City Cast Madison

📝 Madison’s best dive bars

November 30, 2023

Happy Thursday, Madison!

Have thoughts on Madison’s dive bar scene? Well, so do we. Be sure to tune in to today’s episode of City Cast Madison to hear our picks.

Now let’s dive into some news. (Get it?)

— Hayley

What's CITY Talking About?

inside view of rotunda cafe counter — The Rotunda Cafe has new owners with big plans. (Hayley Sperling / City Cast Madison)

☕️ What’s Next For Rotunda Cafe

Part of the team behind The Weary Traveler Freehouse have purchased the Rotunda Cafe in the Atwood neighborhood with plans to shake things up in the space. Currently, the cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The good news: The new owners hope to extend the hours into the evening and serve food, wine, and beer. They also have plans to host pop-up events and gallery nights. Nice!
The bad news: The cafe will no longer serve Paul’s pel’meni. Sad! [Wisconsin State Journal]

🏈 UW Football Star Wants More

UW-Madison junior and Badger running back Braelon Allen announced he will be taking his talents to the NFL next spring. He will not play with the team in their upcoming bowl game. Allen is a Fond du Lac native and has been a standout on the team, earning All-Big Ten honors.
As a star athlete, Allen has captured the national spotlight and signed some lucrative deals in the process. If you’ve ever wondered how student athletes profit from their likeness, we have answers. [Braelon Allen/X, ESPN, City Cast Madison 🎧]

🎁 Looking for Local Gifts?

The folks at Madison Magazine put together a local gift guide featuring items that range from locally made pottery to zodiac-sign-based perfumes. For the die-hard Badger fans in your life, check out the 2023 UW-Madison gift guide which includes items like Babcock Dairy cheese, Union memberships, and more.
Have kids to shop for? Consider giving the gift of experiences. [Madison Magazine, UW-Madison, City Cast Madison 🎧]

🚫 Drop Off Site Closed

The Madison Streets Division drop-off site at 121 E. Olin Avenue has closed for the season. The site will re-open in spring 2024. But there are two other sites that will remain open, one on Sycamore Avenue on the east side and another South Point Road on the west side.
Want to reduce your waste and become a better recycler? Check out these tips from the city’s recycling coordinator. [City of Madison, City Cast Madison 🎧]

What To Do

Thursday, Nov. 30

A Little Winter Magic at Memorial Union
Brews and Q's at Karben4
Charlie Mars at The Bur Oak
Cooking with Chef Paul: Tex-Mex at Heart at Willy Street Co-op—West
MicroMyco Mushroom Collaboration Dinner at The Deliciouser
Five Course Thursday at DelecTable
Jason Kutz's '23 Concerts with Jon Irabagon at North Street Cabaret
Joe Russo's Almost Dead at The Sylvee
LIVE MUSIC FEATURING PERSONAL FABLES, ONE BEER PLEASE, CHILI at The Rigby
Matt Braunger at Comedy on State
The Films of Edward Owens at Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Music Bingo at Starkweather Brewing Company
Orson Welles Presents at Bartell Theatre
SCHLOCK AND AWE COMEDY: DRACULA at The Rigby
Trivia Night With Tricia!! at Red Rooster Madison

Today on City Cast

inside view of caribou tavern on east johnson st. there are rows of liquor bottles in the background and a basket with a burger and more in the foreground. — The Caribou Tavern on East Johnson St. offers classic bar trivia and food fresh from the fryer. *(Bianca Martin / City Cast Madison)*

An Ode to Madison’s Best Dive Bars

In light of the news about the historic Silver Dollar Tavern closing soon, the City Cast Madison team is rounding up the best dive bars in Madison. Executive producer Molly Stentz, producer Dylan Brogan, and newsletter editor Hayley Sperling talk about what exactly makes a dive bar a dive bar, the future of dive bars in Madison, and of course, dish on their favorite spots.