Monkeyshines is a hard bar to rate because it has a lot of positives -- although most are only slightly positive.
I haven't tried mixed drinks at 'shines. The beer selection here is below average for Madison. Otherwise, the beer is fine and the prices fair. Especially if you order a domestic.
If you are a shooter, the pool tables often have good or even excellent players. Few of them use bar cues. Monday nights are league.
Wednesday nights, they have loud karaoke. Most clients are smokers, and they have an attached smoking room. That's great for smokers in winter, but it also brings a strong scent of smoke into the main bar.
I go here when friends invite me - a lot of my friends like 'shines - and it's usually crowded, especially as the night goes on. Women here tend to be a little more aggressive than other bars in my experience, but, hey, if you can complain about that then you can complain about anything.