This fresh update on the Wisconsin tavern serves tasty takes on all the classics, from a Friday fish fry to traditional Wisconsin-style old fashioneds. The bar is open all day and serves local draft beers and a standout Bloody Mary (Brian Bartels, one of the owners, literally wrote the book on it). What to get: Old fashioned, Bloody Mary

At this comfortable neighborhood bar you’ll find rotating frozen drinks, well-made classics, and draft cocktails, all at an affordable price. The menu is divided by spirit, and the house Manhattan, with Stellum single barrel rye, is a nice spot to start. The frozen offerings are fun and change regularly; past offerings have included Mango Honey Daiquiris, Grasshoppers, and Cherry Mango Mezcal Margaritas. What to get: House Manhattan, frozen drinks

This astrologically-influenced cocktail bar comes from the Settle Down Tavern team and offers well-made cocktails, cheese ball snacks, and cozy seating. Order the bar’s refreshing signature drink, The Oz, made with apricot brandy, bourbon, lime, and Peychaud’s bitters, then work through the ample amaro offerings or try some local wines from American Wine Project. Tip: If you visit during your Zodiac season, your second house drink of the night is free. What to get: The Oz

Is this the best bar located in a strip mall? Likely yes, thanks to a list of excellent cocktails and slushies, solid bar snacks, and a fishing lodge ambiance with taxidermy and retro Hamm’s signs. You might be drinking your rum old fashioned or sherry cobbler alongside folks who are grabbing a beer after fishing for the day. Engage in a round of shuffleboard or Big Buck Hunter to keep yourself entertained. What to get: Slushies, cocktails

Sean Pharr heads up this tasty spot, where seasonal American plates are served along with very good drinks. Start with a brandy old fashioned sweet or a classic cocktail. The house charcuterie program is great, so order whatever you see, like bacon-wrapped pâté or duck terrine with chicken liver, plum mostarda, and tarragon. What to get: Brandy old fashioned, charcuterie

A Madison classic since 1966, “the ‘Bou” opens at 11am for affordable beers and bar food, ideal for folks to while away time when visiting the laundromat next door. It’s an old-school spot, with glass block windows, a neon sign, a long wooden bar, and folks from all walks of life packing in for ‘Bou burgers, PBRs, and shots of whiskey. The staff is filled with lifers (say hi to the mustachioed Winslow if you see him) and a visit will make you feel like a local. What to get: PBR, ‘Bou burger

This airy, plant-bedecked downtown brewery specializes in fruited sour beers and is an excellent spot to unwind. Order brews like the Ninth Year Senior, a fruited sour with blackberry, strawberry, and kiwi, or She’s Fox Valley Rich, a buckwheat saison cold steeped with Rishi Cinnamon Plum tea. Snacks are fun and include halloumi crunch wraps and elote-topped hot dogs. What to get: Fruited sour beers

A low-key neighborhood spot, Cordial has the soul of a Wisconsin dive but is cleaned up and comfortable for an older crowd. The bar comes from a team of longtime Madison bartenders who deliver friendly service and drinks that are well-balanced and approachable. Order rounds of draft rye old fashioneds, spritzes, and espresso martinis, or select from the ample list of non-alcoholic options on offer. What to get: Draft old fashioned