the Cardinal Bar

I can’t tell you how happy I am that this place is open again. They truly made my college experience incredible and I enjoyed the time I spent here. I’m so glad they are open again and providing the same great service and cocktails to the Madison community. This place is a Madison staple and is showing folks that things truly get better with age. Glad to see this space is still doing well and is still loved by myself and countless others. Also Will was AMAZING! Please let him know! But Madison folks please give this the place the love and patronage it deserves! You won’t be disappointed

Loved our experience at The Cardinal Bar this evening. The space is beautiful and the drinks are delicious, but the staff are true stand outs. We were lucky enough to have William (bartender/sound person) help us out this evening and what a hoot they were! We were laughing, swapping stories, learning the history of the bar, etc. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time we had so much fun chatting with someone new! We cannot wait to come back, esp. for the delicious chicken wings we heard so much about!

Awesome place that was renovated to its former glory. Beautiful woodwork, tile, and bar. The cocktails were made with care. Very friendly bartenders and owners. There were 3 of us and we split 2 orders of each empanada flavor. All very good! There is a vending machine with odd items, one of which was a mystery bag. They also have pull tabs.. Love the vibe and will make it point to visit this place next time I am in the area.

What a wonderful welcome back! THE BIRD was one of my fave haunts back in the day. Was pleased to see her looking so lovely & well-cared for! Very welcoming vibe.

So happy to see this iconic bar open again. Between the remodel, style of events and music, it's as if it never closed. Try the Bloody Mary some early weekend morning. One of the best in Madison, IMO.

First time there in over 20 years. It has the same cool vibe. Beautiful space will have to go back to listen to music. Welcome back Cardinal!!

I use to love go dancing to this place, wonderful environment, everyone respect the dance floor, nobody had their drinks in their hand when they were dancing, the bathrooms were clean and there was men and woman separated, nobody smoke inside their electric cigarettes. Now everything has change, since they make the bathrooms all gende which I have nothing against, but the bathroom that used to be for woman's is dirty, and smells horrible. The dance floor become dirty sticky because people don't respect the dance floor , they dance and drink at the same time on the dance floor. The only thing that still great is the staff, bar tenders who still wonderful caring people my big respect for them.

Refused to serve me for some reason. People came up next to me at the bar and got served right away, I stood there for 10+ minutes and no bartender would even look at me