About Us

Craft Beer. Rustic Food.

The Coopers Tavern is a gastro pub on the Capitol Square, in the heart of downtown Madison. Our menu is influenced by our travels, but sourced locally as much as possible. We have 28 premium craft beers featured on draft, inspired by European style taverns. Our whiskey list features over 100 of the finest bourbons, American, Scotch, and Irish whiskeys around. We feature oak barreled wines, whiskeys, and bourbons whenever possible—as coopers, our namesake, we appreciate a good barrel.

A genuine public house

in the heart of downtown Madison.

The Coopers Tavern is open seven days a week, offering lunch, dinner, bar, and weekend brunch menus. We use the best of local ingredients, intentionally sourcing meats, cheese, produce, and bread as locally and sustainably as possible. Our goal is to offer high-quality, artisan-crafted flavors in a friendly, comfortable pub setting. Our famous Reuben, award-winning burger, and Amy’s salad have garnered a cult following. We’re conveniently located across from the state capitol—next to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and just off State Street. Accessible and friendly to all, comfort food welcomes you in. We emphasize community and aim to have a genuine public house. We show international sports, with a heavy emphasis on soccer.

Our History

The Coopers Tavern opened in January 2010. The first floor offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere. During the beautiful summer months, our patio sits at the steps of the Capitol and is a great place to enjoy the day. Our upstairs is a spacious, open room available for private events, with a magnificent view of the Capitol building.

Giving Back

We pride ourselves on being a family-run and community-centered business. We take an active role in community causes that support the city we call home—from annual Gilda’s Club and Wounded Warrior golf outings, to the Clean Lakes Alliance, and local organizations fighting hunger and working towards sustainable, community-supported agriculture, like Second Harvest, REAP, and FairShare. We may be a small business, but locally, we can make a difference.