It's all about the sauce. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Well, maybe the sauce and the authenticity. Okay. It's the sauce, the authenticity, and the old Madison charm[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. The burger is merely a vehicle. The suds from the pint of Spotted Cow prepare the palate for another bite. Here's the thing. I ended up at The Plaza Tavern because it was the only place in Madison that Jane & Michael Stern included in their classic book Roadfood. Yes, I'm here right now on Yelp. But I'm trying to live my best analog life. Rarely have the Sterns led me astray. But in the listing for the Plaza Tavern they describe the Plaza sauce as "thinner than ketchup and its texture reminded us of some eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce, although it doesn't have the vinegar tang. It's spicy but not even three-alarm hot, and in addition to infusing the meat with flavor, it gets deeply imprinted into the tawny bun." This is entirely false. There are lengthy internet posts on what folks guess is in this secret recipe. But it's more like a thicker version of ranch dressing than anything resembling bbq sauce. What the Stern's got correct is that the sauce makes everything great. I got an additional side of the sauce to slather over my side of fried mushrooms. Hey, ya gotta eat some vegetables. [[HIGHLIGHT]]On my visit, the tavern was celebrating the one year anniversary under new ownership. My hunch is they haven't changed a thing. Although maybe the pinball machines are a newer addition? I dig pinball, beer, burgers, creamy sauces, and old places that seem stuck in a bygone era.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I know these places are fixed in time. They both can't and shouldn't change. I just can't help but wish the beef of the burger was a little bit better. That said, I deeply appreciate the Plaza for keeping it real. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everyone should experience this place. Sit at the bar. Order simply. Put the phone down. Talk to stranger. Have a beer. And enjoy some of the basic comforts of life.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The Plaza is the best. It's not a complete dump but it's definitely a dive bar with zero pretentiousness.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bigger than a regular dive bar, they have pool tables, bubble hockey, Big Buck Hunter & Golden Tee (I think), and obviously darts too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Burgers/Fries are decent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not the cleanest place in the world but I haven't ever heard them being shut down for health and safety violations :).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall . read more

I'm sorry I wanna give more the food the drinks are Great but [[HIGHLIGHT]]NO ONE WANTS TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO A SUPERHERO MOVIE DURING HAPPY HOUR[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]].... The service is good but really [[HIGHLIGHT]]I can't with having to listen to Menards commercials when I wanna listen to music and unwind from my day[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]... meh The bartenders were all nice but again [[HIGHLIGHT]]they are choosing bad movies over music[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]... read more

Before I get any heat for my 2 stars... We came here knowing what to expect. We knew it was cheap, a late night spot and close by the Orpheum that we were going to in a a little more than an hour. Our waiter did everything he could to make up for the shotty service, missing food items and a long wait for drinks when the bar was at its lowest (I'm assuming by the lack of filled tables/bar). The food was sub par, came out with weak ingredients, flavor and substantiality. We never received several of the items we ordered, and when we did get them-- it was time for our check-- and they said they're coming out now, and would package to go. We paid for our bill, leaving $60 on a $35 bill (because the waitstaff said he was the only one running the tables & we've been there in ourselves in food service), and yet we STILL waited around for another 7-10 minutes for the ONE item they did give us out of MANY missing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I'm not sure if it was bad service, lack of preparation, or just plain oversight.... But either way-- it was NOT even close to the "hole in the wall" experience we were hoping for.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We weren't even able to play pool or darts because we had to constantly check on our drinks & food that didn't seem to want to arrive.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]ALSO, the bathrooms are not access, have a lot of grime buildup, amongst the graffiti and super small stalls.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Not even joking, the worst bathrooms that I've been to, and I've been to some severely shotty 'water closets' in Europe. Pictures in my review is the food we did receive. Not pictured are the fries, cheddar bites, chili dog and other cheeseburger we originally ordered. read more

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We stopped in after a Wisconsin football game to kill some time and wait for traffic to die down. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were able to snag a table but it was a full house at the bar and tables (seat yourself or stand).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A waitress came by and took our ordered but it looked like you could also order from the bar. Menu is pretty simple but some good options: plaza burgers, burgers, some fried sides like fries and curds, and a few other things. My cheeseburger was good. They also have First Press hard cider on tap which was crisp and cool after a walk from the stadium. Note: Plaza Tavern is a cash only establishment (they do have an ATM on site). read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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My husband and I visited The Plaza Tavern which we heard is a local institution in Madison (a must stop hole in the wall wisconsin dive bar full of history/fun memories). [[HIGHLIGHT]]When we walked in the Plaza Tavern, it is definitely a dim dive bar that looked unchanged for years stepping back into a time capsule with a huge open floor layout with run down booths on the side patched up with duct tape decor, interesting vintage murals, a main bar area, some pool tables, and a corner with old fashion pin ball games![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience was definitely a positive vibe as there were all types of people there from middle age people to UW college students.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They had cheap drinks and a very simple bar food menu. Make sure to bring cash or use their atm as a cash only bar. I had to try the Plaza burger which I heard so much about! The Plaza burger was very simple but absolutely delicious with their intriguing special secret Plaza tavern sauce which sort of reminded me of an aioli sauce but had a sour cream texture and hints of ranch flavor! The Plaza burger reminded me of a simple but old fashion burger that didn't taste like your typical processed fast food burger with a homemade taste. For the price, the Plaza burger was a little small for me and didn't come with fries. We also tried the cheese curds which were ok. Even though the Plaza burger is small, the sauce really made the burger! My overall thoughts on the Plaza Tavern is it is a fun place to come with your friends if you are looking for a fun Wisconsin dive bar near the UW campus that has good bar food and cheap drinks! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]this place belongs in a 70s movie or like some kind of retro vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]this is a retro vibe i couldnt recreate no matter how hard i try.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]another place that made me gigle with their janky pool tables and large space between tables and their grade school chairs in the back room like i was dying of joyous laughter[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Good beer, friendly service, and good times! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Highly recommended if you like dive bars that have been around since before prohibition![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

While the server was decent, you could tell he was overwhelmed. I love a good dive bar but this place was a bit too much. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bathrooms smelled awful and the entire place was in need of serious renovation/repair.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food was extremely reasonable, but still not worth the price. Everything was bland and disappointing. read more

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The place hasn't changed- which is wonderful. The plaza burger with cheese never disappoints. And service is always fast and friendly. read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - a burger and pickles on a plate - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This was my favorite bar that I visited in Madison. I love that at the older, divey-er bars in Madison, the bartender not only make your drinks, they make your food too (I hope the bartenders like this too and are paid accordingly considering they're basically doing 2 jobs). Plaza has a pretty simple bar food menu that was cheaper than some of the other bars in the area. The Plazaburger is reeeeeally good. Get it topped with griddle fried onions. And of course, you gotta get the cheese curds. Drinks are cheap here. $4 dollars for a rail drink, even at nighttime! There are darts and 2 pool tables. Pool is $2/game. The staff here is ok. There were a couple people working there that seemed like they had a chip on their shoulders. read more

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The plaza burger is a classic. Highly recommend adding grilled onions and cheese. Side of fries with plaza sauce to dip your fries in. read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Plaza Burger - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Well it has been at least two or three decades since I last ate at the Plaza. It was on my list of places still in business that I frequented during my college years. With my college-age nephew we stopped here for dinner last week. I forgot how stripped down this college bar is with a few booths lining the walls and a large empty expanse in the middle - better to pack in the crowds. There were few people there for dinner on Saturday so we snagged a booth. Our waitress was not exactly friendly but she got the job done. We both ordered the Plaza cheeseburger with their famous Plaza sauce and an order of cheese curds. I also had a brandy old fashioned which was decent. The cheese curds were very good and the burgers were OK, nothing special. They were pretty small for $6 with nothing on the side. I guess my memories of the Plaza burger were better than the current reality! read more

I haven't had the food yet but this place is the best for late night drinks. I love Plaza so much, the service is always so friendly and easy to get a drink. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is amazing, they show movies and have friendly staff.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love this place so much. read more

Awesome! First time here. Friendly staff, nice variety of tap beer, plazaburger was DELICIOUS...We will ve back!

If I ever come back to Madison, this is the bar I'm coming back to drink at. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved the paintings and the whole atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I first went to The Plaza in 1968. It was a go-to place throughout my college years. Just went back for the first time in decades. I'm pleased that except for the flat screen TVs it looks pretty much the same as it did then. The Plaza Burger is still outstanding and the french fries excellent. Broad selection of beers with many from Wisconsin. I introduced a friend from Cleveland to it last week and she loves it too. Next time I'm in Madison I'll be back! read more

I've been going to the Plaza since I was a little kid. The Plaza burger is my favorite burger in the entire world. It is elegantly simple. Every time I go back to Madison, I stop here for two burgers. read more

Nice dive bar that isn't pretending to be anything. Went to check out the Plaza burger and it's good but Small. Had a pitcher and some appetizers. The place is bigger than it looks from the outside. Friendly staff and customers very relaxing and comfortable. There is parking nearby. read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

For many years the best burge, fries and onion rings in town. Friendly atmosphere. .Recommended

Some people call this place a whole in the wall or a dive, but I don't think it's either. The best way to describe this place is a bowling alley without the lanes. That being said, it's a nice break from all of the modern and more expensive bars downtown. The place is spacious and hasn't been updated in many years. There's plenty of tv's and a couple pool tables in the back. Drinks are cheap, and it's cash only. Check this place out if you're looking for some place that is laid back and a little quieter while still being spacious. I'm definitely adding it in to my rotation. read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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The Plaza Burger is a Madison institution that should not be missed. Plaza sauce is sorta ranchy and makes the burger pleasantly moist, eliminating the need for ketchup and mustard. I suggest ordering a side of deep fried mushrooms (with a side (side side?) of plaza sauce for dipping with the burger. Also the beer here is good and very reasonably priced. A great, laid back place just off State that I highly recommend. read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

What a classic bar love to have a beer and burger with old college friends when I'm in town.

Best burgers and bar food! So yummy. Great dive bar and fun atmosphere at night. My mom went there in college in the 1970s and I went through college in 2010s, now we love going together!! read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Plazaburger Onion Rings - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

If Donald Trump ever made his way to The Plaza Tavern there's no way he wouldn't call it a sh*thole, it's way worse than Haiti. Don't get me wrong, I like a dive bar just as much as anybody else, but I struggled to find any redeeming qualities to make this worth while. For starters I let the whole "cash only" thing slide since that is quintessential to the dive bar experience or the staff who where on their cell phones the whole time. That's all fine. What's not fine is the value. Dive bars are suppose to be cheap and offer good wholesome food. You aren't supposed to feel ripped off at a dive bar, which is exactly how I felt after leaving. I was actually looking forward to Plaza Tavern given it's institution status. I rarely carry cash on me, but today I had a crisp ten dollar bill ready to for my plaza burger. I should have kept my cash for the tolls.... The plaza burger was a very anemic burger on a drink coaster of a bun. The "famous" plaza sauce reminded me of spackle mixed with ranch and mayonnaise. Worst off was that the burger ended up costing me 5.25 not including tip. Somehow this donkey sauce knockoff is suppose to be worth a 50 cent up charge. Fine, you're not here for plaza sauce you're at a dive bar to get effed up right. The pints were 3 bucks, hardley a unique deal given what a dump this place was. Do yourself a favor. If you want a dive bar experience you'd be better off sitting in your office storage closet with bag of culver's and a six pack of spotted cow.... read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Plaza burger - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

It's a dive, but man is it chill. Quick service, decent food and good drinks on tap. Have cash on hand they don't take cards. There is an atm though. ghostbusters pinball and Billy Madison was playing on the big screen. If you're an introvert like me, you'll love this place. read more

Okay wtf. I asked for water and they gave me pickle juice. Just kidding. Great people great service, but the pin ball machines are freaking rigged. The sauce was the baus!. Pickle juice on fleek. Darby was nice Katya was so/so. Jk great service from both. read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Pickle JUICE - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The Plazaburger. It's their thing. No, the patties aren't grass-fed massaged Kobe beef hand formed or anything like that... it's all about the sauce with this here monster. That sauce is the stuff I'm sure lots of Madison legend is made of. It's some sort of aioli ranch dill-onaise hybrid, and this sauce? The biz nasty, folks. The Plaza Tavern boasts a bar food menu replete with items for you to dunk in that storied sauce. Cheap drinks, a dive-y feel, Big Buck Hunter/other assorted video games, one of the most random genre-spanning playlists I've encountered in awhile, and really friendly bartenders. Giant-ass paintings of landscapes adorn wood-paneled walls. A back room with a pool table, beer neons, and well... you get the idea. Were this spot in MKE I'd definitely hit it up for some curds and a few beers every now and again! Cash only; there's ATM on site, however. read more

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Great nostalgia at this joint. Still looks the same as it did when I was seeking in here underage in 1997. Although, a lot less smokey now. I'm sure it looks the same as it did in 1977. Favorite parts: the artwork, the Ms. Pac-Man/Galaga machine, bubble hockey, the booths, and the Plazaburger. About the Plazaburger: it is currently $5.25. It is the same size as a McDonald's hamburger and pretty much the same quality. However, it is actually cooked and not microwaved. I guess that makes it worth another $1.50 over the $1 menu burger. It also has the great "special" sauce, which is delicious! Maybe that is worth another $0.50. That brings it to about $3. My point is...you should get almost two (or at least a double) at that $5.25. Way too pricey, but it is a Madison fav and Johnny Cash and Bill Murray have been here before, so.... read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Still $0.25 for the Galaga/Ms. Pac-Man machine. - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The Plaza! Wow what a fun, cute and welcome feel you'll get when you walk in. Not too busy for a Saturday afternoon but there were around ten people. A few families with babies in strollers came in after us, so a good place for families too. We had the plaza burgers; which were good. Plaza sauce is great; tastes like sour cream, mayo, and ranch dressing powder. We also ordered the half order of fries. Too small for two and we should've known better, but we were trying to watch our weight. They were so good and crispy we could've both ordered the whole order and eaten them all. Nice brew selection; and I had a crisp apple Crispin Cider!! Really great! Probably will go again. Service was sweet and polite. Food was good but not great. read more

Thursday night is the only night I have ever and will ever go to Le Plaz. $2 Long Islands and $2.50 select craft beers on rotation (Hoppalicious, Bedlam, etc.). Play table hockey for $1 and gloat over your friends all night! Winning is temporary, bragging is forever. Visit the Plaza for a trip to the past. If you find yourself feeling like you're in a bad 70's disco dream (velvet paintings included)... don't worry, you're not dreaming. read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Karben4 Block Party Amber & Hoppalicious $2.50 a pint, yo - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

What you see is what you get. The Plaza is basically unchanged since I have been coming here in the early '90s (other than the juke box being replaced by a touchtunes...). College kids, regulars, tourists-I like that it can feel home for anyone that steps inside. It's not flashy but I wouldn't call it a dive bar as some reviewers have in the past). It is a simple Wisconsin tavern that happens to be located downtown Madison. The plaza burger is an institution and while it may seem pedestrian in the times of crazy burger creations, it still brings back memories. The Plaza doesn't try to hard and it doesn't need to. It's real. It's authentic. And while they still only take cash, I can put that aside as I slide into one of the booths and reminiscence about the time that I have spent there living in Madison. read more

amazing atmosphere and service! They clearly train their employees well, unlike other establishments (i.e. @DannysPub)

This was our favorite hangout when we were at UW in the mid-1960s. We were all involved in Wisconsin Players at the Union; MFA candidates, actors and crew people. Late at night, after a rehearsal or performance, we'd all head up to the Plaza for Plazaburgers, pool and beer. I had an apartment on N. Henry down near the lake, next to the ZBT house. I still try to get there for. Plazaburger whenever I'm back in the Madison area... read more

Nothing has changed...which is a good thing. Great simple hamburgers with the world famous plaza sauce (A secret sauce containing mayo, sour cream, dill and some other spices I believe) read more

Thursday night $5 double long islands. Let me say that again, Thursday night $5 double long islands. Let me sing it again (Sisqo voice), Thursday night $5 double long islands. Have one, maybe two. Probably three. Plus this place is cool looking as all hell. Try to get in there before 10pm because the undergrads will show up en masse. The space inside is large enough to accommodate all, but you don't want to wait in line if you can help it. read more

Two words: THURSDAY NIGHTS. Another two words? PLAZA BURGER. Last couple of words AND THE PRO TIP of this review? Add on some cheese curds to your meal and dip those curds on some plaza sauce! Thursday nights are definitely popular here. If you are in college this is a perfect place for you to start and stay for the night. After college, it's still a great place to start at and jump start your night out! Their most popular deal is their 2.50 long island ice teas, but even better is getting a double for 5 dollars. It's not your fancy cocktails, but they do not skimp on their alcohol, so drink responsibly, my friends. If you are not feeling the the long islands, my girlfriend's personal favorite discovery is their long beaches! Instead of coke, they use raspberry iced tea (shameless has become my favorite as well). read more

The Plaza Tavern & Grill - Plaza Burger with special plaza sauce! - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The plaza burger. Get the plaza burger. Get extra sauce on the side. Get extra pickles. I don't think I can be rational in anyway in my review of this place because those burgers are so good, I don't remember anything else about this place. Honestly though, this is a great little tavern bar. I don't think I've been here after 7pm since I was in college, so I cannot attest to the "bar scene," but it's a great lunch spot. Service is always quick and friendly. Good beer on tap. Usually not crazy busy for lunch or an early dinner. read more

Every time I am in town I go here to meet friends. It's so quintessentially Madison that I can't stand it. You have to try the burgers with the special sauce. That's all you should really eat there because they are amazing. I think this is a great place to meet a large group, the service was incredible and all ages are welcome. read more

Worst service of my life. My friends and I were killing time while waiting for a reservation and thought we'd get some cheese curds and drinks. (Also, our vodka lemonades were all vodka). Waitress was immediately sharp as we sat down, even we gave her no reason to be rude, and was rude to us the entire time we were there. She chastised me for trying to take my glass from her; I apologized and tried to joke it off, regardless she was very harsh. As for the cash only policy, she was hostile while explaining the policy, using a cutting tone nearing on yelling (even though we were ready to use the atm). So so rude. Made our time at Plaza extremely unenjoyable, and honestly her attitude was upsetting and made us never want to go back. I will not be returning, unless I want to be treated terribly and yelled at. read more