At first glance, the place presents itself as a neighborhood dive--a worn-in local haunt where the…read moredécor is secondary to the conversation. But the illusion fades the moment a Bloody Mary arrives at the table. This is a bar that takes its craft seriously. The cocktail was thoughtfully prepared and balanced, revealing an attention to detail rarely found in establishments trading on casual charm alone. The atmosphere is equally compelling: lively without being chaotic, welcoming without feeling manufactured. It possesses the kind of authenticity that cannot be designed or replicated. In an era of increasingly curated hospitality, this remains a genuinely local gathering place--unpretentious, distinctive, and unmistakably its own.

We like our walleye and eggs for breakfast, and decided to try out the Squirrel's Nest. It is a…read moresmall establishment with a bar to the left and seating area, to the right, with two smaller tables on the side of the bar. We arrived about 10:00 am, and it was packed. It was very loud with people talking, due to the small space. We sat at our table and waited awhile for a server, but didn't know if we needed to order at the bar. After a while, a waitress arrived to take our order. She was very joyful and friendly. We both ordered the walleye and eggs, which included hashbrowns and toast. My husband added cheese and onions on the hashbrowns at no extra cost. We also ordered a Bloody Mary, which came with a chaser. They arrived with a spear of mozzarella cheese, pimento olive, smoked sausage, and a dill pickle. The walleye had a nice thin crust and the eggs and hashbrowns were cooked perfectly. My better half said that he didn't taste any onions in the hashbrowns and they used American cheese, which made them runny. It was a good breakfast, and we enjoyed our time there. However, due to the loudness, we probably won't go back, as it was hard to have a conversation. Be aware that they only take cash, but they do have an ATM in the building. This establishment definitely had a great atmosphere and service, with friendly staff.

Great flatbread pizza , prompt service , classy decorate feel and always something going on , live…read moreperformances, trivia , wine tasting . I wish I lived closer.

Oh my word, this place is incredible! You'd never guess that the unassuming wine bar store front in…read morea suburban strip mall secretly (hopefully not-so-secretly soon) has the best cocktails and flatbread. Yes, the wine is obviously good too with a selection for all preferences. I've been here a few times now, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I cannot get over how good their food is! I've now tried every single flatbread on their menu, and they're all outstanding! Even their steak gorgonzola flatbread is incredible and I don't like steak! They also have the best spinach artichoke dip I've ever tasted, and they're served with these delightful warm pieces of pita bread... I'm pretty sure this stuff came right out of an oven. On my most recent visit, I actually ended up getting an Old Fashioned and my dining mate got a cosmo. Both were absolutely fantastic. The bartender even came over and said the last bit of the cosmo he made tasted like it was heavy on the lime and he offered to re-make it... I'd call that service to the hilt! There was no need to re-make the cosmo, however, as we both found it to be delicious. The bar also has some really great high end liquors and craft beer options. They also have NA options. So, while it is a fun wine bar where you get to self-service pour your own wine, don't let the name fool you -- this place has something for everyone. I've also come here with a friend who has a gluten allergy and they have gluten free bread for their delicious flatbreads. Overall this place is great for an intimate night out or a night out with the girls. They have plenty of seating and an upstairs area with games and such as well. There's an outdoor patio as well for when the weather cooperates. I cannot recommend this place enough!

Photos are from the Friday night menu. We had broiled cod, broiled shrimp, grilled salmon & clam…read morechowder soup. I also got the drool worthy cheesy potato casserole as a side - this is only available on Fridays and runs out as the night goes on so get there early! My absolute favorite item on the normal menu is the Chicken Salad Sandwhich Melt on sourdough bread. It's SO good. This bar is an excellent spot for cheap drinks & watching sports since it has a million TVs. I've never had the burgers here but I've heard good things.

Went on a Friday night, were expecting a wait. Sat ourselves immediately. Waitress came over not…read morelong after and got our drinks quickly. The French dip special was heavenly and has so much meat. They were so busy but waitress still managed to check in with us which was awesome. Also sat near a nice couple who had nothing but good things to say about the place. I will definitely be going back here. My only wish was it wasn't SO loud but it is also a bar so ‍

Just a nice country bar off the radar and away from the crazy busy ig city, very friendly staff and…read morecustomers. Quick service and great drink prices. They also have a first Tuesday of the month cruise night that's alot of fun!

Clean bar area, pool tables & gaming machines, great service. Food was super reasonable and came…read moreout piping hot, they have one of these machines that air-fries food to order! Only downfall was bathrooms could use a little extra TLC and bartender was new so needed help with finding an Irish cream liqueur. I would love to come back and rate this place higher, so be on the lookout for an update!

A true Wisconsin dive bar--nothing fancy, just what it is…read more We came to Dive Inn thanks to a pub pass, and it's exactly what the name suggests. It's a local hangout with that classic dive bar vibe: friends chatting at the bar, a lonely guy playing slots in the corner, and no pretense whatsoever. The atmosphere is very "Wisconsin dive," and if you're not a local, it's easy to feel out of place. The drinks are standard, nothing special, and the food is nothing to write home about. It's cozy in a low-key way, but don't expect anything fancy. For locals looking for a casual spot to grab a drink, it works, but outsiders might not feel the same warmth.

Stopped in on a weekday night. Lively crowd with some newbies mixed in with regulars. Super…read morebartender kept the drinks flowing. A solid tap list with a bigger selection of bottles and cans. Cocktails were stiff but super reasonable. They have some food options with pizza or you can call over to Red Lion for takeout. Loved the overall vibe of the place. I'll be back.

This is the place to go! I will definitely be back. I don't write many reviews, but I had to stop…read moreand do it. Hopefully you will too! Get the Reuben or Walleye, the cook is phenomenon. Service is great!! Don't forget to tip the cook along with your server. It's that good. I'm looking forward to coming back. Low-key need to find a date. But I know where to bring her.

sorry bartender was rude , I'm in the business and I would never be so disrespectful. he had a full…read morebar and could make great money if the attitude was dropped. Get a new bartender that has some respect

Waypoint for the win! Back again for another great round of apps and drinks!…read more Sunset was beautiful and bugs stayed away until Sun was completely down. Server was super friendly and helped move us inside for finishing up our drinks.

Fantastic Tuesday dinner with the family. Sat immediately. Great service all around our waitress…read morewas nice gave good recommendations, checked on us, refilled drinks promptly. Everything was fresh and flavorful. happy hour cheese curds were good. Kids loved the smash burgers and Cajun fries. Had the blue gill sliders which wear cooked perfectly and dressed nicely with fresh toppings and the creamy coleslaw was really good. Had the Thai up cocktail for happy hour and it was deliciously spicy and refreshing. Husband loves super spicy food and enjoyed the jalapeño popper brisket sandwich which had some heat. It was huge and couldn't eat all the bread. Sat in a booth in front of bar which was loud. But it's a bar and lots of people enjoying themselves. stripped down decor is fun.

A stellar example of a Madison dive bar, unpretentious and friendly. I recall the food was ok too.read more

I like the Wisconsin vibes here! This place is cash only but the beer is inexpensive and the staff…read morehere are great/super friendly . This is a great place to grab a drink and sing (karaoke starts at 9 PM).

Great Friday fish. Busy but service was excellent. Got there around 6:30 and got a table right…read moreaway. Ordered drink order taken as when knew we Hat we wanted. Cod and walley and both were perfectly cooked. Will be going back sooner than later as it had been some time since we were there last.

I've been eyeing this place but haven't wanted to come due to the low 3 star rating. But my sister…read morewanted to come here for her birthday dinner. We arrived at 7:15 and waitstaff quickly worked to get us seated. Drinks and app came quickly. Fast forward to 8:30 and our waitstaff was running around and still hadn't secured our orders, apologizing for the wait, offering 1 free cocktail out of the round of 3. He was extremely apologetic and thankful for our understanding. While it's still a 3 star review, the location is great-- outdoor seating is large and there's an outdoor bar if you just want drinks while playing one of the sand volleyball courts. The indoor atmosphere is a cozy, cabin vibe. There are gaming machines and a pool table tucked in the corner behind the fireplace. There's a second level loft/balcony that overlooks the lake. This spot is stellar and I know a lot of places are experiencing short staffing. I hope they can improve their service and gain a 4-5 star review soon.

Place is off the main drag, but seems like a decent place to enjoy a few cocktails, listen to live…read moremusic or sit on the patio with friends. Food came quickly, very reasonable prices. And happy hour b1g1 specials on taps and rail drinks. Extremely reasonable prices for rail drinks! $3 for a single gin & soda. Bartender was attentive & fast.

Great food with a nice mix of choices that are interesting and different than normal sports bar…read moretypes.