I always forget to take a picture of the food because I'm always starving but I haven't been disappointed yet. French Nasty (messy fries with delicious fixins) is so good. The cheese curds are great. Try them with the Josie raspberry jalapeño jam (I dare you). The servers are super nice and very accommodating. I always have a great time when I come to Tip Top and leave full and happy. read more

Tip Top Tavern - Brandy Old Fashioned and menu. - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Tip top service!! This quaint little restaurant/bar has got it all. Andrew provided my out of town party with excellent service. He had great suggestions for food, drinks and where to eat/drink around town. The fish fry was delicious on Friday night. Great Midwest dining experience. Highly recommend stopping in for a meal when in Madison! read more

Tip Top Tavern - Baked walleye - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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The food is good. Great burgers & I love the cheese curds with their tip top sauce. Fun to hang out in the patio in the summer. Great local bar/restaurant. read more

Tip Top Tavern - Cheese curds with spicy tip top house sauce. - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great brunch! The scrambler delicious! Great coffee, bacon, and mimosas. Service was good and the prices were fair. We will be back!

They have good food if you are able to get a table or service at all. No hello when you walk in or any acknowledgment whatsoever

My husband and I were in Madison for the weekend and decided to go for breakfast and Bloody Mary's. Cozy,cute atmosphere with yummy food. Will definitely go again read more

Love the old wood and local neighborhood vibe/ambience going on at the Tip Top. They have a great selection, and I've always wanted to go for their brunch and finally was able to right before COVID hit us. Brunch was quite good, and I even thought about deviating from my standard eggs, potatoes, and toast (something I never do, and alas, did not do this time... but their menu was amazing). What I really appreciated was that they accommodated my very particular feelings about mimosas. I CAN'T STAND mimosas in champagne flutes, and they totally put a double for me in a wine glass instead. Made my morning! And it was a darn good mimosa too. read more

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We LOVE this place. The only reason I don't want to place a review is because I don't want it so busy that we can't find a seat... I want to keep it a secret! The food is so good and just "different" enough! Right down to their hamburgers, in which the meat is sourced locally, to their fish fry which in our opinion is the best in town! We went for brunch this past Sunday and it was amazing! We will be back again! read more

Still love this fish fry. The fried walleye must be the best in town. If you're the type to share a dish, one order is enough for two. Updating my review: the walleye leftovers are great for breakfast! ask for an extra container of the tartar (which is more of a tarragon mayo and better than traditional tartar) to go. read more

LOVE the eggs benedict. Weekend brunch is superb. Excellent servers. Very friendly and helpful.

Brunch with pastrami hash and a PBR. What more can a man ask for? Food is delicious, beer menu is solid, and the decor matches the vibe, relaxed. read more

Probably the coolest and dreamiest patio areas in Madison; there are lots of cheery plants and string lights to escape an otherwise blase Monday evening. We brought the guest of the evening, our precious pup and I think he was impressed. They have a water station set up and bowls all ready to go. I ordered the Carnitas Verde $9.95, he, the Tip Top Burger $8.95, and a plain hamburger for the pup $7.95. Both the burgers came with chips and fresh greens, but you could substitute fries for an additional cost. I would recommend getting it as is because the greens were crisp, dressed lightly in an herb vinaigrette, and was so refreshing that I didn't even miss the fries. I'd also just suggest getting the regular burger and add toppings to your liking instead of the Tip Top burger. For an additional $1, it didn't come with anything you couldn't get gratis. The burgers was savory, the meat blend was a harmonious blend of lean and fat where it was still dripping in juice without being undercooked. The carnitas arrived with two over-hard eggs on top. The meat was tender and the flavor was deep, though maybe too generous with the salt. The lightly warmed corn tortillas cut away the saltiness, so definitely soak that shit up. We stayed for an after-meal drink, I got the recommended by the waitress; silver tequila, chambord, and pineapple juice - it was okay, I feel like all I could taste was the tequila. For dessert, they only had pies, so we'll have to come back another time for their cheesecakes. read more

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Food was delicious. Wait staff very friendly. Cool little place in a cool neighborhood.

Great with nice service. Always spectacular ambiance. Love this place. Will be back many times

This place is a delicious gem!!!! I had the sconnie and a Bloody Mary adding cheese curds. My foodie heart is still on cloud 9. The hubs got the Bruce burger, it was cooked to perfection. He added havarti and it was the best decision. The food is so good!!!! The fall Esther was great so we enjoyed the patio and the staff were busy but you didn't even notice. They were friendly and helpful. So great! read more

Tip Top Tavern - Sconnie and a Bruce Burger. Bloody Mary and a seasonal Surly. - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Pretty darn awesome tavern thats for sure. A Madison mainstay thats got loyalists and regulars drom college freshman to senior alumni from UW. Only been here once with my folks for the fish fry friday they do and everyone talks about. I have had better fish frys in my Milwaukee college days but this was was still good looking from what i saw flying out the kirchen. I just had seafood the night before so i was not feeling the fish thing, burger however yes! Byo burger even better! Plus they got sweet fries!! I built a killer grilled chicken sando as the pics show and i loved it! Prices are great and way better than my norm of san diego tavern food prices! The bells kal haven is an awesome sour rye ale I suggest all sour beer fans try! It was really busy and they do not take RSVP but even then us 3 got seated within 10 minutes and were ordering within 10 more. Meals came out about 15 minutes later and we were all quite pleased with the food. Great vibe, great staff, good beer and awesome grub from a local long standing hotspot. Tell Ben the owner hello when you stop in! read more

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This is my favorite tavern in Madison. Tap list is ON POINT from low end to high end. Food specials? Yes. Canned Music? Yes. Live Music of any kind (sometimes)? Yes. Patio? Yes. Bar? Yes. Amazing food out of a small galley kitchen? Yes. Neighborhood corner? Yes. Get yourself here. read more

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Our group of 5 was hungry and looking for a place to grab dinner after the most recent home football game. We called Tip Top and were pleasantly surprised to learn they had no wait for a table. When we arrived, we were a bit worried because it's a small (somewhat dark) place in a clearly residential neighborhood. We grabbed a spot on the street and went in. We were seated immediately and the service was friendly and quick. The chicken sandwich, walleye, Mediterranean grain salad and burger were all delicious. read more

A hidden gem in Madison! My partner and I stopped by here on a Friday night and were pleasantly surprised by an excellent dinner. Super friendly atmosphere with attentive staff. We both got burgers and they were cooked to perfection. Lots of flavor and I was in love with the house side salad. Their raspberry vinaigrette dressing has to be one of the best dressings I've ever had! Not to mention their cheese curds were off the wall! I can confidently say that they are my favorite cheese curds I've had in Madison by far (and I've been to places solely for the cheese curds). One thing to keep in mind is that they have a small parking lot, but no worries if you can't find a spot. There's ample street parking right across the street. They also have an outdoor patio (not heated I believe) if you'd prefer to sit out there. Tip Top Tavern is undoubtedly a hidden gem that you must check out! read more

Friendly staff, delicious food- the salad that came with my Reuben sandwich was beautiful - fresh mixed greens and pickled beets! I love pickled beets! read more

Had issues with food wait times multiple times. Service in general is subpar. Odd since you have to get your own water. Another attempt at being a hip bar and restaurant from the family who brought you Gils. And everyone knows how toxic that place is .... read more

Located in a cute neighborhood in Madison. Pet friendly patio and excellent service! The portions and food were great!

3.5 - Good fries and beer selection, but they didn't ask how I wanted the burger cooked and it came out overdone.

We had horrible service. We walked in and no one greeted us. The bartender ignored us despite no active drink orders. When we went to speak to her she told us it was open seating (why wouldn't she tell us that right away instead of just letting us just stand there). She didn't warn us that the patio stopped serving food at 8:45, so we sat in the patio. Our waitress rushed us even though the kitchen closed at 10:00 am. She didn't tell us any of the specials. Overall, not a pleasant experience due to poor service and unwelcoming atmosphere. read more

Hands down AMAZING FROM START TO FINISH! Walked in hangry, as we left a restaurant we didn't get waited on at but this place could not be labeled second choice! First choice and deserving of the 5-stars: Mari met us when we walked into the tavern with the daily special, showed us to the patio and before I could even breathe we had water and my hubs had a drink - oh before I forget they have cake! Food: We had cheese curds and cake before the meal, yes it was the best adult lunch ever! The TipTop Burgers were great paired with chips and a salad, best of all food groups! Atmosphere on the patio was fabulously decorated and very comfortable. Mari and the staff took such great care of us. So many more flavors of cake to try and other menu items. I also saw they have music nights, could be a nice night out to try! read more

Tip Top Tavern - Carmela Cheese Cake with real whip cream - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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In the midst of a snow storm, awaiting an iffy flight from Madison, the Tip Top Tavern was an unexpected refuge. A true corner tavern, the TTT sits incongruously in a residential neighborhood. Beautifully designed, with an old school concept, a long bar meets patrons with a few tables scattered about. A second room is provided to accommodate more seating. Service is warm, friendly and Wisconsin nice. All the food is made from scratch using a locally sourced farm to table philosophy. My cheeseburger soup was hearty and delicious, and one cup filled me up. The chile mac and cheese had a nice "tang," with the requisite crispy top. The menu was varied and unique. Take a look on their website. TTT's clientele was eclectic, older folks and young hipsters all enjoying the welcoming vibe. This was one cool bar, and I will return on my next sojourn to the Badger state. If I lived in Madison, I would be here often. read more

Tip Top Tavern - The TIP TOP TAVERN - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Brisket sandwich. Isn't anything close to what a brisket sandwich is. No barbecue flavor and very little brisket.

Food is excellent and service was friendly and prompt. They let us split an order with no extra charge. Ambience is old style Wisconsin tavern on a neighborhood street corner. There is no parking lot and sometimes it's difficult to find a street spot. read more

I was the recipient of what I feel to be cisgender-based sexism and discrimination at the hands of Tip Top staff after an ex of mine from several years ago, who took a job working here some time ago, decided to launch a character attack against me to prevent me from being treated courteously and kindly in this space, which was quite traumatic for me as Tip Top was my "home away from home" for quite a long time. I had been coming here and attending peacefully for many years for open mics, neighborhood socialization, etc. This translated to me being refused service several times, dependent on who would be working at the time. During my last visit I was asked outside by a bartender to be told, rather clearly, that I was being rallied against by several members of their staff and that I shouldn't come back. As far as I know I haven't been banned, or at least I haven't been notified of any ban, so this employee was overstepping his bounds in doing so, I believe. I had a witness and advocate with me for this last occurrence as well. Eventually I gave up on Tip Top Tavern - the discriminatory and sexist behavior was too much to warrant my continued attendance there and I couldn't establish a pattern to adapt to particular employee's actions. This situation was made much worse by the refusal of management or ownership to own up for or even communicate about these actions, as well as for allowing this scenario to continue on unmediated and unresolved for over half a year now. I reached out via email several times, and asked to speak to management when I was discriminated against on-site - I was not given a forum and further, heard nothing back, telling me management and ownership likely felt obliged to pick a side rather than offer grievance procedures or mediation - which would be the behavior of an establishment with a safer space policy, something Tip Top lacks. As an establishment that advertises itself as LGBTQIA+ friendly and promotes queer-friendly events, I am very concerned about how cisgender perspectives and politics played out in regards to my person. I feel my (mis)assumed gender was used to attack me at this establishment and I would caution other queer/nonbinary folk to be cautious in this space. Ultimately I feel particular members of Tip Top staff behaved abusively and management and ownership failed to mediate. This establishment does not cater to "All True Lovers of Life" as it advertises at present. If management or ownership would like to reach out at any point they are welcome. I have sent numerous emails and they should have my contact information. read more

I haven't been there recently but I enjoyed their food and drink with great staff. Typical Wisconsin bar with comfortable surroundings.

Enjoyed my first visit to Tip Top on a Friday night for a fish fry. The interior is very welcoming and reminiscent of other restaurants in the group (think Mickey's or Lazy Jane's). We got one of the last available tables around 5:30 (party of two). Ordered brandy old fashioneds and fish fry (cod for me and walleye for my friend). Food was delish (except the coleslaw). I splurged for the loaded baked potato but would go with fries next time - not special enough for a $2 upcharge. Service was friendly, efficient, and quick. I heard talk of a dessert menu. I was intrigued but passed. Would also visit in the summer to enjoy a lovely patio. Cash only. read more

Tip Top Tavern - Fish fry (walleye in back and cod in front) with loaded baked potato - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Always a good time! Solid food. Unique down to earth atmosphere with a quirky and eccentric vibe that exudes Madison's east side. Excellent staff and service. Bathrooms in dire need of repair though. read more

Phenomenal bar. There's no better place to drink in Madison Wisconsin than tiptop Tavern. The neighborhood field here cannot be beaten. If you happen to catch a night when Mari is bartending you're in for the treat of your life. read more

We went to Tip Top on a Saturday night. The lights were low and jazz music was playing in the background. Just a few tables were open, but it didn't have that crowded feeling. Our waitress came after a few minutes with both a drink and food menu. We each ordered a beer from their rotating tap menu, which includes Wisconsin and some regional beers. Nice list with good variety. My partner ordered the special, which was a burger with jalapeños, an onion ring and other toppings. I ordered the Build Your Own option. I went with a chicken breast with all the free toppings possible. I subbed sweet potato fries instead of the chips. We both agreed that the food and beer at Tip Top was top notch, but the ambiance was a little annoying after a while. Plus, our waitress was just okay. She came maybe only twice to our table, once to take our order and then to deliver our check. But, for a neighborhood sport, this place is fine. We will be back, perhaps in the summer when the patio is open!! read more

Tip Top Tavern - Rotating tap menu - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Not what I expected by far. I was mislead, but business is business right? I'm disappointed 3 stars only because of the grilled cheese otherwise I'd give it one read more

Tip Top Tavern - Fried boneless chicken - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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During COVID-19 we have really missed not only the great food and superbly prepared cocktails, we miss the very chill (even when they are slammed) staff. Chris and his team do a great job and make everyone feel welcome. So ready for any of their sandwiches and always fresh salads. A community setting that outshines many taverns around the city. Just. Damn. Good. Cheers! read more

I never went into the old Tip Top (because I was far too terrified) but there is no way it held a candle to the current Tip Top. Basically, the place looks fantastic from ceiling to floor. It now makes sense why the remodel took so long and it was clearly worth the wait. It's exactly what you'd want a neighborhood bar to be. Small but not too small, inviting atmosphere, comfortable lighting, and no over the top decorating. I had a beer and a very good whisky sour. Looking forward to heading back soon. read more

Tip Top Tavern - Phone cameras are bad in low light but this gives you an idea. - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Came in for a fish fry last Friday night. The place was busy, there seemed to be a short wait for tables. Luckily two people had just gotten up from the bar so we were able to snag 2 bar seats without waiting. And boy, were we lucky, because the bartenders here are FANTASTIC. Incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, they make great traditional Brandy Old Fashioneds. They also have some of their own infusions that they do, like a honey chai infused bourbon (also great as the base of an old fashioned). The food came out relatively quickly. It is a pretty standard fish fry menu. You can have either Cod or Walleye, breaded or fried. I had the fried cod, and it was definitely worth the trip to the near east side. Light, not overpowering batter, and thick pieces of cod. Fries were pretty standard, but the house-made cole slaw was a nice touch as well. All in all, classic Wisconsin Fish Fry experience. Really cool little place, great staff, good food, and great drinks. They also told me they are opening a Speakeasy right next door, which is really exciting. They do a lot of their own infusions so I can't wait to see what drinks they come up with for this new venture. Not quite sure it was good enough to unseat Quivey's Grove at the "Tip Top" of my fish fry list, but it came darn close (horrible joke free of charge). read more

Tip Top Tavern - Cod fish fry...does Wisconsin proud - New American Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This place has a great vibe-its an old school dive bar, still popular with the 60-something locals but it's been remade as a hipster hangout serving artisan cocktails, craft beers and food. We stopped in on a Monday night on our way to the airport for a bite to eat. The wood paneling and multicolored tile floor give it a warm soothing feel. We were invited to sit anywhere and ordered some beers and drinks from their inventive menu along with some chicken strips, a gourmet grilled cheese, and the nightly special pulled pork sandwich. Service was a bit slow but the food arrived hot and was quite good as were the drinks. It's not a bit place so I imagine it can get a bit crowded in the weekend. Perfect for those craving authentic and reasonably priced food and drink. NOTE: this place is CASH ONLY SO PLAN AHEAD. Recommended read more

food was amazing, their friday fish fry was the best i've found in madison! would recommend!