Madison’s downtown stays burger-packed, but Settle Down Tavern owns Pinckney Street with crispy-edged double smashes from local Son of a Beach Farms beef, served till 2 am weekends.
Opened as a neighborhood tavern, it slings Good Idea burgers, ghost pepper fries, and cheese-stuffed “puppies” amid craft cocktails and 20 taps.
It’s the kind of place where one double Good Idea has you settling down for life.
How they won locals’ hearts
Settle Down smashes local grassfed beef into doubles with American cheese, diced onion, pickles, house sauce on a potato bun. Good Idea ($14) rules menus and reviews.
Facebook foodies rave “smash burger perfection” with crispy bits, juicy centers, and ghost fries (fries/ghost seasoning/cheese/ghost aioli) stealing sides.
Cheese puppies (jalapeño/cheddar-stuffed fried balls) and pretzel bites pair with beers, while brunch burgers and tenders keep brunch/late-night crowds.
Yelp praises quick patio service, dog-friendly vibes, and portions feeding two perfect Capitol Square escape.
20 taps and cocktails elevate tavern hangs.
Food Highlights
- Good Idea Burger: Double smash patties, American, onion, pickle, special sauce on potato bun $14 crispy-juicy icon.
- Double Good Idea: Quad beef glory for bigger appetites loaded smash heaven.
- Ghost Fries: Crinkle fries, ghost seasoning, cheese sauce, ghost aioli spicy addictive side.
- Cheese Puppies: Deep-fried jalapeño/cheddar balls crunchy, oozy bar bite.
- Pretzel Bites: Soft pretzels with dips beer-friendly starter.
- Brunch Burger: Egg-topped smash for mornings versatile crowd-pleaser.
Atmosphere
Settle Down Tavern nails cozy neighborhood pub patio overlooking Pinckney buzz, indoor bar/tables for games/cocktails, dog-welcoming till late.
Lively yet chill for solos/groups, with fast counterbalancing tavern pace.
Bottom Line
Settle Down Tavern smashes Madison’s crispiest local doubles with ghost fries and puppies worth Pinckney detours.
First Settlement’s smash king.
Address:
Settle Down Tavern
117 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703
🕔 Sun: Closed | Mon: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Tue-Thu: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM