Le Tigre Lounge

Tigers, alcohol, and a familiar Wisconsinite bar vibe mixed with a completely foreign formality, held tight together by the most impressive collection of tiger memorabilia I am willing to bet you have ever seen.

Are you into one-of-a-kind experiences in strange establishments? On the west side of Madison lives a low-lit bar that doesn’t march, but struts to its own beat: Le Tigre Lounge.

This establishment is a floor-to-ceiling celebration of the world’s largest and most powerful feline. If you have seen more tigers than this in a room, that’s either animal abuse or you have a super weird uncle.

Why tigers you ask? Well, legend has it the owner chose them because, “Elephants can’t fit through the door.”

Contemporary is not how I would describe Le Tigre Lounge. The whole place glows with a vibrant orange hue. They want you to know they do not care to be “with the times.” Only ’50s–’70s on the jukebox, the tigers on the walls feel even older than that. They have been collected through the decades, all living separate lives before being brought together at Le Tigre Lounge.

You are not supposed to swear here, it’s an old school classy joint. Of course, my friends and I have less than puritan language, but we’re within reason. Le Tigre Lounge will absolutely tell you you’re being an asshole the second you do so.

Your bartender (in a vest and tie) will put his hand behind his back while he pours your Manhattan, and all the while someone behind you is scooping free popcorn from the machine. 

Le Tigre Lounge is an undoubtedly weird, yet perfect combination of dive and glamor, dim and illuminated, casual and fancy. This spot is charming, eccentric, and outside of the norm. Highly recommended and earns a top spot for Hidden Gems of Madison. 

MacTaggart’s Market

MacTaggart’s is one of the most truly hidden gems that I was introduced to in the past year (Thanks, Holly). 

MacTaggart’s is a convenience store in the basement of a Langdon Street Frat Row apartment. Resembling something out of New York City, this concrete dungeon-like, one-stop-shop supplies local students with their college starter-packs of booze, solo cups, snacks, and more.

But here’s where MacTaggart’s shines—their breakfast sandwiches.

Oh man, their breakfast sandwiches.

MacTaggart’s could not be more been more appropriate for its setting. Drunk/hungover college students (or agency creative directors writing blog posts) alike can enjoy a highly custom to order, greasy-deliciously-unhealthy-but-who-cares sandwich for all their needs.

It’s good quality too. MacTaggart’s uses local Boarshead meats and cheeses and have a great selection of interesting spicy sauces with different flavor combinations.

Since 1985 MacTaggarts has been supplying and feeding the fraternities and sororities of Madison Wisconsin. For a group of folks so loud and rambunctious, I must say it’s quite the well-kept secret.

The Outdoor Seating at Rising Sons

I could talk about the full Rising Sons restaurant experience. The establishment is a solid choice for anyone looking for south eastern Asian cuisine in downtown Madison. However, this piece is about their outdoor seating specifically.

Rising Sons is not a hidden gem. You’ve seen it walking down State Street, you may have eaten here several times. But have you been to their outdoor seating? Many I’ve spoken to have not.

Towards the back of the restaurant separated by glass doors is what I can only describe as a narrow alley-way oasis fitting only three or four two chair tables.

You want to take your date here. It’s cute as f***.

The hustle and bustle of State Street is muffled by brick walls covered in vines and the soft trickling of their water fountain. Also, being surrounded in a narrow alley between buildings creates a nice shaded environment.

Enjoy each other’s company or bask in the seclusion alone over some pho or mok pa (fish and veggies wrapped and steamed in banana leaves) I highly recommend it.

Also, Rising Sons is cash only, so prepare for that.

Thanks for reading this month’s installment and for loving Madison as much as us. Subscribe and stay tuned for next month’s Hidden Gems of Madison!