| rev:text
| - In the location of what was once the terrible "Pub" on state street, some entrepreneurial gentlemen created a fantastic new bar. I'm actually amazed that no one has reviewed this yet, despite the fact that it's still fairly new.
I was really blown away by how good a bar this is, and part of that is due to the fact that it's something Madison has been missing for a long time. Chicago and Milwaukee both have these niche bars that provide quality live bands, lights, atmosphere, and good drinks while at the same time garnering a happy medium of customers to occupancy limits. Madison, on the other hand, has some nice bars but not anything like this. They don't have good clubs (none I would even consider a club because Scatz doesn't count), and they don't have bars that are inbetween. This is precisely what Whiskey River Saloon is.
They kick things off right by having an actual "Wild West Atmosphere" that is created by the customers and not forced by some sort of corporate campaign. I walked in (after waiting in line for 20 min) and was treated to laughing, hooting and hollering, and a band that was playing fantastic music to a small throng of Friday night party-goers. One of the best parts of the place is the space; there's a lot of room to move around despite the crowds, there's a numerous amount of tables setup for groups (and in good locations that are not in the way), and there's a long bar for when it gets crowded.
The best part is easily the stage though. It's to the far back of the bar and takes up most of the back wall. The band that night was playing classic hits from Sublime, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, and others who while normally have subdued music they covered it in a way that really got the crowd engaged (even singing along), and the light show helped accentuate the atmosphere. Part of the hype may be due to it being new and some good advertising, but I know that this bar is going to have no trouble staying afloat if they keep doing what they're doing.
My group also had obtained a beer tube complete with a tap which was a nice way to avoid being at the bar forever waiting for a drink (even though the bartenders were fun), and they seemed to all be enjoying themselves.
The only true drawback was the line at the door (which I waited in twice after forgetting my wallet), but honestly I'd wait in it again and again for a good experience like the one I had.
Couldn't recommend more, so glad the Pub is gone.
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