The Plaza Tavern & Grill

We stopped in after a Wisconsin football game to kill some time and wait for traffic to die down. We were able to snag a table but it was a full house at the bar and tables (seat yourself or stand). A waitress came by and took our ordered but it looked like you could also order from the bar. Menu is pretty simple but some good options: plaza burgers, burgers, some fried sides like fries and curds, and a few other things. My cheeseburger was good. They also have First Press hard cider on tap which was crisp and cool after a walk from the stadium. Note: Plaza Tavern is a cash only establishment (they do have an ATM on site).

Before I get any heat for my 2 stars... We came here knowing what to expect. We knew it was cheap, a late night spot and close by the Orpheum that we were going to in a a little more than an hour. Our waiter did everything he could to make up for the shotty service, missing food items and a long wait for drinks when the bar was at its lowest (I'm assuming by the lack of filled tables/bar). The food was sub par, came out with weak ingredients, flavor and substantiality. We never received several of the items we ordered, and when we did get them-- it was time for our check-- and they said they're coming out now, and would package to go. We paid for our bill, leaving $60 on a $35 bill (because the waitstaff said he was the only one running the tables & we've been there in ourselves in food service), and yet we STILL waited around for another 7-10 minutes for the ONE item they did give us out of MANY missing. I'm not sure if it was bad service, lack of preparation, or just plain oversight.... But either way-- it was NOT even close to the "hole in the wall" experience we were hoping for. We weren't even able to play pool or darts because we had to constantly check on our drinks & food that didn't seem to want to arrive. ALSO, the bathrooms are not access, have a lot of grime buildup, amongst the graffiti and super small stalls. Not even joking, the worst bathrooms that I've been to, and I've been to some severely shotty 'water closets' in Europe. Pictures in my review is the food we did receive. Not pictured are the fries, cheddar bites, chili dog and other cheeseburger we originally ordered.

My husband and I visited The Plaza Tavern which we heard is a local institution in Madison (a must stop hole in the wall wisconsin dive bar full of history/fun memories). When we walked in the Plaza Tavern, it is definitely a dim dive bar that looked unchanged for years stepping back into a time capsule with a huge open floor layout with run down booths on the side patched up with duct tape decor, interesting vintage murals, a main bar area, some pool tables, and a corner with old fashion pin ball games! The ambience was definitely a positive vibe as there were all types of people there from middle age people to UW college students.They had cheap drinks and a very simple bar food menu. Make sure to bring cash or use their atm as a cash only bar. I had to try the Plaza burger which I heard so much about! The Plaza burger was very simple but absolutely delicious with their intriguing special secret Plaza tavern sauce which sort of reminded me of an aioli sauce but had a sour cream texture and hints of ranch flavor! The Plaza burger reminded me of a simple but old fashion burger that didn't taste like your typical processed fast food burger with a homemade taste. For the price, the Plaza burger was a little small for me and didn't come with fries. We also tried the cheese curds which were ok. Even though the Plaza burger is small, the sauce really made the burger!My overall thoughts on the Plaza Tavern is it is a fun place to come with your friends if you are looking for a fun Wisconsin dive bar near the UW campus that has good bar food and cheap drinks!

While the server was decent, you could tell he was overwhelmed. I love a good dive bar but this place was a bit too much. Bathrooms smelled awful and the entire place was in need of serious renovation/repair. Food was extremely reasonable, but still not worth the price. Everything was bland and disappointing.

The place hasn't changed- which is wonderful. The plaza burger with cheese never disappoints. And service is always fast and friendly.

The plaza burger is a classic. Highly recommend adding grilled onions and cheese. Side of fries with plaza sauce to dip your fries in.

Awesome! First time here. Friendly staff, nice variety of tap beer, plazaburger was DELICIOUS...We will ve back!

I haven't had the food yet but this place is the best for late night drinks. I love Plaza so much, the service is always so friendly and easy to get a drink. The ambiance is amazing, they show movies and have friendly staff. I love this place so much.

I look at it as this tavern has a lot great potential and the history of it could really make it stand out to become a great establishment!My own experiences weren't all that great! I'm a full time working Civil Engineer, I'm making $87,400 and that's without taxes, so why kick me out especially since I was tipping closer to or exactly 100% on each and every purchase!? Also, I never stole from the business, never wrecked the place, I suppose sometimes having too many beers and getting out of control isn't good, but overall I look at it as I was a good customer! It doesn't make much sense to kick me out when you have way more serious problems with other customers!I think it would be best to make some serious management and employee changes and start treating all customers with respect! Also it's ridiculous to demand tips, or any amount of tips! Really you shouldn't complain about any tipping at least in front of customers!? Look, overall it could be a great establishment, I wish some changes would take place for the better! There are and were some great employees but there was also some really bad ones! All the best to the owners, employees, it was fun while I was going to the Plaza Tavern!

If I ever come back to Madison, this is the bar I'm coming back to drink at. Loved the paintings and the whole atmosphere