Argus BarGrille — Restaurant in Madison

It's one of my buddies' favorite bars in Madison! Normally I would give this place a 5/5 all night long, but there were just a couple things that occurred during my latest visit that will probably make me think twice before hitting up Argus again.

This spot definitely earns its title. My brother and I stopped in for a quick brewski, and I decided to ball out a little and try their signature Friday Fish Fry. I was served by Nico, who usually sports some fresh designer glasses, and his mother. It sounds like this is a family-run establishment, which makes it sting even more having to dig it a couple of stars.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to enjoy my meal before my bro called it a night. Luckily, Nico said he'd save my spot for me so I could get him home safe and return for one last beer + finally munch on that Fish Fry.

Upon my return, I found my spot was overwhelmed with patrons (not a bad problem for a bar on a Friday night at shift change [22:00]). No big deal, I'd rather accommodate them and move to where I wouldn't be in their way. The Mother recommended I moved to the corner of the bar to eat, which I happily obliged.

The patrons around me were incredibly friendly, but the staff less so as the night went on. As soon as I finished what I could and packed up the rest, The Mother asked what I was up to. I returned "Like here tonight, or just Life in general?". She seemed extraordinary suspicious of me for some reason, which gave me the feeling that I was no longer welcome. I packed up my belongings and asked where Nico ran off to so I could say Goodbye before heading off to the next one.

She told me Nico was busy working the back door, implying that I should leave him be and let him focus on work. Okay, fair enough. I went back for one last word and to check out the basement, which I had never explored before then. As soon as I made my way down, I found she wasn't far behind me. There's a bar in the basement as well, and I noticed her talking to the bartender, looking in my direction as I explored and got a read of the place.

I don't like to be singled out and monitored, especially when I've been nothing but friendly and kind to the staff. If you go to Argus, expect all eyes to be on you at all times. I have no issue with keeping a close watch on suspicious customers, but please allow the new faces who come through a chance to explore without feeling unwelcome. Ultimately, I will probably pick a new spot next time I find myself in Madison.

(Their T-Shirts are some of the coolest in Madison, so if you do enjoy your time there, please consider picking one up & supporting the...

For years I have wanted to come to your bar and check it out. A bunch for my friends got together last night and decided to check out a new bar location, which was yours. As you know, there is plenty of others places in Madison we could have taken our business. After getting severed with our first drinks and having a great time, what happened next was very disappointing. Your staff decided to totally ignore my group of friends (15 thirsty drinkers) and not provide service. We were not intoxicate (I only had one drink). After 20-30 minutes of waiting patiently for service, we left for a bar that would provide service. Myself and majority of my friends are from the hospitality industry and we would never treat customers in this fashion. The bar was not busy or under staff.

Sincerely, one very...

After a ton of years in Madison, this past Friday was the first time I was in the bar. It's proximity to the capitol is nice, and the bar seems like a nice safe haven from the hustle and bustle of the area. It is very dark inside, which was actually welcomed the day I went in there. A good place to saddle up with a buddy, as I can't say this is a good date place. I found the prices to the reasonable on the drinks. I had a could beers and my friend had a couple gin cocktails that were well made. I did not try the food, so I can't comment there, and though the bar is a little dated, I will likely try it again...