Maduro

Best bar in Madison. Top selection of rotating beers, great scotch collection, and they make mean and strong mix drinks.

No undergrads, busy but never overpacked, and a nice long bar and leather couches.

This is a cigar bar, which means it's always smokey, so if one has allergies Maduro isn't for you. But if you're looking for a rock solid and comfortable place near the square and late-night post-drink grub, this is your place.

My only complaint is that they never seem to be stocked with interesting cigars. There's not a lot of difference between their selection and most cigarette stores. But if you visit the Tasting Room previous to your visit you couldn't find a better place in Wisconsin to light up.

I'm writing this as my coat is airing out--it won't be wearable for a couple of days.

Maduro still stands up to the test of time--cool, soothing jazz (from a DJ) accompany the hazy, smoky venue. It feels so...classy. If I drank scotch, I'd certainly be sipping some while puffing on a cigar. But...I'm a beer snob, and a scotch noob (sp?). SO...

Outstanding beer selection, as always. Expedition Stout on tap is something you won't see very often. Wish it was on cask, but they had a great brown ale in that department. My excitement, though? An awesome Destihl Altbier and, more importantly, Duchesse de Bourgnogne on tap! It's one of those nice sours that's not too sweet, which is a problem mainly.

So, why 4 stars? Well, Malthouse got Jacobins on tap this week, and if I'm giving them 5 stars for having one of the best sours, then Maduro gets 4 for one that's "only" very good.

I'll be back...when I can go outside.

I enjoy a cigar now and again but don't know much about how to choose. Maduro is helpful for that reason :) The last time I was there, it was a Saturday night but close to bar time.  It wasn't very busy yet my friends and I ended up standing at the bar for about 10 minutes before being acknowledged.  Regardless, the drinks were strong and so was the cigar!