🍽️ What to Order

Recommendations based on quality, value, and visitor feedback

Item Price
Cheese Curds (Carr Valley)
Locally sourced, lightly battered, and fried to order—Wisconsin’s iconic bar snack, perfect with a local brew.
 $8.00
Pretzel Bites (Batch Bakehouse)
Warm, soft pretzels from a local bakery, served with house-made beer cheese dip.
 $7.00
Piano Platter
Shareable board featuring Wisconsin meats, cheeses, pickles, and crackers—a nod to supper club traditions.
 $16.00
Ivory Room Mule
House Moscow Mule with local State Line vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime.
 $9.00
Happy Hour Specials
$3.50 Capital tap beer; $5 cosmos & chocolate martinis (Tuesday–Friday, 4–7pm).
 $3.50–$5.00
Spotted Cow (Draft)
Beloved local craft beer from New Glarus Brewing, always on tap.
 $6.00

What Diners Rave About

Local Bar Snacks
Cheese curds and pretzel bites are sourced from top Wisconsin producers, giving you a true taste of local flavor.
Signature Cocktails
Try the Ivory Room Mule or ask for the off-menu “Madison Mule” with Door County cherry juice—bartenders love getting creative.
Shareable Platters
The Piano Platter is perfect for groups—meats, cheeses, and pickles make it easy to snack while you sing along.
Happy Hour Value
Weekday happy hour deals include $3.50 Capital tap beer and $5 specialty martinis, making it one of the best bargains downtown.
Dietary Accommodations
Gluten-free guests can substitute veggies for pretzel bites on the platter—just let your server know your needs.
Ordering & Service
Order drinks and snacks at the bar—lines move quickly early, but expect a wait after 9pm on weekends.
Payment & Tipping
Drinks and snacks can be paid by card, but bring cash for tipping pianists and making song requests—there’s an ATM on-site for convenience.
Reservations & Waits
Walk-ins are welcome; for guaranteed group seating, consider reserving the VIP Dueler’s Den (advance booking required, extra fee applies).

✨ The Experience

🎹
Lively Piano Shows
Expect interactive dueling piano performances, singalongs, and crowd participation every Thursday through Saturday. The energy ramps up after 9pm, with birthday shoutouts and spontaneous group karaoke making every night unique.
🗺️
Getting Here
Located steps from Capitol Square, the bar is accessible via multiple Metro bus routes with stops at Mifflin & Carroll. Street parking is free after 6pm, but the State Street Capitol Garage is your best bet for easy, safe parking just a 2-minute walk away.
⏰
Best Times & Crowd
Early evenings are relaxed, with smaller groups and easier seating. After 9pm, especially on weekends, the crowd gets lively—expect a mix of college students, professionals, and celebration groups, with standing room only after 10pm.
🪑
Seating & Layout
Seating is mostly high-tops and stools, all first-come, first-served. For the best view, snag a table along the left wall by 8:30pm or reserve the Dueler’s Den for a VIP experience. The space is intimate, with exposed brick and vintage touches.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cover charge and how do I pay?
Cover is $5 on Thursdays, $10 on Fridays and Saturdays, and is cash only at the door. There’s an ATM on-site if you need cash, but arriving before 8pm can sometimes help you avoid the cover altogether.
Does Ivory Room Piano Bar serve food or take reservations?
The menu focuses on local bar snacks like cheese curds, pretzel bites, and shareable platters, but there’s no full kitchen or traditional dining. Walk-ins are welcome, but for guaranteed group seating or special events, you can reserve the VIP Dueler’s Den for an additional fee.
Are there accommodations for guests with dietary restrictions or mobility needs?
Gluten-free options are available—just let staff know if you need substitutions. The State Street entrance is wheelchair accessible, while the Mifflin Street entrance has stairs. Restrooms are located downstairs and may require assistance for those with mobility concerns.

📖 About Ivory Room Piano Bar

The Ivory Room Piano Bar opened in 2007, dreamed up by a group of Madison musicians and hospitality veterans who wanted to bring the dueling piano tradition to the heart of downtown.

Housed in a historic early-20th-century building just off Capitol Square, the bar’s exposed brick and pressed tin ceiling hint at its colorful past as everything from a retail space to Genna’s Lounge Annex.

A major renovation in 2015 expanded the stage and upgraded the sound, turning the venue into a true destination for live music lovers and singalong fans.

Over the years, the Ivory Room has become a go-to spot for birthday bashes, bachelorette parties, and spontaneous post-show gatherings from the nearby Overture Center.

Today, it’s known for its spirited audience participation, legendary “Birthday Song Showdowns,” and a menu that highlights Wisconsin’s best snacks and drinks—blending Madison’s love of community, music, and local flavor into one unforgettable experience.

🛡️ Area Intelligence

Safety Assessment

Downtown Madison is considered moderately safe—exercise standard precautions, especially late at night. The area is well-patrolled, but keep an eye on personal items during busy events or after midnight.

Walkability & Crowds

This Capitol Square neighborhood is highly walkable, with most bars, restaurants, and venues within a 10-minute stroll. Expect heavy foot traffic and festive crowds on weekends and during summer events.

Tourism Patterns

Tourism peaks in summer—June through August—when the city hosts festivals, farmers’ markets, and draws thousands of visitors to the Capitol. Saturday mornings and late nights are especially busy near the Square.

Traffic & Timing

Downtown traffic can be heavy during major events and after 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays. For the smoothest visit, arrive before 8pm or use public transit to avoid parking headaches.