Horrible bar horrible bartenders. DONT GO HERE! This place is over rated and horribly managed

Burgers are on the better side of ok. The other things I've had, since it changed hands a few years ago, have been on the lesser side of ok. If you're craving a burger, it's a fairly inexpensive place to go, but there's better places around to get a burger from, within a block. It's just a couple doors down from my boyfriend's house, and has later hours than many nearby restaurants. read more

Great place for food and service industry crowds. A place to check out in Madison for sure.

Argus is right off the Capitol square, which is convenient for some people. They have happy hour from 4-7 ($1 off taps, rail drinks and wines, I think). They also have some tasty buffalo wings and a host of delicious sounding sandwiches and burgers with clever/punny names. I split an order of wings and the LBGTA (Lettuce, bacon, gorgonzola, tomato, avocado) sandwich with my boyfriend, and they were gone rather quickly. The fries are thick cut and salted just right. Yeah, I'll be back for sure. read more

Eh. Not impressed. There's a lady who works there with crazy eyebrows, she was not too friendly towards me. She ignores me when I tried to get her attention. It wasn't even that busy that day either! Other than that, it was ok read more

The waitress was a little surly, but other than that this place is great. Nice atmosphere, good location, great beer selection and wonderful food. I had the Barbara's Garden sandwich which was delicious. I am a huge fan of avocado on a veggie melt. My friends got the patty melt and the pesto chicken sandwich and they both raved. Go for the fries. read more

The Argus is "my" bar. They have a great happy hour. I love their vegetarian sandwiches (separate section on the menu), and they make great long islands. The cheese curds are pretty good, too. The lady who (I think?) owns the bar with her husband is awesome. She remembers your drink, remembers which sandwiches you like, and always makes you feel welcome. I hang out on their patio and read with drinks and dinner in the summer, and I spent election night there. read more

I once hit three bulls eyes (one a double) at this bar. It therefore comes highly recommended.

Argus is a tiny bar/restaurant just right off of Capitol Square with a classic bar ambience and dim lighting. The place itself is not bad if you're looking for a chill bar to unwind at, but the food on the other hand is...not the best. I got the Angus burger with fries, and while the fries were fine, the burger was a little below average. I'm not sure I would recommend getting food from here if you're looking for a real dinner. Overall, it's not a bad bar though! Just don't expect restaurant quality food. read more

This bar sucks. Went there with my father and we were kicked out for having 1 foot off the patio. DO NOT GO HERE. There are plenty of bars in Madison read more

Perfectly located up on the capitol square, where else, other than Wisconsin can you get a grilled cheese, ham and cheese sandwich? Perfect spot to go drinking during your lunch hour with the friendliest bartender around. And where else can you get your lunch hour Strong Man Competition fix? read more

Came here late, late night. Loud and dark. I didn't get a drink (as I did not need ANYmore), but it seemed like a cool atmosphere. Younger, a little hip. read more

The location right up by the capital is great, they usually have somewhere to sit, and the owner is always there and seems to remember people and what they drink- definitely a unique atmosphere compared to most of the bars in this area. Food is mediocre, but cheap, so I never feel particularly good or bad about eating here...this is a great back-up bar, at the very least, but also certainly an easy place to become a regular at...which is always a nice assurance. read more

We had a large party and got terrible service at The Great Dane, so we decided to come to Argus, and it was amazing! Our bartender, Jack, was incredibly accommodating and never made us feel like we were inconveniencing anyone. He somehow managed to keep a dozen tabs strait and was so quick and nice! I never waited more than an actual minute at the bar before I got my drink even though it was super busy. In short, Argus was awesome and Jack is the best bartender I've ever had. read more

Love this place. Consistently one of the best bars in Madison. Strong drinks, good food, great owner.

Went here to drink and play Scrabble. Very stiff double jack & coke so woohoo! Got my buddy drunk for the first time in his life!

Came in with my boyfriend on a Saturday night, they were playing great music.. this will definitely be our new spot if the music is consistent! We love old school hip hop and we came in at the right time!! read more

We're always taken care of when we go here. Burgers are good, the fish-fry is so so, and the drinks are nice and stiff. The downstairs dungeon thing is perplexing, but adds character. read more

Have they gotten new owners? Used to take my staff to lunch twice a month, last 2 times basement dining was very noisy, you could hear the kitchen staff talking and blasting their music. Different wait staff too. Based on the inability to have a lunch where you can visit with guests over blaring kitchen, will not be back after all these years... read more

I have been working in Madison for a couple months and since this place is right around the corner from my job sit I thought I would give it a try. My first time there I was the only one in the place so service was.gif and food was good. Second time there were about 5 people in the place and the waitress just kept walking past me as if I were not even there. Finally I went to the bar and ordered a drink and food. I thought the fish was dry and tasteless. I thought I would not go back but today I went back all places have bad days. Well my mistake I just waited for 20 minutes for a drink and just walked out I know she.knew I was there but she would not walk to my end of the bar. Worst service ever. read more

The argus has great happy hour drink specials dollar off taps and 1.50 PBRs. The bartenders and waitresses are all pretty friendly. I haven't had a ton of food items from Argus but the ones I have had are good. read more

If you can't find a sandwich here, then you don't need a sandwich. They offer a wide variety including hot sandwiches, wraps and burgers. The special pulled pork sandwich was tender and served with slaw, which is a must for anyone who knows about pulled pork sandwiches. We were there for lunch and the server was very attentive and generous with the soda refills. The "Georgia Reuben" was a tasty, lighter version of the reuben with smoked turkey and coleslaw substituting for the pastrami and sauerkraut. The "Rob 'N' Steph's Veggie Melt" was a good vegetarian choice, and has left this diner with the much needed energy to finish the day. read more

The Argus Bar is a place which most Madison residents know about, many have visited, and and a lesser number have (at one time or another) made it their regular go-to among the myriad of downtown bars on the Isthmus. The Argus has been around for over two decades, and has changed relatively little in that time. It's vibe can change dramatically, depending on the time of day, type of demographic inside, and other factors which are less predictable. Think of it as the bar version of that person you used to date who had many mercurial moods, but always wore the same clothes. Lunch may be the most benign time there, when laconic patrons and downtown employees take advantage of the wide variation of menu and drink choices. What to order off the menu could occupy a review in itself, but suffice it to say that there are rewards and choices which are problematic. On a recent visit, I was a little short of cash and thought a humble burger would be a good compromise at $5.75. While a 1/3 lb. patty is the standard offering, and lettuce, tomato and slivers of red onion, along with condiments are served without additional charge, the final result is about as inspired as retired CPA. Other more successful offerings include their Reuben, different salads, wraps, and decent chicken sandwiches. Drink menu is complete and the pours are healthy. For proof, just check the clientele at closing time on the weekends, when the place becomes a loud and unapologetic hot mess for young people to either celebrate their tinder conquests or just get hammered like a good Wisconsin citizen. Regardless of your take on the place, it will likely be here longer than you. read more

We went for drinks recently after a conference and had a very unsatisfactory experience. We came in around 1:15 am and each ordered a beer. Around 1:30 am, the bartender Ryan became incredibly rude. He announced last call, and then mere minutes later, started yelling loudly that the bar was closing and everyone needed to leave so he could clean up. We had each only ordered one beer, and yet barely had any time to drink them. More than fifteen minutes before scheduled closing time, he came by our table and very rudely snatched away all of our glasses, including a 3/4 full pint my friend was still drinking. If they were planning to close early, he should have forewarned us when we first ordered drinks. There is no excuse to be so rude to patrons who are just quietly sitting there consuming drinks. We all agreed it was the worst treatment any of us had experienced at a bar anywhere in recent memory. read more

Slow bartenders over priced and watch out for the regulars they are rude and have free range at this place.

I can see what other reviewers mean by dive bar. I stopped by & took a look at their menu, deciding to opt for the patio area instead of inside. Based on other places that have outdoor seating, they typically ask you to come inside where then someone will guide you to your table with a menu in hand. Not this place. A few customers and staff behind the bar were yukking it big time and didn't acknowledge my presence in any way. Okay, so I stepped back outside and asked another table what the procedure was. They told me to just snag a table outside and someone would be with me. Sure enough in about 10 minutes I got waited on. The outdoor smoking is somewhat annoying but understandable. The sandwich I got was good at the right price and the right size. Some places give you so much food that you have to fool with a box full of leftovers. Service was not bad at all. I doubt very much I would eat inside but on a pleasant day the outside is very nice. read more

I love the Argus! It's a small bar with super friendly staff and excellent food! They also have an awesome outdoor patio.