It looks like an average corner dive bar from the outside but wow, was this a fantastic place a see…read morelive music in Madison! Heads up: cash only at the bar. Come prepared. Bartenders were very nice. Tip them. There is an ATM near the restrooms if you run out of cash. The acoustics are fantastic and I loved the St. Patrick's Day weekend concert! It was packed, but we still found space to dance. Plenty of free street parking. I'm not used to that as a Chicagoan. That was a nice surprise.

I REALLY wanted to love Crystal Corner, but sadly after our recent visit, popping back by on my…read morenext trip to Madison is not looking very likely. Crystal Corner is located in the famed Willy Street area of Madison, sitting on the corner of Willy Street and Baldwin Street. Crystal Corner has the vibe of the neighborhood, as is it divey, funky, nostalgic and truly local. However, even with all those things, this spot missed the mark for me and my buddy. We swung by on Sunday afternoon for a few drinks while wandering around Willy Street. We bellied up to the bar and ordered a couple of Bloody Mary's, to which the bartender said "Oh, I need to make up some mix. I can't believe people still drink those things around here.". Which was odd, as that was about to be our third bloody of the day, with neighboring restaurants going as far as having special bloody menus. The bartender pulled a can of tomato juice out, dumped it in a pitcher, added a few dashes of hot sauce, Worcestershire and some seasonings. And that was it. She then took some rail vodka, mixed it all up, and topped with an olive and pickle. While I know this sounds phenomenal, it was in fact one of the worst bloody's I have had. Additionally, the olive and pickle were a weird, almost rubbery texture. The combination of everything was off putting...and that was just the start. Next up is the space itself. While I appreciate a good dive bar that is full of nostalgic artwork, furnishings, lighting, etc...but it shouldn't be visible that the place hasn't been cleaned since these things were added. The ceilings and floors were the worst part, with the ceiling tiles being caked with black dust and dirt. Again, being worn is part of being divey, but being dirty doesn't have to be. In addition to the the main room ceilings, the bathroom ceilings were awful, missing tiles, moldy pipes exposed and just an overall feeling of ick that is beyond a normal bar bathroom. Last, but certainly not least, was the service and vibes. They were off, and kind of weird. When we arrived, there were a few locals and regulars, and then a few folks, including us. While the bartender was friendly with us, she was very rude, uncomfortably so, to another patron when he pulled out a credit card instead of cash (cash only spot). There was a little back and forth, then he left. Even after he left, she was calling him names and such to the other patrons. Again, uncomfortable, especially as a new patron to the bar. Overall, the bloody wasn't the only thing that left a bad taste here. From the bloody to the service to the dirtiness, this place needs some love and was just not it for us.

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!

This is a really fun local bar to go to. It's really like local, like Cheers. I love it. The…read morebartender Mike on a Wednesday is a hoot. He plays the best music and everyone is serious about their Jeopardy Show when it comes on. It's awesome the whole bar plays. It's small and cozy. They don't have food but frozen pizza. Their good. But you can always put in an order through the bartender and get a nice hot mouth watering sandwich from Jiffy Lube next door. No, I'm not going to tell you what they have there, that's another review. The drinks are awesome and the bartender doesn't let your glass stay empty, he's right on it. They have a nice variety of beer, and alcohol. They even carry those CBD drinks and soda. The bartender knows how make lots of drinks and my favorite is a shot called the salted nut roll. Yum They have a nice back room with a fireplace and pool table. I love it that when it's someone's birthday they will celebrate that person with decorations and snacks. It's just one of those places that I usually go ok, I used to go on Wednesday and meet up with some awesome friends. I had to start adulting. I miss them. I go in from time to time and surprise them and the love is over flowing.

Time hasn't changed this tavern. Wood paneling. Decent tap list. Your typical booze selection…read more Pizza made in a table top pizza oven. Busse's is your typical Wisconsin dive bar. Prices are fair. Friendly bartender and customers.

fawn's review is hot trash. i love it here. plus they make a great cocktail but i dunno what it's…read morecalled.

Atomic Koi Cocktail Lounge in Fitchburg, WI has potential to improve if they had the right staff! I…read morehave gone there on more than one occasion where their bartenders were rude, unprofessional, and ruined the overall experience. My husband still loves coming to Atomic Koi Cocktail Lounge because it's a laid back lounge away from the rowdier young local college students bar atmosphere that's still vibrant with an eclectic vibe with illuminated fish tanks and a fun cozy ambiance. The crowd is mostly young working professionals near the area mid 20s-30s on up that are looking to unwind and have fun with their family/friends. Atomic Koi is a fun lounge that has games like a giant Connect Four, a pool table, shuffle board, and darts. They also have a good diverse cocktail menu that has something satisfying for everyone from martinis, tropical drinks, mojitos, beer, and more. Recently, my husband suggested the Atomic Koi to show our friends and family from out of town a good time in the Madison area. I ordered a cocktail and the bartender claimed they didn't have the ingredients to make the drink which didn't bother me but I have gone to Atomic Koi more than once trying to order a cocktail on their menu and the bartenders claimed they were unable to make it or didn't have the ingredients or maybe they just didn't feel like making it like some of their ice cream drinks and it wasn't busy in the moment. I then ordered the Golden Colada which is a fun pineapple tropical flavored drink! If they are unable to make a specific drink but the drink is advertised on their menu they should be able to make it consistently if requested otherwise take it off the cocktail menu permanently because patrons expect to be able to order a specific drink if its on the menu. My husband, friends, and family were having a good time. A back corner nook opened up where some people left and we wanted to sit there as a group however there was super sticky drinks on the floor under the table nook. One of my family members asked one of the bartenders if she could please mop up the sticky floor or find another staff that could. The bartender was super rude to my family member and said she wasn't going to mop it up until closing time at 1am. Then my family member asked if she would at least get someone to pull the mop out from the back and he would mop it up himself and she refused. She should have politely told my family member "sorry I am unable to leave the bar area but I will find another staff to mop it up when they are able to" but it was her rude don't care entitled attitude which didn't leave a good impression on my family members from out of town. I went back up to the bar and spoke to a different bartender who wasn't busy tending the bar and told him the situation. He did fix the situation and mopped up the sticky floor when he was able to which I appreciated but he looked over it like he didn't really want to be there not really friendly. If Atomic Koi could consistently recruit/ retain more professional, trained, personable, friendly bartenders and actually follow through in making cocktails actually advertised in their cocktail menu , its a great spot to go to for a great drink and a fun place to unwind!

Awesome place. The drinks were very good. The bartender had good dialogue classic movies playing in…read morethe background. All around this is a stand-up place.

This is my favorite spot in Madison. You can take anyone from parents to coworkers to a first date…read morehere and feel comfortable. Its got a great vibe, cool bartenders, and the owner is approachable and friendly.

This is your typical sticky floor downtown State St bar. Depending on the time of day the crowd of…read morepeople changes. Earlier in the day you will see an older generation, sipping drinks relaxing. This is the best time to head for a drink. You don't have to push your way to the bar and you can actually grab a spot to sit on one of the many couches. As the night goes on the atmosphere changes, the younger college generation comes in. Depending on your age and what you are looking for this might not be the spot for you. The bar is jam packed, seats are typically all taken. Its loud (not necessarily from music) from people trying to talk over one another. The biggest down fall is trying to get to the bathroom. The space is long but narrow and there really isn't much room to move from the front to the back where the restrooms are located.

Was kicked out because we mentioned our political views. Would not return. Did not cause a scene…read morejust asked to leave.

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.

Dots is the best "dive" bar out there. Great value on drinks (cash only). ATM on site. Fantastic…read moreoutdoor space for warmer months and a great food truck during the summer months. Quick service and a really fun atmosphere with great owners.

Just a dive bar in basco wi. Friendly staff and people. This was on the bar dive tour we were on…read moreand stopped here. It's in a basement and I have photos to show it. I can't remember ever going to a tavern in a basement. It is small and has a fosse ball table that cost only 10 cents to play. It was a local tavern and we had a great time while we were there.