At first glance, the place presents itself as a neighborhood dive--a worn-in local haunt where the décor is secondary to the conversation. But the illusion fades the moment a Bloody Mary arrives at the table. This is a bar that takes its craft seriously. The cocktail was thoughtfully prepared and balanced, revealing an attention to detail rarely found in establishments trading on casual charm alone. The atmosphere is equally compelling: lively without being chaotic, welcoming without feeling manufactured. It possesses the kind of authenticity that cannot be designed or replicated. In an era of increasingly curated hospitality, this remains a genuinely local gathering place--unpretentious, distinctive, and unmistakably its own. read more

We like our walleye and eggs for breakfast, and decided to try out the Squirrel's Nest. It is a small establishment with a bar to the left and seating area, to the right, with two smaller tables on the side of the bar. We arrived about 10:00 am, and it was packed. It was very loud with people talking, due to the small space. We sat at our table and waited awhile for a server, but didn't know if we needed to order at the bar. After a while, a waitress arrived to take our order. She was very joyful and friendly. We both ordered the walleye and eggs, which included hashbrowns and toast. My husband added cheese and onions on the hashbrowns at no extra cost. We also ordered a Bloody Mary, which came with a chaser. They arrived with a spear of mozzarella cheese, pimento olive, smoked sausage, and a dill pickle. The walleye had a nice thin crust and the eggs and hashbrowns were cooked perfectly. My better half said that he didn't taste any onions in the hashbrowns and they used American cheese, which made them runny. It was a good breakfast, and we enjoyed our time there. However, due to the loudness, we probably won't go back, as it was hard to have a conversation. Be aware that they only take cash, but they do have an ATM in the building. This establishment definitely had a great atmosphere and service, with friendly staff. read more

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Ok. So I've lived here for 10 years and every single Saturday I take my sons out for breakfast. And we have tried almost all of them in Dane County. And this was recommended early on. And it's close to our house. And I drove past it for years. To Koffee Kup. To Pancake Cafe. To Luke's. All great. I didn't go here because in the boys' words it "looked sus". And it does. It looks like a divey bar on the outside. And unsurprisingly it is on the inside too. But What it IS is amazing food wise. Everyone talks about the French toast. Having never had RumChata in a cocktail I can't comment but that toast is OFF THE CHARTS. But so is the biscuits and gravy. A ton of meat. Service is strained but lovely. And when you see what that cook is working with you're even more impressed. A 6'X4' cooking station and you make this? Wow. My only complaint is the bacon. Not great. Not actually good. Worth a drive to Wittenberg to buy cases of odd cut Nueskes and this place is almost James Beard Award worthy. Appearances are deceiving. Do it! read more

Went for their breakfast on word of mouth. Not a really big place but we got a place at the bar. Bloody Mary & chaser , great flavor . Had the eggs Benedict with crabcakes and steak and it was some of the best hollandaise sauce that I've ever had. The bartenders were top notch and there was never a wait for anything. The decor is squirrels of course , the foot rest a little stumps and the people were friendly. A great place for breakfast. read more

Squirrel's Nest - Bloody Mary , chaser and squirrel - Sports Bars Near Me - McFarland, Wisconsin

Walked in and walked out. Everyone was smoking. Whole restaurant stunk of cigarettes. Would not eat there.

Honestly, I'd give this a lower score if the service wasn't so good, the bartenders weren't so friendly or the food wasn't fried so fresh and fast. But for dive bars, this is as good as it gets! Yes, it needs updated and the bathrooms aren't in the best shape, but they have always aimed to please the customer's needs (drinks, food, company) and I've never been disappointed by coming here. read more

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Walleye and eggs? Who knew that this was a great combination. The perfect Wisconsin dive bar that is serving some pretty amazing food with a very limited kitchen. Have stopped for breakfast 2 times and the food and service can't be beat. And yes walleye for breakfast is amazing! The place is always packed so be patient and have a drink and enjoy the hometown atmosphere! read more

Squirrel's Nest - Walleye & Eggs - Sports Bars Near Me - McFarland, Wisconsin

I have only ever come to the Squirrel's Nest for weekend breakfast, but it is definitely worth the trip. I had passed this place a few times whenever I had to drive into Stoughton, and never knew what to make of it. It just seems like a little place surrounded by nothing that would be nothing noteworthy. Well, I should have known better than to judge a book by its cover! The place is actually pretty awesome inside! It's much brighter on the inside than I would have thought. Everybody working here was incredibly friendly. I had been worried that since it was a small place with nothing much else around it, you would get the "outsider" treatment if you walked in as a non-regular. Not the experience I had at all. Staff was great and attentive. The place isn't huge so we snagged the last table, but I'd say it is worth the wait if you have to stand around for a bit. The drinks were good, and the food portions were pretty hefty (and not to mention, great!). The prices were very reasonable for what you got. I only wish they were open for mornings more often and I would definitely show up more regularly. As it is, I would highly recommend stopping in and checking it out for yourself. Keep in mind it is NOT wheelchair accessible. read more

Tried this place for the first time and glad we did! Small bar with a lot of local personality. Amazing crab cake Benedict, cinnamon toast French toast, and steak & eggs. Many great drink specials: I had the rail Bloody Mary and the boyfriend had a screwdriver. Added a Busch light side car and all this came in under $30 bucks so awesome value for the money! (We'd go every week if we lived closer....) read more

Squirrel's Nest - Half order Crab Cake Benedict w/ hashies :-) - Sports Bars Near Me - McFarland, Wisconsin

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If you are looking for a classic Wisconsin small bar experience, look no further. Packed with locals, meat raffle in play, tasty food right from a flat top behind the bar, and drinks that satisfy. Get there early, the place was packed when we went on a weekend! read more

Can't beat starting off your Sunday morning with a breakfast here! I recommend a bloody Mary and the perch breakfast plate. The hash browns here are served extra crispy, it will have you coming back again and again. read more

Love their burgers, always big and flavorful. Sides are typical small dive bar fried goodness.

A small tavern with some tables. Two out of 3 of the staff behind the bar were not wearing masks despite a county ordinance. One of which was the cook. Of course those eating were not wearing a mask. I felt at risk of catching Covid and could hardly wait to get out of the place. We went for Takeout Friday Fish Fry. At $13 each, The quantities of fish and cheesy hash browns were huge,tasty but extremely greasy. No ability to take credit cards I will not go back or recommend it. We have visited 11 different Friday Fish Fries in 11 weeks. This ranks 2nd from the bottom. read more

HEY BILLY, GRAB ME A CAN OF BUSCH. *hick voice* I head here when I'm feelin' like a fresh, hot, unique and delicious breakfast with some hick vibes from the regulars. I don't give a hoot! I'm here for the food. Love the place. I don't come here often, but you can tell the owners keep up on it and serve quality food. Keep up the good work. read more

Service is awesome. The wait staff or bartenders there are great and friendly. The cook knows what he is doing for the weekend breakfast. The French toast is awesome. It has a mixture of rumchata in it and then you can get it coated with Cinnamon Toast Crunch or captain crunch. The captain crunch is the best. The eggs and sausage are cooked to perfection so is the toast. Very inexpensive and friendly service and the ambiance is a bar and grill. But don't judge it from that. The food is awesome service is great and finally a place where the cook knows what he is doing. read more

Small place but always has super great service! I've been here for breakfast twice. Got the rumchata French toast twice and it was great both times! read more

First time at Squirrel's Nest and it won't be our last! Traveled up here from South Carolina to visit family in Stoughton and the Crab cakes Benedict was certainly to par or even better than any crab cake I've had in Charleston. Big chunks of crab meat, not a lot of filler or extra stuff in it. We also had Rum Chata French toast, and Walleye and Eggs. Everything was AMAZING! Our waitress was so sweet, drinks were great. Dont judge a book by its cover because I'd give this place 10 stars if I could. read more

Awesome breakfast for a great price. Wonderful and welcoming staff! Just a great environment and a fun meat raffle!

Some sort of meat raffle when we showed up. Heard their bloody Mary's were top notch. Well, this squirrel never got her nut. Waited at the bar for 20 minutes, watching the bartender serve others. Never looked up to even acknowledge us. Left after being ignored way too long. read more

I'd heard about this place before, and then I read a review in Madison.com. So on Sunday, I dropped by the Monona Farmers' Market to pick up some fresh veggies and a bouquet of flowers for the Mrs. Then I headed South. The Nest is small and the parking lot was almost full. I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered a cup of coffee, and a loaded omelet, English muffin, hash browns with a scoop of gravy. Oh, and of course I had to have a Bloody Mary. Friendly folks at the bar and behind the counter. Coffee was fine, the omelet was huge and perfectly done, the muffin was tasty and OMG the hash browns with the gravy were just amazing! I am a bit of a B&G snob, but this gravy was the best I have had in Madison. Oh, and the Bloody was so good, I really had to argue with the voice in my head that wanted a second one. The touch of horseradish really made it special. Did I give in to the voice? I'll never tell. It's a long drive home! read more

I wish I had taken pictures. Unfortunately I took a bite of my breakfast and there was no turning back. I demolished the most amazing crab cakes Benedict in short order. Wow! I have found my new favorite breakfast place. I went with my mom and she agreed! The most delicious cheesy, onion laden hashbrowns and crab cake Benedict to rival the best I've ever had (at a place in Hayward, WI called Robin's Nest). I've decided all the best breakfast joints most have the word Nest in their name! ;) Mom and I each had a Bloody Mary. Hers with absolute peppar and mine with absolute citron. I liked mine better because I prefer a morning bloody to be more on the refreshing side. They were very good. Tip: the madtown cocktails book has buy one get one cocktails for Squirrel's Nest. 3 of them so it pays for itself in just a couple visits. (That book in general is a great value if you enjoy cocktails). Highly recommend! read more

This is our new favorite local bar. They have completely remodeled the inside and it has a really nice, fun atmosphere. They serve a great and reasonable breakfast and make really good burgers. They have some decent specials and game time fun as well. I've never done it but they have "naughty bingo" every few months. The owner is a nice lady named Debbie and she often tends bar. We watched a the badger game last weekend and they served Jell-O shots with every touchdown. They seem to have regulars who are friendly as well. If you are driving down hwy 51, I'd recommend stopping in. read more

This is a great little bar in McFarland. Wonderful atmosphere and amazing "Hot Bottom" Bloody Mary. read more

Squirrel's Nest - A Great Bloody Mary. - Sports Bars Near Me - McFarland, Wisconsin

A hole in the wall bar, but excellent Friday night fishy fry. Great service and food comes out fast!

This place is amazing!!! Friendly staff and great food! I felt like I was in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. I had crab cakes Benedict and hash browns with cheese and onions. We split the Cinnamon Toast Crunch French toast. YUMMY!!!!! Bloody Mary's with a Spotted Cow beer back ! My hubby had Walleye and eggs and loved it!!! I rolled out and am headed back to my hotel for a nap! Go! You won't be disappointed! read more

If you are ever on your way to Stoughton around breakfast time on the weekend and you need to stop somewhere for a few Bloody Mary's before you get your day going, stop here. The Bloody's are alright. But the Rum Chata French Toast is a culinary masterpiece. Who thought of this? They should win an award! The French Toast is sweet and delicious. And you can add Cap'n Crunch. Which just so happens to be my favorite cereal. I got two orders, one with Cap'n, one without. Surprisingly I liked it better without. But you be the judge. It's kind of a hole in the wall so don't expect fine dining. But they have a some great squirrel related decor that reminds me of home. Plus the service is fast and friendly. read more

I loved it! Bloodys Benedict French toast and B&G were all so good! The service was friendly and I would go out of my way to get back there.

A little roadhouse bar with some great breakfast/brunch. The walleye and eggs, might be the best breakfast I've ever had. Simple but absolutely delicious. Good coffee too. Tasted my friends eggs Benedict also excellent. The cook knows his stuff. read more

Rumchata French Toast was amazing!!! My husband ordered the walleye for breakfast. We would return. Atmosphere was slightly weird because it was regulars and we didn't necessarily feel very welcome but that comes with the territory of a super small establishment like this. Only feedback is that the bartender seemed annoyed by us when we asked for silverware... read more

Bartender refused to acknowledge our presence. It was evident you had to be a regular to exist. WASTE OF TIME

Best Eggs Benedict that I've ever had, and a large portion of food too! I also absolutely love the Rumchata French Toast. I typically get a half order of eggs benedict and a half order of French toast since I like them both so much, that I can't just have one or the other. :) I've also had their walleye and eggs and the walleye portion is HUGE and amazing! I can never eat the whole thing and usually it's a dish to share or leaving with leftovers. read more

Great breakfast on Sat or Sundays! Best egg Benedicts in the area. They have a special French toast that is to dye for too. Cheap place. They only take cash. The place is small and often quite busy. It's a hidden jem. read more

Great Breakfast. Everything was homemade and fresh. Bloody Mary's were great as well.

I've been here several times for breakfast and it is really good! The bar is pretty small so it can be challenging to get a table or seat at the bar. Breakfast is amazing!! You can't go wrong with anything you try. Drinks are also very tasty and great small town bar prices! The bartenders are all very friendly and make you feel like you are a regular. read more

We happened on this place by accident and were so glad we did. Fish fry was excellent, not greasy, fries not coated but full of flavor. Homey feel, everyone welcomed us. Great cocktails too with a good of beers - something for everyone. We'll definitely be back. Cash only read more

Tasty walleye, a yummy Bloody Mary and good service. But bring cash, or pay to use the ATM.

I have been here several times and always walk away happy. It is in the more rural area right on state road 51. It doesn't look like anything extravagant from the outside which is part of it's appeal. Inside the staff and customers are friendly, the drinks are strong and the food is awesome. I have eaten the walleye twice for breakfast. It is so amazing it doesn't need tarter sauce, comes with a ton of other food and makes an incredible meal! The staff is great and Mary, one of the bartenders is the life of the place. They have amazing bloody Mary's including one featuring the ever famous Mary's hot bottom vodka. I highly suggest having one complete with the garnishes. I have to admit I have not been here during their late night hours only for breakfast/brunch. They do have some seating area outside and suspect they do live music in the evenings. There are multiple TV's for viewing pleasure always with a game on. If you are looking for a small town place with amazing food, even better drinks and a welcoming atmosphere make sure you stop at the Squirrel's Nest in McFarland! read more

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They serve a great breakfast at an extremely reasonable price. Bloody Marys are excellent too. Service was fast and very friendly.

At long last stopped in for the walleye and eggs breakfast..It was as delicious as advertised. Huge piece of fish,lightly breaded.Price reasonable,service solid.. Highly recommend! Hint:fish is probably big enuf to share. read more

Great food. Friendly atmosphere. You come here and you'll feel like everyone already knows you.