Madison · Dane County, WI

Nightlife in Madison

Scout analyzed 101 Madison places and surfaced the ones that actually fit nightlife.

Places analyzed

101

Matches

Typical spend

$75

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Complete outings

State Street Date Night & Dinner

Start your Madison evening with cocktails near the historic Orpheum Theater before catching a live performance. After the show, enjoy a sophisticated dinner with views of the Capitol, making for a memorable date night downtown.

Best neighborhoods for nightlife

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Marquette

5 matching spots

Carpenter-Ridgeway

1 matching spots

Old Market Place

1 matching spots

Tenney-Lapham

1 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Marquette

Weary Traveler Freehouse

This is a good spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, especially for brunch or an evening with board games. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-40 per person on food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsArts

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

The Boathouse

The Boathouse is a casual spot for an affordable meal or drink, perfect for a relaxed stop during a day out, taking about an hour and costing $10-30 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$10–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is ideal for a casual meal or drinks, offering Wisconsin specialties. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $25-$55 per person for food and a drink, often busy and best for walk-ins.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$25–$55 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Marquette

High Noon Saloon

High Noon Saloon is a live music venue, good for catching a show with friends or on a date, usually for 2-3 hours. Expect to spend $25-75 per person on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Majestic Theatre

The Majestic Theatre is an indoor live music venue for an evening or late-night outing, typically lasting around 3 hours. Expect to spend $35-$100 per person on tickets and drinks, making it a good choice for a date night or a weekend adventure.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$35–$100 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Nightlife

Liquid

Liquid is a vibrant spot for electronic music, typically costing $30-$75 per person for entry and drinks over a 3-hour visit. It's a good choice for a late evening out with friends or a date after dinner.

CocktailsLive musicFood

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Marquette

The Sylvee

The Sylvee is a destination for live music, typically pairing well with pre-show dinner or drinks. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $50-$150 per person, primarily on tickets and drinks.

CocktailsLive musicArts

$50–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Carpenter-Ridgeway

Crucible

Crucible is a night club best for evening entertainment, drinks, and socializing. Expect to spend a few hours here, with costs ranging from $25-$75 per person depending on drinks and cover.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Up North

Up North is a rustic bar known for live music and an outdoor deck, ideal for an evening out with friends or a casual date. Expect to spend $10-30 per person and stay for a couple of hours.

CocktailsLive musicOutdoors

$10–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Marquette

Cafe CODA

Cafe CODA is a solid choice for an evening out, especially for live music and drinks. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $15-$40 per person, pairing well with a pre-show dinner nearby.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$15–$40 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Old Market Place

Eno Vino Downtown

Eno Vino Downtown is a sleek tapas and wine bar perfect for an evening date or special occasion, offering Capitol views. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for an hour and a half, with parking potentially difficult downtown.

FoodCocktailsViews

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Tenney-Lapham

The Robin Room

This is a cozy cocktail bar suitable for a relaxed evening drink, a date, or a girls' night out. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-70 per person on drinks and maybe a small bite.

CocktailsFoodViews

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Marquette

Sardine

Sardine is a good choice for a date night or special occasion, offering creative French food and a lively bar atmosphere. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsViews

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

The Rigby Pub, Grill, and Event Venue

The Rigby is a 3-level Beatles-themed pub perfect for an evening out, combining pub grub with trivia or live music. Expect to spend $20-$50 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking