The Coopers Tavern is a local pub-style restaurant in downtown Madison that has the neighborhood vibe combined with a rustic-almost European energy, which makes sense when you learn the owner is from Ireland! The menu is filled with elevated pub food, a few classics and then a few twists on those very classics. Come hinge, because the menu is carb-driven, so be ready to eat! To start, we went with the poutine, because why not! The fries were crispy, gravy was velvety and the curds were firm, yet melty enough for a good cheese pull! For our mains, we both went sandwiches. I went with the Celtic Burger, which is their standard burger with added caramel iced onion, whiskey bacon jam, Irish cheddar and a garlic aioli. The burger was good and cooked well, but it was less impressive than I expected given all the goods they added to it. While the aforementioned additions sound like a flavor bomb, it was still fairly one note in overall flavor. It was still tasty, but again, not as expected. My buddy went with the corned beef sandwich. He enjoyed it, no major issues! I did appreciate that exchanging fries with fried curds was an option, especially after loaded up on fries as a starter. The curds were well fried, pillowy and quite tasty. Perfect side for sure! In addition to the food, they are known for their bar offerings so you know we had to grab a few cocktails! I went with the Golden Dew and my buddy the Old Fashioned. Golden Dew was delightful, however the old fashioned was a bit sweet, but that's possibly the brandy. Service was great. We walked in and hit the wait list, however was able to scoop up a few seats at the bar before our table was ready. The bartenders were friendly, helpful and an overall joy to interact with. Overall, definitely a fan of The Coopers Tavern! When back in Madison, I would certainly swing by again! read more

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Love the atmosphere of Coopers. I only ordered the cheese curds and unfortunately they were really greasy and lacked the cheese pull I was expecting. The service was quick! read more

I would say this places fall into the "nothing to write home about" category but appears to be one of the only places left in this part of town with traditional American offerings near the theatre and the Capitol. Since being in town two years ago this part of downtown has clearly seen a downturn with lots of empty store fronts and closed restaurants of all kinds. As for here - The meals were average. Pretzel app was meh as were the mustard and cheese beer sauce. Mains were fine but a step down from even chain places. Drinks were well made but I have a rule that manhattans with "glow in the dark cherries" tell me the place, no matter how extensive the brands they carry, isn't committed to their mixology. We sat outside which on a nice day was lovely but be aware you might face people down on their luck asking for hand outs as they pass by. read more

The Coopers Tavern - A Manhattan with not the right kind of cherry. - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Went here for happy hour on a weeknight. The deals were pretty good with $2 off taps, cocktails, and apps. I got the Coopers hot toddy, which was the perfect drink for a chilly day/night. We also got the cheesecurds, but they were a lot more greasy than I remember them being and left lots of oil on the hands. It's been a little while, so not sure if this is typical for theirs or not now. They did have a good cheese pull though. read more

The Coopers Tavern - Cheesecurds - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The fans were on a pulley. The food was great but it did take a while for the food to come out. read more

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Great tavern with a nice menu and draft beer selection. We went on the weekend and brunch menu was in effect, so I tried the breakfast burrito. It was delicious with just the right amount of cheese topping. I did think halfway thru that maybe having the cheese topping dip versus smothered would make it easier to eat it as a handheld, but was great regardless. Their kids menu was also a good variety and very affordable versus other nearby places. Our server was very friendly and prompt. I'd definitely return. read more

The Coopers Tavern - Breakfast burrito - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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We dined on a Friday night and it was a packed restaurant. We got seated quicker than the estimated wait time and was quickly greeted by our server. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and cocktails and provided insightful recommendations. We got the jalapeño mule and Cherry mule and they were delicious. The Sliders had amazing flavor. The kitchen was backed up but our server was upfront with us and prepared us for the longer wait time. The restaurant is on the smaller side so the noise level is higher than usual but still a lovely and cozy atmosphere. read more

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Beautiful burger, bar service, cool vibe. There was a large crowd on a Thursday night, quite loud, boisterous, with tv's playing plus music. A bit too loud for me but I found a seat at the bar, had a burger, coke and cup of soup. It was a nice visit, in and out quickly. I would have loved more sides, just had a burger with soup, but would have liked something else like a few chips, pickle or something green. read more

I was kind of nervous about trying this place because of some of the other reviews, but I was really wanting something quick before I had to go to my Epic training class. I decided to get the grilled cheese with tomato soup and a side salad. It was plenty enough food. Somebody who seemed like he was in charge took my coat for me, which was really sweet and hung it up. The waiters were really attentive, and even though the grilled cheese has made my hand sticky it's given additional napkins to help with the stickiness I would return here definitely for lunch. I was one of the only few people in here, but I did go for an 11 AM lunch. read more

The Coopers Tavern - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

as soon as i walked in i felt like an actual adult idk how to explain this but thats how i felt 1) food phenom. cheese curds slay. i normally dont really like fish but then i ate these fish and chips and devoured it all. so yay coopers! read more

The Coopers Tavern - fish and chips - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Another visit in the books. Not as great an experience. They had 4-5 bar stools marked as "reserved" and not being used. All we wanted to do was grab a pint at the bar but they wouldn't allow us to stand at the bar and proceeded to seat us at a cramped 2-top with waitress service for two beers. Our waitress was super sweet but it was awkward to say the least. The place wasn't overly crowded at 3:30 on a Friday. read more

The Coopers Tavern - Coopers Class Beer Trip - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Good solid local fare right in the heart of downtown Madison. Has stuff like cheese curds, poutine, beer pretzels, burgers, reuben, and other sandwiches. Has table seating and a bar. Reasonably priced. Casual. Just a good spot to hang out and feel like you're in the heart of Wisconsin. read more

The salad here is SO GOOD!!!! I'm a vegetarian and often struggle to find a solid, meat free salad out and about but the salad here was just great. Their lettuce was so good in it as well! The cheese curds, fries, and chips were also amazing. The staff is super nice and even though I got it to-go the wait wasn't too bad in the nice bar. read more

I loved everything about this place! The vibe is awesome, staff were very friendly too. The beer selection is awesome, but hey when you're in Wisconsin that's to be expected. The pretzel was very good - I recommend both sauces. The turkey sandwich was absolutely phenomenal! Huge fan and I wish I took a picture. 10/10 recommend!! read more

This is an updated review, Such a cool joint!! We love coming here for a good drink and excellent food that never disappoints!!! Staff is friendly and food is fresh. The cheese curds are some of the best in town! read more

The Coopers Tavern - Bloody Mary - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Had a great date night here! I ordered the Amy's salad with blackened chicken - it was delicious! Dressing was evenly tossed throughout the spinach. Salad toppings complimented really well. Definitely more on the sweet side but wasn't overdone. Also got their curds - gooey and crispy. I'd definitely recommend my meal if anyone needs help deciding! Service was friendly! It was definitely busy for their dinner rush but we only had a 20 minute wait. read more

The Coopers Tavern - Amy's Salad - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I've always liked the vibe at Coopers Tavern, it's got the good old Wisconsin wood bar feel to it while also being elevated and modern. Good beer selection, and helpful bartenders who know their stuff. I recently came here for dinner, and our wait wasn't too long but we found a spot at the bar and decided to just eat there instead. The bartender was totally willing to make some odd modification requests on my drinks, and my final drink was basically a classic (not Wisconsin) Bourbon Old Fashioned served up. This thing was magical and delicious -- I told her this should be a new cocktail featured on their menu, I will come back for this again and again!! It's finally getting cold outside so when I saw grilled cheese and soup on the menu, I just had to do it. It was perfection with the soup. I got mixed greens on the side which were the perfect "healthy vegetable" option to make me feel totally solid having grilled cheese for dinner. A very wonderful experience. read more

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The salmon was cooked perfectly and the dill crema was super flavorful. It took awhile for someone to bring us waters and check in on us initially, but food came out quickly. My cocktail (The Green Muse) was just OK. read more

The Coopers Tavern - Salmon - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Had a great time at weekend brunch. It was super busy but the service was still really fast. Sat outside at the patio during the farmers market, such a fine time, especially when the weather is nice: I was very impressed by all the brunch options and specials. We had the sliders with fries and a scramble special. Also tried the Bloody Mary (which might now be one of my favorites in Madison) and the am Classic. The AM classic cocktail was super creative, I loved the candied bacon! read more

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Just stopped for a quick appetizer and something to drink so we ordered a soft pretzel which was good but nothing special about it. Waitress was so friendly and kept our drinks coming. Wish we were hungrier because the menu had plenty to pick from. read more

Love Coopers for cheese curds! If you're in Madison- come and try the curds here! Great vibes here too - great outdoor seating and inside/outside seating. read more

Stopped here with my teenage daughter and it was conveniently located off state street near the capital. We tried the pretzel, Celtic burger, fries, cheese curds and rhubarb bruschetta. Lots of food for just 2 people but we took the server's recommendations to heart. Service was good, nice ambience and great food, especially the burger! read more

We were here for a special group dinner and occupied the upstairs private area. The bartenders were great and the drinks tasted good. The atmosphere was nice with beautifully decorated tables. Food: the salad with almonds and beets was tasty. My favorite food item were the potatoes, which were crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside and perfectly seasoned. The vegetable curry was good as well. I was not a fan of the fried fish. read more

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Man... I had a grilled cheese earlier and they offer it with a habanero jelly that I got on the side. It's something new for me and I've never heard of it. MY MIND IS ABSOLUTELY BLOWN!!! By far the best condiment I have ever had in my entire life, DELICIOUS. I wish I could order a jar to be delivered home read more

Ah, Coop's. This tavern right here is an ol' trusty. Usually there's a wait but you can always trust a spot at the bar. I think I was Pavlov-ed into liking golf because of the amazing meals I've had here. Eating their Pork Belly Mac while watching PGA will do that's You can't knock their curds. And there burgers are ol' trusties, too. It's a classy step up from typical bar food. Maybe they've Pavlov-ed me into trusting Coopers now. read more

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Upon entering, I was clueless as to what I should expect. Wondering around Madison, I was parched and needed a drink. It was 5:00pm somewhere. So in I went. My bartender Aaron, is definitely one of the people. I have never felt so welcome and part of the family. The owner Peter, didn't have to move a muscle in this well oiled machine. Observing the crew was a delight at how well everyone worked with each other. It's such a humble environment yet elegant. The drinks, as stiff as you need them to be. The food, as wholesome as your grandmother's. I had the crab cakes. Let me tell you....BOSTON NEEDS TO LEARN FROM THESE GUYS. With all that being said, I can NOT wait to be back! This place has earned a spot in my heart. read more

Currywurst burger was their burger week hightlight. I went for a lunch take out. The burger had a patty of beef and pork bratwurst. The burger was a bit too salty for me. I think this combination is not great to replace a burger. May be I should have gone with a regular burger. read more

The Coopers Tavern - Currywurst burger with fries - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

St. Patrick's Day lunch! They had a menu specifically for the occasion with a lot of options. We, of course, had to try the cheese curds. Not the best I have had in Wisconsin, but the cheese pull and homemade ranch served with it was satisfying! We tried two of the soups - Dublin Coddle and Harvest Soup. The Harvest Soup was so delicious! It had a great depth of flavor and the blue cheese crumbles really complimented it all. The Dublin Coddle had a really good broth and lots of sausage. I do wish it had more potatoes and carrots for a more "hearty" stew. Both soups were served with Madison sourdough which is always amazing! We were sat immediately as we walked in and the waitress was quick to grab our drinks and order. The brick wall and copper light fixtures added a unique touch to the otherwise modern vibe. read more

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The food was good and arrived quickly. Beer and cheese lovers will appreciate the drink menu, but if you're into mixed drinks and not a fan of whiskey, the options are pretty limited. Making a reservation over the phone was quick and hassle-free, and we were seated promptly upon arrival. Tables were pretty close to each other so hearing other people at my table was kind of hard. read more

the wait for sunday brunch was about 30 mins and we were able to wait at the bar. for food, the cooper's cheese curds were plain and kinda disappointing - i wouldn't recommend. the smoked ham breakfast sandwich used the stella cheesy bread & had smoked ham & fried egg (which sounds really good in theory) but i felt like the ham made it really salty? it tasted fine but i don't think i'd get it again. i did enjoy the side salad but that's hard to mess up. the potatoes on the side tasted like the potatoes you'd get at a hotel continental breakfast tbh. my friend found a carrot in his FRUIT cup which seemed weird the wait for our food was a bit ridiculous; felt like we waited 20-30 mins even though it didn't seem THAT busy. two ladies who sat down next to us just got up and left bc i don't think anyone came by to take their order. in terms of ambiance, it does give a sort of tavern vibe if that's what you're looking for read more

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Cooper's Tavern was my first stop in Madison Wisconsin, and highly recommended by a few people. It was a nice little place, pretty full but not too crowded, and we didn't have to wait for a table. Service was kind and quick as well. My brother and I ordered the poutine together, and I got the sliders as my meal. These plates are HUGE. By the time we'd finished splitting the poutine, I was already too full for my sliders. The sliders were big as well with huge patties stacked on tall buns. The caramelized onions and cheese were amazing, but I could barely finish one slider due to being so full, and I ended up being so full I wasn't hungry for dinner! Definitely something to keep in mind. Although it was a lot of food, it was a very good deal for the quantity, and Cooper's Tavern provided delicious food. A very warm welcome during my first day in Wisconsin. read more

The Coopers Tavern - Sliders* - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Making reservations over the phone was easy and quick. We were sat right away when we arrived. I will say the tables were very close together. With a heavy coat I was afraid I'd knock something over on my table or the next next to me. The food was good. Came quickly. If you are a beer and cheese person, the drinks will work great for you. If you are a mixed drink person who's first choice is not whiskey, they have very few options. Cheese curds were okay. read more

This is a fun lowkey environment right downtown with an eccentric atmosphere. It has a small town tavern feel. I love the views of the capital. You just can't beat the location! It is important to note, if it's a cold winter night like it was for us, I'd recommend being asked to sit far from the doors if possible, unfortunately when we got there it was fairly busy and the only available spot was at a booth near the host stand. They are right on the square, so parking is metered parking or parking garages. I had the Mifflin Burger with a Stout and my partner had a cup of soup with an Old fashioned. My burger was absoletely incredible Our server was super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. I was looking for a Stout and he recommended a new stout that just came out. They have a great selection of on tap beers and cocktails, you can have just about any drink made too. I also love that they are in the food fight group, so I can use my food fight gift cards! read more

The Coopers Tavern - Mifflin Burger* - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Enjoyed a warm Midwest welcome with some good cheese curds and friendly service! Typical bar fare is served here, but there's definitely a Midwestern touch to the portion sizes here (being from California), which was a pleasant surprise. Cheese curds: 4/5 Surprisingly melty! I always thought curds were squeakier. They were delicious when melty, but weren't very good when cold because they had melted so much, they became a film of hardened cheese when cold; not so much a curd anymore. Poutine: 3/5 Fries were awesome and crispy, but the gravy was a little salty for my taste. Sweet corn Caesar salad: 4/5 A nice, fresh way to cut the grease and fat of pub fare. Chock full of corn and peppers, which gives it a nice bite! We had a lovely server, and enjoyed the ambience. Couldn't ask for more from my first traditional Wisconsin-style tavern. Heard good things about the dessert as well! read more

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Wonderful service from Trevor & amazing food! We ordered the soup de jour (beef stew) & the sweet corn caesar with blackened salmon. Really great flavor on everything & came out super quickly. We made it for happy hour & got $2 off all our drafts. Very well priced & a great place for a quick lunch/drink. read more

The Coopers Tavern - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great food and service! Mussels were wonderful and the fries accompanying them were great. My friend had the burger and loved it. Another friend had the grilled cheese and tomato soup and was comforted by the meal. Another had the turkey sandwich and enjoyed it. Great drinks! Great place. read more

The Coopers Tavern - Mussels - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Duck Checking in to share a helpful review. It's all positive. It's hard to find correctly prepared duck in the Midwest (unless you can find a Czech or high end Northern Chinese spot). Add Cooper's when the duck craving hits. Before reviewing the duck, I wanted to share a couple helpful tips: First, the food was not over seasoned. It's such a relief to dine out and not worry about sodium. I'm sure there was plenty but it was just right for my low salt appetite. We didn't request it that way. Don't complain. Just pick up the salt shaker and go at it. Portions were normal. They were satisfying, well presented on warm plates, and quick enough. This is exactly what we wanted. We (2) were seated quickly. Not fast food, not a long dinner. Just right. That does mean big appetites should order an appetizer, salad or soup. Risotto was good but I'm a bit spoiled. If you like risotto, this is good risotto. Duck was excellent. Crispy skin, succulent breast, and a lively glaze. They have plenty of gluten free options. Seating is cozy, so don't expect to share your innermost secrets....or do. That would be interesting. read more

Great tavern with an excellent selection of draft beers. The food is good, well prepared, with great flavor. I may be bias because they have Saint Bernards Abt #12 on draft which is an award winning international beer and not easy to find at restaurants. This is my favorite place to go when I'm in Madison. The service is always good and unless it's packed the ambiance great as well. read more

First time having this food at this place.. I love it and will go back. I love the boxes it all came in read more

The Coopers Tavern - Coopers Burger - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

My oldest son and I were staying in Rochelle, IL, for a Tough Mudder. Since we had never been to Wisconsin, we decided to make a trip to the capital and to the University of Wisconsin. My brother suggested we give Coopers Tavern a try to get what he calls the best beer in the world, The Spotted Cow. He also said their food was the best in town. Him and I usually don't agree on beer or food choices, but I figured why not. We decided to sit at the bar, and Cody, the bartender, greeted us. I asked if he had Spotted Cow on tap, and he only had it in can. So my son decided to go for a can, and Cody suggested I give Alagash white a try. He said it was a more flavorful beer and had a little more of a kick. So i gave it a try. Cody then gave us menu and food suggestions. I am always a sucker for a tasty Rueben sandwich and cheese curds. Everyone says Wisconsin cheese curds are best. So i had to give them a try. My son got the sliders and chips. While waiting for our food to come out, Cody then proceeded to give us small samples and suggestions of good quality beers on tap. His knowledge of beer was impressive, and his ability to read people was spot on. He joked with my son about knowing he was a mexican beer kind of guy. He gave him a sample of one you had on tap. He was right. Finally the food came out and the rueben did not disappoint. The sauce had a little bit of sweetness to it, which caught me off guard because usually ruebens do not have a sweetness to it. At first, I wasn't sure, but the more i ate, the more i enjoyed it. The cheese curds are dangerous. I easily ate way more than i should have. They were crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. My son fell in love with the sliders. He said the gruyere and aoili really put the sliders over the top. The pretzel buns were cooked perfectly as well. The food was delicious, but Cod, the bartende, was what set the visit over the top. I travel a lot, and not many are as gifted as he is. read more

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