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| - The High Noon Saloon is the undisputed champion of music venues in Madison due to the excellent mix of national and local acts, excellent bartenders and great acoustics. I have never had a bad time at the High Noon, even on the nights where I didn't quite like the band. Definitely 4.5 stars, and I would rate this place a complete 5 if only they had a coat check or at least someplace safe to dump your jacket. The place is not huge, but a good number of people can fit in making the site attractive for a lot of up-and-coming national acts. Even when the crowd is well below capacity the place doesn't feel all that empty, and it retains a lot of this atmosphere for the weeknight shows. Most of my favorite shows over the last four and a half years have been at the High Noon.
A good part of the charm of the place has to do with the legendary owner, Cathy, and the story of O'Cayz Corral. When I was a young freshman and sophomore at UW I treasured the tiny space that was O'Cayz for their occasional all-ages shows and support of the local music scene, which included several of my close friends and roommates. I even got to attend a few shows there for free since I was part of the "road crew" - moving amps from our basement to the bar using the old Blazer I borrowed from my father. It was a terrible loss when O'Cayz burned down. However, the High Noon rose out of the ashes and Madison is better for it.
I love the small balcony at the back of the bar, above the pool tables and where the roadies set up the merch table. It's hard to get a table up there if the place is packed, but I love to sit up there and look out over the crowd. The sound is always very good at the High Noon. I personally have never felt it to be excessively loud, like the Annex can be, but some of my friends regularly bring earplugs. The sightlines on the floor are usually clear, although there are a couple of support beams further back that block a bit of the stage. The bar is always well-stocked, and it usually isn't too hard to get a drink. The bartenders have always been very friendly, and over the years I've gotten to know several just because I've seen them so many times. During busier shows a second bar opens on the other side, but they don't have the tap selection on this side so I usually don't bother. I especially like how the bar carries an unbeatable selection of local micros and cheap bottles of PBR. I love to have a few Lake Louie's or Bells before the show, but if I drink them throughout I tend to get into trouble. Show prices are always reasonable, and I've even had will-call tickets transferred on the day-of-show without problem. There is a nice outdoor patio area with tables and chairs, and you can bring your glasses or bottles out for a smoke break between sets. There is even waitservice out there during shows, and heaters during the winter for smoking. Parking can be a challenge, since there is just a small onsite lot that is shared with the Brass Ring and the Brink Lounge. I always park across the street in the MG&E lots, which are open at night. There have been a few times when the doors didn't open all that early, but in these situations just head on over the Brass Ring for a drink. All in all I can't even imagine the last few years of my life without the High Noon Saloon.
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