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| - This is a local bar with local people. And most of the people in this bar rarely leave it. And then you get the occasional tourists who wander in off the street and half the time, wander right back out.
The atmosphere of the Ideal is... not the most desirable. Unflattering lighting, tile floor, uncomfortable bar stools, and it usually smells like bad breath and stale beer.
Positives about the inside are the festive decorations behind the bar, the AMAZING juke box (kind of old school, flip through the CD covers deal), and they just installed two large windows in the front which helps IMMENSELY, and they always have a sweet pinball machine which rotates out every once in awhile.
The bartenders are ALL top notch. Seriously. The best, nicest, most down to Earth people. Great service. They are always on top of their game and no matter how busy it is you won't have to wait long for a drink.
This is a place where friends go. Everyone knows everyone, for the most part, and if you live in the 'hood, you can show up by yourself and know you'll find a friend drinking there too. Despite it's downfalls, the Ideal is a great place for neighborhood people to get together.
Out-of-towners may want to avoid it and just go across the street to the brewery because chances are someone at the Ideal will scare you or ask you to buy them a beer.
The Ideal is the only bar in Madison where all your dreams come true.
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