Whiskey Jack's Saloon is a bar in Madison, WI. Open: Mon 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Tue–Fri 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM; Sat–Sun 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM. Phone: (608) 819-8881. Average rating is 3.7 stars from 745 reviews. Website: https://whiskeyjacksmadtown.com/.
Whiskey Jack's Saloon
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Exterior view of Whiskey Jack's Saloon with people walking by.
3.7 745 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Madison's Wildest Night Starts Right Here

Affordable drinks, live karaoke, and sports on State Street since the UW crowd made it legendary.

About Us

Exterior view of Whiskey Jack's Saloon with neon signage.
Exterior view of Whiskey Jack's Saloon with neon signage.

On State Street, where every block competes for your attention, Whiskey Jack's Saloon has carved out its own rowdy corner. The crowd here is real: UW students celebrating after finals, birthday crews rolling in on a Saturday afternoon, regulars who've lost count of how many times they've ended up back at this barstool. That's not an accident. It's the kind of place that pulls you in on a whim and keeps you until last call.

The drink prices are honest, the pours are generous, and nobody's trying to impress you with a cocktail menu that takes ten minutes to read. Whiskey Jack's runs on energy, and that energy spikes hard on karaoke nights when the mic gets passed around and strangers become your biggest fans. Sports go up on the screens, the bar fills up fast, and the vibe does the rest.

With a 3.7-star rating across nearly 750 reviews, this place isn't for everyone, and it doesn't pretend to be. It's for the people who want a real bar experience on one of Madison's most electric streets.

What We Offer

Karaoke nights are the main event here. Grab your crew, pick your song, and own the room. The stage is democratic: regulars, first-timers, and birthday legends all get their moment.

Live music and sports viewing round out the calendar. Multiple screens keep every game visible from almost anywhere in the bar, so you're never craning your neck to catch the score. The drink menu leans into its name with a solid whiskey selection alongside beers and standard cocktails at prices that won't wreck your night before it starts.

Private events and buyouts are available for groups looking to take over the space. Whether it's a birthday, a bar crawl stop, or a post-game party, the 552 State St location puts you right in the middle of Madison's action.

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What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
6 months ago
"Rude and lazy staff. Bar is supposed to close at 2am, but the bartender clearly just wanted to clock out early and go home. We were literally just waiting for our Uber, not causing any trouble, and he kicked us out into the cold like we were a problem. We even asked politely if we could stay inside for five minutes to stay warm — nope. He forced us out immediately. Meanwhile, a group of four dudes were still inside comfortably drinking. Guess the rules only apply to who the bartender feels like targeting. Absolutely ridiculous. If you’re going to close early, at least be consistent and try not to be so obvious about being lazy and disrespectful."
— Kevin Alvarado
⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"My girlfriend and I visited on Sat 10/25 (My birthday) for some day drinking. Very lively place, ignore the one star for food because we didn't order food (and I think they don't serve any). The bartender was very friendly and outgoing, only bad thing is that she was the only one working! There was another bartender who came there on his day off to drink, and he helped. But this is a great bar to drink and have fun in, could use some help."
— Brian
⭐⭐⭐⭐
11 months ago
"I like whiskeys. It’s a good spot to grab some affordable drinks on a night out with some friends. I lost track of how many times I ended up here on a night out with some UW friends. But, I do find the drink names to be weird. I wouldn’t be caught dead ordering something like “ghetto booty” but to each their own!"
— Judy Cusack
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8 months ago
"Prices are fair and drinks are well made! On Friday and Saturday night there is a line and $5 entry(not sure if it's always like this). This place has great live music and is a vibe 😁"
— Nigal Gahtham
6 months ago
"this is the FIRST REVIEW i have ever left. a blonde man bouncer withheld my REAL ID from me for 20 minutes because he thought I was friends with a random person. said i could only give it back if i gave him money. I have never felt so disrespected and talked down to by a man because of a complete misunderstanding that was only solved because i threatened to call the cops."
— Zara Lara

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Whiskey Jack's serve food?

Based on visitor reports, Whiskey Jack's is primarily a bar and does not appear to serve food. Plan to eat before you arrive or grab something from one of the many nearby State Street restaurants.

When does karaoke happen?

Karaoke is a regular feature at Whiskey Jack's. Check their website at whiskeyjacksmadtown.com or their social media for the current weekly schedule, as nights and times can shift seasonally.

What time does Whiskey Jack's close?

The bar typically closes at 2:00 AM in line with Wisconsin last-call laws. Arrive early on busy nights, especially weekends, as the bar fills up quickly.

Is Whiskey Jack's good for a birthday or group event?

Absolutely. The bar hosts private events and is a popular stop on birthday bar crawls. Contact them through whiskeyjacksmadtown.com to ask about group bookings or buyout options.

Is there a cover charge?

Cover charges can vary depending on the night and what's happening. Check the website or call ahead on nights with live music or special events to avoid surprises at the door.

Where exactly is Whiskey Jack's located?

Whiskey Jack's Saloon is at 552 State Street in Madison, WI 53703, right on the main State Street corridor between the Capitol and UW campus. Street parking and nearby ramps are available.

Does Whiskey Jack's show sports?

Yes. The bar has multiple screens showing live sports, making it a solid spot to catch a game with friends while keeping the drink tab reasonable.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 2:00 AM
Monday 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thursday 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday Today 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM

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