Two words: Tator Tots
This is an unsuspecting old tavern on E Wash and Baldwin with THE BEST Friday fish fry! This really is my favorite fish fry in town and I love that a side option is tator tots. I feel like a kid in my elementary school cafeteria (cuz my momma never made these at home).
Owner, Ryan, is usually tending bar and making extra effort to introduce himself to every patron in the place. He has tons of energy and wants everyone to have a great experience. I love what he's done with that corner and look forward to seeing it grow. It's a little divey on the inside, but the food and drinks are excellent and they even have somewhat modern dishes they use to serve the meals. I hope that means he's planning more investment in upgrading the tables, flooring, etc. as the business grows. I think he's going to need to give the place a facelift with Pasqual's moving in next door.
One thing my husband and I talked about as we left after our most recent visit was that there was quite a diverse crowd - young and old, different races and ethnicities, and everyone was having a good time watching the TVs (they usually have movies and sports playing simultaneously). I love that about Madison and this bar. Everyone is welcome and has a great time!