on the side was a nice touch, though. It was tangy and not mayo-laden. The scrambles looked yummy, too. Our server was friendly and competent, which is always a plus. So, all in all, Mickey's is a good Sunday brunch for late risers who enjoy outdoor dining! read more

Delicious food (love their super sexy fries and green chile pork), friendly bartenders. Nice patio on the backside and the inside is cozy (and dark). Overall, a great place to go grab food and/or a drink. Cash only. Come prepared! (Or use the ATM inside.) read more

As everyone else has already said, the atmosphere in Mickey's is great. All of the different rooms allow for a certain element of privacy, but there is also a friendly, neighborhood-y vibe. I got lunch there with some friends the other day, and had the "World's Greatest Sandwich," which has 1 fried egg (over easy), bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. For me, it would have been "greater" with 2 eggs and riper/more flavorful tomatoes. That said, the egg was cooked perfectly, and the bacon was nice and crispy. Also got a bloody mary, which was OK, though not great (didn't quite have that zing, you know?), though it came with a beer chaser, which is always appreciated. read more

Great beer selection. Unique & clever mixed drinks. Elevated bar food. Sexy Fries = sliced, stacked, fresh potato chips with truffle oil, parm and chili flakes. Devine and devoured before we knew it. Chili Fries - Let's just say I will be here this fall when I want some chili. And I'm a picky chili eater. Yup - it was a fry kinda day. The patio out back is perfect for relaxing morning, noon or night. The menu isn't too large so you can be decisive. We'll be back for brunch sooner than later. read more

Ordered the Mickey Burger and I believe Jules Winnfield would agree with me and say "Mm-hmm! This is a tasty burger!"

Best Bloody Mary in Madison! The brunch is delicious, especially the breakfast burrito. Potatoes are crispy and delicious, as is the bacon. Fantastic Willy St atmosphere. read more

my friends have always been big fans of Mickeys and since I've moved closer, I frequent it much more often. I like the atmosphere a lot, anyone can feel welcome here from 70 yr old biker dudes to sorority girls, you'll find them all at Mickeys. And I live how it feels like youre at a house party, with all of the cozy couches and little books. The prices are in line with what you'll find around Madison ($6 so co old fashion, $4 ale asylum beer) and they have standard bar food. Fun place, me likey. read more

I've been converted. Mickey's is a GREAT place to hang out on the east side... probably the best place to just chill. Gentlemen, you're odds of picking up a gal are certainly better elsewhere, but that's not why you would come here anyway. Right? I'll admit, the musicians they book can be hit or miss, but all in all it's a great joint... even if the service is kinda slow. I've upgraded Mickey's from 3 stars to 4. I just don't know what was wrong with me before. read more

Visiting my daughter in Madison we came here for after dinner drinks. Staff is great- place is fun! Worst vodka Collins ever and so-so vodka cranberry but thankfully great local brews. Smoky as hell on the patio so it is inside for us. Will look forward to trying their food which my daughter says is good. All in all a good hanging out spot. read more

Great dive bar with really good food. Burger and fries are outstanding (some of the best in Madison). Beer selection is good. Vibe is hipster/hippie. The back patio in the summer is a hidden gem. read more

Best Damn bar in or out of the Polar Vortex. Great food. Greater Drinks. Greatest Hospitalmentality. I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy. Love this bar. read more

Mickey's is one of my favorite hole in the walls in Madison!! I say that admirably, of course! Bloody Mary is loaded with toppings although a little too much horseradish for my taste. Breakfast potatoes are perfect!! Nice and crispy with good flavoring. I had the eggs Benedict and enjoyed the sauce very much. Cash only, but with it! read more

I really love their outdoor patio. It is a great place to chill and have a beer in the summertime--and Mickey's really does have oh-so-many tasty microbrews on tap! I love the concept of the indoor bar, as well. It's a converted house with each room painted a different color. My favorite is the reddish-room just off of the main bar area. I just tried the food last night. I had a "Mickey's Burger," which was good, but I've had better. I was super excited to try the "Sexy Fries," which are thin slices of potatoes with truffle oil and parmesan. Really, they weren't that great. They might have been if the potatoes had been evenly layered with the oil and parmesan, but only a few slices on the whole stack seemed to have any flavor. I dunno about you, but I don't really like eating plain potatoes. The cheese curds weren't all cooked completely, which was extremely sad because I could see their potential for being phenomenal if they had been. They had a good coating and tasty cheese, but it just wasn't melted thoroughly. I'd eat here again, anyway. read more

Just stopped here yesterday morning for brunch and it was amazing. Cool space, nice staff, and great food! A must stop for locals and out of town guests as well. read more

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On a Friday night: Cute, fun, cozy. The bar was pretty busy and so kind of slow. A band was getting ready to play and there were a few obnoxious microphone screeches. We played pool, and there were plenty of places to sit around the table. The drinks were strong enough for me! Love that they kept it homey and house-like. read more

After a knitting group I attend had a really unpleasant experience in our last location, Mickey's has been our new, amazing home. In addition to the awesome atmosphere, excellent service, and scrumptious food, they've gone out of their way to welcome us, even once baking us our own cake and having Jane herself come to tell us to make ourselves at home. Mickey's is simply one of my favorite places in Madison, period. read more

Ive had the worlds greatest sandwich** three times now and it really is the worlds greatest sandwich. I highly recommend this sandwich not only because I have had dreams about this sandwich but because your are doing yourself a favor by getting this sandwich. I do always get it with the famous cole slaw and the kettle chips which are great as well. I always want to order something else off the menu because it sounds amazing, but this sandwich is far to tempting not to order. ** I order this sandwich with the egg cooked over hard. read more

Super cool and laid back place. It's a standard Wisconsin bar but without bar food - it's much better with fresh veggies. The sexy fries are AMAZING!!! read more

One of our go to places for pizza and eclectic fun. Thin pizza they make themselves. Great bartenders always there to have fun.

Mickey's is chalked full of old-school vibe and hometown personality, without being excessively hippie or hipster. Each room is different, one a living room with red walls and mirrors, another with pale green walls and old school photographs. Tasty and cheap define the drinks, with 6 dollar pitchers of Newcastle-type ales or Old Style, depending on your tastes. The crowd is neighborhoodish, folk-alt-country groups often play on the weekends, and don't forget about the small pool table and darts. Mickey's is a must-experience for Madisonians and visitors who tire of the increasing blandness of the State Street scene. read more

Great little bar. Been here a few times for evening festivities, and went today for the first time for lunch with my husband. He got the Mac & Cheese, which he said was just a little bit too cheesy, but still VERY good, just can't eat a lot of it at once. I got the reuben with "sexy" fries. Not a huge fan of the fries, but I can see how someone might find them delicious. I just didn't care for the white truffle sauce they were tossed in. Tasted a bit too mushroomy to me. Still a 5 star review though, because the staff is always wonderful, the building is quaint and cozy, and my sandwich was absolutely delicious. I will definitely be back, just probably won't order the "sexy" fries again... ;) read more

Mickey's Tavern - "Sexy" fries - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I didn't want my burger to end. The feta was the creamiest feta I have ever had. The staff were very accommodating. we asked if the one crispin was dry or sweet and they were not sure so they just cracked a bottle open and let us try it. I can't wait to come back here. Lovely vibe. Lovely staff, the best burger I have ever had! Try this place!!! read more

Everything a person could want in a brunch...from the joy of discovering surprisingly upscale flavors inside what appears to be a hole-in-the wall, to a properly spicy Bloody Mary, to a breakfast burrito where they'll happily sub veggie sausage. Even loved the ska/salsa/lounge mix playing in the former living room where we ate. On weekends, check out the cute (not smelly) antiques shop upstairs. Absolutely fantastic spot! read more

Mickey's Tavern - Lives up to the hype. Deeeelicious! - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Mickey's is great! The employees are fantastic. Drinks are well made and there's a nice beer selection. The tiny kitchen makes delicious food. Good dogs are welcome on the wonderful patio out back. Live music is excellent and always free. I particularly recommend seeing Mal-O-Dua for one of their frequent Thursday night gigs, or coming to see the Apologists, who have been referred to as "the worst band in the city" by a previous reviewer. Perhaps the best feature of this fine establishment is that known oxygen thieves like Ron Witt are not welcome. Cheers! read more

Idk. It's a good bar but I was shuffled out in 17 degree weather while my cab was still 10 minutes away.

Best Bloody Mary in town! I've had their sexy fries, green chile pork, pulled pork sandwich, and quesadilla. All great, but would skip the pulled pork. Great outdoor seating and unique indoor seating. Friendly staff. I personally would skip this place for breakfast since I haven't had anything I've liked for breakfast food. read more

Best burger is all of Madison (and I love burgers). Awesome dog friendly patio. Chill vibe. Board games. Recommend!

Great bar, feels like being in your friends living room. I love the sexy fries! Good variety of beers and spirits, very reasonable prices, awesome live music. Feels super divey some times. Can't beat chilling on the patio for brunch with their awesome Bloody Mary! The kitchen is not open late, so get their early if you want food. Great bike parking, love the bike service station in the back. read more

Hipster bar where the food is decent but the terrible wait staff and bar tenders aren't worth the trouble. They're rude. I've heard people say "It's just they're thing." As far as I'm concerned it's not permissible. read more

Fantastic food with a great beer selection. One of Madison's oldest bars and still going strong! The night crowd tends towards the hipster and those who want to be "cutting edge" but don't have the guts to venture out into the world like NYC, Chicago or LA. Daytime tends towards more working class and grad students. It is as close to the old 602 Club as anyone will ever get and that makes it work. read more

Good mac and cheese and great bloodies. BAD service (except Ben, he's a gem! And, perhaps Chris...). 3 of us were in there on a night that the kitchen was closed. We politely asked one of the bartenders if, since that was the case, if we could order some delivery (Oriental Wok, in case you're curious; they deliver 'till 2am!) Her response? "I don't care." Really? So, if I wanted to get up on the bar, cop a squat, and take a nice big dump on the bar, you wouldn't care either? Oh, yeah, apathy is SO 'punk rawk'. Then, two of us asked for our Bloodies to be spicy. The response? 'We make a mix in the morning'. OK, so could you add some heat to ours? "That doesn't MEAN anything." What the HELL?! She then proceeded to slam our Bloodies down and left a bottle of Tabasco on the bar. Well, fuck you too. We finished our food, drank our bloodies and left a buck. Just to be polite. Maybe some of those hipper-than-thou hacks could try following that example. If you don't want to deal with people not as tattooed, pierced, and snotty as you, DON'T WORK in the service industry. I live in the area so I'll be back for Bloodies, but my friend from Chicago was appalled by the way we were treated. He said he'd never go there again. Even if I was buying. Damn. read more

Ok, I get it. You don't want to pay the merchant processing fees that come with accepting credit cards. Fine. But as a business owner, I think you should consider the fact that people tend to spend on average 30% more when they are paying with credit cards verses cash. "But we have an ATM" - This helps, except when it's out of order because it malfunctioned while dispensing cash. My cash in fact, that I never received. As a result of your malfunctioning ATM my group moved to Gib's down the road because we literally could not give you any more of our business. The inconvenience of an ATM and it's inevitable issues is not desirable. I would love to see you accept credit cards even if it means bumping up your costs to cover the merchant fees. read more