Merchant is a bar in Madison.
Merchant on South Pinckney just off Capitol Square is the Mulligan family's downtown cocktail bar with a gastropub menu and long classic-cocktail program.
Food program: American gastropub menu, charcuterie, sandwiches
Address: 121 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703
Settle Down Tavern on South Pinckney from Sam Parker, Ryan Huber and Brian Bartels is the city's new-American tavern with a deep brandy Old Fashioned list.
Signature drink: Wisconsin brandy Old Fashioned with a high-end pour
Food: New American supper club menu
Mickey's Bait Shop on Williamson Street, the Marquette dive and Mickey's Tavern sibling, runs cheap drinks and weekend live music near Willy Street.
Signature drink: Cheap tap beer and a brandy shot
Food: No kitchen
High Noon Saloon on East Washington, the city's flagship Americana and indie live-music room since 2004, runs nightly shows and a bar program until late.
Signature drink: Wisconsin tap beer with a show
Food: Bar food, sandwiches
Ohio Tavern on Ohio Avenue, the east-side Wisconsin neighborhood tavern, is a longtime local with bar pizza, Friday fish fry and brandy Old Fashioneds.
Signature drink: Brandy Old Fashioned and a tap beer
Food: Bar pizza, Friday fish fry
State Street Brats on State Street, the campus bar since 1953, runs Wisconsin red and white brats and Spotted Cow taps for game-day Badger crowds.
Signature drink: Red brat with a Spotted Cow
Food: Red and white Wisconsin brats, burgers, cheese curds
The Rigby Pub and Grill on East Main just off Capitol Square is Madison's British-pub bar with a long European tap list, whisky bottles and fish and chips.
Signature drink: Imported European tap beer and whisky list
Food: British pub menu, fish and chips, burgers
