Argus Bar Grille - Madison

It 's one of my buddies ' favorite bars in Madison! Normally I would give this place a 5/5 all night long, but there were just a couple things that occurred during my latest visit that will probably make me think twice before hitting up Argus again. This spot definitely earns its title. My brother and I stopped in for a quick brewski, and I decided to ball out a little and try their signature Friday Fish Fry. I was served by Nico, who usually sports some fresh designer glasses, and his mother. It sounds like this is a family-run establishment, which makes it sting even more having to dig it a couple of stars. Unfortunately, I didn 't have time to enjoy my meal before my bro called it a night. Luckily, Nico said he 'd save my spot for me so I could get him home safe and return for one last beer finally munch on that Fish Fry. Upon my return, I found my spot was overwhelmed with patrons (not a bad problem for a bar on a Friday night at shift change [22:00] . No big deal, I 'd rather accommodate them and move to where I wouldn 't be in their way. The Mother recommended I moved to the corner of the bar to eat, which I happily obliged. The patrons around me were incredibly friendly, but the staff less so as the night went on. As soon as I finished what I could and packed up the rest, The Mother asked what I was up to. I returned Like here tonight, or just Life in general? . She seemed extraordinary suspicious of me for some reason, which gave me the feeling that I was no longer welcome. I packed up my belongings and asked where Nico ran off to so I could say Goodbye before heading off to the next one. She told me Nico was busy working the back door, implying that I should leave him be and let him focus on work. Okay, fair enough. I went back for one last word and to check out the basement, which I had never explored before then. As soon as I made my way down, I found she wasn 't far behind me. There 's a bar in the basement as well, and I noticed her talking to the bartender, looking in my direction as I explored and got a read of the place. I don 't like to be singled out and monitored, especially when I 've been nothing but friendly and kind to the staff. If you go to Argus, expect all eyes to be on you at all times. I have no issue with keeping a close watch on suspicious customers, but please allow the new faces who come through a chance to explore without feeling unwelcome. Ultimately, I will probably pick a new spot next time I find myself in Madison. (Their T-Shirts are some of the coolest in Madison, so if you do enjoy your time there, please consider picking one up supporting the Brick Mortar .

Great place to come party to, you can find new friends of all kinds here. Music is usually for the younger crowds lol

Great place to grab a whiskey and beer. Good pours. Good prices.

On Tuesday we tried argus bar grill for lunch. they have a good outdoor terrace, but we decided to eat inside due to the heat. it is obviously a historical building on the basis of the deck and architecture, but it was updated and was comfortable and relaxing. our server was prompt, friendly and checked back several times. he was excellent to keep drinks refilled. the menu has a decent selection of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and appetizers. the prices were some of the most expensive I saw in the city. I had the steve’s conundrum wrap, the smoked truthahn, provolone, pesto and romaine and was served with chips and salsa. my dining room companion had...read more

That was my bar when I was in the square. The Argus has built a large community of happy hour dishes that work around the square. Then...