Settle Down Tavern - Madison, Wisconsin

Settle Down Tavern: A Welcoming American Eatery in Downtown Madison

Nestled in the heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin, Settle Down Tavern offers a delightful blend of American comfort food, craft beers, and carefully curated cocktails. This vibrant gathering spot is more than just a tavern; it's an experience that combines the spirit of Midwestern hospitality with a touch of urban sophistication.

Location and Contact Information

Settle Down Tavern is conveniently located at 117 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703, United States, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists exploring the city. You can reach them by phone at 608-442-6335 or visit their website at settledownmadison.com for more information.

Specialties and Menu Highlights

Settle Down Tavern specializes in American cuisine, with a focus on classic comfort foods and creative twists. Their menu includes a variety of dishes, from tantalizing apps like cheese curds and fried pickles to hearty entrees such as burgers, sandwiches, and entrees. Diners can also enjoy an extensive selection of craft beers, spirits, and cocktails, with a particular emphasis on Wisconsin-based brews.

Some customer favorites include their signature burgers, which are consistently praised for their juiciness and flavor. The cheese curds, a Wisconsin staple, are also a hit, with many customers placing them among the best in the downtown area. The tavern's happy hour offerings are another notable feature, providing excellent value on both food and drinks.

Atmosphere and Accessibility

The tavern's atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, with an emphasis on creating a welcoming space for all patrons. The decor is a blend of rustic and modern elements, with plenty of seating options to accommodate various group sizes. The tavern is also wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

Settle Down Tavern is committed to inclusivity, offering a transgender-safe space and friendly service to all patrons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They are also family-friendly and pet-friendly, with dogs allowed on the outdoor patio.

Additional Amenities and Services

• Outdoor seating
• Kerbside pickup
• On-site services
• Takeaway
• Dine-in
• Table service
• Bar on site
• Gender-neutral toilets
• Wi-Fi
• Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments accepted
• High chairs and kids' menu available
• Paid multi-storey car park and paid street parking nearby

Opinions and Reviews

Settle Down Tavern has a strong reputation, with 524 reviews on Google My Business, an average rating of 4.5/5. Customers consistently praise the tavern's friendly service, delicious food, and excellent drink selection. One customer 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.