Muskellounge and Sporting Club — Restaurant in Madison

Don't let the strip mall location fool you, this place is excellent. It's got a low-key Northwoods Wisconsin / basement rec room vibe to it, and it feels super genuine. It has a huge rotating selection of craft beers for when you're feeling adventurous or extra fancy, or the always excellent Hamm's on tap for when all you want is a cheap cold beer. Looks like they have a huge assortment of booze, but that's not really my thing. Also, every time I've visited there has been a great music playlist, playing at just the right volume. Great tunes that still allow you to converse, what a great idea. There's also a nice assortment of classic bar/rec room games - ping pong, foosball, and everyone's favorite, shuffleboard - if you're looking for something a little active or competitive. Or just hang out in a booth or sofa and shoot the breeze if you'd rather be a slug. To top things off, the staff is super friendly and are very skilled in the barroom related arts. Overall, this is a really great addition to the east side's lineup of excellent drinking establishments. If you haven't already been there, stop in for a drink. You...

Update from 2nd visit: still great! The vodka coffee slush is amazing, and now that I've had their pretzel, I can rate the food as amazing. It was super busy with a wedding group in so the staff seemed a little overworked, but they still made sure service was good. I'll 100% be back here whenever I can!

I had never heard of this place, I was looking at bars on the way from Monona to the isthmus, and came across the Musky. What a gosh darn gem.

This feels like your pseudo-rich up north uncle who loves to fish fixed up his basement with "up north chic" vibes. It's a really chill atmosphere with a good selection of drinks.

The tap list is A+, it's got some staples and also fun local stuff. The cocktail list is good and includes some draft cocktails like an old fashioned, a Manhatten, and a seasonal pear G and T. They all slap.

Prices are reasonable. There's ample indoor seating and a small outdoor patio. Plenty of parking. Friendly bartenders. I'll definitely be back whenever I'm...

I haven't had fun like that in a long time. Beautiful Northwoods-type bar, serving pints of Hamms for $2 during happy hour. Like the bartender said..."Can't beat two dollar beers." I was there alone for the first 3 or 4 beers, as I got there at 3 pm, right when it opens. There were a few other patrons. But low and behold, some old friends from the 90s, trickled in, and it was a great environment for catching up with old friends. They have great taps of draft beers...loved the Oberon. But that Hamms went down quicker than water on a hot summer Tuesday built for day drinking.

They make delicious Fraboni's frozen pizza, or you can get a hot pretzel with mustard. They even sell Landjaeger and Pfeiffer Jaegers for $6 each. Of course you can always have the liquid lunch like I did.

Outstanding bar staff. This is a place I'd rather keep quiet because I liked it so much...but eff it, right? We all deserve an oasis every now and then. Hope you like it as much as I...