Settle Down Tavern is a downtown Madison bar-and-grill at 117 S Pinckney St, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, United States of America, one block south of the Wisconsin State Capitol on Capitol Square. Built around its self-described role as “Smash Burger Headquarters,” the tavern draws travelers for the Good Idea Double Smash Burger, sandwiches, Friday fish fry, weekday drinks, and a social calendar that includes free bingo. It is a practical stop for a casual lunch, pre-show meal, or late-night burger near the Square.
What to Expect at Settle Down Tavern
The signature experience is burger-focused: Settle Down highlights the Good Idea Double Smash Burger and uses Son of a Beach Farms beef. The menu format is tavern food rather than formal dining, with burgers and sandwiches at the center. Friday brings a fish fry, Saturday has a rotating smash special, and the Jalapeño Hot Rod is a house burger that has been voted Madison’s best burger. Lunch service runs from 11:30 a.m., while the kitchen pauses from 2:30 to 4 p.m. for a reset; the bar remains open during that break.
Inside, expect a bar-led downtown room designed for lingering over food and drinks, plus an atrium and a seasonal patio. Patio tables are first come, first served and weather permitting. Weekday happy hour runs 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and Friday and Saturday feature $7 late-night smash burgers from 10 p.m. until close. On the first and third Wednesday of each month, free bingo runs 6 to 8 p.m., adding an easygoing activity for visitors already exploring Capitol Square.
- Good Idea Double Smash Burger: the tavern’s headline double-patty smash burger.
- Son of a Beach Farms beef: locally identified beef used for the burger program.
- Weekday happy hour: drink specials and pull tabs from 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
- Free bingo nights: held 6 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday monthly.
- Patio and atrium: outdoor-season seating and an additional atrium setting.
Settle Down Tavern at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 117 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Madison, just south of Capitol Square |
| Operating Hours | Mon 4–9 p.m.; Tue–Thu 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11:30 a.m.–close; closed Sun. Kitchen reset 2:30–4 p.m. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Free admission; food and drinks are purchased separately. No tickets are required. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes for a meal; allow longer for bingo or a patio stop. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Capitol Square Metro Transit stops on East Washington Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; Government East Parking Garage, 215 S Pinckney St, is nearby. |
| Official Website / Phone | settledownmadison.com / (608) 442-6335 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For lunch, arrive close to the 11:30 a.m. opening; for happy hour, target the 2 to 6 p.m. window Tuesday through Friday. Dinner and late-night periods can be busier, especially on Friday fish fry, Saturday smash-special nights, and bingo Wednesdays. Reservations can be requested through the tavern’s website, while patio seating cannot be reserved and depends on weather and availability. There is no admission charge, so booking decisions are about securing a table rather than buying entry.
Capitol Square is a short walk away, with Metro Transit stops around its East Washington Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard edges. Drivers can use the nearby Government East Parking Garage; allow extra time during events at the Capitol or on busy weekend evenings. Downtown sidewalks between the garage, Square, and tavern are paved and generally level. For wheelchair or stroller access, contact the tavern before arrival to confirm the most suitable entrance and seating, particularly when requesting patio or atrium seating. Pair a meal with the Wisconsin State Capitol, about a five-minute walk north, or continue roughly 10 to 15 minutes to Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center and the Lake Monona shoreline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times to visit Settle Down Tavern?
Weekday happy hour runs 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Visit near 11:30 a.m. for lunch, or come after 4 p.m. for dinner; note that the kitchen resets from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Friday fish fry, late-night weekends, and bingo Wednesdays draw added activity.
Does Settle Down Tavern charge admission or require reservations?
Admission is free, and guests pay for food and beverages. Table reservations are available through the official website. The seasonal patio operates first come, first served, weather permitting, so it cannot be counted on as reserved seating.
How much time should I plan for a visit?
Plan 45 to 90 minutes for burgers, sandwiches, or fish fry. Allow about two hours if you are attending the first- or third-Wednesday bingo session, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m., or if you want time for drinks on the patio.
Is Settle Down Tavern suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can visit for a casual meal, with earlier lunch or dinner generally a better fit than late-night bar hours. Paved downtown approaches accommodate strollers and wheelchairs; call (608) 442-6335 ahead to arrange the most suitable accessible entrance and table location.
When browsing more top-rated american restaurant in Madison, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Nitty Gritty-Madison (1.2 km away) and Merchant Madison.
