I've heard people rave about The Mason, and it took me far too long to finally come in here, and it was honestly entirely by accident. I was supposed to be meeting a group elsewhere nearby when our original place closed without warning. So we headed to The Mason and it was a delightful experience. It was very busy with one bartender, so it took awhile to get your drinks, but they were still well made and the bartender was very friendly. It's a small place so it can get loud when busy, but our group had a great time and we enjoyed the place. It is a dark, neighborhood type vibe. And the sealing the deal of the 5th star for this place is that they were dog friendly. My pup had a great time getting pets from customers. Great find! read more

I can't believe I haven't been to the Mason Lounge yet the vibe was amazing I feel like you could come in whatever fit and feel chill! The live music area was one of the coolest things I've seen and we got yummy Moscow mules. The bartender (Tracy I think) was so kind and so amazing! read more

The Mason Lounge - Live music - Lounges Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

i love the vibes inside this bar. it's retro, quiet, beautiful and playful. they always have a great selection of draft beers, and the bartender always offers a tasting beforehand. the price of drinks are on the heftier side but i don't mind it because the ambience is so excellent in there. a nice bar if you like a place that's calmer and quiet so you can have a conversation with your buddies. read more

Great service, friendly bartender. Not too noisy or quiet, and the lighting is great; this would be a great spot for a date! Drinks are tasty, and you can always buy some food at the pizza place next door. read more

The Mason Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

There's no sign for this place. You may walk by it and not know it's a bar. The drinks are always solid. No TV's. Sometimes there's live music, and there's always good music playing. There's a chicken, and they let you order from Falbo's and sometimes do a pitcher and a pizza deal. Pretty nice. There's one bartender on duty, so I wouldn't come here if you're in a rush or to watch a game. But to have good conversation, enjoy good music, this is the place. read more

Probably the worst thing to happen when I go out alone is to be ignored. Overlooked, and made felt not welcome, Awkward. It sucks and is always a back of the mind fear when I am out solo. I have had a lot of good experiences in the past, especially with the owner. I was happy to promote this place and it's good vibes. I have contemplated writing this for a while, but it still bothers me. I came in about a month ago and was ignored. He went to his regulars, I have no problem with that, then went to some others that came right up to him, then ignored me and started doing bar stock work. I was the only one at the end of the bar. He knew I was waiting, I had money out, new person at the end of the bar, tried to make eye contact and ignored me. As I got up to leave, he approached me and asked my order. Didn't apologize, didn't say thank you. I felt like crap from the whole thing. What did I do? Oh well. read more

The most welcoming bar I've been they have jazz shows, best stouts, and sometimes free food

Quirky craft beer and cocktail bar with a great selection and reasonable prices. They have a nice outdoor section in the back. The staff and have always been friendly in my experience. Pro move is ordering a pizza from next door and you'll have yourself a good night. read more

Beer in a mason jar? Why yes, yes I will. The Mason has a sweet selection of taps and Sarah behind the bar is awesome. This place has zero pretension and has some nice couches and tables for loungin' around. I've walked/biked by this place hundreds of times without batting an eye, but now that I know it's there I'll be back soon. Such a gem! read more

The Mason Lounge - a marquee sign that reads not your march madness headquarterss - Lounges Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I live right down the street. It looked super uppity, a sigh outside says 'ale & wine bar'. But the atmosphere is not that. Super friendly, very welcoming. The atmosphere is so nice, they have cozy couches and a beautiful patio. Amazing place. Definitely check it out. read more

Mason Lounge is fun and lively on a Tuesday night! I've only ever been on Tuesdays, as they have live jazz music. It's a very fun environment, but still not too loud where you can't hear conversation. They have a great beer list, with a large variety of changing taps. There's always something interesting to try for a reasonable price (around $5). The atmosphere is the right amount of dim with Christmas lights hanging around the bar. They have no kitchen, but partner with the pizza place next door, Falbo Bros, so you can get a pizza delivered to the bar. It does get pretty crowded in there, with pretty limited seating and almost no standing space in between. If you don't come early enough, good luck. read more

Probably one of my favorite bars in Madison. I have been here a couple times now with friends and have always had a wonderful time. The bar itself is wonderfully cozy but still has room for larger groups. Additionally, it's not too loud - you feel like the place has energy and is lively but you are still able to hear your friends talk. They have a great selection of ever-changing beers on tap and they do a good job of bringing in beers from breweries that are lesser known but still delicious. Both times I've been there, it's been the same guy manning the bar and he is friendly, though I can tell he's often a little frazzled because the bar is pretty busy. The bar doesn't have food aside from the usual bar snacks but you are able to order pizza from Falbo Bros next door. My friends and I did this once night and the pizza was actually really yummy! I have heard that they have great live music here but I am never able to stay long enough to hear it so I definitely will be back to experience live music at the Mason Lounge. read more

I came here on a Tuesday night, which is jazz night. The band was great. I can't believe they play without charging people a cover! I've definitely paid to see worse acts. As for the atmosphere, it felt like I was in Williamsburg again, but in a good way. On Tuesday nights, it's an all-around cool vibe with a large and happy crowd of people seeking temporary escape from the work week, friendly bartenders, and good music. Oh, and they have all sorts of interesting gadgets up at the bar, like a fish baited on a line that moves every time someone opens the bathroom door. Good beers on tap too, like Magic Hat #9, which is one of my favorites. read more

The Mason Lounge - Jazz night - Lounges Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I was visiting the Madison, WI area on business and wanted to visit a place to listen to some live Jazz. I located this bar on google. This is a small neighbor bar. I got there about 45 minutes before the band was scheduled to play. I was able to order some wings and onion rings for the pizza place two doors down and they delivered my food to me at the bar. By 8:00pm the band was setting up and the place was getting full. The bar tenders were getting really busy. The band played well. The service was great. The bar allowed me to run a tab with no cc on file. The locals kinda keep to themselves and I was ok with that. One couple ask if they could sit with me considering I had a table with four chairs setting along. They were friendly people. There were very few African American there i'm being one of them. Despite that I felt welcome and was treated well by the bar tenders. I would recommend visiting this place if you are in the area and looking for some live music to hear. :) read more

This bar is wonderful. Cozy, beautifully decorated, and helmed by Brian (Bryan?), who is maybe the friendliest bartender/proprietor I've ever encountered. Here is a sampling of some of the awesomeness: + great tap & bottle selection, all of which Brian was knowledgeable about and hand-picked + music mix ranging from Elvis to My Morning Jacket, with a willingness for requests + lots of detail and charm in the styling, from the beautiful sink and Chesterfield ad in ladies' room to the immobile paint-can top mobile on the wall behind the stage We stopped in for a drink and stayed for nearly five hours. Wonderful. read more

I love personality and I love the Mason Lounge's personality. There is a stuffed chicken in a hollowed out area behind the bar. So random but it works with this place. In a way, it was like hanging out in someone's dare-I-say hipster garage. And I say hipster in the best way possible, it just defines the amount of quirk they have. Fun beer selection!! Can not go wrong here!! read more

This little hole in the wall is relaxed and fun. I will say, though, that the place gets very crowded as it gets later in the evening - but the clientele is eclectic, which makes for great people watching! :) Drinks are reasonable and well-made. The decor is unique and mainly made up of up-cycled stuff (like cans). read more

I personally like it when bartenders know beer--I didn't REALIZE that this was a liberal trait. I guess I've learned an important lesson...? WHATEVER. Rather than go on a sneering diatribe about other people's politics and behaviors, I'd like to get to the Mason. I absolutely loved everything about the atmosphere, beer selection, and friendly staff here. I will definitely be back to catch some live music AND some expertly recommended beer. read more

If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere, a great bartender who knows his drinks, good prices, and delicious beverages...this is where to go. They have live entertainment, an interesting decor, and some great rye bourbon. My favorite, however, was the spicy, Mayan Chocolate Stout. The crowd was a mix of ages, which gave it a different vibe. To get away from a hard day of work, I highly recommend The Mason Lounge. read more

This is a great neighborhood bar with a lot of amazing, rotating taps. All of the bartenders are awesome and know how to make a great mix drink or one of my favorites, a lemon drop. The lemon drops are made fresh with real lemons and a big press. Also if your in the mood for a margarita they know how to make a fresh margarita too. The taps are always changing and there is a beer for everyone. Also if your into music they have live music some nights (sorry not sure what nights). You can order pizza from Falbro's next door or enjoy some warm nuts as a snack. Check it out. read more

Surprisingly cool bar. For years, I drove by the Mason Lounge, ignoring the witticisms posted above the entrance. Now I've been inside and I dig it. No TVs nor overly obtrusive music. No dress code. Most folks here are from the local neighborhood, but all are welcome. Mason is definitely more beer oriented than liquor, although a full bar is available. Sitting in the couch nook is kind of like sitting in a basement, only an awesome basement area with taps and occasional live music performances. It's even a CSA pickup location! Local artwork, beer, produce pickup...it very much fits into the "drink local" ethos without snobbery. read more

The Mason Lounge is a cozy bar with a fantastic tap. It retains neighborhood watering hole cachet while simultaneously catering to a "hipster" crowd. Every time I've visited, the tap list delights. Amazing beers at very reasonable prices. I like that there are a variety of seating alcoves. I've always been able to find a place to sit, and you can hear your friends over other patrons without straining or yelling (some bars escalate to a cacophonous din as the hours grow later). The bar staff has always been busy, but very friendly. read more

Yep - this is The Spot! It is simply the feeling you get when you walk in....that feeling that you found a place to sit down, relax, have a drink, talk with friends or with perfect strangers and know that everyone in the place is having a similar feeling. Oh, and did I mention the "drinks?" They always have a top-notch selection of some of the best beers, scotch, bourbons, and whsikeys money can buy. My fiance and I absolutely love this little treasure and we are lucky enough to be able to walk there from our home. If you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for? Come on down, pull up a chair and say HI! read more

This is an ideal lounge for a small group of people. So laid back, a bunch of couches, enough wacky stuff to look at on the walls, and SO MANY NORTHWESTERN (+ Colorado) BEERS! 20 taps is enough to keep anyone happy, especially working through the kegs they have rotating in and out. Good service, good chatter. Ah, relaxation. read more

I think my favorite thing about this bar are the little doo-dads that raise and lower when the doors to this place swing open. It's a little creepy to see something raise and lower from the ceiling from the corner of your eye as you sip (or voraciously swallow) one of their stellar tap beers. I also enjoy how this place is decorated; it is dark inside without being dive-bar dark (not that there is anything wrong with that). The bartenders are friendly and attentive. The furniture in here really has no rhyme or reason but somehow it seems to fit perfectly with what is going on here. So do the pastel colored paint can lid art on the back wall. I am not a fan of the parking situation. Thankfully my friends live a few blocks down so this typically is not an issue for me. The other thing I am not a fan of is that they close at 1 am. Some of us keep later schedules on the weekends! If you are looking for a low-key, non fussy bar with fantastic beer on tap, stop in. You will not be disappointed. read more

This place is pretty cool and, fortunately, it's pretty nearby to where I live. 1. Great tap beer - a nice variety of regional beers on tap, with more . They have no issues letting you taste before you try. 2. Good atmosphere - the couches, old-wisconsin decor, and lighting give the place a very comfortable and cozy feel. 3. Friendly service - the bartenders and owner love chatting it up with patrons. All seem to have fairly unique things to add to a conversation as well. read more

Love the atmosphere. Kind of hipster, but in an unassuming kind of way. Great for a date spot. They have couches and small high top tables and a bar, so a nice selection of where to sit. Very good, affordable drink selection! read more

The Mason is a nice, polite bar with a friendly atmosphere. Music is at a reasonable volume and there are no televisions, so you can really focus on catching up with your friends rather than trying to look cool or staring at a basketball game you couldn't care less about. It's a homey place with lots of charm. You should pay it a visit. read more

This is the kind of place where I can see myself going to for a night cap on a cold Wisconsin winter's night. The decor's great, it's super chill, and drinking beverages out of Mason jars is fun. I also really dig their music selection. For people who have a hard time in crowded and loud bars and just want a place to relax and hit a few back, I'd highly recommend the Mason Lounge! Also, while they don't have a food menu (yet?), you can order pizza from Falbo Bros next door. read more

New to the area here and The Mason Lounge is hands down MY favorite bar in Madison thus far! I absolutely love the atmosphere and beer selection. Very cool that your beer is served in a mason jar too! The bartender was super friendly and let us taste the taps because we decided. Although I paid around 5.75-6.00 bucks for a beer, (seems a little steep to me) it was worth it! My fiancé and I hung out on the purple velvet couch and it felt like we were in someone's awesome quirky house. I do wish they had more live music (Wednesdays are the only nights I believe). For sure will be heading back here sometime! read more

The bartenders here know how to make a damn fine Old Fashion. Great tap selection that rotates quickly as well. You can order Falbo's at the bar too! read more

This is a quintessential neighborhood pub. There's a fun bar area to relax after a long day at the office. If the weather is nice, grab a seat out on their outdoor patio. They do have a nice happy hour for those that work during weekdays. The pizza place next door (Falbo's) can get your hunger pains under control too. You can grab a pizza and then head over to the Mason to wash it down. Very casual atmosphere and a good full service bar to entertain your taste buds. read more

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Went there for the first time last night and loved the atmosphere. A comfortable place to go if you're alone - I liked that. Bartender was very nice to our group! Great drinks and great prices. read more

A great neighborhood bar. Really solid craft beer selection offered up in a cozy setting. Eclectic crowd and the bar doesn't try to be anything that it's not. A great place to go to catch up with friends or a place to stop in before heading home. read more

If you want to relax, not put on airs, avoid pretension and just chill with a drink and friends, this is your place. From the quirky decor to the robust beer list to the stiff drinks, it has the neighborhood feel with real quality. The bartenders are genuinely nice, and the prices are reasonable. You can get your beer in a mason jar, just because. One of the best bars in Madison, and a local neighborhood treat. The only bad thing to say is that it can get crowded. We need more establishments like Masons, the Tip Top and the Robin Room. read more

Not too shabby. Just another bar. I've never been there past hours 12-2 but I hear very good things so I'm holding out. One day. read more

I am giving one star because 0 is not possible. I came to this establishment around 7:30PM with my partner who had been there before many times. When we entered, we went up to the bar when the bar tender abruptly told us "I'll be with you guys in a little bit". No big deal. I had went to choose our seats while my partner waited at the bar. While I sat and waited, I watched the bar tender acknowledge my partner's signals for desired service and blatantly ignore him. More patrons came into the bar and the bar tender helped them with urgency, meanwhile my partner continued to signal and then waited, and waited, and waited. We tried to give the bar tender the benefit of the doubt, but I cannot ignore blatant discrimination. We left the establishment and will never be back. My partner loved this spot and for it being my first time visiting, I am extremely disappointed. read more

This place is one of few remaining hidden gems of Madison nightlife. It's not on the radar of UW-Madison students because of its location (about a mile from campus near the Henry Vilas neighborhood), but that's part of what makes it so great. It's cozy and intimate, which is perfect for the live music nights it hosts. If this bar was your friend, it would be the one who was hipster before everyone else caught on. The mismatched, thrifty furniture and decor from estate sales and grandma's basement complete the relaxed and comfy atmosphere of The Mason Lounge. The space is amazing for a relaxing night of catching up with friends and enjoying good music. read more

The chillest dive bar in Midtown. Grab a couch, smile at the sewing circle gathering next couch over, and just enjoy. Hipsters aren't welcome: take your flip phones somewhere else. New beers appear on the chalkboard above the bar every week. Food? Nope but you can order bad pizza from next door if you have an hour to kill. I love this place. Praise the Lord and pass me a beer. read more

Simply put: Fantastic. I remember going in there about a year and a half ago with a couple of friends, right when they opened--we were the only people in there! I'm thrilled to see them doing so well! Incredible beer selection (uh...Hopslam and Hop Head Red on tap?! Count me in!) and plenty of impromptu mini-concerts--like their second-Wednesday-of-the-month Bluegrass Night make it a must-visit venue. Bartenders are excellent, everyone who goes there is excellent, and the venue is outstanding. I may live up near the capitol, but I'm always happy to schlep down to The Mason for a bit of booze and some Bluegrass! read more