Licaris Bar Grill | A Community Favorite for Burgers Comfort Food in Madison, WI

Overview

Located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, Licari's Bar & Grill offers an inviting blend of classic bar fare and community warmth. Nestled at 1405 Emil St, this spot is more than just a neighborhood pub—it’s a gathering place where vibrant flavors meet approachable comfort food.

The menu shines brightest with its diverse range of hearty burgers and sandwiches. Burger enthusiasts can indulge in standout choices like the Spicy Sriracha Bacon Burger, BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger, or the signature Bacon Bleu Cheddar Burger. Each patty is cooked to perfection, layered with rich cheeses and bold condiments, often served alongside generous portions of crispy onion rings or large season curly fries—favorites among patrons. Sandwiches, including the Smothered Chicken and Spicy Sriracha Chicken Bacon Melt, bring equally satisfying options that highlight fresh, bold ingredients.

Regulars praise the well-crafted specialty dishes such as the Walleye Shrimp Combo and Fried Walleye with Onion Rings, which showcase the grill’s knack for quality seafood alongside their robust meat selections. Complementing the food is a selection of creative cocktails, with the Bloody Mary being a prominent highlight that pairs beautifully with the savory menu.

The atmosphere at Licari’s strikes a balance between a lively bar and a community grill. The space feels welcoming yet casual, often bustling during lunch and dinner hours but never losing its friendly vibe. While the presence of gaming machines might suggest an adult-oriented evening scene, the establishment is known to be kid-friendly during daytime hours—a nuance that families should mind when planning visits. Service consistently receives praise for being attentive and warm, contributing to the overall relaxed, neighborhood feel.

Licari’s appeals to those seeking a full-flavored dining experience enriched by a sense of connection, whether it’s friends unwinding after class or families enjoying a midday meal. The deep-fried selections, made fresh, underscore a menu that revels in indulgence without losing charm. This balance of hearty cuisine, spirited drinks, and approachable hospitality makes Licari's Bar & Grill a memorable stop in Madison’s culinary landscape.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Food

Food at bar

Happy-hour drinks

Happy-hour food

Late-night food

Quick bite

Spirits

Wine

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

What Customers Say

Theresa Ousley

Dec 10,2025

4/5

Visited this spot with my family based on a coworkers suggestion. The place is pretty unique. We were a bit confused when first arrived because it seemed like it's a bar only and they had gambling machihes. We had our kiddos. It is advertised as kid friendly. I can say if maybe during the day is okay, I certainly would not bring my kids at night. Other than that the service was good and so was the food. I got the Spicy Sriracha Bacon Burger. It was so good. As you can see, they gave a great amount of oinion rings. I would definitely go back, but just without my kids.

Eli Thomas

Dec 10,2025

5/5

I didn't realize spiritual rapture by burger was possible. The I'm on fireball burger had me saying "oh my God" from the time I saw it till the time I was done eating it. also staff is much friendlier than I'm used to. highly recommended!

Brad Schwoerer

Dec 10,2025

5/5

Very much the feel of a community bar and grill. Wait staff was friendly and the service was great. Great deep fried goodness selection. Had a huge variety of burgers and chicken sandwiches.

Dec 10,2025

5/5

Came for drinks/lunch with a group of friends after we all got out of class. Place was busy, but the staff did not hesitate to make us feel welcome and find a spot. Top-notch service. Amazing burgers. Will definitely be coming back.

Jami Gordon

Dec 10,2025

4/5

We went at 1:30 pm and it was pretty busy but not packed. Atmosphere was clean and the employees were really upbeat. What an amazing burger! My husband and I shared- they are huge! We also had the pickle chips which were really good. They had a variety of french fry options, we choose the Cajun and were not fans. Took a while to get the check but our drinks were always full.

Jerry Murphy

Dec 10,2025

4/5

Very good food at this neighborhood bar. We get there once or twice a year. I had the cod dinner and my wife had a chicken sandwich with a mountain of bacon on it. Only downside is the noise level once the place fills up. Good reason to get there early.

Jennifer Kallias

Dec 10,2025

5/5

UPDATE: Still love this place!!! Called on a snowy Thursday night around 9:15pm to see if they were still serving food (we'd just come from seeing the Harlem Globetrotters at the coliseum) and Adam said they'd keep the grill going for a bit. We cruised over and had a lovely late dinner with them, complete with cocktails. Service and food were both great--we love Licari's and will definitely be back plenty of times in the coming months!!! ____________________ Love this place!!! Food is always terrific, as are the drinks, and prices are reasonable. Their fish, burgers, cheese curds, and old fashioneds are particularly wonderful--tons of bacon on their burgers! Atmosphere is cozy, and they have a fantastic outdoor patio. They always give you a peppermint patty for dessert with your meal--nice touch!

Darcy Fellinger

Dec 10,2025

5/5

I just tried this place for the first time today. I was immediately impressed by the friendly bartender Sarah, she was upbeat and attentive. The burger I got was outstanding, and the couple of patrons I interacted with were fun to talk to. So props to you guys. Thank you.