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    Villa Tap

    4.2 (81 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars, American
    Closed 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Villa Tap Photos

    Business Info

    VILLA TAP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual
    Juke Box

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    Recommended Reviews - Villa Tap

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    Reviews With Photos

    Bacon cheese burger
    Davey W.

    Best burger I've had in awhile. Haven't been to Villa in decades. The burger was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The Nueske's bacon was a game changer the service was amazing. Kind, polite, accepting what else would one want? No reason not to stop here for good people and great food. Didn't eat any appetizers but next time that menu is in danger!

    Friday shrimp dinner
    Andrea G.

    Ordered take out this week and everything was great. Ten minutes from the time we ordered to when it was done. Got the walleye and the shrimp. So good!

    Old school menu
    Dan D.

    Chico's Villa Tap: holy Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry - *amazing*, went with Lake Perch, but I don't imagine there's an incorrect choice. Madison, Wisc. friendly service & sensibility. Aside from a few flat-screen TVs, it'd be hard to tell what year (or decade) is it inside - timeless. This is an outstanding bar-based fish fry, give it a try.

    Lake Perch
    Ryan L.

    There is a lot of hype about the fish fry here and it's all true. It's a cozy neighborhood bar with friendly staff and patrons. There was a couple in their 60s next to us and the wife said she had been coming here since she was 6 and it hasn't changed. I got the walleye and my wife got the lake perch. The breading was very flavorful and the meat was savory. Perfectly fried. On a separate occasion I've gotten onion rings here and they were the same quality. Also, the onions don't slide out when you bite into them - one of my pet peeves with onion rings . 100% would recommend this place!

    Walleye fish fry
    Cherise K.

    Ohhh boy!! This place lives up to the HYPE. Best fish fry in Madison you say? Well, I can attest to it, as I have been to over 25 restaurants in Madison for their fish fry and it ties for first depending on the mood. If you are looking for a good old fashioned wisconsin bar, order at the bar, cash preferred experience. This is the spot for you. For the fish fry you can call ahead and place your order, but the real challenge is finding a seat. They recommend you come about 30-45 minutes before to wait out a table or early, like before 530 to grab a space. When you come in, place your order at the bar- drink and food, but make sure you grab a. Seat first because they need to know where to deliver it. As mentioned cash is preferred but they will take a cc down to hold the tab. The old fashioned was classic, perfectly balanced. And have you the choice of a topping! But really let's get to the food, we got cheese curds which were great, def 8.5/10 status but the star is the fish fry. We got perch and walleye and mmhmmm goooddd. We were so happy and satisfied. The fish was fresh, moist, juicy and the breading was light but super jam packed with flavor. You get a bread roll, coleslaw and whole plate of fries with your meal. I will say the fries could be better, crispier and more seasoned but the fish steals it for me. And their tartar sauce was some tang to it which I love. I am a fan of this spot and would love to come and sit at the bar or grab a booth with friends, so I'll be back and def for the fish fry! Happy eating!

    Baked potatoes
    Dynae S.

    After years of torturous temptation every-time I drove down the street on Fridays and smelled that buttery goodness. I was beyond ready to try their Friday fish fry. Staff is friendly, you CAN order your dish ahead of time for pickup. The fish is perfectly cooked, super crispy with a crunchy batter and served with lemon. The fish is superb and confirms everything the smells were relaying!

    Walleye on the left, cod pieces on the right.
    Hanna G.

    Another Friday, another great fish fry! This local hidden gem isn't so hidden! Right off Packers Ave- you can find Villa Tap. If you're stopping by for fish fry, you'll need to call earlier in the week to place your order. You pick a time and give your order. Show up 30+ minutes early, grab a drink and keep an eye out for a table to open. It's first come for tables and bar seating. Once you find a spot, you'll let the bartender know where you ended up and the food will be brought out during your designated time. We got cheese curds, the walleye dinner with baked potato and cod dinner with fries. The cheese curds were good, typical bar food, but great nonetheless. They come with a dill ranch- which I loved. Walleye dinner stole the show, it was perfectly breaded and cooked, the baked potato, coleslaw and roll were also great. We would come back for this!! The cod was also yummy, the breading has an interesting flavor, almost a light cinnamon taste- it's unique and good! The fries were crispy and hot. Everyone was super kind and the drinks were strong!

    Tyler J.

    Fish fry and jumbo shrimp!!! Amazing! The service is fantastic and the place is really cool. Definitely will stop in again. They have a pool table and a few other lotto games.

    Bloody Mary

    One of the best fish fry's in Madison! Love that they offer the full menu at lunch too. We grabbed a mid day Bloody Mary and meal, shocked it was so busy. We've been going there for years on Friday nights, but never thought to go for lunch. The atmosphere is cozy and understated. The bartenders do a great job keeping up and you can often find the owner cooking. This one will be on our rotation for a long time.

    bluegill fish fry dinner

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    1 year ago

    Love it here great place. My favorite in town by far. Fish and service great. Always fast and nice workers

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    2 years ago

    Best bar in Madison. Chico makes everyone happy! Don't miss out on the Friday fish. Go Early!

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    3 years ago

    Food and service was great! Would definitely recommend. Staff was super friendly with a great sense of humor

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    Northside Lounge

    Northside Lounge

    5.0(13 reviews)
    0.9 miSherman

    We were trying to go to another bar in the area on valentines and it was already full so we…read morestumbled over here and we were not disappointed. First thing is they have touch tunes so you can set your own vibes for the night. The decor and lighting is perfect. A lot of velvet seating and gold accents. It is a dog friendly space which is kind of random for a cocktail bar but I don't mind it. I pet 4 dogs. The bartenders were super nice. I ordered the "Yes you can buy me love" which was Espolon Tequila, Strawberry, Lime Juice, Triple Sec, Coconut Milk, Mint, Sugar Rim. It was really good. I also tried my husband's "Stuck in a Snowbank" which was state line coffee liqueur, bourbon cream, frangelico, cold brew. It basically tasted like a coffee that was a little sweeter. All the cocktails were great. Again I'm so glad we stumbled across this stop because even the bar goers were super nice.

    Stopped in to catch-up with a friend on a Wednesday night and was shocked at how busy they were!…read moreTurns out they had a cheese raffle that evening. How fun! The lounge has a moody vibe that you really wouldn't guess from the outside. It's the perfect place to escape the cold and warm up with a cozy cocktail. They also change their cocktail menu seasonally, offering something a little fun for each season. It's evident the owners care about the community, as they are frequently offering events to support local providers (River Valley Food Pantry on the night we were there), and have specials for those who we couldn't be without (hello nurses and teachers). They're also dog friendly!

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    Northside Lounge
    Northside Lounge
    Northside Lounge

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    Villa Tap - divebars - Updated May 2026

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