🍽️ What to Order

Expert recommendations based on quality, value, and visitor feedback

Item Price
Signature Tacos (rotating selection)
Creative fillings like Korean BBQ pork, fried avocado, or spicy shrimp, served on corn tortillas with house-made salsas
 $5.00 each
Oysters (when available)
Fresh, shucked-to-order oysters with lemon and house hot sauce; a favorite during happy hour
 $3.00 each (happy hour discount)
House Salsa Sampler
A flight of unique, scratch-made salsas paired with chips—perfect for sharing or to accompany your tacos
 $6.00
Draft Craft Beer
Rotating local and regional taps, with $1 off during happy hour
 $5.00–$7.00
Classic Cocktails
Well-executed standards like margaritas, old fashioneds, and negronis—$3 off during happy hour
 $8.00–$10.00

Menu Highlights: Ohio Tavern’s claim to fame is its ever-changing lineup of tacos—think Korean BBQ pork with pickled slaw, fried avocado with chipotle crema, or spicy shrimp with pineapple salsa. The house salsas are made in small batches and range from smoky to bright and tangy, making the salsa sampler a must for first-timers. Oysters, when available, are a sleeper hit—especially during happy hour (4–6 PM), when both tacos and oysters drop in price and cocktails see a $3 discount. The drink menu focuses on local craft beer and classic cocktails, with bartenders known for their generous pours.

Signature Dishes & Recommendations: Visitor feedback consistently praises the creativity and freshness of the taco offerings. The fried avocado taco and Korean BBQ pork taco are local favorites for their bold flavors and satisfying textures. Regulars recommend starting with the salsa sampler and rounding out your meal with a draft beer or a margarita, especially during happy hour for the best value.

Dietary Options & Allergen Info: While the menu is compact, there are typically vegetarian taco options (like fried avocado or mushroom) and gluten-free corn tortillas. However, the kitchen is small and cross-contamination is possible—those with severe allergies should ask staff for details. Vegan options are limited but possible when ordering tacos without cheese or crema. Ingredient lists are available upon request, but nutrition details are not posted.

Practical Details: Ohio Tavern is cash-only; an ATM is available on-site, but bringing cash avoids extra fees. Takeout is sometimes available but not guaranteed during busy hours, and there is no delivery service. No reservations are accepted—walk-ins only. Expect limited seating and potential waits during peak periods (especially Friday and Saturday evenings). Tipping is standard; cash tips are appreciated.

✨ The Experience

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Atmosphere & Ambiance
Expect a classic dive-bar feel—dim lighting, vintage beer signs, and a cozy, slightly worn-in charm. The room buzzes with energy, especially during trivia nights (Tuesdays) and karaoke (Saturdays), making it a quintessential neighborhood hangout where everyone feels welcome.
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Service Style & Speed
Service is friendly and unpretentious—think seasoned bartenders who know regulars by name. During peak hours, expect some wait for both seating and food, as the kitchen is small and the place fills up quickly. Staff juggle bar and table service, so patience is rewarded with genuine hospitality.
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Crowd Type & Noise Level
The crowd is a lively mix: neighborhood regulars, UW students, young professionals, and the occasional trivia fanatic. Noise rises during events but rarely feels overwhelming—unless you’re right up front on karaoke night, when things get rowdy (in a good way).
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Seating Options & Layout
Seating is limited—mostly bar stools and a handful of small tables. Groups of 4 or more may need to arrive early to snag spots together. There’s no outdoor seating, and accessibility is limited due to a step at the entrance. The intimate layout fosters conversation but fills up fast on weekends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio Tavern cash-only, and is there an ATM on site?
Yes—Ohio Tavern is strictly cash-only. There is an ATM available inside, but to avoid extra fees and wait times, it’s best to bring cash with you.
Do you need a reservation to dine at Ohio Tavern?
No reservations are accepted. All seating is first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early, especially on trivia or karaoke nights, to avoid a wait.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options on the menu?
Yes, vegetarian tacos (such as fried avocado or mushroom) are usually available, and all tacos are served on gluten-free corn tortillas. However, the kitchen is small and cannot guarantee no cross-contamination for severe allergies.

📖 About Ohio Tavern

Located at 224 Ohio Avenue in Madison’s vibrant east side, Ohio Tavern has carved out a reputation as one of the city’s most beloved neighborhood bars. The building itself has roots dating back decades, but its current incarnation blends dive-bar nostalgia with inventive, chef-driven bar food—most notably, its celebrated tacos and ever-changing salsa lineup. The tavern draws a diverse crowd, from students and young professionals to longtime locals, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices, and a calendar packed with trivia, karaoke, and live music events. Despite its popularity, Ohio Tavern remains refreshingly unpretentious, cash-only, and true to its local roots—making it a mainstay for both casual weeknight drinks and lively weekend gatherings.