Avenue Bar
1128 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
608-257-6877
http://www.madisondining.com/avenuebar
In the mid 1950's the Avenue Bar was built by Joe Keyes. At this time, it was only a tavern with pool tables. The walls were cement blocks, painted orange and the ceiling was ten feet high. Mr. Keyes ran the tavern until 1967,when he sold it to Homer and Marie Middleton. The Middletons ran it as a tavern with pool tables, but added a grill for sandwiches. Homer and Marie put paneling on the walls and lowered the ceiling.
In March,1970 Cam Hubanks and Skip Zach bought the tavern from the Middletons. In 1971 they started to serve one dinner special on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. It was the original Madison Fish Boil which is still being served. Corned Beef and Cabbage was added to the menu on Wednesday nights.
In April,1978 Skip and Clare Zach bought out Cam. They added dinner specials each night and the pool tables were covered on Friday nights with plastic bags and the dinner rolls and butter were kept on it.
In May,1987 the Avenue Bar was expanded to its present size, with a large new kitchen, storage space and triple the seating capacity. The grill was moved from the bar area to kitchen and the old kitchen became the dishwashing room. Skip and Clare's younger son Paul joined them in business. The menu was gradually increased to its present size.
The antique collection displayed throughout the restaurant was started when Cam and Skip bought the Avenue. It includes kitchen utensils, farm implements, tools, clocks, telephones, dishes and a variety of glassware. Over the years the collection has grown to its present size with many people contributing to it when they move or relocate.
Today, the Avenue offers good food at reasonable prices with the warmth and friendliness that has been the Avenue's reputation. We thank you for coming and hope you enjoy your meal.
