I have been coming here for at least the past 20 years (it's been open more than 60+) and can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet. The past reviews outline it pretty well. A great cocktail lounge that is outfitted in everything Tiger nestled within a strip mall. They still don't take credit cards, cocktails are good as ever and the lights are still as dim as possible. A throwback to all that is good in a Wisconsin cocktail lounge. It's a great place for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. read more

This is such an iconic Madison bar. The tigers, music and usually the clientele make it worth the trip.

I visited this bar for the first time and it will not be the last time. The atmosphere was great, it wasn't too loud, there's an old school juke box, and the drinks and the service were great. The bartender was really nice and I asked for her to make her specialty drink with was bourbon and with Baileys and cinnamon and I loved it. The bar is called Le Tigre and there are tigers and cats throughout the bar which is on theme. I will definitely be back. Pro tip: Bring cash-its a cash only bar. read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I love dive bars and the Le Tigre Lounge is legendary in Madison, WI. A bit tricky to get to since it's right on a busy highway interchange, but like so many other reviews, once you open the mysterious darkened front door you are catapulted back in time. It took my eyes a minute to adjusting this dark lair but you could easily be in old Las Vegas or NYC. With the oldest liquor license in town, Paul deftly carries on the tradition his father started making fine cocktails while listening to Brat Pack era tunes on the juke box. And like many others, I was reluctant to leave. This is a must see if you're in Madison and want a quality dose of nostalgia. read more

See all

Great dive-y atmosphere. Reasonably priced cocktails, and friendly staff... not sure if there is food or not

Affordable, fun amazing service, so fun! Something new to see every time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do not recommend this bar. This is my second time visiting Wisconsin and I've found better atmospheres.

Old school charm in Madison, who knew?! Small, dimly lit, fresh popcorn, classic drinks poured by a 2nd generation owner in a pressed shirt and black tie, and the Rat Pack is playing from 45s on the jukebox. Oh, and tigers literally everywhere. Le Tigre is a surprising relic in a town that seems to have a love hate relationship with anything old. I'm glad it has survived. Why not five stars? The cocktails just weren't up to par. Yet, I'll still be back next time I'm in Madison. read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Just some of the hundreds of tigers. - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

As a soon as you leave Le Tigre Lounge you have regrets that you ever had to leave, you wish time could stop and you could stay as long as you need to to rejuvenate you soul. The juke box is more like a time machine than a music machine, this is the kind of eclectic dive you can make memories in or start a revolution. read more

So glad I read all the great reviews on Yelp! We are visiting my friends' daughter here in Madison and I wanted to find a fun and different place to have a few drinks and enjoy some local ambiance. What an eclectic find!! The owner is the bartender and his father started the business. It has the oldest liquor license in Madison. It has a throwback lounge atmosphere that is truly something to see and enjoy. They even have a live tiger-cam from a rescue facility in Florida for your viewing enjoyment. My friends' daughter joined as there and now has a new and different place to take her friends. The music is from a jukebox with golden oldie standards, free popcorn from the old style popcorn machine and a great crowd. Whether you are visiting Madison or a local, stop by for reasonably priced drinks and great conversations. read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Inside the Le Tigre Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

I have loved this place for decades. Great Shirley Temples. Covid put an end to the fun for awhile. I need to get back into my old routine. read more

What to say about a venerated neighborhood bar? Well, it's small (cozy? intimate?), has quirky Tiger themed everything everywhere, has been in the family forever and the bartender is friendly and makes great cocktails. Perfectly low-key, comfy and charming. read more

The 3stars is all for the bizarre level! The place is dark, the staff is uninterested and the drinks are basic. But the decor is on another level! Total niche, total weird! Tigers from carpet to ceiling with retro beer memorabilia and jukebox to finish the ambience. It's a place you visit once or show someone once, but you don't stay long. It's too dark and there isn't much room, and you better hope you don't have to go to the bathroom and end up in the Mexican Grocery store by mistake! read more

See all

Walked in the other night and all four of us were taken aback by the overwhelming smell of fart. Place was packed with no ventilation in mid-December. Everyone was in there farting and I don't think their hvac has ever been serviced. Great aesthetic but we had to leave due to the smell and it's covid/flu season. read more

This place is in a strip mall and seems like a strange place for a lounge. It's next to a party supply store with a window full of prom looking dresses . This place is best described as a cult classic dive bar that the locals seem to enjoy because it was completely full. The place is completely covered with Tigers to a disgusting degree and they took the theme way too far. There is stuffed heads on the wall of tigers which looks like a big game room. The place is like an old school drinking establishment from the seventies and is very narrow and hard to move around if you need the bath room. The bath room is out the back door and looks like it's a community bath room shared by the mall. The place is dimly lit and my pictures are on the dark side. I had a decent Makers Mark Manhattan served by the the bartender with a white shirt and tie. I felt the drink prices were on the high side VS the decor because it's a dive bar with a tiger theme and a cult following. I did enjoy the whole experience but it would not be a regular hang out for me and I do recommend everyone try them at least once. read more

See all

Very basic dive bar. Friendly and attentive bartender. Decor is very '70s, and the jukebox reflects it. It's a good place to chat and have a drink, and for six songs for $1, you really can't go wrong. Five stars. read more

If you love strong drinks and kitsch, this is a perfect spot for you! Friendly bartender, solid jukebox, and tiger themed stuff to look at everywhere. The crowd is a fun mix of all ages. Great place to start or end your night. And free popcorn! read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Lite bright! - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I'll echo what others were saying and tell you this bar is great! The drinks are reasonably priced ($7 for a martini). The tiger decor is kitsch and the service was great. I even got a free drink. Some real estate agent had just made a big sale and bought everyone a round! As for my gin martini, the bartender made it right. She chilled the glass and only stirred it. It was a solid. There is an old jukebox that has a bunch of 45s from decades ago (think Elvis and Sinatra). I will definitely be back! read more

Le Tigre is a great dive bar, dark, cluttered , everything you would expect and love.. cheaper drinks than others in Madison. The red headed bartender does an amazing job serving everyone as she is the only one that has been there the last 2 times I have been and remains pleasant read more

When I moved to the area, this bar was closed temporarily so I couldn't wait to try it out once it reopened. It was worth the wait! If you like tigers you will be in heaven with the decor completely saturated in tiger memorabilia. It's a small, dim, dive bar unlike anything in Madison. The bar is cash only, but don't worry there is a "cATMe". Bartender is nice, relaxed and makes a darn good old fashioned. This is definitely a gem and once you find it, it will be hard to stay away! read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Le Tigre Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

This is my favorite place. Classic mixed drinks is a classy environment where the bar accepts only cash and no cursing is allowed when ladies are present. This place has been family owned for 65 years and there has never been a fight! The bartended knows all the classic drinks by heart and reaches for bottles with muscle memory. He is the original owners son! They know how to make a proper WI old fashioned (with brandy, of course) and, in fact, he made a perfect Mai Tai and Tom Collins to boot. I love this place and hope it never changes. read more

Le Tigre Lounge - The best place for classic mixed drinks in Madison. - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This classic divey lounge is one of my favorite places to go. Good drinks that are reasonably priced. Fun atmosphere. Great staff. I was born the year of the Tiger and I just love the interior. There are some simple rules: No buses. No bad behavior. No Swearing. Respect the place and be nice to staff. If you plan to come to laugh at or damage the inside, you will be kicked outside. They just are awesome. Go and have a nice conversation. Play some Rat Pack on the Jukebox. Enjoy yourself with a nice drink. Yes! read more

This is an suburban boozy safari in a strip mall! 20 years ago I went here and trust me the place is STILL THE SAME! There is a crackly jukebox playing vintage 45's that is 7 songs for a buck. Bring your cash because credit is an endangered species here. There is a CATME (ATM with C and E following it) so pick up your cash there. Tiger paraphernalia is everywhere and many of them were donated by patrons. The bartender when I arrived was the son of the owner and is carrying out the tradition. It is dimly lit and makes you want to growl like a tiger **sings April Stevens Teach Me Tiger** The back restrooms do make you think that you are going to be gutted for your organs; however, at least they aren't tiger themed. Seriously the back hallway is a different world from the dimly lit tiger world in the front and the bright lights sting the eyes. If all of these amazing details haven't thrilled you enough they have free popcorn in the front bar and "gaming machines" in a small backroom. If you have ever gone in Milwaukee to At Random or Bryant's this place ranks up there minus the foofy drinks. Also the drinks are VERY reasonable and good pour so what more do you need? read more

Friendly bartender, yes singular. And cheap, cheap drinks. Our group had a vodka and cranberry, two tiger beers, and a bud light for $13.25! It's there's tigers everywhere and you can easily get lost coming back from the bathroom and end up on a Mexican grocery store but that's part of the fun right? It was turnt up as we arrived, clearly they've got some following! read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Tiger beer from Singapore - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

Le Tigre summed up in a word: WEIRD. But that's the point, right? Located in a strip mall-ish building in a somewhat out of the way location - at Verona Road and the Beltline and right next to a hardware store, it ought to be weird if anyone's ever going to go there. Dark, kind of musty and with, obviously, tons of tiger themed or printed everything, this place is interesting to check out sometime in sort of a touristy way. I don't recommend getting a mixed drink. My G&T was the weakest, most tasteless I've ever had. But if you're in the mood for something different and low-key, go and have a couple of beers at Le Tigre. Or don't. You're not missing all that much. read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

FINALLY made it to this bar after lIterally YEARS of "We totally need to go to Le Tigre Lounge.." So yay for being goal oriented! There's not much I can say about the decor that hasn't already been said by every other reviewers, it's amazing. I love places that are unique and special, it makes them so memorable and definitely a place you'll want to take your friends whom haven't been. It was decently busy when I went. There was only one bartender, but she did a bang up job and was super efficient, and also very pleasant. The mixed drinks were STRONG, and super inexpensive (cash only)! The Old Fashions were kind of meh according to my friends, I stuck with wine so I had no complaints about the drinks. There's no food menu, but I think that's a good thing for the size of this bar, food would just be too much. They do offer popcorn in an old fashion looking popper, which is perfect with the retro theme of the place. The inside of the bar was HOT! I'm talking stifling to the point of being nearly unbearable as the bar started to fill up (but it was really hot before that too). Everyone in my group commented on the temp, so I know it wasn't just me. All and all, this is a fun bar to go to. It's not a place I will frequent often, but I won't be upset to find myself back there. read more

One of Madison best quirky dive bars. No food to speak of, just a popcorn machine and lots of tigers... hence the name. I never remember this bar not being there. The bartender, proprietor - 2nd generation clearly takes pride in his job. He's always in a shirt and tie and always serves his cocktails with a side of water. He takes care in mixing the drinks in a way most bartenders just can't seem to master or muster anymore. The place is small and dark - lots of tigers. But it works. It's unapologetic... on my last visit it was decorated for the holidays. The big tiger had on a Santa hat. Back to the small and dark... it's not quite intimate, but in a great way. Back to quirky... there's a little sign on the door that says no busses... Well probably because a bus load of drunks just doesn't suit the bartender and would spoil the vibe. Le Tigre is fast becoming my "have you been to Le Tigre Lounge... No, we should go..." but then again I don't know if I want to share it with that many people. read more

Definitely a dive bar that's great to just talk with friends at. Drinks are fairly priced but I wouldn't say cheap and there is free popcorn but no other food. read more

Fun fact: all of the tiger decor is DONATED! My husband and I have been wanting to go here for a long time, mostly because of the camp factor. It seemed really cheesy and fun. Turns out, it is AMAZING. Here is the low-down of why I love this place. Atmosphere - Outside of the very obvious and corny tiger decor, this is the kind of place you could come to in a cocktail dress or jeans and a t-shirt and fit in (I know because we saw that exact combination while we were there). If you stay for more than a few drinks, you might forget where you are or what time of day it is because it is quite dark inside. Other than than, it is a standard townie bar dressed to the nines, complete with obligatory free, stale popcorn. There is ample parking, but you might not want to drive (see Drinks) Drinks - I got a Tom Collins. My husband got a Manhattan. These are the types of drinks you should order at this place. They make a fabulous, no frills, strong mixed drink. As it should be. This is Wisconsin, after all. Staff - I've only ever been there when a younger man was bartending, but he was fabulous. He was chatty and friendly without being annoying. And he had a sense of humor about his white shirt and bow tie. Take home - Le Tigre is not only special because of it's camp and decor. It is fabulous because they put some crimson lipsick on tired, old hole in the wall and made her look like Scarlet Johansson. read more

I do not even know where to begin. This might be the greatest bar I have ever been too, and I have been to couple. Our Madison friends wanted to take us here after our early show at Indie Coffee. They enticed us by saying it's a TIGER themed bar in Madison's oldest strip mall and it's David Lynch's fave bar! SO we said lets do it! When we arrived we were the only patrons in the place.. It was pretty dark inside, but not dark enough to hide all the amazing TIGER photos, paintings, furniture, and Real Taxidermfied Tigers! The bartender/owner was amazing, he looked like AL from HAPPY DAYS! Just like this... http://the701level.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/6a0105349ca980970c011571508c8b970b-320wi.jpg so you can Imagine my excitement. He was super nice and just looked like something out of a gangster movie! You know like the guy who knows everything! The drinks were cheap, so you could get a round for 5 people under 20 bucks! Which is amazing and YEP you guessed it I was drinking TIGER beers! The jukebox was out of this world, 7 plays for a dollar and all the records were old and scratchy. Which gave the place a really wonderful vibe. Songs by Louis Armstrong, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Tina Turner were the soundtrack to our amazing and very memorable night! So the next time someone wants to take you to a Bar in a Strip Mall you better hope it's Tiger themed and in Madison! read more

Great spot! I have been hearing good things about the atmosphere and it did not disappoint

Le Tigre meets every definition of a Madison original. It is a cocktail lounge in an out-of-the-way strip mall that is done up in full tiger-stripe regalia. The place exudes the type of effortless charm that comes from years of just being that way. There is a thin line between amusing and cloying when it comes to kitsch - think 37 pieces of flair - but the decor of Le Tigre doesn't come over as forced because it has the throwback vibe of timelessness. If you go to Le Tigre, you're going to see a lot of tigers. And if that were all, you'd go once and cross it off the list, been there seen that. However, the atmosphere and attitude at Le Tigre is so much more than a lot of tigers behind a bar. It has that kind of don't-give-a-damn charm that is both unpretentious and cool. The best way I can describe Le Tigre: it's like having all of your friends over and hanging out in a kick-ass living room bar, but full of tigers. That's actually not a good description at all, but a place like this is hard to put into words. Le Tigre is located in the strip mall on the north side of the Midvale/Beltline interchange, next to a hardware store and a Mexican grocery. It is a bit hard to find the first time, but once you do you'll realize you've seen it from the Beltline hundreds of times. The atmosphere is the definition of chill. The bar is a bit long and narrow, with tables arranged as you first come in and a bar running along one wall. The blinds are always closed, so rain or shine it is always the same level of darkness in the bar. There are an assortment of smaller tables, perfect for 2-4 people to have an intimate conversation. The bartenders are all friendly and quick. I've never tested their collective knowledge on drinks because I believe I always order a Tanqueray and tonic, and for what it's worth it is my favorite G&T in all of Madison. There is a full bar though, and I've seen the bartenders mix up a myriad of different drinks. I'm not entirely sure as to the beer selection, since this place always seems to befit the clinking of ice in a rocks glass as opposed to a pint. The jukebox selection doesn't exactly match my personal tastes but fits the bar to a tee. What I do especially enjoy is the live jazz on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It serves as the perfect backdrop to a quiet conversation, just be sure to drop a few dollars in the tip jar as there is no cover. The restrooms in this place are interesting, to say the least. I would put Le Tigre at the top of list for having the smallest mens' room in Madison. The most controversial aspect of the bar is the no swearing policy, which I have been repeatedly told about by others but have never seen actually enforced. I had mixed feelings about this originally, mainly because I have a tendency to swear like a stevedore after a few, but it has never been an issue. When you're sitting at one of the small tables the conversation tends to be at a low volume so there is little worry of being overheard. When sitting at the bar I just keep it in my mind to hold my tongue, and I've never been called on an infraction. Even if you do have the same foul-mouthed affliction as me I would still recommend stopping by Le Tigre just to experience it. I don't know too many people that come away less than impressed. read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Le Tigre Lounge (K. Burns) - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I feel like saying that this bar is a reported favorite of David Lynch should be review enough, but I'll try to gussy it up with usefulness or some such thing. The odd location in a strip mall with an unassuming storefront seems just right for some reason. As do the numerous tigers, tiger prints, and tiger carpet which lend themselves to the name. The bartender was friendly, the atmosphere cozy, and the music classic. Drinks were good and cheap. A decently sized (and poured) Tanqueray and tonic and a Spotted Cow will set you back $8. Other than the free flowing popcorn there's no food, no credit cards, and allegedly no swearing, though I did manage to catch myself saying "ass" and I didn't even notice I'd said "bitchass bitch" and nobody tossed me out on my can. That doesn't mean you won't be given the bum's rush for your potty mouth. I'll try to do better next time. No Log Lady to be found anywhere. read more

Awesome, quirkly little bar. Nice and cozy inside on a cold winter night, fireplace roaring with holiday decorations intermingled with all the tiger decor. Super friendly bartender was working, mixed up some great drinks at a great price. No tap beer and cash only. Not a ton of space, but it wasn't too crowded on a Thursday night. No food served. read more

Let's. Get. Weird. This wasn't my first time here. And it won't be my last. The first time I was brought here, I had no idea what to expect. Now, anytime I take someone here I have to be super selective. Why? Because Le Tigre is one of those places you either "get" or you don't. It is as simple as that. Le Tigre Lounge is the type of place you go to when you want to sit, casually have a drink and have a conversation. Or people watch. Or rather, tiger watch. I brought someone here hoping they were going to "get it" (which, phew, they did), and we ended up being silent a good portion of the time. Why? Because even though this place is dark inside, it doesn't mean you see any less. Floor to ceiling with, yep, you guessed it, tiger inspired decor. This is not the bar to go to tie one on. A jukebox plays records. Beers are incredibly cold. There is a popcorn machine in the corner and the entire place is carpeted with tiger print. This is the place to go to for something to talk about for the remainder of the night. So go. Have a drink or two. But don't walk into here thinking you're in for a wild ride. Don't be put off by its locale. Sure, it might be next to an old hardward store and an abandonded taco joint (long live La Guatalajence), but that doesn't (nor should it) detract from the glory of this hole-in-the-wall. Sit. Sip. Silently be amazed. read more

I am not at all surprised that this is David Lynch's favorite bar in Madison. In fact, I'm a bit surprised this isn't his favorite bar in general. Le Tigre is straight out of Twin Peaks. You feel as though you've entered an alternate dimension for a spell...through the dim lights the pattern of tiger...tiger everywhere. A couple at the end of the bar is clearly having an affair, glancing nervously about every few minutes while whispering in the shadows. A single woman sits at a small candle lit table, circling her martini glass with her finger; her lips are barely mouthing along to "strangers in the night" on the juke box. Somewhere, someone is talking to their log... Seriously, though, this is my husband's and my favorite bar. In fact, it is the site of our first date and many, many thereafter. We love the atmosphere, we adore the jukebox selection, and we like the bartender who is interesting to talk to about shows and restaurants. I think the kind of people who really like this place are similar in nature. If you like an old school feel, Sinatra on the juke box, old fashioned cocktails (have a Manhattan!), dim lighting, a bartender who dresses the part instead of wearing pajama pants to work...then check it out. If someone is playing Harper Valley PTA on the juke box...it's probably me. Cheers! read more

Amazing place with amazing owner. Best old fashioned and atmosphere. Best dive bar in Madison by far.

Now, I have to preface my review with my first impression of this place. My neighbor went there one night at the end of a long night of drinking. He fell asleep at the bar. What does that have to do with the quality of this place? Nothing. This is just an attempt for me to make fun of him. My ideal bar is a place that is not loud, not full of pretentious people, full of dubstep music, or has 30,000 TVs. Instead a place where you can relax and have a conversation with friends. That is what Le Tigre Lounge is. Filled with decorations of tigers, tiger stripes, and retro accents, this place is also dark enough that you could make out in the corner and nobody would probably notice. The drink prices were reasonable but there is not a wide variety of beers on tap. Overall a great place to hang out with your friends, be around non-pretentious people, and have a good time. read more

The best dive spot in Madison! Hands down. Just don't cuss. Not kidding, they will eject you. Everything (and I mean everything) is covered in tiger decor and memorabilia ... Stiff drinks, good beers and a free popcorn machine (use at your own risk) plus a great cheap juke box with some oldie hits on it. Gets a diverse crowd and steady streams of college age visitors, who don't stay long though leaving the few regulars at the bar. Tiny, tiny place right next to a paint store. But inside is a wonderland of gaudy tiger stuff. Plus it's open late. A must visit! read more

Le Tigre Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Stopped in for a drink after a movie at Sundance (that's a whole other review, ha!). No taps, bottles only. No Ale Asylum, Lake Louie, Tyranena, zip. OK, no biggie. The bartender: lousy. Unsmiling, irritable, inattentive. Main priority: sitting on his ass behind the bar and talking with his buddies down at one end. One of the bottles we ordered exploded when he opened it. His response was to hold it over the bar, staring blandly at it while beer ran down the sides of the bottle, his hand and all over the bar in front of us. He didn't wipe the bottle off, and tossed me a wadded napkin to put under it. He had a bad attitude and acted like he was too good to deal with us. Why, dude- because you're wearing a tie? A monkey suit does not a bartender make. What's that saying about lipstick on a pig? Aaaanyways... The tiger decor, furry walls, nature show playing on the TV, and old jukebox (which nobody played while we were there) ALMOST puts this place at 2 stars. But not quite. I had my sticky, lukewarm beer and we got the hell out. By the way, my friend and I said "fuck" about 10 times while we were in there. (insert Nelson laugh)! read more