Madison, Wis. is well known for being a tavern town. Every neighborhood has not just one, but
several dive bars the locals consider their second home – a place where they
can unwind, grab a bite to eat and hang out with their bar family for a while.
I’ve visited quite a few local dives during my work trips
to Madison, but there was something about the Caribou Tavern that intrigued me greatly, yet kept me from visiting. Maybe
it was the disadvantage of only driving past it at night. Maybe it wasn’t as convenient to travel to as
other dive bars I’d discovered.
Finally, on my last business trip to Madison, I stopped
in for a couple of drinks, and I’m glad I did.
My takeaway: For several reasons,
the Caribou Tavern may just be the best example of your prototypical Wisconsin
dive bar I’ve found in Madison.
A great dive bar must look slightly sketchy on the
outside and give few to no clues about what it looks like on the inside,
although by now you should have a pretty good idea. Which brings us to …
Reason #2: The
interior and the view from the bar.
Nothing fancy or new here. Just a
well-used and well-stocked bar, classic hanging bar lights over the bar itself,
a low-hanging drop ceiling straight out of the 1970s, and a few faithful
regulars engaging in small talk and otherwise enjoying the game on the a few
strategically placed TVs that look as if they could fall off the wall at any
moment.
I give extra points for the snacks in full view behind
the bar, especially the chips wall at the far end of the bar. The mantle displaying all the beers on hand
is another must-have.
Reason #3: The
bar’s selection. I walked into the
Caribou Tavern intrigued by the possibility of ordering an Old Style, but once
I found out they had Hamm’s, I was sold.
Most really good dive bars have a surprisingly diverse selection, and
the Caribou is no different. Sure, most of its patrons may be “shot and beer”
drinkers, but take a closer look at their vodka selection. They can make anything here. Just make sure the bartender has time to make
it.
More bonus points given for the markers the Caribou
Tavern uses to save the seats for its patrons who smoke. A little sign in front of your drink is all
you need, and everyone in the bar will respect your place.
Reason #4: The
bar’s specials. Hamm’s cans for $2 each,
and a bucket of five for $10? With
prices like these, as my friend and notorious gadabout Terry Hupp would say, “You
can’t afford not to drink!” And if macrobrews
are your thing, $2.50 for a 16-ounce Bud Light is pretty darn reasonable, too.
And if you look closely on the dated wood paneled wall,
you’ll see a menu board that brings us to …
Reason #5: A lot
of taverns in Madison are only as good as their grill. In full disclosure, I did not eat at the
Caribou Tavern, but several people were while I was there, and everything I saw
looked predictably comforting and tasty.
And the Caribou Tavern has everything you’d want and expect
on the menu for a neighborhood tavern in the heart of Wisconsin. There are the practically required brats and
cheese curds, plenty of fried appetizers, an assortment of quick order
sandwiches and, from many accounts, the best bar hamburger in town.
Caribou Tavern further solidifies its diver bar
credentials by relying largely on Facebook for a Web presence (no website of its
own), and as of my visit, maintain a cash-only payment policy.
So, it you find yourself in downtown Madison someday, and
you’re feeling like taking in a dive, I highly recommend you head northeast on
Johnson Street for several blocks (it’s a one-way street headed away from
downtown) until you see the Caribou Tavern on the right. Especially if you’re a Hamm’s drinker.
No comments:
Post a Comment