A classic neighborhood dive bar in Madison. Nothing fancy but the burgers are memorable.

On a recent trip down Willy Street, a buddy and I were popping in and out of spots for a cocktail as we made our way to dinner a bit further down the road. One pop in was The Wisco, and once was enough. The space is interesting with a well lit entry way featuring a few games and a lot style machines. Once you reach the bar the space gets dark before turning the corner to a pool table area along with a small outdoor patio through the side door. We bellied up to the bar for a cocktail and after a few moments were acknowledged by one of the bartenders. I say acknowledged and not greeted as she was just awful, we legit felt like we were bothering her by being there. She served us our drinks and then left us alone our entire stay, never checking back on us, even when our drinks became empty. We planned on settling in until dinner time, but after our encounter with this gem, we decided to settle up and get back on the move. The drinks were basic cocktails, no complaints there. Price was standard, however make sure you have cash, as it's a cash only spot. They do offer food, and while we were not after anything, it would have been nice to see a menu. But again, that would have taken a bit more engagement from the bartender to happen. Overall, this spot is in a good location, but next time we will keep walking. read more

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Typical Wisconsin bar but on Willy Street. Driven by this place a hundred times but never stopped. Was nearby with friends and walked over for a drink. Big plus in summer is they have lots of outdoor seating at picnic tables (adjacent to their sand volleyball court). Did not eat here but just ordered some drinks. If I recall they only take cash. Usual selection of beers, etc. Nothing special except location and outside seating. read more

If you asked me how I felt about the wisco, I said it was a great dive bar. But. On a deeper level. Its a safe space, its my favorite place to be in Madison. The friendly staff, the regulars, the delicious food. A place I will always cherish. read more

The Wisco - Stool. - Dive Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Dive Bar under reclamation? Really just growing and evolving with positive energy, sweat equity and intelligently forward thinking. Sand volleyball adjacent to patio twice a week Still one of the greatest burgers in Madison. Made fresh everyday with meat from the Jennifer Street Market. Fun was had by all... read more

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Went here today for the first time and was really excited but was sadly very disappointed:( The service was really bad, as soon as we walked in the bartender looked as us and scowled saying nothing. We ordered one beer were charged for two and the bartender walked away with out giving us the beer and we had to remind her that we ordered a beer and she reluctantly gave it to us. We ordered food and she brought us half of it and never brought us the other half. We went up to the bar after 15 minutes and she scoffed and walked away when we asked about the other item. We ended up just getting our cash back from the male bartender and going home :( wanted to like this place. read more

Food was so greasy even tor bar food. Got the Panda basket to share. Everything was over fried. I can't believe they served it- so over fried everything was black! The fried cheese curds had disintegrated. We played darts- out of 8 darts available only 3 were somewhat functional, others were broken. It feels like this place isn't getting the TLC it needs. Server was nice but he should've noticed the food wasn't presentable. I probably should have sent it back. read more

I came here to get a burger. I told my fiancé this place is awesome and has great food. I waited ten minutes at the bar and was passed by about 6 times. These people shouldn't work here if they don't want to provide good customer service or just service period. Wtf is wrong with you. Don't look at me, help me. Don't complain about making French fries, make them with a smile. This is how you make people not want to come back. I would give you a half star if I could. read more

The Wisco had a beautiful facelift recently, but don't worry, it's still all dive inside. Until my recent visit it had been a few years. Previous memories include standing on a slanted floor, water dripping on my head and into my drink from the ceiling, and almost getting knocked down the stairs several times while trying to watch a few very, very loud local bands. I more recently returned to cheer on some friends during their volleyball game and it was a pretty lovely experience. The referee had hot jams on the speakers, I was still getting dripped on by the air conditioning unit that was over the bleachers, and the beer didn't appear to have any floaters from the ancient tap line this time around. It's a solid three-star dive, and I'll have to return to try the food that I didn't know existed until earlier this week. A good burger could bump this up to a four-star destination. read more

Good, predictable dive bar on Willy St. It's primary purpose for me is to fill time, and my belly with beer, while I wait for dinner at nearby restaurants. I also appreciate their presence in the madcity cocktail book (this year at least) for bogo deals. For the setting, great tap beer selection - also bottles when they don't have what I want. Patrons are a delightfully mixed bag of humorous people who like a good deal, regulars, folks waiting for restaurants, smokers on the patio, volleyball players on the tiny court. Wisco also offers live music on the patio. Though I'm yet to try their food, I appreciate their simple & straightforward menu that fits on one page (I've eyed it up a few times but haven't committed). Wisco is cash only, but atm available...Also darts & those quintessential dive bar gambling machines. read more

Great place to chill have a burger and a cold beer cheap as always....... Best dive bar in the area..

Okay fine, Wisco. You got me. People said you had one of the best burgers in town, and I was like, "what." But when I came here with yet another friend who touted your burger was one of the best bar burgers, I knew I had to order one. And I did. And it was delicious. A thick juicy seasoned meat patty. I deleted the fried onions and added a fried egg, which had a perfectly soft yolk, making for a beautiful saucy burger. I am not really a dive bar person, and this is definitely a dive bar. Like, maybe the floor will have peanut shells and the tabletops may or may not be sticky kind of dive bar. I love that they fully embrace it. Staff was friendly and attentive. Seating was a little weird, and I would've preferred a nook somewhere that would've allowed me to converse more easily one on one with a friend. read more

I was blasted from uncorked. The greasy burgers are the food of the gods. Drunk me has never been more pleased with food. Drunk me also wants to live at this super chill comfortably dim bar staffed by no nonsense bartenders. Sober me will have to make a return visit to confirm. read more

This is one of maybe 2 or 3 places in town to see the kinds of bands I like. The food is OK, and they have typical bar stuff - beer, booze. The venue itself seems like an invitingly typical dive bar. Crappy TV shows on all the time give it a kind of crummy sports bar feel at times - when it's not a game day they're still cranking FOX tv, which is sucky. I'd rather hear pretty much any kind of music over that crud. The main issue for me is, I didn't grow up in a suburban / college town, so I'm really put off by people getting "ruffied" here, and more so by the bland douchey "what ya gonna do?" response. After seeing one band's drummer's wife pass from being drugged (didn't finish her one drink, very sudden passing out & sickness, obviously drugged against her will - the next day when she could speak again, she was totally convinced this was the case) I was disgusted to hear various people say "wow! again!?!?" and gossip about who they though was doing it. Repeatedly. This was not anything like an isolated incident. Yet, No One DID anything; hipster bartender clucked his tongue - not his problem = not my scene. Stand up for yourself Madison, this is not how autonomous life works. Adults with any sense of honor or good sense don't shrug and go "oh man, that sux!!!" when this kind of thing happens in their space. Tattoos are not actually a worthwhile substitute for personal integrity, and / or balls, in most of the rest of the world. Watching my friends beat the tar out of a-holes for doing things no where near that obnoxious are some of my fonder music hall memories. (I know, not PC, eh Madison?) You don't have to do that, necessarily, but if you do NOTHING you're not a scene at all, just a group of people who happen to tend to buy the same products. F that. You don't care to take care of your own, you are no kind of rebel, you are the reason police exist; to deal with people who won't take personal responsibility. You're better than that, right? RETHINK. I'll stick to actual biker bars, and seeing bands in Chicago, or out in the sticks. read more

If you love dive bars like I do, you'll really like this place. Didn't sample the food--went for a Friday night show. Didn't know the bands, but they were a lot of fun. Drinks were very reasonable (even cheap!). Music was a great volume--we could still hear each other talk over by the bar, which I love. Only thing that sucks is it's cash only. Parking's on the street, but that's the name of the game in this neighborhood. Staff were very nice and attentive. read more

It's tough for me to write a one star review sometimes. I'll try to be brief. I was somewhat impressed when I first walked in. $1.50 Pabst, a nice guy wearing a snood at the end of the bar, and a small crowd inside. The bartender was nice, but it was all downhill from there. It was dirty, low ceiling-ed, and torn up. A busser's tray laid on the floor to catch the leak in the ceiling and a thick layer of grime was just about everywhere. No such thing as waitstaff. The interior was hot and stuffy, with no opened windows to let in some cool night air. The patio outside looks out over the street corner and the high fence makes it feel instead like a prison yard. People are jumping an 8-foot high fence to get in and out, most everyone is drinking from glass bottles despite the (totally unenforced) signs, and people are throwing crap in assorted directions when the bottles are empty. Again, it's dirty. The guys here...they're not hipsters. I know hipsters, and they're not like this. These are miscreants who enjoy their negativity and their anger. There's an undercurrent of aggression present that is predatory, yet false at the same time. It's a bro-ness that comes off as similar to a fraternity house, just with a different strata of people. Avoid. There' are better places to be. P.S.: Ladies, there was another review on here that mentioned people getting dosed with royphenol and the patrons and staff being indifferent. That indicts everyone in the place. Don't come here; it ain't worth it. read more

Don't come here for the decor. Dive bar without the welcome feel. Locals rule here. Strong drinks, reasonably priced. Often have hardcore bands at night, volleyball during the summertime. read more

Wisco so much the same only not so much. GoodPeople to sit and have a wee one or A bite with me. Tiny Ryan Brooks Brooke and company Will bring a smile to your face along with Your favorite beverage And they'll cook,too. read more

I adore this place. Inside is pretty roomy, and well equipped with foosball table, darts machine, a pool table, and coin slots. The outside has the nice sand volleyball court and some chill area. The biker (motorcycle) themed atmosphere is really rocking - I love the hard rock tunes played throughout the night. The bartender is very friendly, and so are the patrons. I will be back here for more low key night outs. read more

Why is this place called the Wisco? Sign outside says Willy St Pub.... Quintessential dive bar. Cheap drinks, decent bar food, dark and dingy, a couple tvs, loud bands, outdoor patio with volleyball! Cash Only! read more

10/10 my favorite place in Madison! I enjoy hanging here with friends and who doesn't like supporting local businesses. Tory for the win! read more

This is as good as it gets for dive bars in Madison with live music, and one of the few Madison bars with live heavy metal shows regularly. Try their fried perch on a Friday fish fry, their burgers and other greasy bar food are worth it as well. One of the things I like about this place is they set out pitchers of ice water during live music for people who aren't into drinking alcohol. The staff is fast and to the point don't expect to make friends with them but do expect fast service and fair treatment. Yes this bar also is known by the name of the Wisco by Madison locals. read more

I no longer frequent the WISCO due to the regulars who think they can harass and threaten visitors. I enjoyed seeing many fantastic bands in their totally inappropriate for live music space, but no lineup has yet to get me back in the door. A dive bar is one thing, but the threat of violence is too high in the last few years. Ironic since it used to be a biker bar. read more

I was not too happy when I ordered three drinks: Bloody Mary w/chaser, Tall Tito's and Seltzer and a Tall Boy Miller High Life and paid $28.00 plus tip. Their prices are too high for me. Will skip this stop next time. read more

This is a nice, non-pretentious dive bar with cheap and good bar food, a charmingly wavy floor (hope you have good sea legs), and one of the last non-internet jukeboxes left in the city. I feel more comfortable here than almost any other tavern around--it isn't full of snotty, self-absorbed people using their cursed Iphones while sitting at a bar meant for socializing and meeting people. Ahh, how refreshing. So is this pint of Hopalicious. Lastly: this wi-fi connection is the only one I've used in the last week that hasn't puked every 10 minutes. Viva el fucking Wisco. read more

Divest dive bar in madison. Cheap dirty and angry in a town full of clean shinny new P.C. Financial aid money. Good music, crazy people, not for the weak or those expecting fancy smancy waitstaff. Don't forget to tip a dollar a drink. It's only courteous. read more

The wisco is actually the only place that I feel at home. Anyone that says otherwise is actually not mentally capable of having fun. They have excellent burgers and beers. Try it out or die lonely. read more

This place used to be the shit when Marty worked there. He was the best bartender in town........If Shane (Sharky) still works there, hes a good shit, and deserving of your money,so tip him you cheap piece of slag. JSYK, this is a whisky and beer bar,( or at least it was) so dont order some bullshit, or youre likely to get laughed at, or just ignored period. Ahhh, nothing like the good old days, sitting out back at the Wisco with friends,enjoying a beer and a Wisconsin summer evening,then someone puke's. read more

One of the best cheeseburgers in town can be found at the "Wisco". There's a pool table, dart board and volleyball out back. The drinks are poured generously, and there is often a really cheap beer special going on. read more

Its the Wisco. I love this place. Its the only place that while playing shows you can jump from table to table throwing chairs and no one cares. And they have decent bar food as well! read more

Yey Wisco! Fun people, great prices for drinks, and even better music. What more can you ask for?

It's your standard dive bar. I had a perfectly fine time there with my wife. It was a Saturday night and we both can say we were pleased with the tap beer selection. I won't knock on it for being a bit dingy as that's what gives it charm and even adds to the welcoming atmosphere. They have a (very small) volleyball court that seemed to allow pickup games. The outdoor area was small but had a solid amount of seating. It's location on Willie street makes it a great spot to go for when you want to put your name in at one of the restaurants (waits are often 40+ minutes on Saturday night) and have a drink before going to dinner. It got quite loud, there was a high number of... frat-type guys hanging out and getting a bit loud and belligerent. It wasn't excessively bothersome but it did knock it down a bit for my preferences. They also only accept cash which made it hard for us to stay very long. You'll not be disappointed here but you also will not be overly-thrilled. I will return. read more

I like the Wisco, I don't love it but I would be damn unhappy if it ever closed down. Playing volleyball in the summer is tons o' fun. They always have good deals on cheap beer and strong mixed drinks. Also, they are one of very few places in town to put on rock shows even though they don't have a stage. Also, they only take donations so they turn out to be especially cheap rock shows with bands that would other wise be playing at larger venues but are simply looking for a change of scenery. read more

There is NO BETTER place in Madison to get a cheeseburger and cheese curds than at the Wisco! All the bartenders rule, the juke box can't be beat and there's always a great beer special. I think I'll go there tonight! read more

This place is sort of a time capsule. Back in the mid 90's (shortly after it's name change from "The Wisco"), I used to shoot pool here and commiserate with the various regulars, discussing matters of the day. While most of the patrons did have the kind of colorful past or modernized slang of the characters recalling other parts of the state, there was a divey Wisconsin style "realness" to the place that is replaced with unsolicited pretension in the other establishments on this street, to say nothing of the Capitol Square. Let's be clear, this is not a family place. The lighting is poor, the menu is about as basic as you get, and patrons I witnessed on this visit would probably get as excited winning a meat raffle as you or I would winning Powerball. I settled in and took up the bartender on his offer of a $1.50 Point Lager special for happy hour. The Brewer game had just started (they later lost). A random couple appeared out of nowhere and ordered some jello shots for someone's birthday. I chose the cheeseburger with pepperjack and a small side of fries. The whole arrangement came to just under $10 not including tip, which for downtown Madison is about as cheap as it gets these days. The seeded bun was fresh, and the meat was piping hot as it had just come off the grill, accompanied by lettuce, a tomato slice and some fried onions. Sadly, the decision of adding those extras resulted in a structural meltdown of the entire sandwich, leaving me to ask for more napkins. All in all, an experience I might repeat, but not this week. Make no mistake, there are no hipsters or even faux hipsters here, just real people drinking basic alcohol the way it used to be before all this craft cocktail bullshit hit the scene. read more

My all time favorite bar in Madison. If you want someplace dark, non-intrusive and cheap this is the place for you. The jukebox plays mainly metal and hard rock, but even for me (an non-metalhead) this is a great alternative to the Top 40 garbage they play at most downtown bars. The cover charge is cheap when there is live music. There is a patio where you can take your drink with you to have a smoke. (They will even give you a plastic cup to pour your beer in if you're drinking out of a glass bottle.) There are darts and a pool table. The bartenders aren't pricks even if you are a Ed Hardy douche bag. The crowd is mostly hipsters/hardcore/metal/ Willy Street hippies, but they are non-judge mental and don't have a heart attack when you don't know the same obscure hardcore band that is playing on the jukebox. This is not the place to go if you are keen on wearing high-heels and mini-skirts on a Tuesday night. Nor is it the place to go to find a stranger to hook up with, as it is too dark to see and everyone is too focused on their friends and drinks to notice you. To summarize, come to the WISCO if you want low (no) lighting, stiff drinks and good times. In fear of sounding like a hipster dick, I would like to voice that I hope this post doesn't bring in a gaggle of popped-collar-wearing-Coors-Light-drinking "Bros", or "those" girls with their pancake make-up, fake nails and tans, drunkenly dancing and kissing up on each other. You know the type. Just stay home. read more

I went there for lunch yesterday, and our service was really quick. However, our server didnt wear gloves when preparing our food, and i cant say with confidence that they washed their hands prior to cooking our stuff. They were also touching tap handles, and other parts kf the bar while preparing our food. That being said, i woke up really sick. Never getting food here again. Health codes arent that hard to follow. read more

this will always be THE WISCO to me, my go to bar, whenever i can get downtown. the staff is great-decent people who can keep a good head on their shoulders when it gets a bit crazy inside- and they have some good cheap drinks. it's exactly the same as i left it years ago, and not many places can say that (while retaining their great character). food is also awesome. go here, get wasted, see some good local bands, and get a great bloody mary and cheeseburger in the morning. read more

love the jukebox and the bar staff. i have been going there for years. great drink specials and cheap pool.