Madison's bar scene ranges from campus bars and Capitol Square cocktail lounges to neighborhood taverns, sports bars and supper club bars pouring brandy old fashioneds.

Wisconsin's rules are a little different from other states. Underage people may be in a bar with their parent, guardian or spouse of legal drinking age, though each bar can set its own rules and many don't serve minors at all. Bars close by 2 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and smoking has been banned inside Wisconsin bars and restaurants since July 2010.

Many bars serve a Friday fish fry, and trivia, karaoke and live music nights are common; check each bar's calendar.