Argus Bar - Thur., Dec. 22, 2005

Address: 123 W Main St
Phone: (608) 256-4141
Webpage: www.argusbar.us/argus_home.htm and www.argusbar.us

While new bars open in and around the Square to much hype (some deserved, others not), the Argus retains its popularity as a downtown mainstay by maintaining a steady as they go course. The Argus may lack the Dad’s old recliner comfortable feel of the Silver Dollar (see December 13 review), but it has managed to establish its own comfortable atmosphere in this historic building located on the corner of Main & Webster.

The Argus takes its name from one of the city’s 1st newspapers, “The Argus”, which was published out of the two story red brick building built in 1847. Windows line the side and front of the bar and the pressed tin ceiling and oak wainscoting retain the building’s historic feel. Pub tables run along the side wall and a chair rail along the front picture window supplement the seating at the large wrap-around bar. The 3-room downstairs, which retains the original stone and brick walls, has a pool table and additional seating. There is a separate bar downstairs, but that room is shut off except for private parties. I’ve always found the downstairs musty smelling and claustrophobic, but a lot of people think the downstairs is the best part of the bar. There are 2 dartboards upstairs and a couple of tvs over the bar. The Argus has a small, but pleasant outdoor seating area that is open in warm weather.

Craig made a good point to give special mention to long-time Argus bartender, Tia. Tia is an A+ bartender – she knows what the regulars drink, she’s efficient and attentive. Which brings me to one of my only criticisms of the The Argus which is not having another bartender working during busy times like Happy Hour on Thursdays & Fridays – there’s just no way one bartender can keep up with the thirsty crowds on a Friday who often have to wait awhile to get their pitcher order filled.

The Argus serves sandwiches and soup at lunch, but nothing other than cheese curds and pizza in the evening. Tap beer selection is solid and includes PBR, Miller Lite, Lake Louie Scotch Ale, Leinie’s Red, Blue Moon, Berghoff Seasonal, Beamish, Spotted Cow, Capital Amber, Newcastle, Moose Drool and Burning River Pale Ale. A pitcher of Miller Lite runs $8.

Our holiday drinking crew was festive and large this evening. Joining us from North Carolina was Lindsay’s mom, Nancy, Lindsay, Shipman, Joel, Megan, John, Johnna “the Marmot” Lush, Skipper Jim, Steve, Sir Bob Conroy, Craig, John L, New Guy, Michelle, Elle (back from New York), Barb and Bar Tour newcomers George, Jake and Becky. Those of us who regularly tithe at the Argus scored it a B+ for good beer selection, excellent bartender and comfortable atmosphere. It did get marked down to a B- from several drinkers, mainly for not having food.

-Bar(b)

ALSO SEE: What our friends at "Eating Madison A to Z" had to say.