Gib’s Bar

The best!
We were in from out of town and we like to search for «crafty cocktails» or «cocktail lounges» to satisfy our fancy drink fetish when we leave home.
I found this place on a blog and they were right — it’s a nice neighborhood hidden gem.
I knew we needed to get their early, so we headed over just after the place opened. We had a couple of drinks downstairs and sat at the window seat.
Then, we headed upstairs. I started with a Sun Up — it was a cross between and carrot cake and a dreamsicle and l was in love.
But, (since we Ubered) I wasn’t done. One my favorite things to do at a place like this is — sit at the bar, tell the bartender what I like and what I don’t like and tell them to make me something put of the blue. Well, Ed was spot on with what be made. It was a delicious little concoction with rum, bitters, lemon and some fruity stuff. It was a home run!
Thanks to Ed for starting out our trip to Madison on the right foot! We will be back.

Surprisingly underwhelming. Ambience is cool. Small place. Tap list is eclectic. My «punch» tasted like was made with spoiled juice. Bartender never asked if ok. Too pretentious to feel I could ask for something else. Music was just ok. For the price, not worth it. I’d probably give it one more chance.

What a cool, hidden gem on Willy Street. Its a cute little bar in a house. We came here on New Year’s Eve earlier in the evening. It is a very small space with a U shaped bench with small tables. The bartenders were very helpful and knowledgeable. The only thing was there was no description of the type of beer they had just the name so you didn’t know what kind of beer you were ordering, ie IPA, stout, etc. The bar is smaller and once it started getting busier my husband felt bad taking up time asking about the beers. But he did just order a couple and ended up enjoying them. This is more of a cocktail bar though and I loved it.

I have to admit, the first time I visited Gib’s I was really skeptical. I went for happy hour drinks about a month after it opened. The house was stuffy, super warm, and screamed «HULLO! I’m a hipster bar! And you better be wearing a unicorn sweater or an ironic pizza necklace».
BUT I’ve been back about 5 or 6 times since, and not only did they fix the ventilation, but it’s really grown on me. The bar is set up like a house, so it has a really chill, laid back vibe. It gets a little crowded around dinner hour, as people waiting for tables at nearby restaurants come in, but it’s great for late-​night or early happy hour. The cocktails are delicious and while the menu changes, they always have a not-​too-​sweet option. And then, of course, the snacks. Sometimes Gibs gives you to-​go snacks, which is basically the adult equivalent of a goody bag (even better given that as an adult you’re drunk and facing the scary option of returning to your fridge where there is only a cabbage inside for snacks).
Not the place to go if you just want a casual tap beer or a sports thing, but a great place for a date, a semi-​deep conversation, or a small group gathering.

Pricey but delicious. It’s clear that these bartenders know what they are doing and care about making you a repeat customer. Delicious drinks, albeit expensive compared to most bars in Madison.

I had a fantastic experience at Gib’s on a recent Friday night. Five stars for the experience and likelihood to return, but some constructive comments below as well.
We showed up at 8pm, which seemed to be a sweet spot between people waiting for tables at Grandpa’s and people arriving specifically to drink. The setup of tables downstairs was good and we were able to nab one right away, but I can see the complaints about seating being valid when busy. On the other hand, our table had very easy access to the downstairs bar and made for good people-​watching.
I’m typically not a cocktail drinker, but my friend and I enjoyed jumping around their interesting list. My favorite drink was probably also the showiest, which included liquid nitrogen used to shatter herbs. The result was a plant-​like taste I’ve never had in a cocktail before and really enjoyed. I struggled a bit with the Boozy Cola — enjoyed that it was house-​bottled, but it had a bit of a cough syrup taste. The prices are high but not that different from other fancy cocktails in Madison, and in my view it’s worth it to have something creative to sip for awhile.
Beer isn’t the focus, but their selections seemed well-​curated. Our service was top-​notch. We loved the music, which trended electric funk earlier in the night then got more uptempo.
I was intimidated at first going in, as the lobby doesn’t look like a public establishment or point to where the bar actually is. Once you find where you’re going the homey feeling applies, but it can be odd for nervous first-​timers like me.

This bar is unlike the rest in Madison – it has a very homey, cool feel (like you’re in a lounge in D.C. or NYC). Don’t fear the sticker shock – the prices are very comparable to Merchant, but they add a few more special touches to their drinks (like using old school soda bottles & carved ice). Our bartender was very friendly & helpful. Definitely with a shot if you’re in the Willy St. area!

Well, as far as doing good, being unique, and catering to your clientele, Gib’s is the cream of the crop!
The brilliant minds at Grampa’s bring this craft cocktail lounge to life. Gib’s sources (perhaps everything?) locally, they host happy hours for, feature, and support local non-​profit causes, and the venue itself is a refurbished 1890’s-style home. What a fabulous idea, no?
I can see many folks detesting the pricing options here, because they want a quick drink, cheap, and a lot of «booze». Well, you won’t find that at Gib’s, because they care and are passionate about what they do. That’s why the phrase has been coined as «craft cocktail». So, you don’t get to complain about this. Do your homework before you visit. Suck it up, chill out, and have a good time! I mean… if you want cheap beer, Gib’s DOES serve $ 3 Schlitz tall boys… cheap AND local, an unbeatable combo.
The team of Mixologists/​Bartenders are some of the most approachable in Madison. Often, they will happily serve you a small sample of product to taste, before you buy. Why not make sure you actually like what you’re drinking, right? How thoughtful! Also, there is a late-​night special that I just LOVE: All specialty house cocktails are lowered to $ 6 after 10:00pm.
Now onto the décor. It’s dark and dimly lit, but in order to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Gold, mint, and gray tones actually come to life! The first floor has a full-​wall couch (that circle around the lounge area’s perimeter) to offer a sense of togetherness without forcing you to interact with other groups. Plus, TONS OF WONDERFUL PILLOWS! The 2^nd floor has a few couch/​bench/​table areas to congregate, but also a sit up bar where you can watch how everything shakes, mixes, and goes down (smoothly, I might add!).
One recommendation catering to new customers is having a sign at the foyer table to state what the businesses set up is and where to go in order to find the bar areas. I felt very lost on my first visit, but it certainly did not last long! Most people aren’t as adventurous as I am, and they might enjoy a little direction.
P. S. — While you’re at Gib’s, give the sea urchin ice cream a try. Seriously! Yum!

Ah, a classy bar. I had gone to Merchant’s, and while it was nice, it was a bit too crowded and not exactly the sort of place where I could enjoy a nice drink at the end of the week. Luckily, a friend of mine recommended this new establishment, I checked it out, and now I’m hooked. I think of it as the world’s classiest frat house — it has a laid-​back, casual feel with sofas instead of restaurant tables and two floors to amble around and chat with others, and it also has expensive, delicious cocktails that would make any mixologist proud. Ed, who works on the upper floor, is also a super cool dude who loves talking with his customers. Finally, they have tiny boxes of spicy noodles that are just perfect to fill your tummy after you’ve had a few drinks here. I will confess that it doesn’t emphasize beer or wine. Come here for cocktails, because they’re best for it and they don’t really have anything else besides cocktails anyhow.

Gibs is an awesome spot for specialty cocktails! The bartenders are knowledgable, friendly, and true artists. It can get pretty cramped in their on busy weekends, but it’s well worth the cozy atmosphere, homey feel, and eccentric style. When you are on the east side, Gibs is a must.

My recollections are a little hazy for… reasons but the cocktails are good, and given their level of fanciness they’re a steal price wise. I forget the precise name of the drink but one has coffee liqueur and grapefruit in it. You can’t really taste the grapefruit but it’s definitely worth getting. I’m also into bars as converted houses.

Delicious drinks and some of them come with a bit of a show (liquid nitrogen and hand-​chiseled ice cubes, etc)! I wouldn’t recommend coming here for beer. Stick to the cocktails and you will be very happy.
The space is a bit awkward for seating, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when Gib’s gets very busy. I think this is a good spot for a drink before or after dinner in the neighborhood, but I wouldn’t make it a destination for the night. For one, you may not find anywhere to park yourself and hang out for the evening if Gib’s is busy. Second, the drinks are pricey, so you’re looking at an expensive evening if you come for more than a drink or two. They do have a happy hour, but it only applies to a few of their cocktails.
Try the curry popcorn, you won’t be disappointed.
The bartenders are very friendly and even give you samples if you ask nicely!

Good cocktails but sometimes the whole «bar is house» concept doesn’t work out quite as you want it to.
Speed and service has improved significantly since the grand opening. Right now, I would rate bartender speed and accuracy as excellent. The beer selection and overall spirits selection is relatively small; this truly is a cocktail oriented establishment.
Bars with houses should be relaxed places to hang out, but the layout of Gib’s makes it tough. Even when not at capacity, there’s not that many places to sit or stand with your companion (s), which is its real weakness. In winter, there is no place to put your coat.
Overall, Gib’s isn’t at the top of my list of places to socialize based on its limitations on good socializing areas.

Gibs has to be the coolest bar in Madison. It’s hidden in a 2 story duplex next to grampa’s.
You walk into this house like you are just going to a friend’s gathering, a cool one. There are people sitting by the door, on a couch, again, cool-​looking folks.
You get to the bar, you know it’s a bar because there is like an old fashioned choc board/​word board with various types of drinks options. Interesting drinks as well.
You order a drink, check out the rest of the house, you got to the second floor, bam, you got a party.

Last night was my first trip. The bartender Ed made us some delicious drinks. I especially liked the gin concoction he made me. I highly recommend picking a liquor and letting them work their magic. The set up is just like a house. Unfortunately that house does not have air conditioning.
I will return again when it is not 85 degrees.

So this bar is in a house. When you walk in its like you’re entering someone’s living room. That could get awkward when other patrons are carrying on conversations as you walk in.
Belly up to the bar either downstairs our upstairs. They are totally separate bars with different drinks.
They have mixed drinks on tap. When we went it was some adult punch, sangria, and their version of wine coolers.
Cool, unpretentious bartenders.
It is a little pricy, a Moscow mule was $ 8 and a 2 oz shot was $ 5.

Went here on a couples date night yesterday evening. Had zero idea on what to expect besides that it was a craft cocktail place.
The atmosphere is pretty dang cool. It is an old Victorian house. The one down side is the lack of tables and seating.
The drinks were very good, but small and pricey. Very innovative though, which is nice to see. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.
***must try there homemade ginger beer!!! Get a Moscow Mule… You won’t regret it.

I’ve been to Gib’s a few times now, and I like it, but I’d really like to LOVE it. Unfortunately, there are still a few minor kinks that need to be worked-​out before I’ll float a five-​star review down the Unilocal River for Gib’s.
+ Gil & Marissa did a *phenomenal job* with the look and feel for this place. I’d hire them in a second to remodel my house, and I’d love it.
+ Love the upstairs/​downstairs split
— Needs *a lot more* seating
(I spoke to Marissa about this; they are having difficulty finding enough of the right type/​style of seating, so this will improve!!!)
— Seems like they are trying a little too hard to be super unique/​exclusive with the beer selection. I’m not a fan of Belgian beers, and I don’t really need/​want to drink beers with 8+ %ABV all of the time… I’d like to see some more tame options on the menu.
+ Super cool mixed drinks, all crafted with precision and perfection
— Hooks! More hooks please; would be nice to be able to hang a coat/​jacket
— More bar space; there are only a handful of spots at the bar, which is fine. But it also makes it tricky to get in/​out when ordering drinks and not sitting at the bar.
— A/​C please! Yikes has it been warm upstairs.
— Sound deadening. Some foam under the seats and some other strategically-​placed baffling would help with the noise level in here. But, I love all of the hardwood, so I can’t complain too much about noise. ;-)
So… I see nothing but great things around the corner. For a place that faced as many challenges as Gib’s did, they’ve done an excellent job so far. I’m confident it’ll be awesome in no time!

The new place to hang out. And be cool. Seriously. And hipster.
I honestly feel like I’m in someone’s home. Or an upscale hipster bar in NY. There are two bars, one focusing on beer and wine downstairs and another with craft cocktails upstairs.
There isn’t much place to sit, but some seats by the window, enough for maybe 20 people. Definitely will be more pleasant in the nicer warm weather! You should be prepared to just stand around and chat with your friends!
We tried two different cocktails. I definitely liked Bee’s knees — nice light and sweet drink. We also tried the angostura 7 year that came with a yoghurt sphere and soy salt. Very interesting! But sadly the sphere only lasted for the first sip/​gulp. More spheres next time? The rest of it is just a straight shot of angostura?
We also tried sea urchin ice cream. It was interesting a sea foodie aftertaste but overall not overwhelmingly pungent. A good introduction to sea urchin for newbies but not satisfying for seasoned tasters.
Will be here again! But I’ll either be here before 930pm or late. Gets pretty busy in between.

Gib’s boasts a beautiful interior, which fills up fast. Beware, sound reverberates and even when fairly empty the upstairs bar was quite loud. Cocktails and beer selection varies by floor, but all appear artfully made. The snack menu is small yet unique. A few more options would round out the service nicely.