High Noon Saloon
Fact: There is a bar scene that exists beyond State Street. Proof of this fact? The High Noon Saloon on East Washington. What is it that makes the High Soon so affable and worth the trek past the Capitol? Besides the fact that the place actually feels like a tacky saloon, complete with longhorn skulls and desert decor, it's also the best place to see a concert in Madison. The High Noon boasts live music seven nights a week, with a myriad of acts that seem to attract a new crowd every night. There are two physical bars in the venue, flanking the main area on each side facilitating everyone's mid-show beer runs. The tap-beer selection and pricing is adequate, with all of the Wisconsin staples and seasonals, and an extensive list of bottled beers and hard-liquor. The room layout of the High Noon is incredibly economical. There is a nice little terrace overlooking the room to separate the fanatical music fan from the casual observer, which again is critical for the atmosphere of a show. Even at it's most crowded, the High Noon somehow retains a spacious feel, probably due to the strategic placing of the billiards table and the deceptively large stage area. At the same time, it retains the intimacy required for a fantastic concert-going experience. You frequently see the bands hanging out at the bar before and after a show, and it's really hard to stand somewhere with a bad view. If you haven't been, it's definitely time to giddy up on over to the High Noon Saloon.
The Annex
Located a few blocks off of State Street (and conveniently close to McDonalds), The Annex is probably Madison's closest resemblance to a hole in the wall; and I say that as endearingly as possible. Their dark walls resemble an old cellar with a bank chopped out of the side for whatever touring groups to squeeze into. What it lacks in acoustic quality it makes up for in atmosphere. Also, it's probably the only venue in town that will come through for Mushroomhead.
The Majestic
After a brief hiatus, the historic Majestic Theatre re-opened its doors in September of 2007, having lost none of the smugness its description implies. Whether refusing to acknowledge their opening acts at a sell-out show or shoving around their patrons, the Majestic employs no shortage of assholes. Their sound quality, boosted by floor speakers, is hit-or-miss as well, employing heavy bass regardless of how delicate a band's sound might be. But, in all fairness, every once in a while a band with the right sound comes through, the pounding bass hits your chest just right, and it makes the whole experience, um, majestic.
Der Rathskeller
Union South's Club 770 was one of Madison's purest venues. Nothing but a cafeteria with a PA system, the bare bones venue allowed each band and its fans to dictate the atmosphere. A crane and a few dump trucks later and Memorial Union's Der Rathskeller is the best we have left. It's atmosphere is still extremely diverse, and the accompanying Terrace stage is one of the campus' most celebrated locales. And even if security is a little tighter than it was at the sister site, the adjoining Der Stiftskeller ensures that you don't always have to sneak in your own beer.
The Orpheum
Across the street from the Overture Center on State Street's more renovated end, the Orpheum's flashing lights attract more than just moviegoers and tourists. A fancy restaurant by day, the Orpheum has played host to bands as diverse as Hot Buttered Rum and Black Lips. Its absurdly tall stage and constricted standing area are a pain, but the Stage Door offers a comfortable respite for smaller bands coming through.
The Barrymore
Featuring starry overhead lights, the Barrymore boasts one of the coziest venues in town. The upholstery creates a theatre atmosphere, but its humble size adds a sense of intimacy to each show. It's the ideal setting for a band who's popularity hasn't outgrown its sound, and more often than not serves as a last chance to catch a band before they're annoyingly popular.
