Settle Down Tavern

Located just off of Capitol Square is a new Madison icon. Established in 2020, which, from what we understand, was a perfect time to start a restaurant, the Settle Down Tavern sits along South Pinckney Street. Settle Down embraced the Madison Streatery Program with firewood and solo stoves bringing friends and strangers together around the warmth. Their ability to embrace the Wisconsin winter and offer a place for gathering has solidified their charm as a neighborhood bar which is all the more impressive for a place that’s still in its’ early years.

To Eat

Good Idea $12

The Good Idea is appropriately named. I’ve embraced it fully, it is hands down one of the best burgers in Madison. It is the burger that my dad who lives just outside of Madison thinks about which might not mean much to you, but I promise, that is high praise. Crispy yet juicy, saucy yet respectful, the Good Idea is a perfect balance of bar burger meets the culinary arts. What also makes this burger so good is that it doesn’t come on some massive bun or with some huge patty. It won’t leave you feeling heavy or weighed down, you’ll be able to hop on your bike for your commute home or walk on with your day without any regret.

Prit’ Near $13

With a burger so good, why would I continue looking at the menu? Well, allow me to introduce the Prit’ Near. Settle Down is not just serving bar food, no offense to bar food. With a housemade veggie patty that doesn’t fall apart upon first bite, charred sweet corn, a roasted poblano coconut crema, pickled Jalapeño… I’m just listing the ingredients now. It’s a joining of flavors, ingredients, and textures in a sandwich you might not find on any other menus. It’s certainly worth enjoying.

French Fries $4.50/$9

Sandwiches at Settle Down do not come as a basket. Served in sizes small or large you can get an order of fries to accompany your main. Delightfully salty with a side of house Paprika Mayo, the fries should not be skipped. Split a large between two people and don’t skimp on an additional order if you’re in a group, this is no time for self-control.

Cheese Puppies $12

Their housemade cheese curds are again not just the simple delivery of the timeless classic. Starting a meal off with these good boys is just one more good idea in your dining experience.

To Drink

Sam Saved A Baby Duckling Last Week $13

This cocktail is for our unique cocktail lovers. It might not be for everyone, but if you love trying new things, give this one a look. The lemon and honey are so refreshing. The celery juice does come through so if you’re anti celery, maybe don’t, us though, we’re pro celery.

Red Squirrel Old Fashioned $13

The Red Squirrel Old Fashioned is more closely resembling what some would call a true Old Fashioned versus the classic order of “Brandy Ole Fashioned Sweet.” Both drinks have their time and place but the Red Squirrel will not be served with any soda. It’s a simple cocktail with ingredients layered and served for anyone who can appreciate a good bourbon drink.

Grasshopper

The timeless classic Grasshopper. While not on the menu above, it was on the menu when we went last night and has been many times before. We’re not sure if it’s a winter-season drink. The Grasshopper is bordering on being a dessert with mint, cacao, and heavy cream. This is medicinal and is sure to chase any winter cold or affliction away.

The Settle Down Tavern

We highlighted a few of our favorites but Settle Down has much more to offer. All that they’re doing, they are doing well. From service to food to the drinks you’ll enjoy, Settle Down Tavern seems too early in its’ life span to already have solidified being such a Madison staple and for that it is special. The Winter Streatery Program has ended on Pinckney and we miss our fireside dinners with friends but Settle Down will always be a place we come back to.

Pictured above: Tuesday Special, Chicken Sando

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