Having been in operation in Madison since 1908, with the exception of Prohibition, the Cardinal Bar is one of Madison’s iconic and enduring downtown bars.

Located on the first floor of the historic Cardinal Hotel apartments, the Cardinal Bar has genuine authenticity with its stained glass windows, terrazzo tile floor, mahogany bar, and wainscoting, accented with brass light fixtures.

Over the years, the Cardinal Bar has developed a uniquely eclectic style, introducing Madison for the first time to elements of world and Latin music and culture. They pioneered most of the dance trends of the past four decades, among them disco, salsa, new wave, house, techno/trance, dubstep, and world music, with DJs from all over the USA and abroad spinning their magic on the Cardinal’s turntables.