The Cardinal Bar is both retro and classy. Stopped in for some pre-dinner beverages and listened to the live conga band get set-up and play their first few songs. The service was really good with cool bartenders and a mellow vibe. Didn't try the food although it is on the menu. A bit further from campus, the CB seems to be a place catering to a more mature crowd rather than a UW student bar. read more

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The decor is so cute and I really liked the food options and NA drinks! Parking is a challenge so we parked in the Essen Haus lot then walked over. We arrived shortly after they opened and it was excellent: great service, great vibes. We were so relaxed. We visited on a dancing night and even though we stayed at our table, it was so fun to see people of all ages, sexualities, and wardrobes coming to and from the dancefloor. Once it got busy, the bartenders were really struggling. It seemed like most of them were new because they kept asking one of the bartenders questions. One of them didn't even know where to find the drink I ordered (it was on the menu, and in the fridge in a can). Once all of the employees are as seasoned as the one they were all asking questions to, I think things will run much more smoothly. It also turned into a big party atmosphere which was fine with us, but many of the tables that were relaxing when we arrived were gone shortly after the music started. So just choose your visit time based on the type of experience you want. read more

Cardinal Bar - Dance Clubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Cardinal Bar is stunning, and almost worth going for the historic architecture and gorgeous decor alone. The service wasn't amazing, as they had only one employee bartending and making food. It took a LONG time for our food to come, and when it did, it was different from what we ordered but we didn't complain and make more work on the singular employee. The mocktail we had was underwhelming; it tasted just like MinuteMaid. The steak sandwich was delicious. read more

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Service isn't just terrible, it's nonexistent. I went to meet friends as we were celebrating three birthdays, including mine. I also had a visitor from France who was interested in seeing the hot flash nightclub. In the 20 minutes I stood at the bar, clearly waiting for service, I watched four employees doing shots behind the bar and not paying any attention to who was waiting first. Not once did a single one of them make eye contact with me to let me know they had seen me. I stopped what I assume was a manager (also doing shots) to ask if it was possible to get drinks, and she said she'd send the bartender down. She did not. My visitor and I left in disgust, walked over to Genna's, had a drink in hand in under five minutes, and enjoyed the evening air outside. I am a pleasant customer who always gets served quickly at just about any place. I don't know why that didn't happen at the Cardinal, but maybe staff shouldn't be drinking on the job if they aren't able to keep up with the flow of customers. read more

Saw Bill Roberts Combo and was blown away that they had such top musicians playing in there. Was it rather early though. I think they said that there's disco in the evenings or something like that. But the band was unbelievable. They played jazz, blues and original stuff too because I've never heard it before but it was great. Definitely go back. read more

* sigh * Thursday, July 2nd, 2009. My last night @ El Cardinal? Only time will tell. My FaceBook page said this was going to be the 'Last Latin Night' at the Cardinal so, being as though I'm mostly a homebody in Madison when it comes to late night, I HAD to go. Time to get all "suited & booted" so to speak; I mean "The Cardinal". I came here in college; when I turned 21 this was THE place to go SATURDAY night for musica de Salsa y merengue. I came here RELIGIOUSLY, EVERY Saturday evening for 5 years straight to get my Saturday Salsa on. Then they switched it to Thursday AND began 18 and up night here and I stopped going so much... I enjoyed the atmosphere tonight, even with the teeny boppers. It was a serious reunion. People I hadn't seen in YEARS were there, it was great. We took lots and LOTS of photographs. The place had a good vibe going tonight; David Muhammad was DJ'ing some merengue, ol' skool salsa and Freestyle. Wow. Incredible. I have missed the place; the two (2) Corey's were bar tending as well as Paulo and my Stoli Strawberry & 7-Ups were really RIGHT on the money tonight. All in all, Cardinal you were something else; moments like these really make me feel old even being in my early 30's. At the end of the evening I hear it is not only the last Latin Night but it's closing in a day or two (semi) permanently. * sigh * A True Madison Icon this place is. Your jagged tile floor. You're hot-n-steamy windows. Your new and improved Ladies Room. Your 'dance on me' speakers. I hope to be at your re-opening/return should there come such a day... read more

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This is the first bar/dance floor that I've hit up since moving to Mad City. Not too shabby! I was looking for a place to dance first and foremost. Went in on a Friday for R&B/Latin/Reggaeton night and the music was great. The DJ would rotate each genre after about 3-4 songs. Awesome dance floor, not very large, but not too small either. Great lights for the atmosphere and mirrors on the walls of the dance floor. The crowd had a good mix of over 30's and a few younger people. Bartenders were extremely friendly and made great drinks! The flyer I saw said free for ladies before 11pm. There are two bars in Cardinal's - the main bar when you walk in and a smaller bar right off the dance floor. How convenient! Would definitely come back for a good time. read more

Cardinal Bar is the best in Madison for Latin nights. Thursday and Saturday night they have a nice rotation of Latin music DJ that play salsa, bachata, and other dancable music. Bar tenders are also great, especially Frank! If you want to social dance, come between 9:30-11. By 11 it starts turning clubby which is also a fun time. read more

Went here for the first time last night and had so much fun that I'll definitely be back! There was a five dollar cover but it was worth it, because in my opinion there just aren't enough places to get your groove on in Madison. The bartender was really friendly and the bar isn't super crowded so it doesn't take that long to get a drink. This is because everyone's in the back room DANCING! They played salsa music all night, which was a nice change from the music they usually play at Sotto, my usual dance spot. We had soooo much fun attempting to salsa. The room has funky lighting but isn't extremely sweaty and gross, which is a huge plus. Yay- I can't wait to go back! read more

OK, got to be here on Thursday's Latin Dance night. The place starts really hopping after 11:00pm, so it's perfect if you're a nocturnal like me who defines the "night" from 10:30-4. The music on the Latin dance night is actually mix of pop/trance and remixed latin. I like the crowded steamy dance floor (that's what you need, Inferno), and the crowd is definitely a fun-loving type. One negative is the bar tenders - little slow to react, and what's up with the weak drink? Two rum&coke and a gimlet barely gave me a buzz. So the suggestion is to buzz up at somewhere else, and then get your booty out here for the late night dance, read more

This is one of the best places for dancing in Madison. From the few times i've been there, it's never been too crowded, but it's also never so empty that you feel like there's a spotlight on you. It's usually at a good enough level where you have space to do your thang. The music itself is interesting, as it's usually live DJs catering to a different theme every night. I've heard several different types, such as house, latin, and juke. It's a very refreshing change of pace from the usual top 40 or standard EDM you may hear at other bars. Drink wise, it's good. Reasonably priced beers, and a small selection of specialty drinks to get you going as well. The few i've had have been tasty. I don't have any valid complaints about this place. Note though that if you aren't there to dance, then you're not likely to enjoy yourself. It's what this place is built for. read more

The bar is well-put together with a nice atmosphere but to be quite frank, the music is meh, you pay for water, and the dancing is super hit or miss. I've been there once to a packed house and awesome tango dancers rockin' the floor. A few months later, I've been there on the same night of the week to the place being dead. However, I can't say that I didn't like the drinks or the prices were unreasonable. Plus, I've had great conversations with regulars at the bar. Bottom line? I'd check what's going on before I head out the door. You can't bank on it being a sure thing and with cover, you kind of want to know what that dance floor is looking like. read more

Eh. It's ok. I'm still questioning WHO THE HELL puts tiled floor in a dance area? I do like the separate lounge area from the dance area. Too small. Too crowded. Maybe I'm getting old... (Although I do like Club 5) read more

As one of Madison's only downtown dance clubs, The Cardinal Bar enjoys a reputation as a den of lust & decadance. Usually, it doesn't live up to this hype (though I haven't visited yet on the famed Fetish Night) but it does manage to be a pretty decent bar. Cheap drinks and dark decor make up for the lack luster DJ. If you're looking for a place to shake that ass or just enjoy a stiff drink while enjoying the night life, head here. read more

The Cardinal Bar's reincarnation is gorgeous- from the expanded bathrooms to the wood dance floor- what a great rebirth of this space! My one suggestion would be focus on more mainstream dance music-- Latin is great, but we'd definitely go more if the music was more contemporary. read more

One of the great places to dance in downtown Madison. It's not as freaky as the inferno or as gay as Club 5 so it's a good middle-ground place that is more of a dance situation rather than a bar/dance place like Brothers. It has really good music, lighting and dj's on the weekends and used to have really fun things like the foam parties. I love the drink specials here and the bartenders are friendly. Also has nice places to sit like couches. read more

Place was terrible a buncha weirdos in like no clothes all on drugs and they played garbage house music wouldn't take any requests the bartender was a completely rude and it took us 15 minutes to get a drink we payed 5 dollars to get in and asked for it back after our Interaction with the bartender and the man in charge was very disrespectful saying the bartender was his best friend and that if we did not like it we could leave. Will not be returning read more

I like the Cardinal, I really do. Hell, I met my first boyfriend here, in '04...okay, '84...when Ricardo still owned it. Its a nice place, nice looking, adequate music, but somehow it just doesn't draw me back in that frequently. But you'll like it, I can tell. read more

this place was definitely poppin on latino night cool music, cool crowd. one complaint. why is latino night the only night where drinks are served in plastic cups? hmmm.... read more

I am partial to Jazz and I walked by the Cardinal and saw an ad for Jazz nite on Tuesday's at 9:00. It is an old bar which is very cozy. A room adjacent to the bar is where the jamming is done. Got there early and I asked the bartender if Jazz is on for 9:00. She sadi, yes they will be coming in soon. Don't iive or die by 9:00. I moved from the bar area into the band room. They were warming up. For this performance there was no min and no cover. All they ask is a "donation". They were damn good. It is unusual as some performers come and go during the course of the evening. There was a poetry reading as well as a great trombone player who played a set or two. They also encourage "amateurs" to join. It looked like College kids wanting to play for real! One woman, Kristen played a nasty tenor Sax. All of the amateurs were not far from being classified as pro's. It was a delightful evening. Oh yeah....FREE popcorn. Have fun and contribute to your neighborhood! I have seen and heard the keyboard player at other venues in Madison. He is INTENSE! Johnny Chitown read more

This place is a five star place because of the variety of crowds it can please. Covers range from free to 15 dollars (which is expensive for madison) Depsite the occasional high cover this place has decent priced drinks and normally have drink specials. At some point the cardinal will be a good fit for you if you go on the right night ! read more

A nice spot, depends on what night you go, but my favorite is Sunday nights with Tony Casteneda - best night around for those into Latin Dance. read more

Pretty average all around; decent decor and drinks, lackluster music and WHERE IS THIS ALLEGED LUST AND DECADENCE??? I have only ever been attemptedly groped there by misshapen people and there's always some girl crying in the bathroom. read more

Thursday nights is Latin dance night. Get here by 8 p.m. and learn Salsa and Bachata basics. Stick around and watch some of the best dancers in Dane County show you how it's done. Maybe not quite as titillating as 'Bubble Night', it will still appeal to your carnal desires and get you ready for the weekend. read more

I have some amount of ambivalence toward the Cardinal Bar (being that I like it fine, but am never super-motivated to go there). If I ever feel like going out to dance, though, this is the place. I like Latin Dance Night, as well as the 80s & 90s Dance Night. They usually have decent drink specials, and there's generally not a cover before 10 p.m. If you go, I'd suggest going with a large group to dance in....otherwise, there's too many lecherous older guys hitting on you and trying to grabass. read more

Sort of an overrated dive bar. Ricardo repurchased it, but the environment is over the top latin. The Dance Floor is small and crowded. The Happy Hour drinks are weak. The Happy hour food is sort of nasty. After 10 pm the place gets pretty dangerous, loud and unfriendly. read more

he Cardinal is my favorite place to unwind. But that is not the my only reason. I want to support Ricardo, who has a magical way to show the richness of different cultures and does so with the music with the folks he draws into this unusual and beautiful place! read more

Extremely cool latin place to stop by for a sandwich, drink, or some salsa dancing! Walking distance from the capital and they have a stellar Cuban sandwich. read more

Maybe this bar is ok on the weekend, but I will never go here on a week night again! One thing that taints a bar for me is when the DJ thinks the world revolves around them. Could you ever imagine a bartender saying "I don't care how you want your drink; I'm making it the way I want to" and keeping their job? Yet certain DJ's feel this is perfectly fine behavior. Well, too bad the bar suffers for their behavior. read more

I've been here previously and didn't have any problems, there was a dj playing and the atmosphere was fun. However, I recently went there again this past weekend and had a terrible experience. We arrived at the bar around 1:00am which was after the main djs played so I wasn't expecting a cover. There was still a cover of $5 and I was fine with that seeing as we were already there and what not. After paying and walking in, we stood by the bar for 5-10 min waiting for a drink. The bar was not busy at all, the bar itself was full mostly but no one hardly in the dj area and no one sitting at any tables. As we sat and waited for a drink the bartender decided to chitchat with his buddies instead of serving us. When he finally came near us, he served a guy who just got there before serving us. Once he came by us he just stared at us expecting us to order now. Didn't ask us what we wanted or how we were doing tonight, nothing. And again, the bar was not busy at all. A friend of mine asked if they played bar dice at all (we're from Green Bay and almost every bar does bar dice). The bartender rudely said no and walked away. My friend politely said "are u serious? Bummer" the bartender then in a very cocky rude way said "no I'm fucking lying to you" and rolled his eyes. At this point already I was ready to demand my money back and walk out the door but I figured since one of our friends already had a drink we'd just stay for one. When I went to order my drink I said I wanted a "bud light" apparently he couldn't hear me even though I pretty much yelled it due to the loud music. He rolled his eyes again at us and said "UHMMMMM WHAT?!" I then screamed back my order again. When he gave us our drinks he practically threw them on the bar. After this I was done dealing with terrible customer service. We all slammed our beers and went to talk to the nice lady who collected our money by the door. She showed us who to talk to about our problem which was a taller guy in a white shirt. He basically told us that he has "the best bar staff in Wisconsin" that the bartender was his best friend and if we don't like the service we can just get out. I was completely astonished by how we were treated. I use to think this was a chill fun place to hangout with friends and listen to good djs but I will never go back. I've never had this bad of a customer service experience in my life! I will tell everyone I know how terrible and rude these people are. Hire some bartenders who know how to treat people. read more