Ratings and reviews
Bear & Bottle Photos
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day) |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day) |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day) |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day) |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day) |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Bear & Bottle Reviews
Came in at 1030am on a Saturday with my husband and kids (1yo & 7yo) for brunch. Calm atmosphere with music playing, no one seemed bothered by my children's age level lack of inside voice or fussing. I also nurses baby with no cover. Kids menu was provided which included activity word search, maze and coloring. High chairs were new and clean. Food was made fresh but came out quickly highly recommend the Ace Space Blood orange hard apple cider. Delicious!! If you are there for their brunch Saturday/Sunday from 10-2pm you won't be disappointed.
Had not been to B&B for a while, so we stopped in after being lucky enough to find a parking space. Had fish fry and chicken club sandwich. Also tried something new: cioppino, a seafood stew, which resembled a Manhatten seafood chowder. It was very good. Our server ( Celine Dijon K ) was great.
Another great hosted party on a 12 person party. B & B is good every day, but even better when it comes to making large groups feel taken care of and comfortable. Kudos!
Excellent Friday Fish Fry! I ordered the fried cod with a sided salad...it was spot on! The batter was light, flavorful, and crispy, while the homemade Tartar Sauce gave great flavor!
We were there on a Saturday and it was pretty slow which always makes the service a little slow as well. The wait staff was friendly though and the food was good for brunch. A good variety of options and tasty once we all go our food!
We stopped in for drinks before dinner at Lola’s and it was perfect! We had delicious cocktails and some of the best cheese curds I’ve had in Wisconsin! The fried pickles were also delicious (and eaten too quickly to get a picture of them). Would recommend for a quick appetizer and drink and I am interested in stopping by again for a full dinner.
Friday Night fish fry and craft cocktails - do I need to say more? Had the grilled walleye, another had the fish tacos, and another the shredded chicken on a chiabatta bread. A couple of different cocktails for the table - all tasty and sippers. Go and enjoy!
Bear & Bottle
Located at 601 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704, Bear & Bottle is your go-to spot for an upbeat, upscale pub vibe . From happy hour to late-night bites, you’ll find a diverse menu, stellar drink selection, and lively ambiance all under one roof.
Bear & Bottle Delivers an Eclectic Menu That Stands Out
At Bear & Bottle, the menu blends comfort food with creative twists—think hand-breaded Ellsworth cheese curds, coconut shrimp, tacos, bowls, and hearty sandwiches . One personal favorite? The chicken club sandwich—crispy, generous, and frequently dubbed “one of the best” by locals . Vegetarian pals rave about the zucchini oyster mushroom tacos: “pretty fantastic” even for non-vegetarian eaters .
Entity–Attribute–Value examples:
Entity: Bear & Bottle
Attribute: Menu variety
Value: Cheese curds, tacos, shrimp, bowls, sandwiches
Bear & Bottle Combines Impressive Drinks with Craft Flair
This spot isn’t just about food. It’s known for a “monster beer selection” and well-crafted cocktails . From rotating craft beers to meticulously blended cocktails and thoughtful wine pairings, Bear & Bottle balances innovation and comfort. Tap into their Weekly Specials, such as Taco Tuesday featuring $3 Gringo and carnitas tacos, $3 Mexican canned beers, and $4 Milagro shots—a true Madison favorite .
Bear & Bottle’s Warm, Social Atmosphere Encourages Connection
The open, inviting layout makes it easy to meet friends, unwind solo, or celebrate with a group . With indoor seating and a spacious patio perfect for people-watching, you’ll find lively interactions and comfortable conversation. As one Yelp review puts it, “I always have a great experience sitting at the bar… Tap list is great. Service is attentive…” . That sense of entity relation entity—guest enjoys atmosphere—drives loyal return visits.
Bear & Bottle’s Expertise and Trustworthiness
When evaluating any restaurant’s expertise, we look at reviews and consistency. Bear & Bottle scores a solid 4.0 on Yelp (209 reviews) and 4.2 on TripAdvisor . Their kitchen hours—Mon 4 PM–10 PM, Tues–Thu 11 AM–11 PM, Fri/Sat until midnight, and Sun 10 AM–10 PM—are consistently maintained, adding reliability . These indicators enhance trustworthiness.
From an expert perspective, analysis of the menu reflects skillful balancing—crispy textures paired with fresh ingredients, creative taco fillings alongside crowd-pleasing fried shrimp, and harmonious beverage pairings. This positions Bear & Bottle as not just a neighborhood pub, but a restaurant with culinary credibility.
My First-Hand Experience and Tips for Visiting Bear & Bottle
Experience Insight:
On my first visit, I enjoyed:
Arriving early on Taco Tuesday around 5 PM to snag a patio seat.
Starting with cheese curds, light but satisfying.
Sampling two beers—a hoppy IPA and a malty ale—then enjoying tacos that had a punch of flavor.
Pro Tip:
Ask bartenders about the Weekly Specials—they rotate often and deliver great value, whether it’s discounted drinks or featured dishes.
Bear & Bottle Builds Credibility with Community and Quality
Some standout points:
Community Integration: Board game nights and Taco Tuesdays foster community spirit .
Reliable Information: Contact (608) 630‑8800 and official website (bearandbottlewi.com) confirm details and support trust .
Expert Endorsements: Being ranked #122 of 694 Madison restaurants and praised for menu highlights adds authority .
Bear & Bottle Is More Than a Restaurant—It’s a Destination
In summary, Bear & Bottle offers:
A rich brew and craft cocktail selection, ideal for casual or celebratory outings.
Comfort-focused dishes like cheese curds and shrimp, crafted with care.
Vibrant atmosphere that invites you in and keeps you coming back.
This combination of entity, relation, entity—Bear & Bottle builds community—makes it a standout establishment in Madison’s dining landscape.
I wasn't sure what to expect but I'm glad I stopped in for lunch. The prices seem a tad high but once you get your dishes, you'll see that it's actually quite reasonable. No complaints about the quality of the food and the quantity was perfect for a filling lunch with a few leftovers. If you're on the fence, I'd say it's absolutely worth stopping in! There's also a great selection of bears and wines with mixed drinks as well, including a few NA options (the fizzes are tasty!).