Hogan’s Goat

To write a review of Hogan’s Goat is almost disrespectful. Even 5 stars seems inadequate. And to summarize the nostalgic romance of this neighborhood dive bar with the blunt instrument of a star rating is almost like giving Pulp Fiction a mere thumbs up… yes, if one has limited choices, one should often pick the best one, but sometimes the choices themselves fail to apply to question at hand. In this case, I will suffer through the limited option set, and hope in vain that a verbose review can provide the nuance that the 5 stars lack.
But now, I find myself stuck, for how can one describe a feeling to someone who has never felt that particular way before? Can one describe love, hate, or grief to someone who has never experienced it? To truly understand Hogan’s Goat then, one must go there and experience everything it has to offer. But be warned, some have compared it’s unnatural pull to that of a black hole, or even to the Entertainment from Infinite Jest for the more literary minded. I personally find these comparisons unhelpful, and I’d prefer to explain it as more like experiencing firsthand the surreal and dreamlike fantasies found in a Murakami novel. At the very least it will become the bar to which to compare all bars for the rest of one’s life.
The perfect symphony of the seemingly disparate parts seems to complete a movement that would remain woefully unfinished if experienced individually. The mystery of the one missing bumper pool ball… the unexplained origin of «prison rules»…the unbeatable joy of the Ticket Master game… the pallet pleasing beauty of the pickle back shot… and of course the bartender Lindsay. It is hard to imagine Hogan’s Goat existing without Lindsay, and in fact, the two are such a perfect fit that it is even hard to imagine Lindsay without the Goat. I’m sure the two often exist in separate and completely serviceable realities, but when put together, like the fusion of atoms, an unexpected burst of energy emerges, and like a high school football star past his prime, anyone who experiences it will probably spend the rest of their lives trying to relive it, recreate it, or even just remember it. Nobody wants to hit a peak, but if one has to peak somewhere, it can’t get higher than the Goat.
So please go, ask for Lindsay, and get yourself a pickle back or two!

You can’t spell «Heck of a friggin’ good time in the state of Wisconsin» without Hogan’s Goat. Go ahead and try it.
If I had my way, I would alter the famous «Wisconsin Welcomes You» highway sign to add «Home of Hogan’s Goat Bar and Grill» to the bottom. I emphasize grill, as the food selection will certainly keep you coming back for more. I would go as far to say the pizza here is worthy of some sort of belt or trophy. Chicago Deep Dish has nothing on the Goat.
The bartender Lindsay, who may or may not have been a finalist on American Idol season 8, will wow you with her combination of freelance jazz singing and shot making talents. Her concoction — the «Hulk Smash» — sent our night into overdrive. I would highly recommend that one, unless you hate fun.
The Goat also found a way to fit in about 10 forms of game entertainment into one establishment, which could possibly be a state record. The jukebox has an extensive list of both current pop hits and incredible bands that stand the test of time, such as Pearl Jam.
So to recap, you should go to this bar. Immediately.

Absolutely loved this bar. Dark wood, low ceilings and like another reviewer said — you can still catch the faint scent of old cigarette smoke. Stumbled upon it on our most recent visit to Lake Lawn Resort. We’ve been to Lake Delavan dozens of times and I’m so glad we finally found a local place that we love without having to pay the resort prices! Went there on a low-​key Monday night while on vacation. Tom (bartender and owner’s son) was so nice. Gave us the low down on other places in the area and was super friendly and attentive to us the entire time we were there. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we went back for a drink the following night. And Tom was there again and welcomed us warmly AND remembered our drinks. We didn’t eat either visit, as both times we were just coming from dinner, but the burgers looked and smelled delicious! Met the owners and a few regulars the second night and let’s just say that this will be our regular spot when we are in the area. We are going to plan a group trip up on the bikes in August so we can bring our friends to this authentic little Wisconsin Gem!

New owners Steve and Darlene are super nice and have really done a great job fixing up the place. They have cleaned it up, painted, replaced carpet, tables, and barstools. They have made it a warm and inviting atmosphere without losing their vintage charm. I can’t wait for the summer to enjoy the new beer garden! They still have great burgers and their polish sausage sandwiches are delicious as well. If you are looking for a vintage Wisconsin bar, this is it!

Heather is a great bartender! This place looks like a hole in the wall which it is, but the service and staff is top notch! Drinks are affordable and if you come to lake delavan, you must come here!

The Hogan’s Goat Bar and Grill of North Shore should be inducted to the historical society of the State of Wisconsin of all times! Starting with the bar historical background! The bar itself was moved across a frozen lake to North Shore Drive to its new home in the late 1930’s. The saloon tracks vacationeers on the weekends and the locals during the weekdays and Sunday afternoons when the vacationeers go home! The current make-​up of the bar consist a group a mixed of locals and Illinois residents with the new owners Steve and Darlene. The atmosphere is still the same over the last 20 years with great food and great service after these years! Mark

It’s your classic Wisconsin dive with all the character that others lack. How can you tell the difference? Three things (1) You can still smell the cigarette smoke from when smoking was legal… how many years ago did that law pass? (2) Bumper pool (3) An interesting floor plan.
I like Hogan’s Goat because it is a low-​key alternative to the more stuffy Inn Between next door. You’ll find all sorts of people at the Goat, given that dives have become hip. But what I like is that the Goat doesn’t cater to any particular clientele: they’re not selling out. You put up with the smell of the joint because its a good enough time and reminds you of your youth.

** ALERT THE POINT SHOWN ON THE MAP IS WAY OFF ** The bar is actually at N. Shore and Bank St. right by the Inn Between. The google places map is correct, it’s worth looking for if you want to have a great time.
This is a gloomy little dive bar but don’t let the look fool you. I have been in this place twice. The first time I dropped I had a great time, drinks are cheap and well made, the staff is super friendly. I stopped in over 6 months later and both bartenders remembered me and specifically remembered the friend I had stopped in with even though he had never been back since either. I was blown away at how welcoming and friendly the staff are here. They are local hole in the wall that caters to and appreciates out of town visitors and they want to make sure you have a great time and bring your friends back.
Make sure you try the burgers they are amazing and depending on the day and time come with a free beer.

First of all, Hogans Goat is not closed! The warm, cozy atmosphere lends itself to some of the finest dining Delavan, WI has to offer (bar burgers, frozen pizza, and jalapeño poppers). Friendly and welcoming clientele and employees. Having been coming here my whole life and am in my 20s now (hey, its Wisconsin) and will continue to do so.
Tip: ask your bartender for a Piece of Ass shot or Key Lime Pie shot! Amazing!