Settle Down Tavern - Madison, Wisconsin

Settle Down Tavern: A Hidden Gem in Downtown Madison

The Settle Down Tavern, nestled at 117 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703, United States, is a beloved gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of American comfort food, an extensive drinks menu, and a lively atmosphere.

Cuisine and Drinks

Specializing in American restaurant, Bar & grill, and Hamburger restaurant fare, the Settle Down Tavern serves up a tantalizing array of dishes that are sure to please every palate. Their cheese curds, often hailed as some of the best in the downtown area, are a must-try. The tavern also boasts an impressive selection of beer, cocktails, and wine, making it an ideal spot for both beer connoisseurs and cocktail enthusiasts.

Atmosphere and Amenities

With its casual, cosy, and trendy vibe, the Settle Down Tavern is perfect for groups, family gatherings, or a relaxed solo dining experience. The tavern offers a variety of seating options, including outdoor seating, and is wheelchair-accessible for the convenience of all guests. Furthermore, it provides a great beer selection, great cocktails, and a sport atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for watching games with friends.

The Settle Down Tavern caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, offering vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes. They also provide lunch, dinner, and late-night food, ensuring there's always something delicious to enjoy, no matter the time of day. Moreover, the tavern features a bar on site, allowing patrons to enjoy their meal with a perfectly paired drink.

For those with specific needs, the Settle Down Tavern offers gender-neutral toilets, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and Wi-Fi for customers. The tavern is also LGBTQ+ friendly and provides a transgender safe space for all guests to feel welcome and comfortable.

Service and Reservations

The Settle Down Tavern provides table service for a seamless dining experience. They accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for added convenience. The tavern also offers kerbside pickup and takeaway options for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home. Additionally, they provide high chairs and a kids' menu for families with young children.

The Settle Down Tavern offers ample parking options, with paid multi-storey car park and paid street parking nearby. Dogs are also welcome on the tavern's outdoor patio, making it a pet-friendly establishment.

Reviews and Ratings

The Settle Down Tavern has amassed an impressive 524 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 4.5/5. Customers rave about the tavern's delicious food, particularly their cheese curds, and the welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer lauded the tavern as a 'Great spot', highlighting the quality of their cheese curds and the overall enjoyable experience during their happy hour visit.

With its exceptional food, extensive drink menu, and inviting atmosphere, the Settle Down Tavern is a must-visit destination in downtown Madison. Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or a tourist seeking an authentic American experience, the Settle Down Tavern is sure to exceed your expectations.

👍 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.