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    The Coopers Tavern

    3.9 (593 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    THE COOPERS TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Mallory E.

    I was kind of nervous about trying this place because of some of the other reviews, but I was really wanting something quick before I had to go to my Epic training class. I decided to get the grilled cheese with tomato soup and a side salad. It was plenty enough food. Somebody who seemed like he was in charge took my coat for me, which was really sweet and hung it up. The waiters were really attentive, and even though the grilled cheese has made my hand sticky it's given additional napkins to help with the stickiness I would return here definitely for lunch. I was one of the only few people in here, but I did go for an 11 AM lunch.

    A Manhattan with not the right kind of cherry.
    Chele H.

    I would say this places fall into the "nothing to write home about" category but appears to be one of the only places left in this part of town with traditional American offerings near the theatre and the Capitol. Since being in town two years ago this part of downtown has clearly seen a downturn with lots of empty store fronts and closed restaurants of all kinds. As for here - The meals were average. Pretzel app was meh as were the mustard and cheese beer sauce. Mains were fine but a step down from even chain places. Drinks were well made but I have a rule that manhattans with "glow in the dark cherries" tell me the place, no matter how extensive the brands they carry, isn't committed to their mixology. We sat outside which on a nice day was lovely but be aware you might face people down on their luck asking for hand outs as they pass by.

    Cheesecurds
    Ericka B.

    Went here for happy hour on a weeknight. The deals were pretty good with $2 off taps, cocktails, and apps. I got the Coopers hot toddy, which was the perfect drink for a chilly day/night. We also got the cheesecurds, but they were a lot more greasy than I remember them being and left lots of oil on the hands. It's been a little while, so not sure if this is typical for theirs or not now. They did have a good cheese pull though.

    Breakfast burrito
    Mike V.

    Great tavern with a nice menu and draft beer selection. We went on the weekend and brunch menu was in effect, so I tried the breakfast burrito. It was delicious with just the right amount of cheese topping. I did think halfway thru that maybe having the cheese topping dip versus smothered would make it easier to eat it as a handheld, but was great regardless. Their kids menu was also a good variety and very affordable versus other nearby places. Our server was very friendly and prompt. I'd definitely return.

    Belgian Frites
    Briana N.

    We dined on a Friday night and it was a packed restaurant. We got seated quicker than the estimated wait time and was quickly greeted by our server. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and cocktails and provided insightful recommendations. We got the jalapeño mule and Cherry mule and they were delicious. The Sliders had amazing flavor. The kitchen was backed up but our server was upfront with us and prepared us for the longer wait time. The restaurant is on the smaller side so the noise level is higher than usual but still a lovely and cozy atmosphere.

    Coopers Class Beer Trip
    Tom L.

    Another visit in the books. Not as great an experience. They had 4-5 bar stools marked as "reserved" and not being used. All we wanted to do was grab a pint at the bar but they wouldn't allow us to stand at the bar and proceeded to seat us at a cramped 2-top with waitress service for two beers. Our waitress was super sweet but it was awkward to say the least. The place wasn't overly crowded at 3:30 on a Friday.

    fish and chips
    Minji W.

    as soon as i walked in i felt like an actual adult idk how to explain this but thats how i felt 1) food phenom. cheese curds slay. i normally dont really like fish but then i ate these fish and chips and devoured it all. so yay coopers!

    Bloody Mary
    Heidi S.

    This is an updated review, Such a cool joint!! We love coming here for a good drink and excellent food that never disappoints!!! Staff is friendly and food is fresh. The cheese curds are some of the best in town!

    Amy's Salad
    Christine I.

    Had a great date night here! I ordered the Amy's salad with blackened chicken - it was delicious! Dressing was evenly tossed throughout the spinach. Salad toppings complimented really well. Definitely more on the sweet side but wasn't overdone. Also got their curds - gooey and crispy. I'd definitely recommend my meal if anyone needs help deciding! Service was friendly! It was definitely busy for their dinner rush but we only had a 20 minute wait.

    Salmon
    Haley W.

    The salmon was cooked perfectly and the dill crema was super flavorful. It took awhile for someone to bring us waters and check in on us initially, but food came out quickly. My cocktail (The Green Muse) was just OK.

    Classic/Traditional Old fashioned served up - not on the menu, I kinda made it up, but it was SOOOOOO good!
    Lindsay K.

    I've always liked the vibe at Coopers Tavern, it's got the good old Wisconsin wood bar feel to it while also being elevated and modern. Good beer selection, and helpful bartenders who know their stuff. I recently came here for dinner, and our wait wasn't too long but we found a spot at the bar and decided to just eat there instead. The bartender was totally willing to make some odd modification requests on my drinks, and my final drink was basically a classic (not Wisconsin) Bourbon Old Fashioned served up. This thing was magical and delicious -- I told her this should be a new cocktail featured on their menu, I will come back for this again and again!! It's finally getting cold outside so when I saw grilled cheese and soup on the menu, I just had to do it. It was perfection with the soup. I got mixed greens on the side which were the perfect "healthy vegetable" option to make me feel totally solid having grilled cheese for dinner. A very wonderful experience.

    Poutine*
    Ellena K.

    Had a great time at weekend brunch. It was super busy but the service was still really fast. Sat outside at the patio during the farmers market, such a fine time, especially when the weather is nice: I was very impressed by all the brunch options and specials. We had the sliders with fries and a scramble special. Also tried the Bloody Mary (which might now be one of my favorites in Madison) and the am Classic. The AM classic cocktail was super creative, I loved the candied bacon!

    Potatoes
    N J.

    We were here for a special group dinner and occupied the upstairs private area. The bartenders were great and the drinks tasted good. The atmosphere was nice with beautifully decorated tables. Food: the salad with almonds and beets was tasty. My favorite food item were the potatoes, which were crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside and perfectly seasoned. The vegetable curry was good as well. I was not a fan of the fried fish.

    Berry mojito and hallelujah jordan

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    Katie C.

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    Katie C.

    Thanks for stopping in, Mike!

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    Katie C.

    Glad to hear the salmon was a hit! Thanks for stopping in!

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    Katie C.

    Thank you for the kind words, Ellena! Hope you'll be back again soon!

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    Katie C.

    Thanks for spending St Patrick's with us and for the kind words, Amy!

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    Katie C.

    Thank you so much, Liz! Appreciate your kind words!

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    Ask the Community - The Coopers Tavern

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    The outside of the building is a little shabby and could use fresh paint but I guess that's part of the charm.

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    The outside of the building is a little shabby and could use fresh paint but I guess that's part of the charm.

    The Coopers Tavern - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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