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| - Le Tigre meets every definition of a Madison original. It is a cocktail lounge in an out-of-the-way strip mall that is done up in full tiger-stripe regalia. The place exudes the type of effortless charm that comes from years of just being that way. There is a thin line between amusing and cloying when it comes to kitsch - think 37 pieces of flair - but the decor of Le Tigre doesn't come over as forced because it has the throwback vibe of timelessness. If you go to Le Tigre, you're going to see a lot of tigers. And if that were all, you'd go once and cross it off the list, been there seen that. However, the atmosphere and attitude at Le Tigre is so much more than a lot of tigers behind a bar. It has that kind of don't-give-a-damn charm that is both unpretentious and cool. The best way I can describe Le Tigre: it's like having all of your friends over and hanging out in a kick-ass living room bar, but full of tigers. That's actually not a good description at all, but a place like this is hard to put into words.
Le Tigre is located in the strip mall on the north side of the Midvale/Beltline interchange, next to a hardware store and a Mexican grocery. It is a bit hard to find the first time, but once you do you'll realize you've seen it from the Beltline hundreds of times. The atmosphere is the definition of chill. The bar is a bit long and narrow, with tables arranged as you first come in and a bar running along one wall. The blinds are always closed, so rain or shine it is always the same level of darkness in the bar. There are an assortment of smaller tables, perfect for 2-4 people to have an intimate conversation. The bartenders are all friendly and quick. I've never tested their collective knowledge on drinks because I believe I always order a Tanqueray and tonic, and for what it's worth it is my favorite G&T in all of Madison. There is a full bar though, and I've seen the bartenders mix up a myriad of different drinks. I'm not entirely sure as to the beer selection, since this place always seems to befit the clinking of ice in a rocks glass as opposed to a pint. The jukebox selection doesn't exactly match my personal tastes but fits the bar to a tee. What I do especially enjoy is the live jazz on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It serves as the perfect backdrop to a quiet conversation, just be sure to drop a few dollars in the tip jar as there is no cover. The restrooms in this place are interesting, to say the least. I would put Le Tigre at the top of list for having the smallest mens' room in Madison.
The most controversial aspect of the bar is the no swearing policy, which I have been repeatedly told about by others but have never seen actually enforced. I had mixed feelings about this originally, mainly because I have a tendency to swear like a stevedore after a few, but it has never been an issue. When you're sitting at one of the small tables the conversation tends to be at a low volume so there is little worry of being overheard. When sitting at the bar I just keep it in my mind to hold my tongue, and I've never been called on an infraction. Even if you do have the same foul-mouthed affliction as me I would still recommend stopping by Le Tigre just to experience it. I don't know too many people that come away less than impressed.
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