The Caribou Tavern
703 E Johnson St, Madison, WI, 53703
The Caribou Tavern Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
703 E Johnson St
Madison, WI, 53703 - Phone (608) 257-5993
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
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Jim L.
This is a true neighborhood pub, its just a narrow room probably smaller than Paris Hilton's walk-in closet, but offers all the services and products that you could ask of your bar, such as an electronic dart board, juke box, television, a pinball machine, a variety of sundries including cigarettes, candy, OTC medications, a great menu of pub grub and, of course, lots of booze. Its mostly if not exclusively frequented by regulars and the ambiance is friendly and familiar. The burger in this joint is great and is well-known throughout the Near-Eastside area. Its a thick and juicy hand-pressed patty, but the secret is the diced grilled onions.
(5)Jeremy K.
Well, they have booze. So it can't be that bad.
(3)Stan G.
First Impression: Fantastic atmosphere. I'd looked into this place well before today. I'm glad the rumors and reviews are true. It's a dive and one that deserves credit. Good beer selection, a fantastic burger (that bun rocks), a very good bar tender and all the little things dives should have. Peanuts, random pieces of nostalgia, orange lighting, great music (hairband fit well) at a volume where you can still hear everyone around you yet still jam out a bit. I can't wait to go back on a different night. Other reviews gave me the idea that I'd be intimidated by locals or something. Not the case. Do your thing. They'll do theirs. I'm sure they're good people. Some bars don't cater to people that need to be approached. Grow a pair..if you need beers for that, they have plenty. I suggest moose drool.
(4)LISA S.
Oh Caribou, I turn to you like a long lost friend You make me miss living on Johnson once again I'd get smashed on the Twenty I had to borrow so I could have conversations that I'd forget about tomorrow............. {insert sound of a needle scratching off a record} The 'bou? It don't need no stinkin' poetry. Yes, this is a little hallway of a bar. It really sucks if you are not an old man drinking your pension away during the day or one of the 12 neighborhood regulars that hang out compulsively night after night (that cast rotates yearly, as people move in and out of the neighborhood every year. To claim it for you and your neighborhood crew, plop yer ass on a stool August 15th and don't move it again for at least two weeks. that'll learn 'em.) The drinks aren't as cheap as they should be. The bartenders aren't as nice as they should be. The bar isn't as big as it should be. It's not a place to take your date. Or your softball victory party. It's not a place for to turn 21. It's not a place for you and your bros to drop yer roofies. It's not a place for your unicorn themed dance party. No- Its just a place to sit and drink Old Mils, and maybe do a little laundry. And I love it.
(4)Kathy S.
Yes, it really is the best burger in Madison. Wow!
(5)Piper S.
Best burger in Madison. Trust me, those who vote Dotty's have not been here. The Jalapeno Poppers are excellent too. The place is a little small and a little dirty but its really excellent food.
(5)Derek F.
Went there a few days ago and fantastic doesn't quite cover it. The place looks a little dingy from the outside, but the service and food more than makes up for the older look. I had the "Bou Burger" with cheese and fried onions, cooked medium right in front of me on the griddle behind the bar. Burger was great, awesomely seasoned and perfectly cooked. Bun and cheese were also excellent. My only gripe was the fries were a bit run of the mill, but the burger more than made up for it. The bartender serves double duty as cook and did a fantastic job. Great service.
(5)Michelle M.
Best Burger around!!!!!!!! Came in from Chicago on Friday. We went right to the Caribou for libations and burgers. YUMMY!!! Winslow is an awesome bartender. We were impressed how he managed a full bar and made our amazing burgers. He was also whipping up homemade wing sauce that smelled great. A must try if you are ever in Madison.
(5)Fumi M.
Every time I visit Madison, I stop by for them tasty home made juicy greasy hamburger packed with that one-two, fat-and-cholesterol punch. The magnificent hunk of patty is served between soft buns with lettuce, tomato, and onion and your favorite fried dish on the side. I must give my fair warning to you cheese imperialists out there, and I know there are plenty of you - the curds are frozen here. But gosh darn it, I love me a Bou Burger and a nice cold glass of Capital Amber! mmm, I am getting hungry just thinking about it... Well I guess I will have to wait until next time!
(4)Uncle Buck S.
Simply put, the best Burger in Madison. Oh, and by the way, the chili is outstanding, especially as a chili dog.
(5)Carolyn E.
This bar is probably smaller than your apartment. Like others have said before, it's as Sconnie as you can get without the "hey look how Wesconsin I am" song and dance. Crowd is pretty mixed. Over all a fine place to stop by if you're in the neighborhood but not necessarily a destination in itself.
(3)jim b.
Love the cheddar bou. Lived across the street on Blount for a couple of years and this was an every day place for me, almost.
(5)Chris W.
This is Wisconsin, in bar form.
(4)Harper E.
Great place to eat a first-rate burger and watch the Badgers on a Saturday afternoon. What stands out about the burgers here is actually the soft, flaky bun -- it's almost like eating a croissant burger! Average fries. Friendly, mellow atmosphere. Commenter below wrote: "unless you like to sit at the bar in a dimly lit tavern with your kid, I wouldn't bring him/her to the 'Bou." I was here with my 4-year-old and he loved it.
(4)Shani A.
Absolutely a hidden gem! The burgers here are awesome and super cheap. They also have pretty cheap alcohol (average prices for the area, though). The bartender is always very attentive and generally up for a good chat. It's definitely a change from the State Street scene. You will generally find local (non-Epic / non-student) Madisonians here with maybe three patrons in the other two categories.
(5)S T.
We started the dive bar tour after lunch and bloodys. This was the first stop on our tour and it was a classic dive, see my pictures. The place has poker machines and an Atm. The place filled to max while we're there and seems very popular. They have a grill and serve food if you want a bite. Everyone I saw getting food was ordering burgers so that must be there thing. Service was friendly and we had a Wi dive bar good time.
(4)Steve L.
Solid. + Meets every criteria for a true, townie/local/dive bar + Small space with bar that extends entire length of the building + Great dive bar feel; you can tell there's a long and storied history here + Despite being a dive bar, it felt clean and comfy - Limited tap selection + Dive bars should have limited tap selections - Taps are pricey (two taps were $10.50) + Typical selection of domestic bottled/canned beers + Friendly bartender and patrons + Good TouchTunes juke box/system + A few strategically placed televisions + Excellent cheeseburger. Cooked a perfect medium rare, nice sear, perfect amount of cheese, and a super soft (yet durable) buttered bun. Bargain at $5 + Fries were perfectly cooked - crisp and hot + Food arrived quickly despite the place being relatively busy at 6:30pm - Cash only (typical of a dive bar) + ATM on-site with reasonable service fee
(4)Melissa S.
Good burger, slow service. It's a nice perk being close to the laundromat. The people seem pretty nice, and older crowd for a Monday night.
(3)Richard H.
I sometimes wonder if the patrons of "The 'bou" know what day it is, then I visited on a Sunday and got my answer in the form the of Packers paraphernalia. The customers seem more committed to this place than their homes, and it shows. Combined with the cozy atmosphere, the conviviality of the regulars helps give this place its gleeful salubrity.
(4)Christina P.
Love this dive bar! I stop by here and grab a burger and fries while I wait for my laundry. The burger has a perfect buttery bun, and is topped with pickles, cheese, and caramelized onions. Basic and delicious. I like to drench my fries with the ranch that they have and I'll order a Pepsi. There is usually a very welcoming lady who works the bar. She has vibrant white hair and she really is a sweet heart. Very attentive and makes you want to come back! Till' my next load of laundry, I shall see you soon Caribou Tavern!
(5)Matt G.
We had some time to kill on a friday afternoon before Forequarter opened, and The Caribou beckoned. Stepping in, immediately we felt welcomed though clearly we weren't locals or regulars. There was an eclectic mix of younger and older clientele, this is probably one of the first places i've been with mature ladies at the bar, and behind the bar. It was very welcoming, the crowd had a fun time watching Jeopardy and there was a palpable camaraderie among the group. I didn't even have a legendary burger and still loved the place. Though we had a round of Blatz, there were plenty of local craft beer options, notably Ale Asylum, Capital, New Glarus, and others. Overall this place had plenty of authentic character, and I hope to belly up here again someday soon.
(5)Mel R.
We were visiting Madison to see a concert and found Caribou in yelp walking distance from our B&B. We were looking forward to having some burgers at a great dive bar. Sit down, order drinks - and we tell the bartender we wanted to order food. We got a HUGE EXAGGERATED GROAN, with shoulders slumping down and leaning on the bar. NEEDLESS to say - we did not order food and went to our concert with empty bellies. HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.
(1)Chuckdeezle88 ..
The bartender was just AWFUL, NOT SARAH OR WINSLOW, she refused to give me her name, but she was a loud mid to LATE 40S,aging hipster with hair that is graying very fast, thinks she is the center of the universe in any situation, and had the audacity to actually talk about my friends and I with her other old hipster friends at the other end of the bar while we were still there, and very loudly so we could hear it, I felt like it was the lunch room in high school again. Needless to say we will never be coming in there again, and such a pity because the food is quit good. Oh well, there's always mickeys.
(1)Reid S.
After 2 years in Madison, I finally made it to the Caribou. I ordered the Caribou burger with cheddar and a side order of cheese curds. The bun for the burger was mind blowing. I devoured my meal in record time and found myself planning my next visit. There are many great meals in Madison, and that burger is one of them. (Cheese curds were not prize winning)
(5)Mark W.
Well, it's about as divey as Madison gets. BUT, if you go knowing that, this place is pretty enjoyable. I've heard the burgers are pretty good, but we just stopped in for a few drinks, mid-walk to downtown from East Johnson. After a few shots and beers, we were on our way, but the drinks were cheap and we met some fun characters. Overall, a pretty cool place, although it is quite a ways away from the Capitol bars and State Street.
(4)Isaac R.
This place is a total dive. Nowhere to sit except at the bar, and the beer selection is so-so. Why the 4 stars, you ask? The burgers. This place has some of the tastiest, freshest burgers and fries you can get in Madison. Totally stripped down burger, but the meat and bun are just amazing. You have to eat one to understand. Go there, and get one right now.
(4)Joseph H.
This dive bar is about as good as it gets. BEST burger in Madison. Period. It's not fancy, but they get there ground beef from Jennifer Street Market which is also a gem on the east side. This place always has great characters lounging over it's bar. It has a bartender that I thought was Irish, but just ended up being from Iowa. I think you understand what kind of time I have at this place. A must stop if you are on the east side in Madtown (downtown is overrated).
(5)Billy D.
Awesome. You have to go there to believe how classic it is. It probably fits no more than 50 people. The grill is at one end of the bar, and word has it that the food is pretty good. The $1.00 8oz coors light cracks me up. Also the jukebox is solid, and you do not have to pay extra to get your song to play like some of the newer ones. The first time we went there was a Sunday night-- and it was packed... that should say it all.
(4)Kristin J.
A great local dive bar. Excellent burgers, not bad drink prices. Docked 1 star because it's quite cramped and sometimes the staff can be grumpy (usually only one employee a night), but it doesn't stop me from having a good time.
(4)Amanda L.
Get a Bou burger and fries. DO IT. Also, go on a weeknight so you can actually sit and/or not feel like a sardine. I'm not from Wisconsin, but this place feels pretty authentic.
(5)Lindsay F.
It's a frigid night, but I don't want to cook. There's nothing in the refrigerator that resembles any sort of meal that can be slapped together unless I want to give a pickle taco sans any goodies a try. I don't. If I was a less fortunate soul, I'd have to get dressed into something resembling publicly acceptable and hike it to the Pinkus McBride up the street, but I don't...I have the 'Bou. The Caribou is my neighborhood's dive gem. I can walk in through the back door, in anything that counts as "clothes." It's a bar, it's small, it's dark. There's a jukebox and darts, and only one person working any night I've ever been in. They are cordial and willing to banter while bar tending and cooking the food. It's cash only, leave the AMEX at home. The crowd is heavily bearded or has something else interesting going on with their facial hair/hair in general, but with a streak of friendliness you'll only find in the Midwest. The music is eclectically good, since you may have forgotten that there is a time and place for slow jamz and AC/DC back-to-back. This is my favorite Madison burger. The bread is fresh, the meat is from Jenifer St. Market, and they basically cook it in front of you, to order. There's no question of freshness, and you can customize as you wish (yes, I'll take extra onions and pickles). Make it a cheeseburger if you're feeling frisky. Not everything is as magically delicious as the burger unfortunately - I am a grilled cheese aficionado, and my worst grilled cheese in Madison has probably been at the Caribou. It breaks my heart, but then I fill that grilled cheese sized hole with a beer. The beer selection is decent, and they have interesting stuff coming through on their rotating tap. You can get your basic cocktail on here too, but don't ask for a wine list. This is a good place for a chill night during the week for a few beers with friends, or a place to end the night on the weekends, although it tends to get pretty crowded in the wee hours.
(4)Lexie G.
Old-school neighborhood bars have a special spot in my heart. Especially a neighborhood bar that actually has decent beer on tap (ie, anything else besides the run of the mill Miller Products or other equally as terrible/generic beer). Couple that with heart-attack inducing bar burgers and you're golden. I stopped in one night with a friend of mine who lives divey-neighborhood bars as much as I do and he was equally as pleased. There is something magical about dark Wisconsin bars with good people watching qualities. Good beer. Good burgers. Good neighborhood. Good people.
(4)Lindsay W.
I love this place. It's like an escape back into reality from the oddness of Madison, which can be quite refreshing. Down-to-earth crowd, bar food as you'd expect, and friendly staff who don't think they're better than you are. Good beer, good food, good people.
(5)Phil K.
I absolutely love this place! I have been going there for years and never get there enough. Great burgers...cold beer.....the best Cap'n and Coke ever!!! Dewey and his sister rock the house and Tammy and Kevin kill it. Don't miss your chance to experience this Madison landmark.
(5)Corey D.
I don't think I was very fair in my first review of the Bou which hinted at the fact that if you squint your eyes, everything will be ok. Tonight I'm stand before you to say (er, uhm... Yelp) that Caribou Tavern now has a special place in my heart. It's a block and a half away, so it scores major convenience points, and the interior is harmless, despite is rough exterior. Bartenders have always served up service with a smile, and each time I see something on tap that I'm not familiar with, they give me a taste. I much the prefer the place when I have a seat at the bar, as opposed to standing in an uncomfortable thoroughfare of passerbys wanting to get to the bathroom. But all in all it's a solid place that I'm happy to call my neighborhood dive.
(4)Brita L.
My roommate and I are doing an informal burger tour of Madison. We've been to a handful of dive bars and a couple of nicer restaurants. This was BY FAR the best burger we've had. The meat was excellently cooked; the bun was absolutely fantastic (is that something you can even say was fantastic!?); the bacon was melt in your mouth. Oh my gosh. Go here and get a burger! You won't regret it.
(5)Charlie R.
Perfect. If you want a great burger and a few cold ones. We ordered a pair of cheeseburgers(regular and the 'Bou) and fries and she loved her burger. I too thought it was great. Prepared just behind the bar and a nice toasty bun. We then went with jalapeño poppers for dessert. Diverse tap and bottle selections. This is a bar no doubt. No tables, just the bar and a line of stools along the back row. So, you'll share yours and share in others' conversations. This may be our new pre Badger hockey spot.
(4)Chad F.
Best dive in town! The burgers here are among the best in town, which is amazing considering what a tiny little place it is. They form each patty by hand and they put it on an amazing roll that absolutely makes the burger. Top notch! Laid back crowd, decent jukebox, good mix of beers on tap and in bottles, tasty food, and friendly bartenders. There is just something about the combination of everything it has to offer that just makes it a great place to hang out.
(4)Tavis A.
With a barkeep who knows when you want to be left alone (or need a beer), this place has moved "top" on my local bar list. On food, the burger was fantastic. Apparently, it's fresh baked bread from a local place, and the meat is from Jenny Street Market - I don't care that much about the provenance of the product (though the "local' stamp does make it a little more attractive), what I care about it how it tastes... and this was brilliant. Perfectly cooked (medium-rare), well-balanced simple burger (good bun to meat ratio). The only downside of the 'bou is that it's a little cramped, but in my opinion, squishing together at the bar is just part of the charm of the place.
(5)James R.
Caribou's is a perfect example of an old-style neighborhood tavern. It's dark, cool, inexpensive and the long bar is seated with up pretty much with locals who all know each other. Everyone was friendly and pleasant, the bartender was attentive, and the beer was inexpensive. I did go for the burger and found it good but not great. In my case it was cooked a little too long and came out more medium-well than medium-rare, but it was a busy night and the lone bartender was also the lone cook so that's the factor I attribute it to. It's a burger with a good bun, cheese, grilled onions and that's it. I like lettuce and tomato and view that as a standard complement, so its absence here is strange to me. Still, it is good in its simplicity and very inexpensive. Caribou's a nice little place for a beer and a snack while watching the game. Enjoy it.
(3)Big C.
I miss living on Johnson. Winslow as well as all of their bartenders are amazing people. The booze is cheap and strong and the food is the best you'll ever get at a dive bar. I plan on retiring within walking distance. If you can name another place for $25 you can eat a solid meal and drink till your full let me know.
(5)Stacey L.
A cozy (aka tiny) little place next to the laundromat on East Johnson, Caribou is a no frills dive along the lines of Rustic Tavern. Lots of wood, very few lights, and a surprising menu (goulash & stroganoff among standard bar fare). Friends ordered a burger and fries and it looked and smelled delicious. Friends confirmed that the taste was just as good as the other senses led you to believe it would be. One note for the ladies: the lock on the bathroom door appears to be busted. I went in, turned the lock, and immediately had someone open the door. I had just shut the door, so no embarrassing encounter, but that was just luck. Make sure to have a friend watch the door, or at least put a hand or foot against the door while you're indisposed.
(3)Jackie G.
It's a dive and the bartender was super rude. Have been there twice and just can't go there again, it's dirty and smells funny
(1)AM P.
I never thought I'd say this, but I miss Wisconsin. Well, I don't really miss the state as much as I miss Madison, and this joint (yes, I used that term) is one BIG reason why. Like others have said this is a hole-in-wall, divey, Sconi place. But the better thing is that (up until they got the fancy computer jukebox) you could hear a random mix of awesome songs. Oh, the the bar food is some of the best. The one down side is that you have to get there early to get a stool, and you also have to bring cold hard cash, like most other places on the east side. Man, I miss this place.
(4)Valerie B.
We love the caribou!
(5)Daniella M.
The 'bou is what it is. It is nothing more. It is nothing less. I've never had food there. But as far as dive bars go its about as dive-y as one can get. It is freakin' tiny so don't bring a huge group of people. You will probably get split up. And you'd be lucky to get a place to sit. But as far as dives go, its perfect. SUPER cheap. Jukebox is one of those electronic ones where you pay a dollar to hear the song you want. But its a great place to have "that one last drink."
(4)