Some of the best food in Wisconsin can be found in its beloved taverns, and one Madison establishment takes bar food to a whole new level. The Tip Top Tavern is a longtime bar that underwent a major renovation that kept the classic exterior while updating and elevating the food and interior in a deliciously classic way. Feeling hungry? Here’s why the Tip Top Tavern has some of Wisconsin’s best bar food.
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You’ll find the Tip Top in a small brick building on Madison’s east side, in Madison’s Eken Park neighborhood. It has a nice outdoor patio.
That factory eventually closed and there was a time when it seemed like the Tip Top’s best days were past. It had a small but loyal following but it was overshadowed by other Madison bars.
In 2014 the Tip Top opened under new ownership. The new owners completely renovated the old building, and eventually added on, using space from an adjacent barber shop.
The Tip Top became a hot spot – on some nights, it’s tough to get a table. It’s worth a short wait. The food is incredible, including a mix of well-executed classics like Carnitas Verdes, fried walleye, and house specialties like “The Rooster” which has local cherrywood bacon and a farm fresh egg. The weekend brunch menu is also sublime.
The cocktails pack a nice punch. Try the North & Commercial, a nod to where you’re sitting. It has citadel gin, Korbel brandy, fresh fruit juice, simple syrup, and bitters. But be sure to place an order for food!
I’ve eaten at the Tip Top many times and it’s always great. On warm days, try to grab a patio table. Learn more about Wisconsin’s best bar food at the Tip Top Tavern on the restaurant’s website. Find a hotel for your next Madison stay at Booking.com. Still hungry? Here are some more Wisconsin dining gems.
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