Great Beer--Always! The selection is usually filled with beers I am not familiar with so it is a fun experience picking out a beer. Good place to stop for a drink after work, or later at night. It is off on its own and requires a u-turn to get to if you were heading east on E. Washington from the capitol. The only reason I am not a bigger fan is that I can't walk there. read more

Great beer in a laid back and easy going atmosphere. No frites though... But an excellent place for a very wide range of beers. read more

Let me get off to a running start: easily one of the best bars in the Midwest and one of my favorite bars EVER. On a recent trip to Madtown, my girlfriend and myself had the opportunity to kick back and have some delicious beers at the Malthouse. In no way did it disappoint. Maybe it's my jaded Chicago nature...the fact is, seems like these days, every bar in Chicago likes to think it's on the pinnacle and cutting edge of the craft beer scene. It get's exhausting, not to mention the bars that actually ARE serving up killer beers are pretty much unapproachable and impossible to chill out in, much less get through the front doors on a weeknight (ie Hopleaf, Maproom). We found the Malthouse roomy, chilled out, and totally unpretentious. The beer selection is exquisite, as it's a hefty selection of local midwest craft brews and a ton of excellent belgian offerings. The list really ran the gamut...everything from Sours to imperial stouts to American Belgian ipa's. Their draft list was great...my only complaint is that they didn't seem to serve any cask ales on a beer engine...but that's digging deep. The bartenders were really nice and didn't hesitate to give us samples of whatever we liked...I really appreciated that aspect and it's something most bars in Chitown are too stingy to do, even despite the fact that you're laying down $9 for a brew. Overall a stellar bar, both in terms of quantity and quality. I appreciated it's unassuming exterior, kind of connotating that the important stuff was the beer, not the flashy lights and awning. Can't wait to go back! read more

I'll start by saying that I'm not really a "bar" person, and rarely enjoy spending time in them. However, on my first few visits to the Malt House, I was extremely impressed with their selection of alcohols, and even more impressed with their lack of TVs and gambling machines! It is great to be able to have a neighborhood bar to call my own that doesn't involve elbowing past a bunch of college students and talking over a football game. The atmosphere is intimate and well-suited to conversation over a great brew. The bartenders are also fantastic as well as knowledgeable, no snobbery at all, and I was pleasantly surprised when one bartender remembered my name, and drink, after only one visit. They occasionally have live music (often during the weekdays), and you can view their Facebook page to determine if you're into whatever music is going to be playing. (Just a word to the wise, musicians often bring their families, and this can include kids and babies. It doesn't bother me, but it does bother some people. This is not a problem on nights with no music.) In summation, I love this place! read more

Hmm.. 5 stars for a joint on the corner of Milwaukee and East Wash? Um, yeah! Have you SEEN their whiskey selection or tap options? Holy begeezus! Add in the natural hospitableness and friendly natures of the bartenders (one behind the bar and one chillaxing on my side) and ya got the recipe for a friendly, neighborhood joint. Thank you for a good ending to a stressful day -- bomb dot com. read more

It's craft beer week, so I expected this place to be at its best, especially seeing as how I was there for craft beer week last year. It was crowded tonight and the bar was busy, but I saw a lot of people waiting and four bartenders behind the counter. At least two of the four were just shuffling glasses around. I waived a $20 bill at one of them (hey, it works at strip clubs). I got the girl's attention and she just said, "Sorry, I'm not a bartender, I'm just helping out." I was like.. OK..... how about helping out with the actual bartending? Wtf? So, after a good 10 minutes I just sat there as two other bartenders asked people right next to me what they wanted. I realize I was one of probably two other black people (that I saw) so, I tried not to go there in my mind. This is Madison after all. So, I just kept waiting and waiting. Finally, my partner, who is white, flagged down a bartender and he stopped (this is after the bartender asked the woman next to me if she needed anything and she told him she had already been helped and he was about to just walk right by me). I told the guy, "Hey, so this is hop rocket night, right? You've got two hop rockets and three beers? Tell me about those." The guy was totally listless and uninterested. He said the hop rockets weren't working out (even though I heard the pseudo-bartender - the one who said she was just helping out - tell some other patron all about the hop rocket deal in great enthusiasm) and that they only had one hop rocket and two beers instead of three. I asked what the two beers were and the dude said "a stout and something else." I said what are they exactly. He told me what the stout was and then he said the other one was an "8 ball something." At that point, I thought, if this dude doesn't even know that the other beer is the 8-Bit Pale Ale, I'm outta here. This place is a wreck. What a joke. I was at Cooper's Tavern earlier in the day, it was totally packed and there was a 30 minute wait, but I was able to get a beer at the bar in no time, plus it was on the house and my partner and I got seated within 30 minutes and had a great dinner. All in all, The Malt House totally blew, tonight. Probably will never go back. read more

If you like beer, you HAVE to go here. Knowledgeable bar staff, huge selection, many taps and even more bottles. The sheer amount of beer is a little overwhelming, but the staff are really helpful and will offer you samples. The crowd is always friendly and laid back. A few people mentioned being turned off by "beer snobs." Maybe you're referring to the Homebrewers meetings that take place there? They meet on Wednesdays, so if you go any other day of the week you will likely avoid them (even though I've never found them problematic or "snobby"). read more

The most off-beat beer selection in Madison, bar-none. Bartenders who know their stuff. Great atmosphere. What's not to like?

Another night, another rude, condescending asshole bartender. I wasn't paying for drinks that night, but the person who was--who is a consistently generous tipper--left this asshole 50 cents. THAT is saying something about how horrid this guy was. read more

Going to the Malt House on a recentish trip to Madison really made me miss living in Wisconsin. It's not like there aren't places with large beer selections in Champaign, IL, but there's nothing that compares to the Malt House. This bar has beer selection coming out of its hoohah. It's overwhelming and intoxicating (on more than one level)--and if I hadn't just gotten done driving for four hours, I would've wanted to stay and drink and talk to the sassy staff all night long. Some day, Malt House...some day. read more

Good beer choice but surly staff when we visited for the first time a few months ago. I pondered not writing a review but decided to as still recall the grimace and rolled eyes when I ordered a martini for my wife (and yes it was on the drinks menu as a choice). The bartender proceeded to pour about two ounces of olive juice in a beer glass and twice as much gin as needed, two olives on a toothpick that sunk deep in the glass, a quick stir, all topped with a good riddance look. A horrible tasting warm martini - what's that all about?! read more

This is truly a gem of a bar. The bartender is not only knowledgeable but friendly. Besides, the age of several of the patrons attests to a club that has served people well for many, many years. Very good selection of beers, enough to satisfy the snobbier snobs. I'd recommend it to you if you're looking for a quaff. read more

It's great, but I don't want you to go. I like it best when there's only a dozen people there

HUGE selection of beer and decent prices! It's not huge on the inside by any means, but we usually walk over in the summertime and sit outside and there's a lot more space there. They don't serve food, but they do allow you to bring outside food in. We often meet up with friends and pickup a pizza from the papa johns across the street and then head over to have a few beers. The bartenders are knowledgable and friendly. read more

It's not a sports bar. There are no TV's or games. There are however, some great beers on tap, always. If you want to try some Belgian ales, stop here. They had St. Bernardus Abt 12 on tap the last time I was there, which is pretty cool. The bartender didn't seem stuck up or anything, and was happy to help. It's really about socializing and drinking the great beers of the world. I'm sure they had tons of awesome bottled beers, but I didn't pay any attention to it. read more

Solely because I need this on my "Beer Me!" List. The tap list here is unfuckingbelievable. Guys know exactly what they're doing and the bartenders are all insanely knowledgeable. Great selection of hops, sours, and everything in-between. Easily rivals the best tap lists in the state. read more

This place has a Civil War era bar table and an impressive range of hard-to-find beers on tap. The interior is very comfortable and laid back, like a brewery enthusiast's club house. It makes for a great euchre location. We visited on a Friday night and it wasn't crowded at all. Plus, both the patrons and the publicans were courteous and not obnoxious. read more

Excellent service. HUGE range of beers to pick from. Great place for anyone who is into beer. You can find something for everyone there.

Great bar. I'm getting a bit sick of the pretentious and expensive beer bars and was happy to find that this place has all the beer without any of the snobbery. I was very impressed with their extensive bottle listings but stuck to what was on tap. The bar has a great casual and welcoming feel, and the bartender was friendly without being intrusive. Can't ask for much more than that, although I myself would go when there's not music playing. read more

Stopped in for just a quick sip after not going there for at least 2 years........much better experience than the last time. Bartender was friendly and selection was solid. They've improved their bourbons while still keeping the good scotches. It won't be so long until we are back. read more

This place has a well-rounded beer selection plus it's very comfortable... definitely in winter, anyway. No TVs with sports. When I've been there, it's been rather uncrowded, so I never had any problems with slow or bad service. read more

Taking over the space that housed the infamous Union Tap, this love song to brewing in its many forms is a great addition to the near east side night life. Shrewdly catering to the neighborhood residents' penchant for discourse and discernment, the Malt House has taken off, seemingly, at a time when many other businesses are shuttering. Combining familiar, friendly bartenders, a tv-less atmosphere, and a eye-blurring selection of beers from around the state, country and world, this cozy depot remains grounded while dealing in the trappings of pretense. It proves that quality and good taste don't have to equal elitism and snobbery. read more

One of the best craft beer bars I have been to in the United States. Good service, good selection of on tap and bottled beers. The tap list changes regularly so you can always find something new. They have a good representation of Wisconsin taps, domestic, international, and Belgiums. What I really like about the Malt House is it is all about the beer and conversation. Always a fun crowd ranging from doctor's and business travelers to beer snobs and average joe's off the street. Most people who go here are there for the beer. If you like fine crafted beer and nice people give it a try. If you go during happy hour you will be surprised by the price of a US pint of fine hand crafted beer. read more

This is a wonderful bar staffed with very knowledgeable and kind bartenders and a fantastic, rotating selection of beer. They also are happy to make any drink. It has a super relaxed environment, dim lighting, and an interesting history. Also, while it is a cozy place, it has never felt overcrowded. I really like their patio...it's the perfect place to meet friends or just chill on your own. Highly recommended! read more

The malt house is definitely my favorite place to drink a few beers in Madison. They have such a wide selection of craft brews that's never disappointing. There are no TVs, pool tablse, or any entertainment because the place is suppose to give off an old school vibe, but it's a great place to have a conversation and relax. The bartenders are very friendly and can answer any questions about the beers, which is impressive because of their huge selection. read more

I travel all over the US and Western Europe. I like to do dedicated beer vacations (e.g., west coast, Prague, Brussels). That said, I would trade this place for all the other specialty beer meccas anywhere I've ever been - - put together. Seriously. This place is on my way home from work. No matter how I try to get home in good time, my car keeps navigating me straight into the parking lot - - and I don't even have GPS! read more

Decent bar, nice patio though it can be loud on E-Wash. Good place to relax with a nice beer however I was disappointed they did not have more Belgians after being places like Brasserie V. It would fit well with the decent bars on Willy street, but has the bonus of being porn-shop adjacent. read more

I usually don't go to bars outside of the downtown locations, but I am so glad I went to this place. It is now one of my most favorite places in Madison, let me explain why. I've always had this stigma about bars outside of Downtown for some reason. I always think that either they will be filled with "old timers" or they are just dive bars, which is what I initially thought when I came across this hidden treasure on Milwaukee st & East Wash. From the outside, it really doesn't look like much, basically something I wouldn't hold my breath for hoping for quality.I was so wrong. As many other have said, the beer selection here is quite amazing. They have many beers you would not be able to find elsewhere. I swear, every beer I tried was amazingly good. Usually I run into crap beer that I hate at least once in the not, but that simply wasn't the case here! I was absolutely stunned by the fact I enjoyed every beer that I tried... that just doesn't happen that often! On top of that, the bartenders KNOW their selection. If you had any question on the beers they were serving, they would know. They were some of the most knowledgable bartenders I've encountered on my drunken escapades. Another cool part of this place is that they always seem to have something new on the menu too, which makes the value of coming here over and over again that much more enjoyable. If you want to find a bar that has great atmosphere, amazing beer and great bartenders, look no further read more

Good place to get beer wasted. Can't really order a mixed drink here if you want to keep a shred of self dignity. Looks like they offer quite a few whiskey options as well if you're into that. read more

Best bar in Madison, especially if you don't want to be with a bunch of college kids AND you love delicious, local beer. I wish they served food! read more

Beer snob heaven. Selection of craft brews awesome. Great casual atmosphere with no TV's - which is a nice change of pace! Seating outside is great for those 3 1/2 months we can in Wisconsin. read more

We come here at least once a week for drinks with friends. My boyfriend likes the beer selection, I like the wine. (There aren't many, but what they have is good.) Love their outdoor beer garden in the summer/spring/fall (as long as it's above freezing). The staff are nice and friendly, even Sid has seemed to warm up a little since I've been coming here for about four years now. In the winter it's a cozy place to hang out, I love the church benches and that I can walk home (if necessary). They'll also let you order in or bring your own food, since they don't sell any of their own. We like to bring snacks when we come for happy hour or order in Glass Nickel pizza or Banzo. It's also dog and bike friendly (outside). read more

Where else can you all of this on tap: 6 Belgium beers, 6 Wisconsin beers, and 6 craft beers from the US? Add to this the enormous menu of bottled beer and all other things malted and you have one amazing place. This is a nice casual place to indulge in that beverage you've been wanting to try. There are no games, no televisions, only music played at non-deafening levels. They don't serve food but they keep a stack of menus of places that do deliver. The outside seating is very urban, as it is on a the corner of a busy intersection. If you've never been, visit during happy hour for discounts on tap beers. If you love craft beer or single malt, you owe it to yourself to visit the Malt House. read more

My brother recently moved to the neighborhood and so I've been in the Malt House three times in recent weeks. The first few times we were there about 10 o'clock on Wednesday nights. The bar was not overly crowded and it was easy to carry on a conversation. The Malt House has an amazing variety of beers on hand, as well as quite a selection of scotches and bourbons. On my first visit I tried Echt Krekenbier, which is a sour cherry beer made in Flanders in Belgium. It was unusual but I found I really liked it. The Malt House also had mead on the menu. I had a dry mead, and also an absinthe drip. They have an absinthe fountain behind the bar, which adds an aura of class to the absinthe ritual. Our next visit was of briefer duration, and we had more Echt Krekenbier all around. An interesting taste sensation. I wouldn't care to have it all the time, but I quite enjoyed a couple on a warm June night. The following week I came back on Thursday evening. The Malt House was hosting a scotch tasting, and the scotches featured on this evening were smokey flavored single malts. I test fired all of them, and found the Laphroig Quarter Cask and (especially) the Talisker Storm to be my most favorites. I've found the Malt House to be an excellent place for a quiet drink, at least during the week. I've not yet been in there on a weekend. read more

One of the, if not the best bar in Madison if you love beer...and that's saying a lot. But yeah hundreds of great imports available and the ideal spot to have a good chat with your best poots. One shmucky bartender who also works at Dexters's but it's fine read more

Without a doubt the best bar in Madison. Staff is the best and the beer list constantly changes which makes each trip new. Great for those who love beer as they have a ton! read more

We love the malt house. Great beer selections and a low key atmosphere make it a fun place to grab a beer or three.

This place is unbelievable. Utterly amazing beer list, and possibly the best Scotch menu in Madison! Love the quieter atmosphere and the vintage bar. There's no food, though you can order in. My advice would be to come with a full belly, and bring a designated driver (One who doesn't care for beer or whiskey, of course. Otherwise you're torturing them.) read more

My favorite bar! No Budweiser makes it even better. The staff is great and it's always nice to have a quick learning session with Bill the owner. Best beer selection in town. I don't like Belgium brews as much as Bill, but the selection always rotates. We like to bring a deck of cards and relax to some music without a TV distracting the conversation. read more

Best beer selection around. On the outside you would never know what treasure lie with in.