Merchant Madison

Great food and extensive cocktail menu. Emphasis on local everything - the menu includes a little map of Wisconsin showing where everything on the menu comes from. For the price, this is local foodie central.

I was sitting at the bar with two of my friends, having a good ol' bitch fest, when the bartender came over gave us a complimentary shot of "chill the fuck out." That was what he called it - it was just a house whiskey, but it really put us in a better mood.  The service was great. We sat at the bar for probably around 3-4 hours, and were never given the evil eye to move on.

They make a great Moscow Mule, it's not in a copper cup unfortunately, but is very refreshing for a hot, humid Madison day. I also ordered the French 75 which is another great summer drink. Go during happy hour where many of their craft cocktails are $6.

I went here on a date and it's not really a date place, but the menu and food was good. It appeared to me more of a drinking place and/or a lunch place. I'd go back for lunch but probably not again for dinner.