Settle Down Tavern - Madison, Wisconsin

Settle Down Tavern: A Cozy American Bar & Grill in Downtown Madison

The Settle Down Tavern, located at 117 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703, United States, is a popular American restaurant and bar that has been serving up delicious comfort food and an impressive selection of beverages since 2015. This cozy, trendy spot is perfect for a casual meal, a night out with friends, or a pre-game destination before catching a Badger game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

The tavern's atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a relaxed vibe that makes it an ideal place to unwind after a long day. The decor is a mix of rustic and industrial, with exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood, and vintage lighting creating a cozy, intimate setting. The tavern's outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon or a beautiful summer evening.

Menu and Specialties

Settle Down Tavern specializes in American comfort food, with a focus on burgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates. Their menu features a variety of dishes that cater to a range of dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. Some fan favorites include their cheese curds, mac and cheese, and their signature Settle Down Burger, which is made with a generous patty of Wisconsin beef and topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a special sauce.

In addition to their delicious food, Settle Down Tavern is also known for their impressive selection of beverages. They offer a wide variety of beer, including many local and regional craft options, as well as a rotating selection of drafts. Their cocktail menu features a mix of classic and signature drinks, made with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. They also offer a selection of wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

Service and Accessibility

The service at Settle Down Tavern is friendly and attentive, with staff that goes out of their way to make sure that every guest feels welcome. The tavern is also committed to providing a comfortable and accessible dining experience for all guests. They offer wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms, as well as high chairs and a kids' menu for families with young children.

Settle Down Tavern also offers a variety of services to accommodate different dining preferences and needs. They offer kerbside pickup and takeaway options, as well as table service and seating for those who prefer to dine in. They also accept reservations and offer a happy-hour menu with discounted drinks and appetizers.

Community and Inclusivity

Settle Down Tavern is more than just a restaurant and bar – it's a community gathering spot. They host a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances, sports watch parties, and special events like their annual Halloween party. The tavern is also committed to being an inclusive space, welcoming guests of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations. They are proud to be an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space.

Opinions and Reviews

With over 524 reviews on Google My Business, Settle Down Tavern has earned an average rating of 4.5/5. Guests consistently praise the tavern's friendly service, delicious food, and impressive drink selection. Many reviewers highlight the Settle Down Burger and cheese curds as must-try dishes, while others appreciate the tavern's cozy atmosphere and central location. One reviewer raved, "Great spot The cheese curds are some of the better ones in the downtown area – at least in the top 3 Came here for happy hour and were very pleased with everything."

👍 Reviews of Settle Down Tavern

Midwest R.

5/5

Great spot! The cheese curds are some of the better ones in the downtown area - at least in the top 3! Came here for happy hour and were very pleased with everything.

stacy L.

4/5

The staff was extremely friendly and we were seated without a wait. Food was good, but a little pricey. My 12 year old and I went and had a good time. I probably won't be back though as $60-70 for lunch is a bit much for me when we can get similar food at Culver's for much less. But if you're looking for something fun to do or a new restaurant to try, definitely check it out! Clean, kid friendly, nice outdoor seating, hamburgers and fried foods.

David R.

5/5

The Settle Down Tavern is a great little spot just off the square on Pinckney Street.
They offer food along with a big selection of drinks.
I went there for lunch on a Saturday and the first thing that caught my eye was the atrium. It's under a collection of skylights so you get a lot of natural light which is quite pleasant.
The service was great. We had to wait about 5 minutes for a table to open up, but it was easy enough to sit on the bench.
I had the "Good Idea" which is a smash burger with pickles, grilled onions, cheese, and Settle Down's own sauce. It was perfectly done. I got that nice crunch you look for in a smash burger.
The service was attentive without being overbearing.
The prices are quite reasonable.
If you're looking for a great smash burger, this place is a great choice.

Jon B.

5/5

Cool downtown dinning!! We had a blast outside. Food was good too! Devils birds n pickle puppies are great lil flavor bombs between bites of ur Chopped cheese or yummy fried chicken sand. The chili on the uf da fries is fer real!!!

Lindsey M.

5/5

This is a must try, the food and drinks were delicious. The atmosphere was quant and comfortable. The service was awesome. This is a must try stop on your travels through Madison Wisconsin.

Amy J.

5/5

I came here twice in a week moving my son to a downtown apartment. Had the grain bowl the first time and a smash burger with fries the second. Amazing food - grain bowl was enough for two meals, and it was the best burger and fries I think I've ever had. Fries are the right amount of crispy. Get the cookie too. Service was prompt and friendly, and there's three different atmospheres to choose from - outside, bar, or atrium. Highly recommend!!

Dennis H.

5/5

Very good burgers with interesting tasty sides. Some nice craft beers and cocktail specials. Cheese curds, deviled eggs and crispy fries are all recommended. A lively atmosphere, but not loud, so conversations can be had.

Joel B.

3/5

I wanted to like this place more than I actually did. The restaurant has a very neat atmosphere; it feels like 'old hotel meets hipster'. The staff were attentive and helpful. The menu here is surprisingly small; I think there are more drink options than food options. My small group tried several things, and our general consensus was that the food was fine, but nothing special, and felt maybe a bit overpriced (i.e. the burger cost a roughly normal amount until you realize it didn't come with any sort of side). The general agreement with my friends was that we are happy to have tried this place, but likely won't go back with any regularity.

K B.

3/5

Food is amazing! And only good prices on food. I would have given this place 5 stars, BUT it took forever to get drinks and their drink prices are double the price compared to anywhere else in Dane County.Sorry this is Wisconsin and I have never paid more than $8 for a Double Tall Captain & Coke. They charge $14 for this and someone in our ground got a None alcoholic drink in a tumbler & it was $9. Sorry, but that's crazy to price drinks that high. This isn't New York or California. I recommend only going there to eat food and only getting water or soda.

Jon B.

5/5

Cool downtown dinning!! We had a blast outside. Food was good too! Devils birds n pickle puppies are great lil flavor bombs between bites of ur Chopped cheese or yummy fried chicken sand. The chili on the uf da fries is fer real!!!

Midwest R.

5/5

Great spot! The cheese curds are some of the better ones in the downtown area - at least in the top 3! Came here for happy hour and were very pleased with everything.

stacy L.

4/5

The staff was extremely friendly and we were seated without a wait. Food was good, but a little pricey. My 12 year old and I went and had a good time. I probably won't be back though as $60-70 for lunch is a bit much for me when we can get similar food at Culver's for much less. But if you're looking for something fun to do or a new restaurant to try, definitely check it out! Clean, kid friendly, nice outdoor seating, hamburgers and fried foods.

David R.

5/5

The Settle Down Tavern is a great little spot just off the square on Pinckney Street.
They offer food along with a big selection of drinks.
I went there for lunch on a Saturday and the first thing that caught my eye was the atrium. It's under a collection of skylights so you get a lot of natural light which is quite pleasant.
The service was great. We had to wait about 5 minutes for a table to open up, but it was easy enough to sit on the bench.
I had the "Good Idea" which is a smash burger with pickles, grilled onions, cheese, and Settle Down's own sauce. It was perfectly done. I got that nice crunch you look for in a smash burger.
The service was attentive without being overbearing.
The prices are quite reasonable.
If you're looking for a great smash burger, this place is a great choice.