Good burgers and friendly service. "Kitchen" is just a nook on the side of the bar. The menu consists of 7 sandwiches, sirloin, cheeseburger, hamburger, brat, pork chop, summer sausage, and chicken breast. They don't do lettuce and tomato, only pickles and onions (raw or fried). Try the brick cheese with your cheeseburger or cheese plate. Very homey setup with family - friendly service. Tip: you must order at the bar! read more

Village Bar - See the little nook of a kitchen in the corner?  Menu board above. - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I like to consider myself as a bit of a burger connoisseur - yes, such a thing exists! I will search far and wide (though, I'm not sure that's the actual expression) for a great burger. I've heard many a tale of the great Village Bar burger, that uses the power of steam to cook their burgers. But it is a mere dive bar, surely you don't mean that a cash only location such as this has mastered the art of frying a burger. Aye! I have tasted its divine glory! Now, a burger that can make me feel like I need to write in the style of a medieval knight on an epic quest must mean it's a good eat (I hate the medieval theme so much - it just happened, I'm sorry). Back to the burger. I don't know quite how to describe the 'moistness' of the actual patty - it wasn't that it was 'juicy' because often juicy means messy. No, this was something else, burgers can easily get dry if you cook it too long, this patty was far from that, in fact it was quite the opposite. Top it with cheese and place the pickles on the side (thank you - didn't realize I needed to ask without pickles, glad to see they weren't served on my burger) and I think I just enjoyed what everyone has been raving about. The Village Bar - you a quite a vintage little place aren't you? I'm not particularly fond of dive bars, but they had so much classic memorabilia displayed in the table that made for a nice little search and discover during my wait for food. They also have plenty of tvs (even some flat screens) to watch the game of your choosing. I must say, I was annoyed that they don't take cards, though I'm sure my review won't be changing that anytime soon - at least they have an ATM accessible inside the bar. There is just something about that burger that will have me stopping in again and bringing friends as they stop in town for a visit. For that reason, and that reason alone - The Village Bar has earned all five of my stars that I have to give. read more

Mrs. T and I went here because we saw they had the "Best Burger" for Wisconsin on the Travel Channel, it was relatively close to us, and we needed a place to watch the Packer game. I was skeptical when I saw the prices were so low -- I know it's bar fare but they had television acclaim so I figured they'd be more expensive but hey -- I wasn't about to argue. Their burger deserves the acclaim -- it was amazing. The variety of bar food on their menu also deserves attention; It's very "Wisconsin", even moreso than most Madison bars. On subsequent visits I tried different items including a grilled braunschweiger sandwich. The did great with all the items I tried. Seating is limited (it's a bar after all), they are cash only (they have an ATM -- but still), and I found some of the Pez tables to be a bit campy but a little charming but those really are the only downsides. Certainly not enough to drop the 5th star. While it's not classy upscale dining there is something said about doing something simple but doing it well. That's the Village Bar. read more

Much a-do about nothing.... This pretty much explains my thoughts on the Village Bar. Since my first time included an awkward "Its not you, its me" conversation (Just a tip: Wait to have this conversation after you have eaten vs. before ordering to avoid awkward silence), I have been back a few times to see if it can deliver what people have been writing. And....it can't. Yes, it is a nice neighborhood bar. Yes, the bartenders and crowd are a decent and friendly bunch. But no, the food doesn't elevate itself from just being "bar food". If you are in the neighborhood, stop in. But if you are truly searching for great burgers, try any of the 5-10 places that do it a whole lot better. read more

Remember Mr. Martini's bar in Bedford Falls? Sorta like that without the Italian accents. A snug little neighborhood bar with nice waitstaff. Big TVs behind the bar mean you can watch the Brewers or Packers but the sound is kept low so you can still talk. The brick burger is awesome. The fries are hot and crisp. So basically is the best publike bar in Madison. No drink frat boys. Family-friendly for sure. Cash or local check only... but there's an ATM that charges 2 bucks. Take cash. I grew up in California, where the bars were more like Nick's bar after George Bailey never existed. This place is a treasure. Funny thing is I don't even drink and I still feel very welcome. read more

Village Bar - Local color. - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Nice little dive bar. Decent atmosphere, cheap beer and burgers. They do not accept cards though, bring your cash. There's a Pokemon gym right inside so collect your poke swag while you're here. read more

Village Bar - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I'm hesitant to write a 5 star review for Village Bar because I don't want people to go there. It's the best dive bar in town. The bartenders are always really friendly, the crowd is best during a sporting event, and you should come hungry cuz their bar food is legit. The brick burger is nothing fancy, it's just straight up good food. My only real complaint is that it's not super attractive to bring the WAGS because they don't serve any cider or wine, and the food menu is a little short. Maybe it's for the best though, we can keep the Village just for the guys. read more

Village Bar - The Menu - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I mean come on, it's The Village Bar! Does it really need my review, a mere mortal who's lived in the Westmorland neighborhood for a brief 18 years? I truly have nothing bad to say, why bother! Cozy, friendly and a bit grimy, this classic tavern makes golfers from the nearby Glenway golf course feel as welcome as the group of mommies from up the street. You can still see a slight cigarette smoke haze but that adds to the relaxed ambiance. Embrace it. Drinking is the primary goal here but let's face it, the Village burgers are legendary. The small menu (if you don't like it, head to your nearest Applebee's) is easy and tasty. I've always stuck with the classic cheeseburger and it's never let me down. Fries are great too. The "cheese plate" is kinda sad if you're expecting some fancy schmancy assortment of speciality cheeses, not happening here. Enjoy the saltines and cheddar cheese squares! Great beer assortment (some craft/some classic), awesome old fashioned's and a good variety of tunes on the jukebox complete the experience here. Bring cash or expect to hit the ATM - credit cards not accepted! read more

A small bar with great service, even when packed. I'm on a plant based diet but cheated and had the brick burger. It was one of my great life decisions. Phenomenal burger! read more

Very tasty and inexpensive burger-- the one star review is due to the fact that my friend and I, who both had the same thing, both got FOOD POISONING the next day. read more

Boooo. This used to be my go to spot when I came to town. I wouldn't go there again even if there was free beer! It pains me to say that; but true. Argumentative bartender and charged me wrong on the bill. Not what it used to be. If the Travel Channel ever went there again, it should be titled, "places not visit" Steer clear! read more

Cheap and delicious burgers await all who dare. Overlooking a beautiful golf course with plenty of cold PBR on tap. It just doesn't get any better than this. P.S. the bartender is a hoot! read more

This is a nice little neighborhood tavern that serves up some amazing burgers. It's all I've ever eaten here, and I actually don't know if they serve anything else... I never look at the menu, I always order the same thing. If you're here to pregame before a Badger event, get a Bloody Mary, they're very tasty here. read more

Very simple menu, this is a bar with a small menu of food options BUT their burgers are cooked to perfection and tasty. If you're craving a beer and burger this is a good place to go. Cash only. read more

Village Bar - Simple but tasty menu. Very casual and cash only. - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great place to hang out with friends and make new ones. Alice is the greatest bartender ever. She makes everyone feel like family.

Good excellent Service and Brick Burgers. The atmosphere is not bar like it gives me a feeling of the good old days . It feels like home

When looking for a restaurant on yelp, I think most people are hoping to find those special gems. The village bar is a perfect example of that. Sitting adjacent to the Glenway Golf Course on the downtown-west side of Madison, this little shack of a building holds a fun sports bar inside. It literally has the appearance of an old house, with the same door you'd expect if you were going to visit relatives. The interior is pretty typical for a country-style bar; you've got a few TVs, some small tables, and old men arguing about the Packers. But therein lies the Village Bar's charm. What truly makes it shine though is the food. If an award should be handed out in Madison for best bar food, the Village Bar is a sure bet. Their burgers are some of the best in Madison, with that nice homemade taste as if it were fresh off the backyard grill (and still dripping with grease). They're small though, so you're not getting your typical half-pound bar burger with giant bun, you're getting something to make you want to come back again. They come with some crispy fries as well, so make sure you slather on that ketchup and mustard and come hungry. Furthermore, the Village Bar is a great place to come after a round of golf at Glenway, grab a beer, and watch the game. It's a comfortable atmosphere, and while you've got sports fans around you, it's not like an Old Chicago style place where it's packed and rowdy. I remember watching the Bucks playoff run here when I was young with my Dad, and it was one of the most exciting places to be as everyone was a true sports fan. From the good sports talk to the run-ins with old friends, it's hard not to fall in love with the place. And who knows, you might even run into a celebrity as Jerry Seinfeld came here on the recommendation of his staff when he was visiting for a show. There is a reason for the missing star though. One thing the village bar has never been good at was service. Their bartenders are very blue-collar, and while this might fit in with the environment I sometimes feel awkward when simply trying to order my food. And the clientele is basically everyone's father, so if your not part of that clientele you might feel out of place at times. Still, don't let that stop you from coming in and scarfing some delicious dogs and burgers while you watch your favorite team. read more

Let's be clear: The menu fits on a 4 x 6 index card on each table, and hangs on a classic dive bar sign with letters that are poked in grooves. You can count choices on your fingers, unless you're a machinist. The burgers come out on small styrofoam plates, and if you want a knife to cut it, that comes in plastic. Wipe your mouth with 3 inch cocktail napkins. This place is not fancy. I order a Bergoff Dortmundear lager. It is one of six smart tap choices. The prices were low, the cheeseburger and fries exceptional, and service friendly and sincere. You can see the cook work behind the bar, and he hand delivers food with pride. They use quality ingredients. The place is busy, with most eating and above 30. There's easy parking, and it's a Madison classic Swing by for a burger. read more

It makes no sense. There's nothing about the seemingly ordinary village bar that would lend itself to crafting a mind-blowing cheeseburger, but my mind has consistently been blown. They're wizards & warlocks in front of that flat-top. They say that the burgers are all beef, but I suspect that there's a little unicorn meat added into the grind. Soft bun, melty American, fried onions, juicy unicorn, and the cold PBR on tap make me even semi-enjoy watching a Packers team not starting Aaron Rodgers. Endorsed! read more

3.75/5, Very good burger, good fries,and fun low-key, "Ma-and-Pa"-esque atmosphere. Pros: +Really good burger--great even, but not in the same tier as burger greats (to me) like In-n-Out, Little Big Burger, or Freshness Burger. +Really, really chill environment. Maybe chalk this up to there being more older familes and even retirees, but when golf is on a big screen and on mute over coldplay and the like, you know it is chill. Perhaps the limited space (parking and physical) contributes to the homey atmosphere as well (pro or con, see below) +Friendly barstaff, which goes with the chill environment. Not afraid to ask how the burgers are and interact with their patrons, many of whom know the people by name (and vice versa). +Quirky tables with unique "centerpieces" that are collections visible under the glass top of the table. Cons: -Limited selection of drinks, not a full bar. But then, this isn't trying to be a full bar. -Food selection feels very limited. A burger, a hot dog, fries, blocks of cheese, that's about it. Now, if what little food you DO make is FANTASTIC (like Little Big Burger does, with only one kind of beef or veggie burgers and one kind of fries), that is understandable and completely fine. But, if you are only great at one thing and the rest is average...well, you get the picture. -Food quality, other than the burger, did not impress us beyond average (see above). -parking was adequate, but I was a bit worried. There are maybe 10-12 spaces, which is pretty much how many people would fit inside the pub, but if you want to eat here when it's busy/without parking, it may not be convenient. -Must pay with cash, as they don't take cards. They have an ATM inside, but it is a negative. OVERALL: Definitely worth stopping in for a burger and fries at least two to three times to get a well-rounded experience. As the barstaff are eager to point out (and is on their sign), they were rated by the Travel Channel as one of the top 100 best places for burgers in the U.S., and while the exact rating in that top 100 isn't referenced, that should tell you, at the very least, you're going to get something good. The negatives, while a few and do add up to losing 1.25 stars to me, shouldn't detract you from trying it out. Definitely better than most other options in Madison! If, after two or three times, you find it growing on you, you may like it enough to become a regular (and they definitely know the regulars' names around here, feeling like a little like "Cheers" except maybe an older crowd) read more

Grade: B Think excellent burgers and fries and cheap beer. Mmmmm, beer.... read more

This undoubtedly has a great atmosphere, and I especially like the random decorations underneath the glass on the tables. I would give their regular burger two stars. Cold, plain bun, ashy patties. They have much better burgers on the menu, though, so order something with some more pizzaz to it. The fries are exceptional. Five stars, easily. I don't like how everything is so plain. Sure, it's good food, but it's too normal for my liking. You get disposable plates and plastic utensils, for crying out loud. I get that it's not a fancy Italian restaurant, but spruce up the look a little bit. I go here for the atmosphere, not the food (excepting the fries, winka, winka). You can easily get better food elsewhere. read more

The name couldn't be more fitting- a small bar with a real village setting. And the food is exactly what you expect for bar food- burgers, brats, steak and fries. I went for the brat and fires- delicious. I have to comment on the tables too- they were glass display cases filled with all kinds of toys and memorabilia- just a very cool setting. I really enjoyed our visit here. read more

Great bloody mary & burgers. Friendly place. Enjoyed brats& fries too! Service good but you have to go to bar to order. read more

My sister and I went here a couple of weeks ago and had the best time! The bartenders were so fun and treated us wonderfully. I would recommend this place to anyone that is going to Madison and wants to have a fun time. Even the customers were great! read more

Jerry Seinfeld loved the cheeseburgers. I like the pork chop sandwich too. Mark has recently added a vast amount of wonderful memorabilia of the Badgers, Packers and All-Americana. read more

Probably an ideal version of a neighborhood bar. Great bar food and staff. The decor is absolutely fascinating, and on its own makes the trip memorable. If you're looking for a nice night without going downtown, this is a worthy spot. read more

As everyone else has said, great burgers. Fries are ok.... Could be crispier. Wish they sold onion rings though.... :-/ read more

Had an unpleasant experience at this establishment. Overheard vulgar language and racist remarks from the staff behind the bar. Should have walked out-won't go back. read more

Definitely the best burger I've had in Madison (I've had people say Tony Frank's is better, but I disagree). There is a very strange beer selection here, as well, with some standards like PBR on tap, but no Rolling Rock or Coors in the place at all. They did have some craft beers on tap though. I went on a Monday to watch a football game, and it was a great place for that. I'm a big fan of the ambiance, and I could see where it would be REALLY good for someone who actually knows about football and gets involved in games, since I didn't know enough to dispute calls the refs made. read more

I love the Village! It's a great neighborhood bar with even better burgers! They have a bunch of tv's for all the Packer, Badger's, and Brewer's games which is great too. It's a cozy, friendly and a truly classic Wisconsin bar. It is cash only, but they have an ATM in the bar. read more

Cool local bar vibe but the burger left me wanting more! I love the well seasoned grill in the window and the bar itself! Shoulda stayed in Sauk City for lunch today (in my opinion) read more

Village Bar - The Brick Burger as seen on the Travel Channel with chips and a spotted cow! - Pubs Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Fantastic burgers, tried a couple brick burgers with fries, they were killer. Top notch, we were directed there on a burger recommendation and it proved 100% accurate. Additionally their brandy old fashioneds were very strong and tasty, service was excellent and the atmosphere was very comfortable and familiar. They have large windows that offer a nice view and a lot of bright natural light, which is unique for a neighborhood tavern setting. read more

A Madison icon - this place is quintessential Wisconsin - the best of the home state culture.

Nice up-north, classic Wisconsin atmosphere. The bartenders are always really friendly and good to chat with. Brick burger with fries is consistently good. You might be a little sleepy afterwards though. read more

Awesome, small quaint place. Homey feel and a very friendly staff. Don't expect anything fancy. Your choices are hamburger, cheeseburger, brat, chicken breast etc. But what you do get is fresh, delicious simple food. Even their French fries are tasty! Definitely would go back especially on game day. A must try! read more

Excellent beer and friendly service. Best burgers in Madison. I'll definitely be back.

Possibly the best burger I've ever had and great service to go with it. Get the the brick burger!!

The bar owners were very nice and it was a great place to stop for a beer or two! Cash only but price is good for the area.

This place is a good local dive, especially if you like golf. At the bar, you literally overlook the Tee Box at Glenway. Burgers are OK, fries are very good, beer is ok with a good selection, and they have friendly folks tending bar. Very limited food menu. I suggest a second fryer for Friday fish fry and fish sandwiches. I would give them one more star BUT they never wash their hands! The guy/owner working the grill will grab raw meat, then cooked fries that fall on the grill, then serve drinks, then handle money, then cheese, raw meat, serve a beer, re-stock condiments, make change, grab a bun, shake your hand, wipe his brow....you get the point...and never wash his hands. I'm not even sure if they have a hand sink at the food station...I'm sure code requires that they have one but I've watched closely twice now and haven't witnessed any hand washing. Lately, I stick to bottled beer and spend my dining dollars elsewhere. Check it out and you will see what I mean. read more