Maduro

MaduroMaduro
MaduroMaduro
Bar

117 E Main St
Madison, Wisconsin, 53703-3315
United States

(608) 294-9371 | map
madurocigarbar.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.3
Reviews:
26
Ratings:
43
pDev:
6.74%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by KAF:
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Rated by KAF from Iowa

4.25/5  rDev -1.2%

Nov 09, 2014
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.1 by Sparky44 from Illinois

Aug 22, 2021
 
Rated: 4.18 by 22Blue from Kansas

Oct 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by UWBadgerFan4Life from Wisconsin

Jul 08, 2015
 
Rated: 4.1 by djhowell from Wisconsin

Apr 30, 2015
 
Rated: 4.14 by italianstallion from Wisconsin

Apr 13, 2015
 
Rated: 4.35 by RobinLee from Wisconsin

Feb 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by Soneast from Wisconsin

Dec 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by DCLAguy11 from California

Nov 14, 2014
 
Rated: 3.64 by Mjoy65

Sep 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by redblacks75 from Iowa

Sep 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by hoosier222002 from Illinois

Aug 14, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by BarrelAgedG from California

Jul 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by bpfrush from Wisconsin

Jun 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Gotti311 from Wisconsin

Jun 17, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by TX-Badger from Texas

Jun 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by jakea from Wisconsin

Dec 24, 2013
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Reviewed by crossovert from Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -11.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
When I went here they had a ton of Bell's beers on tap for an event prior to Great taste of the midwest. We hit it after the Great Dane as it is right around the corner.

It is a cigar bar primarily but the bartender knew his stuff about beer and it had an obviously nice beer selection. There was a few other things other than Bell's as well.

The beers were obviously fresh because of the event and a pretty nice temp.

I didn't buy a cigar and I am not sure if they even have food.

If you don't like smoky bars then don't go here, but I thought it was nice, worth a stop on a downtown Madison pub crawl.
Aug 14, 2011
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Reviewed by johnkale from Wisconsin

4.39/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
This might be my favorite place to get a beer in Madison. Excellent cast of rotating taps (I've had ten fiddy, cask conditioned Bell's amber, Weyerbacher double simcoe, DFH red and white, and others) served at proper temperature into good glassware. Service isn't the friendliest but is prompt and courteous. Scotch list is great as well, harder to judge the cigars, though I do occasionally puff on one. Beer is priced pretty fairly for a bar, Scotch is a little pricier. The leather chairs and pressed tin ceiling are great, and even with a DJ it's fairly easy to carry on a conversation. This is where I went for my most recent birthday, and I plan on going next year too.
Dec 27, 2010
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Reviewed by brdc from Wisconsin

3.94/5  rDev -8.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
Stopped at this one the night before the Great Taste 2009.

Well located, easy to reach in Madison, this is a fairly small bar, standard looking, pleasant but not special except for the comfortable sofas. Bar is on one side, sofas on the other, single restroom which makes it hard when crowded like this night.
This particular night, Bell' special, so selection was amazing with 15 Bell's on tap, including two highly regarded, hard to get ones. I do not know how is the line-up on most nights, but this was special.
Cigar smoke does interfere with the enjoyment, but it was still worthwhile.
Aug 11, 2009
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Reviewed by brewercraig from Wisconsin

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5
Stopped by Maduro for a night cap. As a cigar bar, smoke level was slighly high, however the crowd had cleared out reducing the smoke somewhat. I was pleased to see Bell's Two Hearted being served on cask. Quite enjoyable, smooth and round, the lower carbonation allowing the malt and hop flavors to play a larger role. I also had a Duchess de Bourgogne, slightly tart with apple overtones, remeniscent of biting into a Granny Smith!

If you enjoy a good cigar and a good beverage to go along with it, this is apparently the only place left in Madison.
Jun 09, 2009
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Reviewed by frazbri from Ohio

3.96/5  rDev -7.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
I've got start by saying I was at Maduro during Bell's pre-fest party. The long wooden bar sits to the left of the enterance and comfy furnishings sit to the right. Patio space is right on the front sidewalk.

The bar was packed, but we were lucky to find a seat at the end of the bar. The tap list this night was all Bell's, and that's not a bad thing. Service was quick all night long. It wasn't jovial, but it was efficient.

Maduro is a cigar bar. The ventilation system is good, but if the guy beside you lights up a stogie it's not going to help. I enjoyed my visit, but I was starting to feel the effects of the smoke when I left.
Aug 13, 2008
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Reviewed by leftmindedrighty from New Jersey

4.08/5  rDev -5.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
This was my second stop of my beer tour of Madison.

There was no sign with a name out front, just their logo. I walked by it twice before realizing where the entrance was.

Walking in, all you smell is cigar smoke. As it is a tobacco bar, cigar and pipe smoking are allowed, but not cigarettes. How odd I thought, but since I am ignorant of their local laws, I just chalked it up to an exemption being passed for them.

Tap lineup was solid to say the least. Standouts were Duchesse De Bourgogne, Kapuziner, Abita, Reissdorf Kolsch, Nostradamus, and Czchecvar Pils. They also had Bell's Java Stout on cask, which is what I limited myself to.

But unfortunately, I just couldn't get past the cigar smoke. Well, that and the pretentious people smoking them. I learned later that day that the Criminal Justice building is right across the street. Which made sense with the pretentious lawyers sucking down those cigars.

But, they did have an awesome tap list. And if I was looking to smoke a cigar and drink awesome beer, this place would be the only option that I know of.
Jun 24, 2008
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Reviewed by Deuane from Pennsylvania

4.64/5  rDev +7.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Walked by on Easter Sunday night after eating at The Great Dane. Not a soul in the place....not even a bartender to be seen. Tried the door and VIOLA! open! We go in and marvel at the impressive tap list....hey, look they got Cantillon Vigneronne on tap!

When the tender emerges, Lucas takes wonderful care of us. Full of talk and interested about our trip. Within 15 minutes the place fills up and a nice, lively group of beer lovers are talking and sharing thoughts. Wonderful! We end up meeting a new friend there.

Place is very interesting and would be quick to establish itself as a local favorite if I lived in the area. I will certainly return when we attend The Great Taste later this year.
May 25, 2008
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Reviewed by BoitSansSoif from France

4.9/5  rDev +14%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
This is the first watering hole I visited when I moved to this town, and it's still my fav, especially since it's within walking distance. It's laid back, a few times a week there's a jazz duo, and the seating is comfortable, whether you're on the plush leather couches, at the bar, or at the table. Anytime a friend visits, I take them there, and it's a good place to stop for a drink with my wife. I don't smoke cigars too often, but the smoke is inoffensive. That being said, you will be able to appreciate it hours after you leave, so wear something that's not dry-clean.

Quality is this place's charm. The bartenders know their stuff, and they can answer most of your questions beyond your satisfaction. Their knowledge of brews, liqueurs, and spirits would put most bartenders working in pretentious, overpriced lounges to shame. I've only had one drink here that was not perfect, and it was from a polite new guy who offered to fix it, but I drank it anyway.

Service is excellent, and all employees are friendly, engaging, and welcoming.

I'm sure you can find places with more selections, but not with bartenders as knowledgeable about each one. Beer menu is good, wine list frequently changes and features great varieties, liqueurs are top-shelf, and the cocktails are unique and delicious.

I know you can order out food from somewhere else, since the establishment does not have an actual kitchen, but I never have.

Pricing is reasonable. As stated above, you are paying for quality, not pretentiousness or a sorry excuse for atmosphere, and you get a lot for your money.
Jan 25, 2008
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Reviewed by emerge077 from Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Visited on a weekday night, so it was pretty relaxed, and the refined atmosphere really shined through. Vintage French beer and cigar posters blended with the soft lighting and mellow jazz, seeping into the leather couches...oozing "cool".

Luckily it wasn't too smoky either, and I was able to enjoy a Caracole Nostradamus on tap without swimming in clouds of tobacco smoke. Selection were all taps, but the bartender mentioned that in 2008 they will be bringing in a bottle selection, and taking over the front chalkboard (currently all wine).

Other patrons were having beery conversations, and I was able to peruse a couple back issues of BA magazine from the table past the bar. It felt like we had stepped into an alternate dimension. There are very few places in Chicago that have the same mellow appeal, the top beer venues there are usually mob scenes. It was great to relax and get introspective about beer at this amazing Madison locale...
Dec 28, 2007
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Reviewed by blackie from Oregon

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
I've visited Maduro about four or five times over several trips to Madison, 'bout time I reviewed this gem. I'm sure some of the local reviewers can offer a little more info, but this place certainly deserves some props.

atmosphere: Low lit, cozy, and comfortable. Tasteful, interesting decor. Plenty of seating between the bar and the groups of couches inside, as well as a few tables on the sidewalk. Gets a little smoky at times (cigar bar) but nothing too bothersome. Very conducive to chilling out with a few friends or reading or whatnot.

quality: Everything I've had has been at proper temperature, and usually served in some manner of appropriate glassware.

service: Cant' complain at all here. Any requests have been granted and service has always been prompt, even when slammed with a hundred or so people for a Bell's pre-Taste Extravaganza.

selection: Never disappointing. I've been twice for the Bell's pre-Taste gig, but I suppose those are special circumstances. On the average day, a nice selection by anyone's standards can be found. Two Hearted on cask all the time. A great rotating selection of Midwestern micros.

I'm sure some of the local reviewers can offer a little more info, but this place has certainly earned a good rating from me.
Aug 15, 2007
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Reviewed by JeffKrenner from Minnesota

4.7/5  rDev +9.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
I really had my doubts about this place since it is a cigar bar and I am allergic to tobacco smoke, but I am sure glad that I stopped here with some of the Madison BA gang. Walked in to a dimly lit social club kond of feeling place. Many were smoking cigars and inbibing with their favorite adult beverage, but somehow I didn't really smell any smoke. Quite a feat. Maduro just feels comfortable to me. Many stools along the bar along with some table and chairs and more than a few leather couches. The perfect place to sit and relax with a beer and enjoy the company that you are with. Great beer selection that obviously is picked with the distinguishing beer drinker in mind. I had Aventinus and Pilgrim's Dole. Served a little cold for my taste, but that is really tough to avoid at a bar. Bartender was quick to help and very friendly. Everything was reasonably priced. I will definitely be back here next time I am in town.
Jun 30, 2007
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Reviewed by Flyer from Wisconsin

4.45/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Maduro has that classic "discerning man's" (or woman's) atmosphere, with great cigars, wine, Scotch, and martinis in addition to a dozen or so great beers on tap. It's relaxing in a timeless way, with solo drinkers reading newspapers at the bar while groups relax on the couches in a jazzy ambience. I suspect the tap lines are ruthlessly cleaned here, because more than once I've tried a new beer at Maduro and found it outstanding, only to try it a second time somewhere else and find it not quite as good as I'd remembered (or maybe the great atmosphere just biases me). The women tending bar are wonderfully knowledgable. Rotating selection, although Bell's gets a well-deserved emphasis. Happy hour prices are phenomenally good.
May 08, 2007
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Reviewed by badbeer from Iowa

4.22/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Great atmosphere in this place, dim lights and comfortable couches to sit on. A very nice place to sit with friends and relax, and enjoy good beers and conversation. Beer quality was very good, beer all seemed to be fresh, and I think they rotate pretty often. Service was good as well, bar tender knew about products and was able to offer suggestions to those that wanted them. Selection was not massive, but it is a quality selection. Once again I'll say that they rotate enough that it should keep things interesting for you. Prices are very competitive, especially for its location. A great bar that I will continue to visit when I visit Madison.
Apr 01, 2007
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Reviewed by Erdinger2003 from Iowa

4.56/5  rDev +6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
When we first walked into this place I thought it was closed, but I guess it's just dimly lit, but with the couches and relaxed atmosphere it was awsome! We were able to talk between ourselves and have great conversations. There wasn't too many people there, the smoke was sweet and smelled like the best cigars! The beer was great and the service was quick. The selection was pretty good, I got a Bell's Two-Hearted on cask, and a Saint Bernardus 8. Overall the experience was great, I will definetly be going back.
Feb 11, 2007
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Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

4.56/5  rDev +6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
This was a very narrow and not terribly deep establishment, so it there is an event that you are planning to attend, I recommend arriving early. Two big glass panes flanked the doorway that opened onto the wood bar to the left. Black leather couches, coffee tables, and vintage advertising on the wall dominated the right side. Just inside the door, on a buttonhook right, were a couple of high tables and stools as well as a green (not black) board. All of the way aft was a short, red velvet-lined stage for bands that perform twice a week. Beyond the bar, headed aft, was a humidor and beyond that, still on the left, were the washrooms, as well as a small reading library. Couple all of that with a pressed tin ceiling and exposed ducting and I ask you, what’s not to like?

The back bar featured an impressive array of wines and liquors (or so I was told). They also had an equally impressive lineup of eighteen taps, including five Belgians, five Bell’s, three Lake Louie, Victory, and New Holland. I was further told that their mixed drinks are “kick ass”.
Jan 08, 2007
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Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Maduro is a beautiful little cigar bar tucked away on Main street just a block from the Great Dane, and within walking distance of several other great restaurants.

From the black leather love seats and sofas to the brown tin-ceiling, this place is just slathered in style. Be sure to take a look at the tiled bar!

Beyond that, they bands are great, and the cigar and drink selections are more than adequate. I should warn you, however, it is a cigar bar, and it will be smoky. You can try that rare single malt scotch if you'd like, but your senses will probably be at least a little bit numb. That said, you're certainly not going to do to well with beer. However, I have been in early and found no one smoking at all, so who knows.

There are 18 taps and a cask, although I'm not sure how often they use it. Of the local beers they had on tap during my last visit, 5 were Bell's/Kalamazoo, and 1 was from New Holland (Dragon's Milk... at least it's a real good choice). The rest were imports, mostly Belgian and English with a few very good choices - nothing truly ordinary.

The service is great and the bathrooms are clean, what else can you ask for?
Jan 07, 2007
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Reviewed by Musky from Wisconsin

3.71/5  rDev -13.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
It was very smoky but has an excellent beer selection on tap which is rare in city of Madison. I had the Bell's Cream Stout hhhmmmm Cream Stout. They had a number of good beers on tap but the Bell's was the only Stout and I wanted either a Stout or Porter. The ambiance is nice with a smattering of just about every group in the bar at 10:30pm on a Saturday night, just be aware this is a cigar bar and there is much smoke from them there cigars. They also have a great selection of high octane liquors and wine for your choosing.
Dec 19, 2006
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Reviewed by Tbone from Illinois

4.36/5  rDev +1.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
A must for any visitor, and maybe the new best beer stop in Madison.

After being dissapointed by the Dane's mediocrity and stuffed with Come Back Inn's good beer and alright German fare, we capped the evening off at Maduro.

At 8:00 on a Saturday, there were about 10 other patrons there and it was warm enough to have the door open (which is probably why the smoke levels were quite tolerable). The music was good, classy, and at a sensible volume.

The bartender was very friendly and seemed knowledgeable. We were only getting one round. Although there were many high quality beers on the list, our decision was quite easy: Bell's Hell Hath No Fury, and New Holland's Barrel-Aged Pilgrim's Dole. The Bell's was in a nice chalice, and while quite good, it seemed to be going slightly south and taking on a sourness. The Dole was served in something like a 16oz water glass. Not the most pleasing glass, but a very pleasing volume of this strong and lovely beer. These two top shelf high gravity beers were $4 each, which is a great deal.

We sat on the comfy couch and leasuirely sipped our beers.

This is the place to go whether you want a relaxed, conversation friendly atmosphere or just want the best draft list in town.
Oct 15, 2006
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Reviewed by terrabyte from Wisconsin

4.44/5  rDev +3.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
After reading the reviews here, I made a bee line for this place downtown with my wife.

It's a little different than I expected. It's much more worn in than their online pictures show. It was smaller than I thought. Quite narrow. There is a long bar on one side, a walk way down the middle, and not quite enough sofas on the other side.

The bartender was absolutely swamped. He had to do everything, include leave the bar to take orders outside. However, the bartender was completely friendly, extremely well versed in the beers, and would dote on you (which helped cause some delays).

In fact, after I got my first beer, I watched him come and go with this one pint of Guinness. He would pour it extremely slow for 10 seconds, and then leave to take someone's order. Later, he'd come back and do the same thing. 5 minutes later when it was finally full, he was able to "draw" a design of a 4-leaf clover into the foam with the last slow trickle of beer from the tap. He handed the beer to the customer and said, "As you requested".

Behind the bar is a looter's dream. Shelves and shelves of top notch liquor. All I could see were rows and rows of "8" and "12" shining back at me, denoting their years. Check out their web site for their huge list in PDF format.

At first, I was a little disappointed in their beer selection that night. Only because I wanted to try out their Bell's Two Hearted on Cask. They had nothing cask conditioned. I then wanted to try their St. Bernadus on tap, and they didn't have that either. So I had to console myself to their monstrous chalk board of 20 beers on tap! Silly me for reading the reviews here and expecting certain brands. They do swap out often, and in the end, that was a great thing.

I had some great beers here, starting with Urthel's Tripel. Best tripel I've ever had, and was recommended by the bartender. The bartender uses the correct glassware for the right beer every time. I was a little disappointed by the half pours I was getting. Mostly because that's not what I'm used to, but also because it took a long time for the bartender to get back to you. However, don't let that put you off, when I got the first bill of only $9 for 3 beers, it suddenly made sense. These are great prices for craft brews.

It is a cigar bar, and despite some of the other reviews, I found it quite smoky in there. However, it doesn't take long to get use to, and who am I to complain - I was smoking one by the end of the night anyway.

We did catch their Rat Pack music on Friday night. The guy futzed with his equipment forever and started 45 minutes late. Some of the songs were decent, and it definitely fits the theme and class act of this bar. It's just too bad the singer was obviously burned out doing the same thing for who knows how long.

I caught a lot of conversation while sitting at the bar. Someone asked about food, and the bartender explained that a lot of the local restaurants on the block liked to deliver food right to the bar, all he asked was that you tip them very nicely for the extra effort.

The variety of people in this bar was huge. Early in the afternoon there were mostly older gentlemen that looked quite comfortable with a cigar in their mouth. By midnight, the majority were much younger, trying to look cool with a cigar in their mouth. It seemed like everyone was there for deep conversation, and it's a very comfortable, relaxed place.
Oct 10, 2006
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Reviewed by 4thoseabout2bock from Illinois

4.36/5  rDev +1.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Maduro was a wonderful prize at the end of our Madison beer tour.

The space is a single room with large open windows on either side of a central door. Exposed brick walls, painted tin ceiling. Long bar along the left side with hefty wooden shelves stocked with top shelf liquor of all varieties. Cozy black leather couches on the right hand side and several tables and chairs. An organ or piano tucked into a back corner. Mostly candle lit. Cigar smoke that is present but not overwhelming around 10pm on a Saturday night. Also some tables on the sidewalk out front under red christmas lights. Very pleasant atmosphere. (especially having just come up the hill from the Essen Haus!)

The tap list was excellent and displayed on a chalkboard centered behind the bar: the standouts were Hell Hath no Fury and an Oak Aged Pilgrams Dole (both $4, Hell hath in a St Bernadus goblet and the Dole in a pint glass). The Hell hath was perhaps a bit off (or not as good as it was when we had it a couple months ago at the Map Room in Chicago) but the Pilgram's Dole was exquisite! Lovely oak and warm vanilla sweetness.

Rest of beer list was quite the selection: Einbecker Pils, Spaten Lager, Erdinger Weiss, Bells Oberon, Lake Louie Scotch, Bells Pale, Lindemanns Pomme, New Holland Black Tulip, St Lous' Framboise, Ale Asylum Trippel, Hitacho White, Echt Kriekbier, Urthel Hop-it and Heavy Handed on Cask (also Boddingtons, Guinness, Magners).

Service was fine -- almost everyone was drinking beer, and the bartender seemed to do a good job describing the styles to novices.

No food, but someone at the bar had a very nice plate of Sushi delivered (on a plate even).

This gets my pick as my favorite beer destination in the Madison area.
I was also favorably impressed by Quivey's which I had not been to before. Great to have two new wonderful destinations for beer travels.
Oct 08, 2006
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Reviewed by dirtylou from Oklahoma

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Kind of surprised I have never beerfly'd this before. This is a local BA favorite with good reason.

Location is a major plus, being in the 100 block of east main street. The Great Dane is a mere block away as our tons of local dives and great restaurants. If someone came from out of town and started at Maduro, you could occupy yourself all night without travelling more than a block or two.

Atmosphere is interesting...red christmas lights outside with a few outdoor tables on east main. Inside you will find the only smoke friendly place in Madison (smoking banned). No cigs, just cigars, and they sell them too. I am not crazy about this but it usually isnt offensive, depending on the time. Quite upscale, but dont expect to pay upscale prices. I have never felt like I wasnt the youngest person in there (i'm 24) and often favors upscale business class.

Service is pheonmenal, period. The bartenders are all nice, helpful, and very beer savvy. I can see people finding them pretentious, but thats Madison, and thats how we roll.

Selection is awesome. Usually about 20 taps. 2 hearted always on cask is probably the most overlooked beer treasure in Madison. Worst taps are usually guinness/boddingtons. There always seems to be crazy unique things. Last winter there was the south shore imperial mint chocolate stout. Lately there has been bells hell hath no fury, la chouffe, oak aged pilgrims dole. Always strong imports and lambics with a rotating selection of obscure micros.

No food.

prices are tough to beat. everything on tap is 4 beers and always served appropriately. happy hour is 4-7 and everything is a dollar off

a must stop
Sep 28, 2006
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Reviewed by rhoadsrage from Illinois

4.2/5  rDev -2.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Look for the glowing logo above the door and that is the place. They have a very dimly lit bar with some people sitting around smoking some nice size heaters. The narrow long bar on the left leaves room for soft leather couches on the right and a DJ spinning some house music in the back by the cigar humidor.

They had lots of good beers on tap and they said as soon as La Chouffe was finish they had their new IPA ready to go. They were pretty knowledgeable about beers and for 4 bucks a chalice it was a great price.

We had to move out to the tables on the sidewalk because although you can smoke pipes and cigars you can't smoke cigarettes inside the bar. Gotta love the law. It was a great night and the bar next door had hookahs that people were bringing out to smoke on the sidewalk tables.

Great place for beer and they have a great selection of cigars aswell.
Jul 02, 2006
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Reviewed by Skidz from Wisconsin

4.22/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
After feeling the buzz of this place ringing in my head for a couple of weeks I had to see for myself what it was all about. Dimly lit with wafting trails of cigar smoke rising to the bar lamps and the corresponding, and pleasing scent of fine cigars and cedar warms the your nose as you walk in. A fine line-up of taps, I can't name them all but there were 4 Bell's options (Two hearted on the beer engine), St. Bernardus 6, St. Louis Framboise, Lake Louie Porter, Erdinger Weisse and Victory Golden Monkey from what we sampled. I was dissapointed to see that my favorite Aecht Schlenkerla wasn't on tap, but I'm hoping to see it back at some point. I wish they could do away with the all too familiar options like Guinness and Boddingtons, even Spaten and Franziskaner and pick up some more unique beers...but you can't have it all.

Glassware to match the beer. Very limited seating, it wasn't bustling but every seat was taken after 4 of us sat down, including the bar and the outdoor patio.

The best part about the whole place it the price. $4 for anything on the menu, minus Guinness and Boddingtons $5 20oz pints...no loss. I hope this place sticks to its guns and can do well enough to continue to offer such a great assortment of beers on tap.
Jun 03, 2006
Maduro in Madison, WI
Place rating: 4.3 out of 5 with 43 ratings